JPH09200330A - Key entry device and communication equipment using it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent undesired transmission and revision of setting value due to mischief of a child over a telephone set or a facsimile equipment or the like by invalidating succeeding key entry after no key operation is made for a prescribed time or over. SOLUTION: The key entry device is set to the mode where succeeding key entry is invalidated after no key operation is made for a prescribed time or over. Even when the invalidating mode is set, upon the detection of a combined operation of plural specific keys is detected, key entry within a prescribed time thereafter is accepted. In this key entry device, telephone lines L1, L2 are always switched to a position of a handset 8 in the standby state, and a CPU 40 conducts cyclicly in this state the detection of the presence of an incoming call signal, detection of presence of set of an original onto an original read means and discrimination of the presence of key entry on an operation panel 9. When an original is set to the original read means, the key entry is unconditionally accepted independently of the setting of the invalidating mode.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates to a facsimile machine,
The present invention relates to a device having a plurality of keys such as a telephone.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today's communication devices such as facsimiles and telephones are becoming more and more multifunctional by adopting an answering machine function and a hands-free function.

Therefore, dialing is possible without taking a handset (off-hook) as in a conventional single-function telephone, and various functions can be performed only by key operation.

[0004]

Therefore, there has been a problem that a useless line connection is made by a mischievous operation of a child or the like, or settings of various functions are changed unknowingly.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and a first feature thereof is that when no key operation is performed for a predetermined time, the subsequent key input is invalidated. It is in.

A second feature is that when a key operation is not performed for a predetermined time or longer, it is possible to set a mode in which subsequent key input is invalidated, and even when the invalid mode is set, When a specific combination operation of a plurality of keys is detected, the key input within a predetermined time after that is accepted.

A third feature is that the input means having a plurality of keys and means for setting a mode in which the key input in the input means is invalidated if the key operation is not performed for a predetermined time or longer. And when the mode is set by the means, restarting the time measurement of the predetermined time for each key operation in the input means and measuring the predetermined time, the subsequent key input from the input means is invalidated. Means, a means for detecting an incoming call from the line, a means for detecting that the line is closed in response to the incoming call detection of the incoming call detecting means, and the closing detection means for setting the mode. It is provided with means for invalidating the mode setting while the line connection is detected.

A fourth feature is that the closure detecting means is an off-hook detecting means.

A fifth feature is that the means for reading the original, the means for detecting the setting of the original on the reading means, the input means having a plurality of keys, and the key operation in the input means are performed for a predetermined time or more. Means for setting a mode for invalidating the subsequent key input when not operated, and restarting the clocking of the predetermined time for each key operation in the input means when the mode is set by the means And a means for invalidating the subsequent key input of the input means when the predetermined time is counted, and a means for invalidating the mode setting while the document set is detected by the document set detecting means. Especially.

A sixth feature is that, in the third to fifth features, even if the key input is invalid based on the setting mode, a combination operation of a plurality of specific keys in the input means can be performed. When it is detected, a means for enabling key input within a predetermined time thereafter is provided.

A seventh feature is that at least one key of the above-mentioned specific plurality of keys is not adjacent to other keys.

An eighth feature is that the input means having a plurality of keys, the means for executing the processing operation in response to the input from the input means, etc., and the next operation within a predetermined time after the completion of the processing operation in the execution means. And the means for invalidating the input of the key when the processing of step 1 or the input of the key is not performed.

