JPH09139796A - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To send a voice message of a routine content by reading voice information corresponding to a color on an original from a voice information storage means and sending the voice information in a form of a voice signal. SOLUTION: When an original is set and enters a transmission preparatory state, a CPU 1 reads a telephone number of a transmission destination stored in a RAM 3 and makes dialing and monitors polarity inversion of the telephone line 21 to discriminate whether or not a call is received. After the confirmation of the call reception, the CPU 1 allows a read section 8 to read the original and checks the color of the original based on R, G, B color signals and reads voice information corresponding to the color on the original from the RAM 3. The voice information is converted into a voice signal by a VOCODER 12 and an NCU 2 is used to send the signal to a destination telephone set, then the voice message of a routine content is transmitted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication device having a reading unit capable of reading a color original.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, it is common that the requirements of almost the same content must be frequently transmitted by telephone.

For example, when it is desired to perform an emergency facsimile transmission from the head office of a company to a sales office, the sales office has a facsimile device and a telephone device installed on different floors, and a staff member is near a telephone. Sometimes. In such a case, at the same time as the facsimile transmission, it is necessary to make a telephone call to inform the user that he / she wants to read the manuscript received by the facsimile and receive a reply.

However, it is troublesome to make the same call every time.

Therefore, it is possible to use a telephone device capable of transmitting a prerecorded fixed voice message to a telephone device having a designated telephone number, and to transmit a voice message simultaneously with the facsimile transmission by the facsimile device by this telephone device. Conceivable.

[0006]

However, in the above method, the image data transmission and the audio data transmission must be performed by separate devices, and the operation is complicated and troublesome.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above points, and not only the transmission of image information but also a prerecorded fixed voice message is transmitted to a telephone device having a designated telephone number. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device that can be used.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a communication device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a communication device having a reading unit capable of reading a color original document, which corresponds to a predetermined color in advance. The color of the document read by the reading unit is judged on the basis of the signal from the reading unit and the voice information storage unit for storing the added voice information, and a predetermined area or a predetermined length or more is set. When a color is present on a document, the color recognition means for recognizing the color and the voice information corresponding to the color are read from the voice information storage means based on the recognition result by the color recognition means, and the voice information is voiced. And audio information transmitting means for transmitting in the form of a signal.

Further, the communication device of the invention described in claim 2 is the communication device according to claim 1, wherein the voice information transmitting means outputs a voice from the time when the polarity of the telephone line is reversed due to the line being closed to the time when the line is disconnected. The information is repeatedly transmitted.

Further, a communication device of the invention described in claim 3 is the communication device according to claim 1, wherein the voice information transmitting means repeatedly transmits voice information for a predetermined time.

A communication device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to the first aspect, which has a timer unit capable of setting an arbitrary date and time, and the reading unit is activated by the timer unit. The voice information is automatically transmitted by the voice information transmitting means.

Further, the communication device of the invention described in claim 5 is the communication device according to claim 1, wherein timer means capable of setting an arbitrary date and time and a telephone number storage for storing the telephone number of the other party. Means and a recognition result storing means for storing the recognition result by the color recognizing means, the voice information transmitting means is activated by the timer means, and the voice information transmitting means outputs the telephone number of the other party from the telephone number storing means. The recognition result by the color recognition means is read from the recognition result storage means, the voice information is read from the voice information storage means, and is automatically transmitted.

A communication apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the communication apparatus according to the first aspect, in which the telephone number storage means for storing the telephone number of the other party and the recognition result by the color recognition means are stored. The voice information transmitting means is activated after the facsimile transmission of the original, and the voice information transmitting means reads the telephone number of the other party from the telephone number storing means. The recognition result by the color recognition means is read out, and the voice information is read out from the voice information storage means and automatically transmitted.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a facsimile device as an example of a communication device according to the present invention. The facsimile device includes a CPU 1, an NCU 2, a RAM 3,
A modem 4, a ROM 5, a personal computer IF 6, a gate array 7, a reading unit 8, a recording unit 9, an operating unit 10, a display unit 11, a voice codec 12, a handset 13, and the like are provided. CPU1, NCU2, RAM3, modem 4, R
The OM 5, the personal computer IF 6, the gate array 7, and the audio codec 12 are connected to each other by a bus line, and the gate array 7 is connected to a reading unit 8, a recording unit 9, an operating unit 10, and a display unit 11. Has been done. The handset 13 is connected to the NCU 2, and the voice codec 12 is also connected to the NCU 2. IF for PC
A personal computer 15 is connected to the personal computer 6, and the personal computer 15 includes a CPU 16 and an R.
AM17, hard disk 18, and monitor IF1
9 and the like are provided. A video monitor 20 is connected to the monitor IF 19.

