JPH0787229A - Facsimile equipment with interface function for personal computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a facsimile equipment with an interface function for a personal computer capable of receiving personal computer data even in a state where the power source of the personal computer is not applied. CONSTITUTION:A storage means 9 which records the personal computer data received before the personal computer 11 is operated, an informing means which informs the reception of the personal computer data to the personal computer 11, a detecting means which detects the response of the personal computer 11 for such information, and a switching means 8 which switches the connection of the line to the personal computer 11 or the storage means 9 based on the detection result from the detecting means are provided in the facsimile equipment 1 with the interface function between the personal computer 11 and a line. When the personal computer 11 receiving the information when the personal computer data are inputted responds, the line is connected to the personal computer 11, and when no response from the personal computer 11 is received within a fixed time, the line is connected to the storage means 9, then, the personal computer data are recorded on the storage means 9.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having not only a facsimile function but also a function for connecting a personal computer to a line, and more particularly to a personal computer which can receive personal computer data even when the personal computer stops operating. It is configured in.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a facsimile machine combined with a telephone, when used as a facsimile, FAX data is transmitted and received from a line to be connected, and voice data is transmitted and received from the line when making a call through a telephone. Similarly, combine a personal computer with a fax machine,
An apparatus has been developed which transmits / receives FAX data from a line to be connected when a facsimile is operating and personal computer data from the line when a personal computer is operating.

As shown in FIG. 8, a conventional facsimile apparatus having an interface function between a personal computer and a line includes a CPU 2 for discriminating each signal and controlling each block in the apparatus, and a control program for the CPU 2. ROM 4 for storing, RAM 5 for storing communication data, modem 6 for modulating / demodulating transmitted / received data, image processing unit 7 for expanding / compressing FAX data, and NCU 10 for network control unit.
And a serial interface control unit 3 for controlling transmission and reception of data with the personal computer 11 through the interface.
It has and.

This device is connected to the personal computer 11 via a serial interface typified by RS-232C in order to give the personal computer 11 a communication function, and when data is sent from the personal computer 11 to another terminal. Is a personal computer
A predetermined signal input from 11 is converted into a dial signal, another terminal is called, and transmission data is sent to the line by a communication procedure such as T-30. When personal computer data arrives, the incoming data is delivered to the personal computer by a communication procedure such as EIA-592.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when the telephone 20 and the personal computer 11 are connected to the facsimile device 1, when the telephone call is made from either the telephone 20 or the personal computer 11, the facsimile device 1 By using the change-over switch 85 provided in the device, the telephone 20 or the personal computer 11 for making a call is connected to the line, and a dial signal representing a telephone number is sent to the line.

The hook switch of the telephone 20 is used for the switching at this time. In the normal state, the selector switch 85
Connects the personal computer 11 to the line. When the handset is lifted to make a call, the CPU 2 detects the hook switch signal and switches the switch 85 to connect the line and the telephone. Then, when the call is over and the handset is restored, the CPU 2 detects it again,
The switch 85 is switched, and the personal computer 11 and the line are connected. When an incoming call arrives, the CPU 2 detects an incoming signal from a telephone or a personal computer and switches terminals according to the detected signal.

Even when there are many terminal devices to be connected (telephones, personal computers, FAX ...), the switching of the connection with the line is performed by detecting the off-hook of the terminal as described above. However, such a switching causes a problem that the calling terminals are automatically connected to the line, so that the terminals to be connected cannot communicate with each other. A switching means considered to solve this is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-3.
No. 8161 (Title of Invention: Modem Device).

This means, as shown in FIG.
20, dial signal capturing sections 21 and 2 for temporarily capturing dial signals transmitted from the terminals of FAX 1 and personal computer 11
2, 23, a dial signal analysis unit 25 that analyzes the captured signal and opens / closes the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 based on the result, and a dial signal transmission unit 24 that sends the dial signal to the line. There is.

For each terminal, when calling an external terminal, the number of the telephone number is dialed, and when communicating with the internal terminal, a numeral other than the numeral such as * or # is dialed. Things have been arranged.

The dial signal analysis unit 25 analyzes the dial signal emitted from each terminal to determine whether the communication is to the outside.
It is determined whether the communication is to the inside, and SW1-S are determined accordingly.
W3 is switched to execute a connection that meets the call request.

[0011]

However, a conventional facsimile apparatus having a function of connecting a personal computer and a line can accept input of personal computer data from the line when the personal computer is not powered on. Can not.

Conventionally, this has been taken as a matter of course, but the present inventor changed the way of thinking.
By grasping this as a problem and trying to improve it,
I came up with the idea that the functionality of a facsimile machine as a line connection device could be enhanced.

The present invention has been conceived from this point of view. Even when the personal computer has not been started up, such as when the personal computer is not powered on,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile machine having a personal computer interface function that can receive data.