[0013]

1 is an external perspective view of a facsimile apparatus main body (1) to which the present invention is applied. Output from a speaker housed inside a rear end of a right side wall of the main body (1). A voice output hole (2) for guiding the outside of the body (1) is provided. At the rear end of the upper part of the main body (1) is formed an original insertion port (4) into which an original (3) having image information to be transmitted is set. A document guide (5) slidable in the width direction of the insertion port (4) is arranged near the insertion port (4) to prevent the document (3) from skewing. The original document (3) inserted through the insertion opening (4) has its image information read by a document reading means (described later) arranged inside the main body (1), and then the original document formed on the front surface of the main body (1) is discharged. It is discharged from the outlet (6). The insertion opening (4) can be covered by a cover (7) rotatably attached to the rear end of the main body (1) to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering through the insertion opening (4) when not in use. it can. A handset (8) for communication is arranged at the left end of the upper surface of the main body (1), and the other upper surface portion is an operation panel (9) equipped with a display and various keys. Although not shown, the main body (1) has a built-in recording means for printing out received data and the like.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the above-mentioned operation panel (9), and a display section (10) made of a flat panel display such as liquid crystal is arranged at the upper end thereof. The display unit (10) has a display capability of, for example, 32 digits × 1 line. A menu key (11), a set key (12), an image quality selection key (13), a document type key (14) and the like are arranged on the right side of the display section (10). The menu key (11) is normally used for setting a one-touch dial number and a speed dial number, and also for changing a memory switch or the like for previously specifying the function (for example, pause time, number of redials, etc.) of the facsimile apparatus. The set key (12) is usually used as a key for instructing the confirmation of the setting and change. Further, the image quality selection key (13) is a key for designating a reading mode (standard, fine, super fine) of the document (3), and the document type key (14) is the image described in the document (3). This is a key for setting whether the information is light and shade or halftone. A numeric keypad group (15) consisting of numeric keys "0" to "9", a * key, and a # key is arranged substantially in the center of the operation panel (9). To the right of this numeric keypad group (15), a stop key (16), a start key (17) and a copy key (1
8) and a dial bank key (19) are arranged.
The dial bank key (19) sequentially displays destination information such as telephone numbers stored in the memory in advance (10).
The dial according to the destination information is operated by operating the start key (17) when the desired destination information is displayed on the display unit (10) by operating the key (19). You can make outgoing calls. One-touch dial key group (20) having four one-touch dial keys to the left of the ten-key group (15), a speed key (21) for instructing speed dial transmission, a flash key (22), and tone / pulse switching Tone key (23), pause key (24), redial key (25), hold key (26), hands-free key (2)
In addition to various keys such as 7), a hands-free microphone (2
8) is arranged. Further, a hook switch (30) is arranged on the handset mounting portion (29) adjacent to the operation panel (9).

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the document reading means (31). The document reading means (31) is a contact image sensor unit CIS (32) having a plurality (2048) of optical reading elements arranged in the main scanning direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the drawing).
A pressing roller (33) having a white surface and rotatable about a rotary shaft extending in the main scanning direction and arranged to face the reading surface of the CIS (32); and the CIS (32).
With respect to the document (3), a pair of feed rollers (34) located on the upstream side of the flow path of the document (3) and rotatable about a rotary shaft extending in the main scanning direction, and the upstream side of the feed rollers (34). Document reading means (31) (document insertion slot (4))
Sensor (35) for detecting the setting of the original (3) on the sheet
And a second sensor arranged between the CIS (32) and the feed roller (34) to detect the arrival of the document (3) at the CIS (32) (movement of the document (3) to the reading position). And (36). As the CIS (32), for example, KLSA2403B4BT1 manufactured by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
The CIS (32) reads image information line by line in the main scanning direction, converts it into black and white binary data, and outputs it. Further, the first and second sensors (35) (36)
Can be constituted by well-known sensors such as an actuator type sensor, an optical sensor and a mechanical sensor.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the apparatus of this embodiment. For example, the control unit CPU (40) composed of a microcomputer is a semiconductor read-only memory R.
It controls the respective parts connected via the bus (42) based on a control program stored in advance in the OM (41). In addition to the control program, the ROM (41) stores display and voice data for outputting various messages.

The motor control section (43) includes a transmission motor (44) consisting of a stepping motor for giving a driving force to the pressure contact roller (33) and the feed roller (34) and a reception motor (45) for feeding the recording paper. Is executed under the control of the CPU (40).