The CPU 1 controls the entire facsimile machine. The NCU 2 is connected to the telephone line 21 and performs network control. The RAM 3 stores various data and the like. The modem 4 performs modulation of transmission data and demodulation of reception data. The ROM 5 stores various programs and the like. The personal computer IF 6 is an interface for connecting the personal computer 15. Gate array 7
Functions as an input / output interface of the CPU 1. The reading unit 8 includes a CCD, a color separation filter for three colors, a document feeding motor, and the like, and reads a document to read R,
Outputs G and B color signals. The recording unit 9 is composed of an inkjet color printer, a sublimation thermal transfer color printer, or the like, and is capable of color printing. Operation unit 10
Is composed of a group of key switches and the like, and outputs a signal according to the operation of the user. The display unit 11 is composed of an LCD or the like and is controlled by the CPU 1 to perform various displays. The voice codec 12 converts a voice signal from the microphone of the handset 13 into a predetermined digital signal, and R
The digital signal from AM3 is converted into a voice signal. The handset 13 includes a microphone that converts a speaker's voice into an electric signal and a speaker that converts the electric voice signal into a sound wave.

The CPU 1 determines the color of the document read by the reading unit 8 based on the signal from the reading unit 8, and a predetermined color having a predetermined area or a predetermined length or more is printed on the document. , The color recognition means for recognizing it and the voice information corresponding to the color are read from the RAM 3 based on the recognition result by the color recognition means, and the voice information is transmitted in the form of a voice signal. And voice information transmitting means. In addition, the RAM 3 realizes a voice information storage unit that stores voice information associated with a predetermined color in advance. A RAM is used as the voice information storage means.
Instead of 3, a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM may be used.

CPU 16 of personal computer 15
Controls the entire personal computer 15. RA
M17 stores various data and the like. The hard disk 18 stores various programs and data.
The monitor IF 19 is an interface for connecting the video monitor 20. The video monitor 20 is composed of a color display CRT or the like, and is controlled by the personal computer 15 to perform various displays.

The above-mentioned facsimile apparatus reads an original document having a predetermined area or a predetermined length or more and colored in a predetermined color, so that a voice message stored in advance corresponding to the color is sent to the other party. It is to be sent to the telephone device. A plurality of types of voice messages are stored in the RAM 3 as digital voice data, and the voice messages are associated with mutually different colors. These voice messages are previously recorded by the user. That is, the user performs a predetermined key operation on the operation unit 10 to switch the facsimile apparatus to the voice message recording mode,
When a voice message is uttered into the microphone of the handset 13 after a predetermined key operation for designating a color is performed, the voice is converted into a voice signal by the microphone of the handset 13, and the voice codec 12 outputs digital voice data. Is converted into, and the voice data is stored in the RAM 3 in association with the color. By repeating the operation after the color designation, a plurality of types of voice messages associated with different colors are stored in the RAM 3. Of course, a general versatile voice message may be stored in the RAM 3 at the manufacturing stage of the facsimile device.

As a concrete example of the voice message, for example, "a fax has been sent, so please take a quick look.", "A fax has been sent, so please call me in reply.", "Send a fax."I've done so, so please give me a reply as soon as possible. "
Are considered, and they are stored in the RAM 3 in association with colors such as red, green, and blue.

Next, the procedure of the voice transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 1 determines whether or not a document is set by the user (S1), and if the document is set (S1: YES), it is determined whether or not the user's telephone number is input. It is determined (S2). If the telephone number of the other party is input (S2: YES), the CPU 1 stores the telephone number in the RAM 3 (S3), and determines whether or not the start key is depressed by the user (S).
4). If the start key is pressed (S4: YE
S), the CPU 1 reads out the telephone number of the destination stored in the RAM 3 and makes a call (S5). And CPU
By monitoring the polarity reversal of the telephone line 21,
It is determined whether an incoming call has arrived (S6). If there is an incoming call (S
6: YES), the CPU 1 causes the reading unit 8 to read the document (S7). As a result, R, G, B color signals are output from the reading unit 8, and the CPU 1
Examines the color of the document and determines whether or not a region of a predetermined color having a predetermined area or a predetermined length or more exists on the document (S
8). In addition, the reason why the predetermined area or the predetermined length or more is
This is for the purpose of clearly distinguishing from stains on the manuscript and small colored portions which the user intentionally or mistakenly put on the manuscript. If there is a predetermined area or a predetermined color area having a predetermined length or more (S8: YES), the CPU 1 reads the voice information corresponding to the color on the document from the RAM 3 (S9), and converts it into a voice signal by the voice codec 12. Then, it is transmitted to the telephone device of the other party (S10). And CPU1
However, it is determined whether or not the line is disconnected (S11), and if the line is disconnected (S11: YES), the voice transmission process is ended.