[0014]

Therefore, in the present invention, in a facsimile apparatus having an interface function between a personal computer and a line, a storage means for recording personal computer data received when the personal computer has not been started up yet. Is provided.

In addition, the notification means for notifying the personal computer of the reception of the personal computer data, the detection means for detecting the response of the personal computer to this notification, and the connection of the line is switched to the personal computer or the storage means based on the detection result of the detection means. And switching means.

Further, a specific code detecting means for detecting the specific code output from the personal computer is provided, and when the specific code detecting means detects the specific code, the switching means is made to connect the personal computer and the storage means. .

Further, the storage means can be attached to and detached from the facsimile apparatus.

[0018]

[Operation] Therefore, when the PC is not up,
Even if personal computer data is input from the line, this data is accepted by the facsimile machine and recorded in the storage means.

When personal computer data is input, the personal computer is notified, and when the personal computer responds, the line and the personal computer are connected. On the other hand, when the personal computer does not respond within a fixed time, the line and the storage means are connected and the personal computer data is recorded in the storage means.

When the specific code is output from the personal computer after the start-up is completed, the storage means and the personal computer are connected, and the personal computer data recorded in the storage means is transferred to the personal computer.

Further, by making the storage means detachable from the facsimile device, the storage means in which the data is recorded can be attached to another device to directly read the data.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment has a line switching control unit 8 for controlling switching of transmission / reception data paths and a detachable, large-capacity device. IC memory card 9 that can store data
It has and. Other configurations are the same as the conventional device (Fig. 8)
There is no change.

As shown in FIG. 3, the line switching control unit 8 detects the ringer signal of the received data and transmits the ringer command to the personal computer, and the ringer signal detecting / transmitting means 82.
A response signal detecting means 84 for detecting an output signal from the personal computer 1, a switching signal transmitting means 83 for outputting a switching signal based on the detection result of the response signal detecting means 84, and a line depending on the type of the switching signal. Switch control means 81 to switch the connection to
It has and.

The facsimile apparatus of this embodiment switches FAX data or personal computer data to the line to be connected and transmits the received data to the facsimile or personal computer in response to the incoming signal. Since it is the same as the conventional device, the description is omitted. The characteristic operation of the apparatus of the embodiment is that the flow of transmitted / received data of the personal computer 11 is controlled to be switched according to the rising state of the personal computer.

FIG. 2 shows the flow of data switched by this switching control. D1 is transmission / reception data between the personal computer 11 and the line, and D2 is transmission / reception between the IC memory card storage means 9 and the line. Data, and D3 is I
Data transmitted from the C memory card storage means 9 to the personal computer 11 is shown.

When the personal computer data is received from the line, this facsimile machine performs the following operation according to the flow chart of FIG.

Step 1; When a signal sent by the T-30 (facsimile transmission control in the telephone network) procedure is received from the line, Step 2; this signal is sent to the ringer signal detection / transmission means 82 to detect the ringer signal. / When the transmitting means 82 detects a ringer signal, it sends a linger command to the personal computer 11 in step 3; the EIA-592 procedure, which is a procedure between the personal computer and the modem, and step 4; Start a timer to see if it responds.

Step 5; If the personal computer 11 is started up and is in a data input waiting state, Step 6;
Step 7: The personal computer 11 sends a response command to the response signal detecting means 84 in response to the linger command within the set time to stop the timer. Step 8: The response signal detection means 84 detects the response signal, and the switching signal transmission means
This is notified to 83, and step 9: switching signal transmitting means 83
Sends a switching signal for connecting between A and B to the switching control means 81, step 10; the switching control means 81 receiving this switching signal causes the path (A-B) between the personal computer 11 and the line.
Connection).

Step 11: When the line and the personal computer are connected in this way, the data sent by the T-30 procedure is sent to the personal computer by the EIA-592 procedure.

Step 12; If the personal computer 11 is not started up and cannot receive the data within the set time, step 13; the response signal detecting means means that no response signal is returned from the personal computer 11. 84 detects and notifies it to the switching signal sending means 83, step 1
4; The switching signal sending means 83 is A to the switching control means 81.
A switching signal for connecting between C and C is transmitted, and the switching control means 81 connects the path between the line and the IC memory card storage means 9 (between A and C).

Step 16: When the line is connected to the IC memory card storage means 9 in this way, the received data is
It is transmitted to the IC memory card storage means and stored in the IC memory card 9.

When receiving data from a personal computer, the facsimile machine performs the following operation according to the flowchart of FIG.

Step 17: The facsimile machine sends the EI from the personal computer 11 via the serial interface.
When the other party's telephone number and data are received according to the A-592 procedure, step 18; the response signal detecting means 84 of the line switching control unit 8 detects the first data and the personal computer.
Notifying the switching signal transmission means 83 that the transmission is from 11
Step 19: The switching signal transmitting means 83, the switching control means 81
A switching signal for connecting between A and B is sent to, and step 20; the switching control means 81 connects the path between the line and the personal computer 11 (between A and B).