The image processing unit (46) sets the slice level of the CIS (32), the reading mode, etc. under the control of the CPU (40), and outputs the binary data of black and white output from the CIS (32). If necessary, it is converted to dither pattern data and output. The encoding unit (47) includes a CPU (40)
Under the control of, the binary data for each line is encoded based on an encoding method such as MH and MR.

The VRAM (48) is a random-accessible bitmap memory made of semiconductor.
Under the control of the CPU (40), the image processing unit (4)
The binary data output from 6) can be stored in a predetermined line. The SRAM (49) is a random-accessible byte map memory made of semiconductor.
9) various memory switches, telephone number data to be transmitted, various flags, various counters, pointers, variables, etc. are stored. The clock circuit (50) is a circuit for timing, and the VRAM (48), SRAM (49), and clock circuit (50) are always backed up by the backup battery (51), so the stored data is lost due to a power failure or the like. It does not cause a time lag or a time lag.

The sensor I / O port (52) has first and second ports.
It is a port for outputting the detection result of the sensor (35) (36) to the CPU (40), and the input I / O port (5
3) shows the operation status of each key on the operation panel (9) by the CPU
The display control unit (54) is a port for outputting to (40), and the display unit (54) is under the control of the CPU (40).
Display various data to. The recording control unit (55) is C
It controls the drive of the thermal head (56) under the control of the PU (40). Direct memory access controller DMA
(57) directly controls data access between the respective units under the control of the CPU (40).

Under the control of the CPU (40), the modem (58) transmits to the telephone lines L1 and L2 via the NCU (59) or modulates or demodulates the data transmitted from the telephone lines L1 and L2. The modem (58) includes a voice response circuit (60) and a DTMF generating circuit (61), and a CPU
Under the control of (40), the voice according to the voice message data is sent to the NCU (59), and the DTMF signal according to the dial number information is sent via the NCU (59).
The NCU (59) detects an incoming call from the telephone lines L1 and L2 and an off-hook of the handset (8) and notifies the CPU (40) of that fact through the NCU control I / O port (62).
And the telephone lines L1 and L2 are switched and connected to the handset (8) or the modem (58) under the control of the CPU (40). When the hands-free function is set, a speaker (63) and a microphone (2) are used instead of the handset (8).
Telephone lines L1 and L2 are connected to 8). Furthermore, the above N
The CU (59) has a ringer that sounds in response to a ringing signal (incoming signal) received via the telephone lines L1 and L2.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the main part of the operation of the apparatus of this embodiment based on the control program, and the operation of the apparatus of this embodiment will be described below based on this chart.

In the apparatus of this embodiment, the standby telephone line L is used.
1, 1 and L2 are constantly switched and connected to the handset (8) side, and in such a state, the CPU (40) detects the presence or absence of an incoming signal (step S1) and sets the original on the original reading means (31). Presence / absence detection (S3 step) and determination of presence / absence of input of each key on the operation panel (9) are cyclically performed (S5 step). Further, at this time, it is necessary to determine whether or not the original is set in a later process, so
Before the three-step processing, "0" is set to the document flag in the SRAM (49) (S2 step), and "1" is set when the document set is detected (S4 step).

When an incoming signal is detected in step S1 described above, the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG. 6, while when a key input is detected in step S5, it is determined in step S6 whether "1" is set in the original flag. If it is determined to be "0", it is determined in step S7 whether or not the key input is set to a mode in which the key input should be invalid (invalid mode). This mode is SRAM
It is stored as one of the memory switches in (49) and can be arbitrarily selected and set by the user.

If it is determined in step S6 that the original flag is "1" or if it is determined in step S7 that the invalid mode is not set, the processing in accordance with the key input in step S5 is executed in step S8. To execute. For example, if the input key is the menu key, the memory switch such as the invalid mode can be changed according to the key to be input after that, and if it is the numeric keypad, it is judged as the dial number. SRAM (4
9) and the dial signal is transmitted to the telephone lines L1 and L2 using the DTMF generating circuit (61).
Allows telephone calls or fax communications. The telephone lines L1 and L2 are naturally switched to the modem (58) side at the time of dialing and FAX communication, and the hands-free means including the handset (8) or the speaker (63) and the microphone (28) is used at the time of communication. Switch to.

