JPH07288617A - Image communication equipment and facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow a receiver side to easily confirm an urgent notice by setting an urgent notice image to be longer than the size of a facsimile original and adding header and footer information to the image in a reverse scanning way. CONSTITUTION:The start of urgent information is commanded by operating an urgent notice key of an operation display section 6 of an emergency notice device, and header HD information at a head and footer FT information at a tail end of an original are read from a parameter memory 3, a text L and B information between the HD information and the FT information are read from a various system memory 2 and they are composited. Then the composited image is an emergent notice image whose size is longer than that of standard facsimile information and informed to a designated destination by a network controller 10, and the receiver side easily confirms the presence of the emergency notice. Furthermore, the notice content of the information sets HD, FT is immediately recognized by the receiver side whose subscanning direction is reversed independently of the received paper discharge direction and the information HB is outputted as blank information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus and a facsimile apparatus for transmitting an emergency notification image to a preset destination.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an application field of a facsimile machine, there is an emergency call for notifying when an emergency occurs.
Such an application is, for example, installed in an elderly person's single-person household, and when a situation arises where nursing care is required, the user operates an emergency key or the like so that the registered physician or nursing care service is registered in advance. , It is used in a situation where an image is sent to notify that effect.

[0003]

However, in such a conventional apparatus, since the image for notifying the occurrence of an emergency is the size of a normal facsimile document, even if the image is received, another received document is received. There is a risk that the receiving side may not be able to confirm the emergency call because it will be buried in.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image communication apparatus and a facsimile apparatus in which a receiving side can easily confirm an emergency call.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an image generating means for generating an emergency call image having a predetermined content, which is longer than at least a standard facsimile document, and an emergency mode for storing a preset address of the emergency call. When the start of the emergency call is input by the operation destination storing means, the operation means for operating and inputting the start of the emergency call, the destination of the emergency call stored in the emergency call destination storing means is issued. The communication control means is provided for calling, starting a predetermined facsimile transmission control procedure process, and transmitting the image information of the emergency notification image generated from the image generating means to the destination.

Further, at least an image generating means for generating an emergency call image having a predetermined content longer than a standard facsimile document, an emergency call destination storage means for storing a preset emergency call destination, and an emergency call. When the operation means for inputting the start of the emergency call and the operation start for the emergency call are input by the operation means, the destination of the emergency call stored in the emergency call destination storage means is called and a predetermined facsimile transmission control is performed. When the procedure processing is started and the image information of the emergency notification image generated from the image generating means is transmitted to the destination, the polling transmission request is made within a predetermined time after the transmission of the image information of the emergency notification image is completed. A communication control means for transmitting the image information of the emergency notification image is provided to the partner terminal.

The emergency notification image is obtained by adding header information including a display image of the emergency notification to the beginning of a predetermined body image or footer information including the display image of the emergency notification. What is added to the tail of the body image, or header information and footer information composed of the display image of the emergency notification can be used at the beginning and the tail of a predetermined body image, respectively.
Further, as the text image, an all-white image having the number of lines corresponding to the size of the transmission document can be used. Further, as the emergency notification image, an image in which the display image of the emergency notification is repeatedly arranged a predetermined number of times can be used.

Further, in a facsimile apparatus having an image storage function and an automatic call-in / out function, an emergency call image storage means for storing an emergency call image which is preliminarily read and is longer than at least a reference facsimile document and has a predetermined content. Emergency call destination storage means for storing a preset emergency call destination, operation means for operating and inputting the start of emergency call, and when the start of emergency call is input by the operating means, the emergency call destination Communication for calling the destination of the emergency notification stored in the storage means, starting a predetermined facsimile transmission control procedure process, and transmitting the image information of the emergency notification image generated from the emergency notification image storage means to the destination It is provided with a control means.

Further, in a facsimile apparatus having an image storage function and an automatic call receiving / calling function, an emergency call image storage means for storing an emergency call image which is preliminarily read and is longer than at least a reference facsimile document and has a predetermined content. Emergency call destination storage means for storing a preset emergency call destination, operation means for operating and inputting the start of emergency call, and when the start of emergency call is input by the operating means, the emergency call destination While calling the destination of the emergency notification stored in the storage means, starting a predetermined facsimile transmission control procedure process, and transmitting the image information of the emergency notification image generated from the emergency notification image storage means to the destination. , If a polling transmission request is made within a predetermined time after the transmission of the image information of the emergency notification image is completed, the other terminal is notified of the emergency. Those having a communication control means for transmitting image information of the broadcast images.

The emergency call image is a display image of the emergency call and is formed by adding prestored header information to the beginning of a predetermined text image, and the text image is read. It can be used. Further, the emergency call image is a display image of the emergency call and is formed by adding footer information stored in advance to the tail of a predetermined text image, and the text image is a read image. Can be used. Further, the emergency call image is a display image of an emergency call and is formed by adding prestored header information and footer information to the beginning and the end of a predetermined body image, respectively, and the body image is What is read can be used.

Further, the emergency notification image is a display image of the emergency notification, in which header information stored in advance is added to the head of the all-white image of the number of lines corresponding to the size of the transmission document. be able to. Further, as the emergency notification image, a display image of the emergency notification, in which footer information stored in advance is added to the end of an all-white image of the number of lines corresponding to the size of the transmission document, can be used. . The emergency notification image is a display image of the emergency notification, and header information and footer information stored in advance are added to the head and tail of the all-white image having the number of lines corresponding to the size of the transmission document. Any thing can be used. Further, as the emergency notification image, an image in which the display image of the emergency notification is repeatedly arranged a predetermined number of times can be used.