Step 21: In this way, the facsimile apparatus connecting the personal computer 11 and the line receives the data from the personal computer 11 by the EIA-592 procedure, converts it into the T-30 procedure, and transmits it to the line.

When the data stored in the IC memory card 9 is sent to the line, the operation button of the facsimile apparatus 1 is operated to send the signal of the telephone number of the other party, and
-30 Send data according to procedure. At this time, the switching control means 81 detects the first data and establishes the connection A-C.
Switch between.

Since the IC memory card 9 can be attached to and detached from the facsimile apparatus, the IC memory card 9 on which the received data is recorded can be directly attached to the personal computer 11 to output the received data. . In this case, at the stage of recording the received data in the IC memory card 9, by providing additional information to each received data, various controls at the time of output, such as changing the output order and selecting data to be output, can be performed. It will be possible.

(Second Embodiment) The facsimile machine of the second embodiment is constructed so that the data recorded in the IC memory card can be transferred to a personal computer while the IC memory card is mounted in the facsimile machine. As shown in FIG. 6, this apparatus is provided with a specific code detecting section 12 which detects when a specific code is called from a personal computer and notifies the switching signal sending means 83 of the line switching control section 8 of the specific code. There is. The other structure is the same as that of the device of the first embodiment (FIG. 1).

For example, when the telephone number of the own station is arranged as the specific code, when the personal computer calls the telephone number of the own station, this facsimile machine operates as follows according to the flowchart of FIG. .

Step 22: When the personal computer 11 calls the telephone number (specific code) of its own station and tries to start communication by the EIA-592 procedure, step 23; Is detected and transmitted to the switching signal transmission means 83. The switching signal sending means 83 sends a switching signal for connecting B and C to the switching control means 81, and step 24;
In response to this, the switching control means 81 connects the personal computer 11 and the IC memory card storage means 9 (between B and C), and as a result, step 25; the data recorded in the IC memory card 9 is personal computer. 11 is sent by the EIA-592 procedure.

Step 26; When the data transfer from the IC memory card 9 to the personal computer 11 is completed, Step 27;
The switching control means 81 detects this, step 28; the connection is switched to AB, that is, the path to the personal computer, and the communication is ended.

As described above, in the facsimile apparatus of the second embodiment, the data recorded in the IC memory card can be transferred to the personal computer by dialing the specific code from the personal computer. Therefore, the data received when the power of the personal computer is not turned on is temporarily recorded in the IC memory card, and when the personal computer is started, the IC
It is possible to transfer the recorded data to a personal computer with the memory card installed in the facsimile device.

As a medium for storing data, I
It is of course possible to use other than the C memory card.

[0043]

As is apparent from the above description of the embodiments, the facsimile apparatus of the present invention having the interface function of the personal computer can accept the data of the personal computer even when the startup of the personal computer is not completed. Moreover, the data can be transferred to the personal computer after the start-up is completed. Therefore, the data transmission / reception performance of the personal computer can be greatly expanded.

Further, since the normal communication procedure is used for the data transfer to the personal computer, the data can be transferred by the commercially available software.

Further, since the data received when the start-up of the personal computer is not completed is recorded in a memory which can be attached to and detached from the facsimile apparatus, it is recorded by attaching this memory to another apparatus. Data can be output at any time. In this case, by adding additional information to the received data in the memory, it is possible to perform control at the time of output such as selection of output order and output.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data flow by switching control of the facsimile apparatus of the embodiment,

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a line switching control unit in the facsimile device,

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the facsimile device when receiving data,

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the facsimile device when transmitting data,

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of the facsimile machine when transmitting data from a memory to a personal computer,

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a conventional facsimile device having a line connection function of a personal computer,

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a terminal switching unit in a conventional facsimile apparatus,

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a switching means of a plurality of terminals in a conventional facsimile apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Facsimile device 2 CPU 3 Serial interface control unit 4 ROM 5 RAM 6 Modem 7 Image processing unit 8 Line switching control unit 9 IC memory card 10 NCU 11 Personal computer 12 Specific code detection means 20 Telephone 21, 22, 23 Dial signal acquisition Section 24 dial signal transmitting section 25 dial signal analyzing section 81 switching control means 82 ringer signal detection / transmission means 83 switching signal transmission means 84 response signal detection means

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus having an interface function between a personal computer and a line, characterized by comprising storage means for recording personal computer data received when the personal computer has not been started up yet. apparatus. 2. A notification means for notifying the personal computer of reception of personal computer data, a detection means for detecting a response of the personal computer to the notification, and a connection of the line based on the detection result of the detection means for the personal computer or 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising switching means for switching to the storage means. 3. A specific code detecting means for detecting a specific code output from the personal computer is provided, and when the specific code detecting means detects the specific code, the switching means is provided with the personal computer and the storage means. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the facsimile is connected. 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is removable.