As described above, in the apparatus of this embodiment, when the document is set on the document reading means (31), the key input is unconditionally accepted regardless of the setting of the invalid mode.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S7 that the invalid mode is set, the key whose input is detected in step S5 is "*" in step S9.
It is determined whether or not the combination input of the key and the “#” key (simultaneous pressing) is performed. In this determination, if it is determined that the combination input of the two keys is not made, the process returns to step S1 and
When it is determined that a key combination is input, S11 to be described below
The temporary cancellation process of the invalid mode in step S14 is executed.

In the present embodiment, this temporary cancellation processing is "*".
Although it is executed by pressing the key and the "#" key at the same time, it may be executed when the above two keys are continuously pressed (continuous pressing). In addition, "*" key and "#"
Operation panel (9), not limited to combination with keys
It is also possible to have a combination of any two or more keys above.
At this time, it is important that at least one key is not in close proximity to other keys, so that the temporary cancellation of the invalid mode due to the mischief of a small child can be very effectively prevented.

In step S10, the time counting of the clock circuit (50) is started, and in the following step S11, the above-mentioned step S5 is performed.
The key input is detected in the same manner as the step, and when it is not detected, it is determined in step S12 whether the time kept by the clock circuit (50) is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time (about 15 seconds in this embodiment). When it is determined that the time is not less than the predetermined time, the process is returned to step S1. That is, when no key is input within the first predetermined time after the temporary cancellation of the invalid mode in step S9, the invalid mode is returned to.

On the other hand, when a key input is detected within the first predetermined time, the process according to the key whose input is detected in step S11 is executed in step S13 as in step S8 described above, and then step S14. Then S above
It is determined whether or not the invalid mode setting has been canceled by the processing in step 13. If it is determined in this determination that the invalid mode setting has not been canceled, the process returns to step S10 to restart the clock circuit (50), and it is determined whether or not there is a key input within the next first predetermined time. To do.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the key has been released, the process returns to step S1 and all key inputs are valid until the invalid mode is set again.

FIG. 6 shows the processing when an incoming call is detected in step S1.
It is determined whether the memory switch for setting the reception mode in (49) is set to the automatic reception mode or the manual reception mode.

When it is determined that the manual reception mode is set in step S15, the CPU (40) does not close the line, and the user lifts the handset (8) in response to the ringing of the ringer by the incoming signal. When the line is closed by means of this, this is detected, and all key inputs are accepted until the call (step S17) ends and the line is opened from this point, regardless of the setting of the invalid mode.

In this case, the invalid mode setting works effectively until the handset (8) is off-hooked. Therefore, in order to use the hands-free function, the above-described temporary canceling method of the invalid mode setting is used. Since it is necessary to validate the key input of the handsfree key (27), there is a possibility that the handsfree function cannot be effectively utilized. Therefore, it is possible to temporarily cancel the invalid mode setting until the line is opened after the call, depending on the AND condition between the detection of the incoming call and the setting of the manual reception mode.

After the step S17, the process returns to the step S1 and enters the standby state. Therefore, the temporary cancellation of the invalid mode setting automatically ends.

If it is determined in step S16 that the automatic reception mode is set, the telephone lines L1 and L2 are switched and connected to the modem (58) side in step S18 to close the line. In addition, the invalid mode setting is temporarily released from the time when the switching connection is completed.

In the subsequent step S19, it is determined whether the other party wants facsimile communication or a telephone call. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the CNG signal is transmitted from the other party, and if it is determined that the CNG signal is transmitted, the process proceeds to step S20 to execute the facsimile communication, and then the process is performed at step S1. Return to the standby state of the step.

On the other hand, when the CNG signal cannot be detected in step S19, it is considered that the other party wants to make a call in step S21, and the telephone call is started using the speaker (63) or the like, and the handset is set in step S23. Pick up (8) or hands-free key (2
It is detected in step S24 that the operation of 7) is detected, or that the time of the clock circuit (50) started in step S22 has exceeded the second predetermined time (about 30 seconds in this embodiment). To continue.