[0012]

Since the emergency call image is longer than the standard facsimile manuscript, the receiving side can easily distinguish it from other received manuscripts, so that the receiving side can promptly know that there is an emergency call. Can be confirmed. Also,
Since the header information or the footer information recorded in the long portion can be applied as the emergency call image, the emergency call can be characterized separately from the body part, and the emergency call can be effectively displayed. Also, if an all-white image is used as the body part, the transmission time of that part is shortened, and quick emergency call communication becomes possible. Further, when an image in which the display image of the emergency call is repeatedly arranged a predetermined number of times is used as the emergency call image, the distinction from other received originals becomes clearer and effective emergency call communication can be realized.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an emergency notification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This emergency call device has a function of transmitting an emergency call image to a designated destination and a hands-free call function.

In FIG. 1, the control unit 1 controls the operation of each unit of the emergency notification device and also realizes a predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission function. The system memory 2 controls the control unit 1 to execute. The program and various data necessary for executing the control program are stored, and the work area of the control unit 1 is configured. The parameter memory 3 stores various information unique to the emergency notification device. To do. The parameter memory 3 is backed up by a battery 4.

The clock circuit 5 is for outputting the current date and time information, the operation display unit 6 is for operating this emergency notification device, and the encoding unit 7 is for the image data of the group 3 The call unit 8 is for hand-free call, and the operation is performed by the control unit 1. Controlled by.

The group 3 facsimile modem 9 is for realizing the modem function of the group 3 facsimile, and has a low-speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals and mainly exchanging image information. High-speed modem function (V.33 modem, V.33
29 modem, V.29. 27ter modem etc.).

The network control device 10 is for connecting the facsimile device to a public telephone line network and has an automatic call originating / receiving function.

The control unit 1, the system memory 2, the parameter memory 3, the clock circuit 5, the operation display unit 6, the encoding unit 7, the call unit 8, the group 3 facsimile modem 9, and the network control device 10 are internally provided. It is connected to the bus 11, and data is exchanged between these respective elements mainly via the internal bus 11. Further, the exchange of transmission / reception signals between the group 3 facsimile modem 9 and the network control device 10 and the exchange of signals between the communication unit 8 and the network control device 10 are performed directly.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the external appearance of the emergency communication device. An operation display unit 6 is built in the main body housing of the emergency communication device.

In the figure, an emergency call key 6a is for instructing the start of an emergency call, and the call key 6b is used.
Is for instructing the start of a call operation, the start key 6c is for instructing the start of a call during a call operation, and the hook key 6d is for instructing on-hook / off-hook. is there.

The ten-key pad 6e is for operating and inputting a destination telephone number and the like, and the one-touch dial key portion 6f is for realizing a one-touch dialing function for inputting a destination by one key operation. In this case, the one-touch destinations are “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D”.
One can be set.

The liquid crystal display 6g is for displaying various operation guidance, and the function key 6h
Is for instructing various functional operations.
The S key 6i is for operating and inputting a positive response to the guidance message, and the NO key 6j is for operating and inputting a negative response to the guidance message.

The signal line 12 is for connecting the emergency communication device to a signal outlet in the house, and a modular jack 13 is attached to the tip of the signal line 12. The slit 14 is an opening for inputting a microphone of the communication unit 8.

An example of data stored in the parameter memory 3 is shown in FIG.

In the parameter memory 3, the header / footer type for designating the types of the header image and the footer image (described later) to be added to the emergency notification image (described later), and whether or not the fixed text is added to the emergency notification image. Fixed text flag to specify, the phone number of the terminal itself, the name of the user, an emergency call completed flag to remember that after the emergency call communication, the date and time of the emergency call communication , And a one-touch dial table for storing destinations registered in each one-touch dial key of the one-touch dial key section 6f.

Further, in this embodiment, the destination registered in the one-touch dial key "A" is applied as the emergency notification destination. In addition, the user manually sets these pieces of information. The setting of these pieces of information can be performed remotely from the center device by using a predetermined data transfer procedure.

As shown in FIG. 4, the emergency notification image is composed of a header portion HD, a body portion HB, and a footer portion FT, and the lengths (dimensions in the sub-scanning direction) of the header portion HD and the footer portion FT are Each is set to a predetermined value α. Also,
The body portion HB is set to a length obtained by subtracting a predetermined value α from the reference length L.

In the header portion HD, for example, the emergency notification image as shown in FIG. 5A is arranged, and in the footer portion FT, the emergency notification image as shown in FIG. Will be placed. In this case, since the images of the header portion HD and the footer portion FT have contents in which the sub-scanning direction is reversed, the footer portion F
As the T image, an inverted image of the header HD can be applied. The images of the header HD section and the footer section FT are stored in the system memory 2 in advance. Therefore, in this case, since the image of the header part HD can be shared by the footer part FT, the capacity of the image to be stored in the system memory 2 can be reduced to 1/2.

As the images of the header portion HD and the footer portion FT, as shown in FIG. 6A, an image in which graphic character strings having the same content are inverted and connected at the central portion in the sub-scanning direction is used. In this case, the same image is
And the footer part FT.

On the other hand, as the image of the body portion HB, an all white image can be used. Since the all-white image has the highest coding efficiency, if the all-white image is used as the body part HB, the data amount of the image information obtained by encoding and compressing the emergency notification image can be reduced and the image information is transmitted. Since it can greatly reduce the transmission time required at times, it is most suitable for the purpose of emergency calls.