If the line is not disconnected in S11 (S11: NO), the process returns to S9, the voice information is read from the RAM 3, and the voice signal is transmitted again. That is, the same voice message is repeatedly transmitted until the other party hangs up.

In S8, if the area of the predetermined color having the predetermined area or the predetermined length or more does not exist on the document (S8: N
O), it is thought that there is a mistake in setting the original, so the CPU
1 controls the NCU 2 to disconnect the line (S12),
The voice transmission process ends.

In S6, if there is no incoming call (S
(6: NO), the CPU 1 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the call was made in S5 (S13). If the predetermined time has passed (S13: YES), the process proceeds to S12 to disconnect the line. If it has not elapsed (S13: NO), the process returns to S5 to continue the call.

If the start key is not depressed by the user in S4 (S4: NO), the process returns to S4 and waits until the start key is depressed.

If the telephone number is not input by the user in S2 (S2: NO), the process returns to S1 and waits for the telephone number to be input. The reason why the process returns to S1 without returning to S2 is to monitor whether the document is taken out before the user inputs the telephone number.

If the document is not set by the user in S1 (S1: NO), the process returns to S1 and waits for the document to be set.

As described above, the color of the document read by the reading unit 8 is judged based on the signal from the reading unit 8 and a predetermined color having a predetermined area or a predetermined length or more is printed on the document. If it exists, recognize it (S8: YE
S) Since the voice information corresponding to the color is read from the RAM 3 (S9) and the voice information is transmitted in the form of a voice signal (S10), it is not necessary for the user to frequently make phone calls with fixed contents. , Very convenient.

In the above embodiment, the incoming call is detected by reversing the polarity of the telephone line 21 (S6). However, in a country or region in which the polarity reversal does not occur, the transmission of the voice message is repeated for a certain period from the time of calling. do it.

Further, in the above embodiment, the call is made immediately when the user depresses the start key (S4: YES) (S5). However, the timer means is provided so that the timer can be transmitted. Good. In other words, the user sets the original and inputs the telephone number of the other party
If the timer means activates the reading unit 8 or the like at a desired date and time by storing it in M3 or the like and setting the timer means at a desired date and time, a desired voice message can be sent to the other party at a desired date and time. You can send.

Of course, memory timer transmission may be possible. That is, instead of the timer unit activating the reading unit 8, the document is read by the reading unit 8 in advance, the color recognition result and the like are stored in the RAM 3, and the timer unit activates the CPU 1 at a desired date and time. Even if the color recognition result or the like is read from the RAM 3, the desired voice message can be transmitted to the destination at the desired date and time.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the user inputs the telephone number of the other party by key operation using the operation unit 10, but the facsimile machine recognizes the telephone number of the other party by reading the original. It may be configured to do so. For example, a colored area is set at a predetermined position at the beginning of the manuscript, a predetermined color representing the telephone number of the destination is colored in the colored area, and the telephone number corresponding to that color is stored in the RAM.
It is only necessary to read from 3. If the number of destinations is small, one colored area is sufficient, but by using 10 colored areas and 10 kinds of colors, telephone numbers throughout Japan can be set. These colored areas need to be distinguished from the colors for voice messages, of course, but by making the area or length of the colored areas smaller or by providing them at predetermined predetermined positions, Can be clearly distinguished from the color of.

Further, in the above embodiment, only the voice message is transmitted. However, in addition to coloring for the voice message, characters or figures may be written on the original so that the facsimile transmission can be performed. That is, a predetermined part of the manuscript is colored for a voice message, and the user inputs the facsimile number and telephone number of the other party and presses the start key to perform normal facsimile transmission. The configuration is such that the recognition result is stored in the RAM 3 without transmitting the colored portion for the voice message, and after the facsimile transmission is completed, the telephone number of the destination or the recognition result is read from the RAM 3 and the voice message is automatically transmitted. To do.