When the pick-up of the handset (8) or the operation of the hands-free key (27) is detected in the above step S23, the telephone line L1,
When L2 is switched to the handset (8) or the hands-free means side to enable the call and the call ends, the process returns to step S1.

When the elapse of the second predetermined time is detected in the above step S24, a facsimile signal indicating that the facsimile is being received is transmitted to the other party in step S26, and when the other party responds to this, the same as in step S20. After executing the facsimile communication, the process is returned to the standby state of step S1. On the other hand, when there is no response from the other party, the standby state is immediately returned.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the invalid mode setting is temporarily released during the line closed period on condition that the line is closed after the call is received. Therefore, even when the invalid mode is set, the invalid mode is set. Settings such as telephone reservations can be made without an operation to cancel the setting.

After the processing of steps S20, S25 and S26, the process returns to step S1 and enters the standby state.
When returning to the step, the telephone lines L1 and L2 are connected to the handset (8) side, and the setting of the invalid mode becomes valid.

[0042]

According to the present invention, the key input becomes valid only by inputting a specific key combination, and the valid period of this key input is set to a fixed time after the processing of the last valid key input. Since the keys to be entered are not adjacent to each other, it is very unlikely that the invalid mode will be temporarily released by a mischievous operation such as by a child, and this temporary release will be completed within a predetermined time. It is possible to prevent undesired operation due to mischief.

Further, even when the invalid mode is set, it is possible to accept a key input when an incoming call is detected, so that a desired key operation during a communication call can be easily performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of a facsimile apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a main part of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 9 Operation panel 11 Menu key 12 Set key 15 Numeric keypad group 40 CPU 49 SRAM 50 Clock circuit 59 NCU

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A key input device, wherein when no key operation is performed for a predetermined time or more, the key input after that is invalidated. 2. When a key operation is not performed for a predetermined time or longer, it is possible to set a mode in which subsequent key input is invalidated, and even when the invalid mode is set, a specific plurality of keys are set. A key input device characterized by accepting a key input within a predetermined time after the combination operation is detected. 3. The key input device according to claim 2, wherein at least one key of the specific plurality of keys is not adjacent to other keys. 4. Input means having a plurality of keys, means for setting a mode for invalidating subsequent key inputs when no key operation in the input means is performed for a predetermined time or more, and the means. When the mode is set by, the means for restarting the counting of the predetermined time for each key operation in the input means and invalidating the subsequent key input from the input means when the predetermined time is counted A means for detecting an incoming call from the line, a means for detecting that the line is closed in response to the incoming call detection of the incoming call detecting means, and a line closing by the closing detecting means when the mode is set. And a means for invalidating the mode setting while is detected. 5. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the closure detection means is an off-hook detection means. 6. A means for reading a document, a means for detecting setting of the document on the reading means, an input means having a plurality of keys, and a case where a key operation in the input means is not performed for a predetermined time or more. Means for setting a mode for invalidating the subsequent key input, and restarting the counting of the predetermined time for each key operation in the input means when the mode is set by the means, and for setting the predetermined time. The method further comprises means for invalidating the subsequent key input of the input means when the time is counted, and means for invalidating the mode setting while the document set detection means detects the document set. Communication device. 7. Even if the key input is invalid based on the setting mode, if a combination operation of a plurality of specific keys in the input means is detected, the key input is performed within a predetermined time thereafter. 7. The communication device according to claim 4, further comprising means for enabling reception. 8. At least one of the specific keys
8. The communication device of claim 7, wherein one key is not in proximity to another key. 9. An input means having a plurality of keys, a means for executing a processing operation in response to an input from the input means or the like, a next processing within a predetermined time after completion of the processing operation in the execution means, or the above An apparatus having a plurality of keys, comprising means for invalidating the key input when the key input is not performed.