However, since the images of the header portion HD and the footer portion FT described above do not include the display of the transmission source,
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B as the body portion HB,
An image of a fixed phrase including the display information of the sender can be applied. In this case, an image displaying the name data stored in the parameter memory 3 is arranged in the “name” field, and an image displaying the telephone number data stored in the parameter memory 3 is displayed in the “phone number” field. Will be placed.

The address of the emergency call should be the family or
When set to a specific service destination with which a contract is made, an all-white image can be applied as the body portion HB. In addition, in the image of the header HD and the footer FT,
If the display image of the sender is included, the all-white image can be applied as the body portion HB even when the emergency notification image is transmitted to the unspecified destination. In addition to the name, a display image such as the contract number at the time of contract can be used as the display image of the sender.

Therefore, when the facsimile machine on the receiving side ejects the received document in the upper direction of the apparatus casing as shown in FIG. 7, when the image information of the emergency notification image of FIG. 4 is transmitted, the facsimile is ejected on the receiving side. As shown in FIG. 8, the received document has an image in the header portion HD protruding more than other received documents.

As a result, the user on the receiving side can clearly confirm the emergency call image and can take prompt action.

Further, the facsimile machine on the receiving side is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, when the received document is ejected in the lower direction of the apparatus housing, when the image information of the emergency notification image of FIG. 4 is transmitted, the received document ejected on the receiving side is the footer as shown in FIG. The image of the part FT is projected more than other received originals.

As a result, the user on the receiving side can clearly confirm the emergency notification image and can take prompt action.

FIG. 11 shows the standby state of this emergency communication device.
4 shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 1.

During standby, the control unit 1 controls the emergency call key 6
Whether a is turned on, incoming call is detected, call key 6c
Is turned on, the emergency notification flag is set, and whether the function key 6h is turned on is monitored (decisions 101, 102, 103, 104,
105 NO loop).

When the emergency notification key 6a is turned on and the result of the determination 101 is YES, the emergency notification process (process 106) for transmitting the emergency notification image to the set emergency notification destination is executed.

When an incoming call is detected and the result of the determination 102 is YES, a predetermined incoming call process (process 10)
Execute 7). When the call key 6c is turned on and the result of the determination 103 is YES, a call process (process 108) by the call unit 8 is executed.

When the result of judgment 104 is YES when the emergency call done flag is set, an emergency flag check process (process 109) for clearing the emergency call done flag when a predetermined date and time has passed from the time of emergency call ) Is executed.

When the function key 6h is turned on and the result of determination 105 is YES, the function process (process 110) corresponding to the function operation selected at that time is executed.

FIG. 12 shows an example of emergency call processing.

First, from the one-touch dial table,
The destination information registered in the one-touch dial key "A" is taken out and the destination is called (process 201). Then, when the called station identification signal CED, the non-standard function identification signal NSF, and the digital identification signal DIS sent from the partner terminal that responded to the incoming call are received (process 202), among the transmission functions notified at that time, The transmission function used at that time is set (process 203). At this time, as the size of the transmission image, the maximum size that can be set by the partner terminal is selected.

Next, the set transmission function is set in each part of the terminal itself, and a non-standard function setting signal NSS for notifying the setting contents is sent (process 204), and at the modem speed set at that time. , A predetermined modem training procedure is executed (operation 205) to determine the modem speed actually used at that time.

In this way, when the preparation for image information transmission is completed, it is checked whether the fixed phrase flag is set at that time and the fixed phrase addition state is set (decision 20).
6) When the result of determination 206 is YES, the header image corresponding to the header / footer type is selected (process 2
07), the selected header image is read from the system memory 2, and a header image of the transmission document size set at that time is created (process 208). For example, when an A4 size image is stored as the header image and the set transmission document size is A3 size, a pixel corresponding to the difference between the A3 width and the A4 width is provided for each line at the end of the line. A number of white pixels are added to create an A3 size header image. Next, the produced header image is encoded and compressed by the encoding unit 7, and the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner device (process 209).

When the transmission of the image information of the header portion HD is completed, the image of the standard sentence forming the above-mentioned body portion HB is displayed with the number of pixels for one line corresponding to the transmission document size set at that time, and Created as an image of the number of lines (Process 2
10), the created image of the body part HB is encoded and compressed, and the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner terminal (process 211).

When the transmission of the image information of the text portion HB is completed,
The main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the header image selected at that time are reversed, and a footer image of the transmission original size set at that time is created (process 212), and the footer image is encoded by the encoding unit 7. Then, the image information is encoded and compressed, and the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner terminal (process 213).

When the transmission of the image information for one page of the emergency notification image is completed in this way, a procedure end signal EOP is sent as a post-message command (step 214) and a response signal is received from the partner terminal ( Process 215), the disconnection command signal DCN is sent (process 216), the line is restored (process 217), and a series of transmission operations is ended.

Next, in order to indicate that an emergency call has been made, an emergency call completed flag is set (process 218),
The date and time information at that time is read from the clock circuit 5, and the value is stored as the notification date and time (process 219), and this process is terminated.

If the fixed phrase flag is not set and the result of the determination 206 is NO, a header image corresponding to the header / footer type is selected (process 2
20), the selected header image is read from the system memory 2, a header image of the transmission original size set at that time is created (process 221), and the created header image is encoded and compressed by the encoding unit 7. Then, the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner device (process 222).

When the transmission of the image information of the header part HD is completed, the encoded data corresponding to the all-white image of the number of pixels for one line corresponding to the transmission document size set at that time is sent to the body part HB at that time. The number of lines is generated, and the generated encoded data is transmitted to the partner device as image information of the body portion HB (process 223).

In this way, when the transmission of the image information of the body portion HB is completed, the processing shifts to the processing 212 and the footer portion FT.
Image information is transmitted.