The transmission processing procedure in this case will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the CPU 1 determines whether or not a document is set by the user (S21), and if the document is set (S21: YES), the user inputs the facsimile number and telephone number of the other party. It is determined whether it has been done (S22). If the other party's number is entered (S2
2: YES), the CPU 1 stores these numbers in the RAM 3 (S23), and determines whether or not the start key is depressed by the user (S24). If the start key is pressed down (S24: YES), the CPU 1
The facsimile number of the destination stored in the RAM 3 is read and a call is made (S25). Then, the CPU 1 monitors the polarity reversal of the telephone line 21 to determine whether or not an incoming call has been received (S26). If there is an incoming call (S26: Y
ES), the CPU 1 causes the reading unit 8 to read the document (S
27), it is determined whether or not a predetermined portion is read (S2
8). If reading at a predetermined location (S28: YE
S), the CPU 1 determines whether or not a predetermined color exists (S
29) If present (S29: YES), the color is stored in the RAM 3 in association with the position (S30). Then, the CPU 1 determines whether the transmission is completed (S3
1) If completed (S31: YES), disconnect the line (S32).

If the transmission is not completed in S31 (S31: NO), the process returns to S27 to continue reading the original.

If it is determined in S28 that the image is not read from the predetermined portion (S28: NO), the image signal from the reading unit 8 is decoded, modulated by the modem 4 and transmitted (S33), S31.
Proceed to.

In S26, if there is no incoming call (S
(26: NO), the CPU 1 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the call was made in S25 (S34). If the predetermined time has passed (S34: YES), the process proceeds to S44 to disconnect the line. If not elapsed, (S34: NO), S
Returning to 25, the call is continued.

If the start key is not depressed by the user in S24 (S24: NO), S2.
Return to step 4 and wait for the start key to be depressed.

If the user does not input the facsimile number and telephone number in S22 (S2)
2: NO) and returns to S21 to wait for the facsimile number and telephone number to be input.

If the document is not set by the user in S21 (S21: NO), the process returns to S21 and waits for the document to be set.

Then, after S32, the CPU 1
It is judged whether or not a predetermined color is stored in M3 in association with the position (S35), and if it is stored (S3).
5: YES), the telephone number of the other party is read from the RAM 3 (S36), and a call is made (S37). And CPU
By monitoring the polarity reversal of the telephone line 21,
It is determined whether an incoming call has arrived (S38). If there is an incoming call (S
38: YES), the CPU 1 reads the correspondence between the predetermined color and the position from the RAM 3 (S39), and based on that, R
The voice information is read from the AM 3 (S40), converted into a voice signal by the voice codec 12, and transmitted to the other party's telephone device (S41). And the CPU 1
It is determined whether or not the line is disconnected (S42), and if the line is disconnected (S42: YES), the transmission process ends.

If the line is not disconnected in S42 (S42: NO), the process returns to S40 to read the voice information from the RAM 3 and transmit the voice signal again. That is, the same voice message is repeatedly transmitted until the other party hangs up.

In S38, if there is no incoming call (S
(38: NO), the CPU 1 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the call was made in S37 (S43), and if it has elapsed (S43: YES), disconnects the line (S4).
4), the transmission process is ended. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S43: NO), the process returns to S37 to continue the call.

In S35, if the predetermined color is not stored in the RAM 3 in association with the position (S35: N).
O), the transmission process is ended as it is. That is, if the predetermined color does not exist at the predetermined position on the document, the call for transmitting the voice message is not made.

Of course, coloring of the voice message may be applied to any part of the manuscript. However, when sending a color original by facsimile, it may be difficult to judge whether or not it is colored for a voice message. Therefore, it is necessary to color the original for a voice message at a predetermined position on the original. Is preferred.

[0048]

As described above, according to the communication device of the invention described in claim 1, the voice information storage means for storing the voice information previously associated with a predetermined color and the signal from the reading section are used. A color recognition unit that determines the color of the original read by the reading unit and recognizes the color when a predetermined color having a predetermined area or length is present on the original; Based on the recognition result by the recognition means,
Since the voice information corresponding to the color is read from the voice information storage means and the voice information transmitting means for transmitting the voice information in the form of a voice signal is provided, the image information is not only transmitted but also prerecorded. Since the fixed voice message can be sent to the telephone device of the designated telephone number, the user does not need to make a fixed call frequently, which is very convenient.