In the above description, the image shown in FIG. 5B is transmitted as the image of the footer portion FT. However, when the image shown in FIG. 6A is used. ,
The image of the footer portion FT can be generated by the same method as the image of the header portion HD.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the emergency flag check process.

First, the date and time information output from the clock circuit 5 at that time is read to obtain the current date and time (process 3).
01). Next, the notification date and time is read (process 302),
The difference between the current date and time and the report date and time is calculated as the elapsed date and time (process 303).

Then, it is judged whether or not the calculated elapsed date and time is larger than a predetermined value (process 304), and the judgment 30
When the result of 4 is YES, the emergency notification flag is cleared (process 305) and this process ends. If the result of determination 304 is NO, the process 30
This process is terminated without executing 5.

Therefore, the emergency notification flag is cleared when a certain date and time has passed since the notification.

14 and 15 show an example of incoming call processing.

First, when an incoming call is detected, the incoming call is answered (process 401), a predetermined tone signal is received from the partner terminal,
It is checked whether it has been confirmed that the partner terminal is a facsimile machine (decision 402).

When the result of judgment 402 is YES, it is checked whether or not the notification and communication completion flag is set (decision 403). When the result of determination 403 is NO, the incoming call operation is ignored, the line is restored (process 404), and this process ends.

When the notification / communication completed flag is set and the result of judgment 403 is NO, the called station identification signal CED for indicating that the own terminal is a non-voice terminal, the own terminal The non-standard function identification signal NSF for notifying the non-standard function of the terminal and the digital identification signal DIS for notifying the standard function of the own terminal are sequentially transmitted to the partner terminal (process 405), The command signal from the terminal is received (process 406).

At that time, it is checked whether or not the polling transmission request is designated (decision 407). If the polling transmission request is not issued, the result of the judgment 407 is N.
When it becomes O, the communication operation is interrupted at that point, and the process proceeds to step 404 to restore the line.

Judgment 4 when polling transmission is requested
When the result of 07 is YES, the transmission function used at that time is set (process 408). At this time, as the size of the transmission image, the maximum size that can be set by the partner terminal is selected.

Next, the set transmission function is set in each part of the terminal itself, and the non-standard function setting signal NSS for notifying the setting contents is transmitted (process 409), and the modem speed set at that time is set. , Performing a predetermined modem training procedure (process 410) to determine the actual modem speed to use at that time.

In this way, when the preparation for image information transmission is completed, it is checked whether the fixed phrase flag is set at that time and the fixed phrase addition state is set (decision 41).
1) If the result of determination 411 is YES, a header image corresponding to the header / footer type is selected (process 4
12) Then, the selected header image is read from the system memory 2, and a header image of the transmission original size set at that time is created in the same manner as described above (process 413).
Next, the produced header image is encoded and compressed by the encoding unit 7, and the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner device (process 414).

When the transmission of the image information of the header portion HD is completed, the image of the standard sentence forming the above-mentioned body portion HB is displayed with the number of pixels for one line corresponding to the transmission document size set at that time, and Created as an image of the number of lines (Process 4
15), the created image of the body part HB is encoded and compressed, and the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner terminal (process 416).

When the transmission of the image information of the text portion HB is completed,
The main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction of the header image selected at that time are reversed, and a footer image of the transmission original size set at that time is created (process 417), and the footer image is encoded by the encoding unit 7. Then, the image information is encoded and compressed, and the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner terminal (process 418).

In this way, when the transmission of the image information for one page of the emergency notification image is completed, the procedure end signal EOP is sent as a post-message command (step 419) and the response signal is received from the partner terminal ( (Process 420), the disconnection command signal DCN is sent (process 421), the line is restored (process 422), and a series of operations at the time of incoming call is completed.

If the fixed phrase flag is not set and the result of determination 411 is NO, a header image corresponding to the header / footer type is selected (process 4).
23), the selected header image is read from the system memory 2, a header image of the transmission original size set at that time is created (process 424), and the created header image is encoded and compressed by the encoding unit 7. Then, the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner device (process 425).

When the transmission of the image information of the header part HD is completed, the encoded data corresponding to the all-white image of the number of pixels for one line corresponding to the transmission document size set at that time is sent to the body part HB at that time. The number of lines is generated, and the generated encoded data is transmitted to the partner device as the image information of the body portion HB (process 426).

In this way, when the transmission of the image information of the body portion HB is completed, the processing shifts to step 417 and the footer portion FT.
Image information is transmitted.

When a predetermined facsimile signal cannot be received from the partner terminal when the incoming call is answered and the result of judgment 402 is NO, it means that the partner terminal is a voice terminal. , The user's calling operation (for example, generation of a ringing tone) is started (process 42).
7), wait until the hook switch 6d is turned on (NO loop of decision 428).

When the user notices the ringing sound and turns on the hook switch 6d for a call, the result of the judgment 428 is YES, whereby the user calling operation is ended (process 429), and the call unit 8 is turned on. It is set to be turned on and operable (process 430).

After that, the system waits until the user who has finished the call turns on the hook switch 6d (NO in decision 431).
Loop), judgment 431 when the hook switch 6d is turned on
If the result is YES, the call unit 8 is turned off to end the operation (process 432), restore the line (process 433), and end this process.

In this way, in this embodiment, when a call is made from a facsimile machine and a polling transmission request is made, if the emergency notification flag is set, the emergency notification image is transmitted to the partner terminal. To do.

Therefore, it is convenient when a user other than the emergency call destination confirms the emergency call.

FIG. 16 shows an example of call processing.

First, for example, a number input guidance message "Please input the telephone number of the destination" is displayed (process 501), and it is checked whether the user operates the one-touch dial key portion 6f (decision 502). .

When the user operates the one-touch dial key portion 6f and the result of the determination 502 is YES, the destination number registered in the one-touch dial table is read corresponding to the operated one-touch dial key. (Process 503).

When the user operates the ten-key pad 6e and the result of determination 502 is NO, for example, an operation guidance saying "Please turn on the start key when key input is completed" is displayed, and
Until the start key 6b is operated, the data of the operated numeric keypad 6e is stored in the operation order (process 504, NO loop of determination 505). When the start key 6b is turned on and the result of determination 505 is YES, the telephone numbers of the call destinations are complete.

In this way, when the destination telephone number is obtained, the telephone unit 8 is turned on (process 506) and the designated destination telephone number is called (process 507). As a result, a call is established with the partner terminal.

After that, the process waits until the user who has finished the call turns on the hook switch 6d (N in decision 508).
O loop), the judgment is made when the hook switch 6d is turned on 50
When the result of 8 is YES, the call unit 8 is turned off to end the operation (process 509), restore the line (process 510), and end this process.

FIG. 17 shows a group 3 facsimile apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. This group 3 facsimile apparatus has an emergency call function similar to the emergency communication apparatus shown in FIG. Therefore, at the time of an emergency call, the same emergency call image as that of the above-mentioned emergency communication device is transmitted.

In the figure, the control section 31 performs control processing of each section of the group 3 facsimile apparatus and facsimile transmission control procedure processing. The system memory 32 is a control processing program executed by the control section 31. , And various kinds of data necessary for executing the processing program and the like, and configures a work area of the control unit 31.
Is for storing various information unique to the group 3 facsimile apparatus.

The scanner 34 is for reading an original image at a predetermined resolution, the plotter 35 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution, and the clock circuit 36 is for outputting current date and time information. Is to
The operation display unit 37 is for operating the facsimile apparatus, and includes various operation keys and various display devices. Further, in this case, the operation display unit 37 includes an emergency call key.

The encoding / decoding unit 38 is for encoding and compressing the image signal and for decoding the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal.
Is image information and other image data in a coded and compressed state (for example, a header / footer image or a body part image)
For storing a large number of.

The group 3 facsimile modem 40 is for realizing the modem function of the group 3 facsimile, and is a low speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals and mainly exchanging image information. High-speed modem function (V.33 modem,
V. 29 modem, V.29. 27ter modem etc.).

The network control device 41 is for connecting this facsimile device to a public telephone line network, and has an automatic call originating / receiving function.

These control section 31, system memory 3
2, parameter memory 33, scanner 34, plotter 3
5, clock circuit 36, operation display unit 37, encoding / decoding unit 3
8, the image storage device 39, the group 3 facsimile modem 40, and the network control device 41 are connected to an internal bus 42, and data is exchanged among these elements mainly via the internal bus 42. Has been done.

Data is exchanged directly between the network controller 41 and the group 3 facsimile modem 40.

In this embodiment, the original image read by the scanner 34 can be used as the header / footer image and the image of the body portion. In that case, as the header / footer image, for example, an image recorded in a portion of the leading edge in the sub-scanning direction having the dimension α (see FIG. 4) is extracted from the A4 size document image. Further, as the image of the body portion, the image recorded in the portion of the dimension (L-α) in the sub-scanning direction from the leading end of the document image is extracted.

Further, in this embodiment, various kinds of information necessary for emergency call are stored in the parameter memory 33 as an emergency call information table, an example of which is shown in FIG.
It shows in (a).

This emergency notification information table includes header / footer information for designating a header / footer image, a fixed text flag for designating whether or not a fixed text is added to the emergency notification image, and an emergency notification destination. An emergency call destination that represents a phone number, the phone number of your terminal, the name of the user, an emergency call completed flag to remember that you have performed emergency call communication, and a report that indicates the date and time of the emergency call communication It consists of the date and time.

The header / footer information is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the "type information (system / user)" for distinguishing whether the header / footer image is the image stored in the system memory 32 or the image data read by the user, and " Identification information / user image file number ”.

For example, when a header / footer image stored in the system memory 32 is designated, data representing "system" is arranged in "type information" and "identification information / user image" is set. Identification information of the header / footer image is set in the “file number”.

In addition, the data indicating the "user" is arranged in the "type information", and the "identification information / the identification information /" is assigned to the user image stored in the image storage device 39 as the header / footer image. The file number set in the user image is set in the "user image file number".

FIG. 19 shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 31 during standby.

During standby, the control unit 31 is instructed to turn on the emergency call key, to instruct the transmission operation, to detect an incoming call, to set the emergency call completed flag, and to perform other operations. Is being monitored (decision 60
(NO loop of 1,602,603,604,605).

When the emergency call key is turned on and the result of determination 601 is YES, an emergency call process (process 606) for transmitting an emergency call image to the set emergency call destination is executed. When the transmission operation is instructed and the result of determination 602 is YES, a predetermined transmission process (process 607) is executed.

When an incoming call is detected and the result of determination 603 is YES, a predetermined incoming call process (process 60) is performed.
Execute 8).

If the result of judgment 604 is YES when the emergency call completed flag is set, an emergency flag check process (process 609) for clearing the emergency report completed flag at the time when a predetermined date and time has passed from the time of emergency call ) Is executed.

When another operation is instructed,
When the result of determination 605 is YES, the operation process (process 610) corresponding to the operation selected at that time is executed.

FIG. 20 shows an example of emergency call processing.