According to the communication device of the invention described in claim 2, the voice information transmitting means repeatedly transmits the voice information from the time when the polarity of the telephone line is reversed due to the line being closed to the time when the line is cut off. In addition to the effect of the communication device described in 1, the other party does not miss the voice message,
Reliable transmission of voice messages.

Further, according to the communication device of the invention described in claim 3, since the voice information transmitting means repeatedly transmits the voice information for a predetermined time, in addition to the effect of the communication device according to claim 1, a telephone line is provided. Even when used in a country or region where the polarity reversal does not occur, the other party does not miss the voice message and the voice message can be reliably transmitted.

Further, according to the communication device of the invention described in claim 4, there is provided timer means capable of setting an arbitrary date and time, the reading means is activated by the timer means, and the voice information is transmitted by the voice information transmitting means. Since it is automatically transmitted, in addition to the effect of the communication device according to the first aspect, even if the user is absent, a voice message can be transmitted to the other party at a desired date and time.

Further, according to the communication device of the invention described in claim 5, a timer means capable of setting an arbitrary date and time, a telephone number storage means for storing the telephone number of the other party, and a recognition result by the color recognition means And a recognition result storing means for storing the voice information transmitting means by the timer means, the voice information transmitting means reads out the telephone number of the other party from the telephone number storing means, and the recognition result storing means The recognition result by the color recognition means is read out, the voice information is read out from the voice information storage means and automatically transmitted. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the communication device according to claim 1, even if the user is absent, Also, a voice message can be transmitted to the other party at a desired date and time.

Further, according to the communication device of the invention described in claim 6, it has the telephone number storage means for storing the telephone number of the other party and the recognition result storage means for storing the recognition result by the color recognition means. After the facsimile transmission of the original, the voice information transmission means is activated, the voice information transmission means reads the telephone number of the other party from the telephone number storage means, and the recognition result storage means reads the recognition result by the color recognition means. Since the voice information is read out from the voice information storage means and automatically transmitted, in addition to the effect of the communication device according to claim 1, normal facsimile transmission and voice message transmission can be performed only by setting a document. Both can be performed, and usability is further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a facsimile apparatus as an example of a communication apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a voice transmission processing procedure by a facsimile device as an example of a communication device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a voice transmission processing procedure according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 NCU 3 RAM 4 Modem 8 Reading part 10 Operating part 12 Voice codec 13 Handset 21 Telephone line

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A communication device having a reading unit capable of reading a color original document, comprising: a voice information storage unit for storing voice information previously associated with a predetermined color; and a communication unit based on a signal from the reading unit. A color recognizing unit that determines the color of the document read by the reading unit and recognizes the color when a predetermined color having a predetermined area or length is present on the document; A voice information transmitting means for reading voice information corresponding to the color from the voice information storing means based on the recognition result by the color recognizing means and transmitting the voice information in the form of a voice signal. Communication device. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the voice information transmitting means is configured to repeatedly transmit the voice information from a time when the polarity of the telephone line is reversed due to line closure to a time when the line is cut off. . 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the voice information transmitting means is configured to repeatedly transmit the voice information for a predetermined time. 4. A structure having a timer unit capable of setting an arbitrary date and time, wherein the reading unit is activated by the timer unit and the voice information is automatically transmitted by the voice information transmitting unit. The communication device according to claim 1. 5. A timer means capable of setting an arbitrary date and time, a telephone number storage means for storing a telephone number of the other party, and a recognition result storage means for storing a recognition result by the color recognition means, The voice information transmission means is activated by the timer means, the telephone number of the other party is read from the telephone number storage means by the voice information transmission means, and the recognition result by the color recognition means is obtained from the recognition result storage means. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is configured to be read out, and the voice information is read out from the voice information storage means and automatically transmitted. 6. A telephone number storage means for storing the telephone number of the other party, and a recognition result storage means for storing the recognition result by the color recognition means, wherein the voice information transmission means is provided after the facsimile transmission of the original document. Upon activation, the voice information transmitting means reads the telephone number of the other party from the telephone number storing means, the recognition result of the color recognizing means is read from the recognition result storing means, and the voice information storing means. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the voice information is read from the device and automatically transmitted.