First, the emergency call destination is read from the emergency call information table and the emergency call destination is called (step 701). Then, the called station identification signal CED, the non-standard function identification signal NSF, which is transmitted from the partner terminal which responded to the incoming call,
When the digital identification signal DIS is received (Processing 7)
02), of the transmission functions notified at that time, the transmission function used at that time is set (process 703). At this time, as the size of the transmission image, the maximum size that can be set by the partner terminal is selected.

Next, the set transmission function is set in each part of the terminal itself, and a non-standard function setting signal NSS for notifying the setting contents is sent (process 704), and the modem speed set at that time is set. , A predetermined modem training procedure is executed (operation 705) to determine the modem speed actually used at that time.

In this way, when the preparation for image information transmission is completed, it is checked whether the fixed text flag is set at that time and the fixed text addition state is set (decision 70).
6) When the result of determination 706 is YES, the header image corresponding to the header / footer information is selected (process 7
07), the selected header image is read from the system memory 2, and a header image of the transmission original size set at that time is created by the same method as described above (process 708). Next, the produced header image is encoded and compressed by the encoding unit 7, and the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner device (process 709).

When the transmission of the image information of the header portion HD is completed, the image of the standard sentence forming the above-mentioned body portion HB is displayed with the number of pixels for one line corresponding to the transmission document size set at that time, and Created as an image of the number of lines (Process 7
10), the created image of the body part HB is encoded and compressed, and the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner terminal (process 711).

When the transmission of the image information of the text portion HB is completed,
The main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction of the header image selected at that time are reversed, and a footer image of the transmission original size set at that time is created (process 712), and the footer image is encoded by the encoding unit 7. Then, the image information is encoded and compressed, and the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner terminal (step 713).

When the transmission of the image information for one page of the emergency notification image is completed in this way, a procedure end signal EOP is sent as a post-message command (step 714) and a response signal is received from the partner terminal ( (Process 715), the disconnection command signal DCN is sent (process 716), the line is restored (process 717), and a series of transmission operations is ended.

Next, in order to indicate that an emergency call has been made, the emergency call completed flag in the emergency call information table is set (step 718), the date and time information at that time is read from the clock circuit 36, and the value is set to emergency. It is saved as the report date and time in the report information table (process 719), and this process ends.

When the fixed phrase flag is not set and the result of the judgment 706 is NO, the header image corresponding to the header / footer type is selected (process 7).
20), the selected header image is read from the system memory 2, a header image of the transmission original size set at that time is created (process 721), and the created header image is encoded and compressed by the encoding unit 7. Then, the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner device (process 722).

When the transmission of the image information of the header part HD is completed, the encoded data corresponding to the all-white image of the number of pixels for one line corresponding to the transmission document size set at that time is sent to the body part HB at that time. The number of lines is generated, and the generated encoded data is transmitted to the partner device as the image information of the body portion HB (process 723).

When the transmission of the image information of the body portion HB is completed in this way, the process proceeds to step 712 and the footer portion FT
Image information is transmitted.

The above description is for the case where the image shown in FIG. 5B is transmitted as the image of the footer portion FT, but when the image shown in FIG. 6A is used. ,
The image of the footer portion FT can be generated by the same method as the image of the header portion HD.

FIG. 21 shows an example of the emergency flag check process.

First, the date and time information output from the clock circuit 36 at that time is read to obtain the current date and time (process 801). Next, the notification date and time in the emergency notification information table is read (process 802), and the difference between the current date and time and the notification date and time is calculated as the elapsed date and time (process 803).

Then, it is judged whether or not the calculated elapsed date and time is larger than a predetermined value (process 804), and the judgment 80
When the result of 4 is YES, the emergency notification completion flag in the emergency notification information table is cleared (process 805), and this process ends. When the result of the determination 804 is NO, the process 805 is not executed and this process ends.

Therefore, the emergency notification completion flag is cleared when a certain date and time has passed since the notification.

22, FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 show an example of incoming call processing.

First, when an incoming call is detected, an incoming call is answered (process 901), a predetermined tone signal is received from the partner terminal,
It is checked whether it has been confirmed that the partner terminal is a facsimile machine (decision 902). The result of judgment 902 is N
When it becomes O, the incoming call is ignored, the line is restored (process 903), and this process ends.

When the other terminal is a facsimile machine and the result of determination 902 is YES, the called station identification signal CED for indicating that the own terminal is a non-voice terminal, the non-standard of the own terminal A non-standard function identification signal NSF for notifying such a function and a digital identification signal DIS for notifying the standard function of the terminal itself are sequentially sent to the partner terminal (process 904), and an instruction from the partner terminal is issued. A signal is received (process 905).

Then, at that time, it is checked whether or not a polling transmission request is designated (decision 906), and when the polling transmission request is made and the result of the determination 906 is YES, the emergency notification of the emergency notification information table is completed. Check if the flag is set (decision 90
7). When the result of the determination 907 is YES, the transmission function used at that time is set (process 908). At this time, as the size of the transmission image, the maximum size that can be set by the partner terminal is selected.

Next, the set transmission function is set in each part of the terminal, and the non-standard function setting signal NSS for notifying the setting contents is transmitted (step 909), and the modem speed set at that time is set. , Perform a predetermined modem training procedure (process 910) to determine the actual modem speed used at that time.

In this way, when the preparation for image information transmission is completed, it is checked whether the fixed phrase flag is set at that time and the fixed phrase addition state is set (decision 91).
1) When the result of judgment 911 is YES, the header image corresponding to the header / footer information of the emergency notification information table is selected (process 912), the selected header image is read from the system memory 2, and the same as above. Then, a header image of the transmission original size set at that time is created (process 913). Next, the produced header image is encoded and compressed by the encoding unit 7, and the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner device (process 914).

When the transmission of the image information of the header portion HD is completed, the image of the fixed text constituting the above-mentioned body portion HB is displayed with the number of pixels for one line corresponding to the transmission document size set at that time, and Created as an image of the number of lines (Process 9
15), the created image of the body part HB is encoded and compressed, and the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner terminal (process 916).

When the transmission of the image information of the text portion HB is completed,
The main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the header image selected at that time are reversed, and a footer image of the transmission original size set at that time is created (process 917), and the footer image is encoded. Then, the image information is encoded and compressed, and the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner terminal (process 918).

When the transmission of the image information for one page of the emergency notification image is completed in this way, a procedure end signal EOP is sent as a post-message command (step 919) and a response signal is received from the partner terminal (step 919). (Processing 920), the disconnection command signal DCN is transmitted (processing 921), the line is restored (processing 922), and a series of operations at the time of incoming call is ended.

If the fixed phrase flag is not set and the result of determination 911 is NO, a header image corresponding to the header / footer type is selected (process 9).
23), the selected header image is read from the system memory 2, a header image of the transmission original size set at that time is created (process 924), and the created header image is encoded and compressed by the encoding unit 7. Then, the image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the partner device (process 925).

When the transmission of the image information of the header part HD is completed, the encoded data corresponding to the all-white image of the number of pixels for one line corresponding to the transmission document size set at that time is sent to the body part HB at that time. The number of lines is generated, and the generated encoded data is transmitted to the partner device as the image information of the body portion HB (process 926).

When the transmission of the image information of the body portion HB is completed in this way, the process proceeds to step 917, and the footer portion FT is sent.
Image information is transmitted.

Further, when the incoming call is answered and the polling transmission request is not made from the partner terminal, the normal receiving operation is performed. That is, the predetermined modem training procedure is executed at the transmission speed notified at that time to determine the modem speed to be actually used (process 927), the image information for one page is received, and the received image information is stored. The encoding / decoding unit 38 decodes the original image signal, outputs the image signal to the plotter 35, and records and outputs the received image for one page (Process 9).
28).

When image reception for one page is completed and a post-message command is received (process 929), a response signal indicating the reception result at that time is sent (process 930), and the next page is sent from the partner terminal. It is checked whether this is notified (decision 931). The result of judgment 931 is YE
When S is reached, the process returns to step 928 and the subsequent page receiving operation is performed.

When the result of the judgment 931 is NO,
The disconnection command signal DCN is received (process 932), the line is restored (process 933), and this process ends.

When the polling transmission request is made and the emergency notification flag in the emergency notification information table is not set, and the result of the judgment 907 is NO, the polling transmission waits at that time. It is checked whether or not the image is accumulated (decision 93).
4). When the result of the determination 934 is NO, since the image to be transmitted is not held, the receiving operation is interrupted at that point and the line is restored (process 935).

When the result of determination 934 is YES, the transmission function used at that time is set (process 93).
6) The set transmission function is set in each part of the terminal, and the non-standard function setting signal NSS for notifying the setting contents is sent (step 937), and the predetermined speed is set at the predetermined modem speed. A modem training procedure is performed (operation 938) to determine the actual modem speed used at that time.

When the image information transmission is ready in this way, the image information file set for polling transmission is selected (process 939), and the transmission page of the image information file is selected (process 940). The image information of the selected page is transmitted (process 9491).

When the transmission of the image information for one page is completed,
It is checked whether or not there is a next page (decision 942). When the result of determination 942 is YES, the multi-page signal MPS is sent as a post-message command (process 94).
3) When the response signal from the other terminal is received (process 94)
4) The process returns to step 940 and the image information of the next page is transmitted.

When transmission of all pages is completed, the determination 94
When the result of 2 is NO, the procedure end signal EOP is sent as a post-message command (process 945), and when the response signal from the partner terminal is received (process 946), the disconnection command signal DCN is sent (process 947). ), The line is restored (process 948), and this process ends.

FIG. 25 shows another example of the emergency notification image.

In this emergency notification image, an all-white image of length LS is added to the end of the image of reference length L so that the image of the header part HD added at the beginning stands out. In this case, an image of an emergency call is arranged in the body part HBa.

FIG. 26 shows still another example of the emergency notification image.

In this case, the emergency notification image is formed by arranging the contents of the body portion HBa of FIG. 25 repeatedly m times. Therefore, on the receiving side, an extremely long received document is recorded and output, so that the emergency notification image is conspicuous and the communication effect is great.

In the above-described embodiment, the display information of the message requesting help is applied as the content of the emergency notification image, but other display information may be used. For example, it is also possible to use display information such as a fire notification or a 110 number notification. In that case, a fire station or a police station may be set as a report destination.

[0146]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the emergency call image is longer than the standard facsimile original, the receiving side can easily distinguish it from other received originals, and the receiving side can quickly confirm that there is an emergency call. Get the effect that you can.

Since the header information or the footer information recorded in the long portion can be applied as the emergency call image, it is possible to characterize the emergency call separately from the body part, and the emergency call can be effectively performed. It also has the effect of being displayed on.

Further, when an all-white image is used as the body part, the transmission time of the part is shortened, and there is an effect that quick emergency call communication is possible. Further, when an image in which the display image of the emergency call is repeatedly arranged a predetermined number of times is used as the emergency call image, the distinction from other received originals becomes clearer, and there is an effect that effective emergency call communication can be realized. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an emergency communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the external appearance of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of a parameter memory.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a basic format of an emergency call image.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a header image and a footer image.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a header / footer image and a display example of a body part.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receiving side facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of an emergency notification image when the device of FIG. 7 receives it.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a receiving side facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of an emergency notification image when the device of FIG. 9 receives it.

11 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the apparatus of FIG. 1 during standby.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of an emergency call process of the apparatus of FIG.

13 is a flowchart showing an example of an emergency flag check process of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of an incoming call process of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing another part of an example of the incoming call processing of the apparatus of FIG.

16 is a flowchart showing an example of a call process of the device of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a group 3 facsimile apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an emergency call information table.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the apparatus of FIG. 17 during standby.

20 is a flowchart showing an example of an emergency call process of the apparatus of FIG.

21 is a flowchart showing an example of an emergency flag check process of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of an incoming call process of the apparatus of FIG.

23 is a flowchart showing another part of an example of the incoming call processing of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the rest of the example of the incoming call processing of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an emergency notification image.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of an emergency notification image.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 31 Control unit 2, 32 System memory 3, 33 Parameter memory 5, 36 Clock circuit 6, 37 Operation display unit 6a Emergency call key 7 Encoding unit 8 Call unit 9, 40 Group 3 facsimile modem 10, 41 Network control device 34 Scanner 38 Encoding / Decoding Unit 39 Image Storage Device

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An image generating means for generating an emergency call image having a predetermined content, which is longer than at least a standard facsimile document, an emergency call destination storage means for storing a preset address of the emergency call, and an emergency call. Operation means for inputting the start of the emergency call, and when the start of the emergency call is input by the operation means, the destination of the emergency call stored in the emergency call destination storage means is called and a predetermined facsimile transmission control is performed. An image communication apparatus comprising a communication control means for starting a procedure process and transmitting image information of an emergency notification image generated from the image generation means to its destination. 2. An image generating means for generating an emergency call image having a predetermined content, which is longer than at least a standard facsimile document, an emergency call destination storage means for storing a preset emergency call destination, and an emergency call. When the operation means inputs the start of the emergency call and the operation means inputs the start of the emergency call, the destination of the emergency call stored in the emergency call destination storage means is called and a predetermined facsimile transmission control is performed. When the procedure processing is started and the image information of the emergency notification image generated from the image generating means is transmitted to the destination, the polling transmission request is made within a predetermined time after the transmission of the image information of the emergency notification image is completed. An image communication apparatus, characterized in that the partner terminal is provided with communication control means for transmitting the image information of the emergency notification image. 3. The image communication device according to claim 1, wherein the emergency notification image is formed by adding header information including a display image of the emergency notification to the beginning of a predetermined text image. . 4. The image communication device according to claim 1, wherein the emergency notification image is formed by adding footer information including a display image of the emergency notification to the end of a predetermined text image. . 5. The emergency notification image is characterized in that header information and footer information consisting of an emergency notification display image are added to the beginning and the end of a predetermined text image, respectively. Item 2. The image communication device according to item 2. 6. The image communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the text image is an all-white image having a number of lines corresponding to a size of a transmission document. 7. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the emergency notification image is an image in which display images of the emergency notification are repeatedly arranged a predetermined number of times. 8. A facsimile apparatus having an image storage function and an automatic call-in / out function, and an emergency call image storage means for storing an emergency call image which is pre-read and is longer than at least a reference facsimile document and has a predetermined content. The emergency call destination storage means for storing a preset destination of the emergency call, the operation means for operating and inputting the start of the emergency call, and the emergency call destination when the start of the emergency call is input by the operating means. Communication for calling the destination of the emergency notification stored in the storage means, starting a predetermined facsimile transmission control procedure process, and transmitting the image information of the emergency notification image generated from the emergency notification image storage means to the destination. A facsimile machine comprising control means. 9. A facsimile device equipped with an image storage function and an automatic call originating / receiving function; Emergency call destination storage means for storing a preset emergency call destination, operation means for operating and inputting the start of the emergency call, and when the start of the emergency call is input by the operating means, the emergency call destination While calling the destination of the emergency notification stored in the storage means, starting a predetermined facsimile transmission control procedure process, and transmitting the image information of the emergency notification image generated from the emergency notification image storage means to the destination. , If a polling transmission request is made within a predetermined time after the transmission of the image information of the emergency notification image is completed, the emergency communication is sent to the partner terminal. Facsimile apparatus characterized by comprising a communication control means for transmitting image information of an image. 10. The emergency call image is a display image of the emergency call, and includes header information stored in advance,
It is formed by adding it to the beginning of a predetermined text image,
10. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the text image is read. 11. The emergency call image is a display image of an emergency call, and includes footer information stored in advance.
It is formed by adding it to the tail of a predetermined text image,
10. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the text image is read. 12. The emergency notification image is a display image of an emergency notification, and is formed by adding prestored header information and footer information to the head and tail of a predetermined text image, respectively. 10. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the text image is read. 13. The emergency notification image is a display image of an emergency notification, and includes header information stored in advance,
10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the all-white image having the number of lines corresponding to the size of the transmission document is added to the beginning.
The described facsimile machine. 14. The emergency call image is a display image of the emergency call, and includes footer information stored in advance.
10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the white image is added to the end of the white image having the number of lines corresponding to the size of the transmission document.
The described facsimile machine. 15. The emergency notification image is a display image of the emergency notification, and header information and footer information stored in advance are added to the head and tail of the all-white image having the number of lines corresponding to the size of the transmission document, respectively. 10. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein 16. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the emergency notification image is an image in which a display image of the emergency notification is repeatedly arranged a predetermined number of times.