JPH09204256A - Facsimile composite equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an easily operatable facsimile composite equipment for not inviting the rise of a cost and the enlargement of an operation part. SOLUTION: In this facsimile composite equipment provided with a facsimile function and the function of other information equipments, a user function key 1 to which a key function for using the facsimile function and the key function for using the function of the other information equipment are selectably allocated is provided. Also, in the equipment, a display means for indicating the state of the user function key 1 is provided corresponding to the user function key 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multifunctional facsimile machine having a function of an information device other than a facsimile machine such as a function of a printer or a copying machine, and more particularly to a printer or a copying machine having a single function of the printer or the copying machine. The present invention relates to a facsimile compound device that can be operated with the same operability as when it is used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, since the recording section of a facsimile machine can be used for a printer or a copying machine, a facsimile compound machine having a multifunctional function of the printer and the copying machine has been provided. Since such a multifunctional facsimile machine has a large number of functions, various functions are used. Therefore, during operation, a menu is displayed on the display means many times and a plurality of key operations are performed, or the function is supported. It corresponds by providing a dedicated key.

[0003]

However, the menu-based operation described above makes the operation complicated, and the dedicated key operation increases the number of keys as the number of functions increases, resulting in an increase in cost. There is a problem that the shape of the operation unit also becomes large. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and to provide a facsimile composite apparatus which is easy to operate and which does not increase the cost and the size of the operation unit.

[0004]

As a first means, in a facsimile composite apparatus having a facsimile function and a function of another information device, a key function for using the facsimile function for the same key and another The key function for using the functions of the information equipment and the user function keys that are assigned to be selectable are provided. As a second means, in the above description, a display means for indicating the state of the user function key is provided in association with the user function key. As the third means, in the above, the display means is adjacent to the display means in association with the user function key, and the display method by the two display means depends on whether the state of the facsimile function or the other information equipment function is shown. Configured to change. As a fourth means, a function of selecting a function A when the function key pressing time is within a predetermined time in a facsimile compound device including a function key, and selecting a function B when the pressing time exceeds the predetermined time. The configuration is provided with selection means.

[0005]

With the above construction, the first means
The facsimile function can be used with the same user function key, and the functions of other information devices can also be used. In the second means, the state of the user function key at that time can be known by the display means. In the third means, it is possible to know by the display means whether the facsimile function is selected or another information device function is selected. In the fourth means, one function key can be used for two different functions without providing a special key for function selection.

[0006]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile compound machine showing a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the function other than the facsimile function of the facsimile multifunction peripheral is the printer function. As shown in the figure, the facsimile complex apparatus of this embodiment has an operation unit 2 having a user function key 1, a facsimile control unit (hereinafter referred to as FCU) 3 for controlling facsimile transmission / reception, facsimile reception image information and information. A recording unit 6 for outputting output information from a processing device (for example, a personal computer) to a recording sheet, a printer control unit (hereinafter referred to as PCU) 4 for controlling the recording unit 6, a scanner 5 for reading a transmission document, and the like are provided. There is. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 2 includes various keys for the user to use the functions of this facsimile multifunction peripheral,
For example, multiple user function keys 1, numeric keypad
11, function key 12, one-touch addressing key 1
3, equipped with a start key 14, a display unit 15, and the like. Each of the above user function keys 1 can be selectively used for function instruction when using the facsimile function and for function instruction when using the printer function. For example, if the user function key F5 (FIG. 2) is pressed while the facsimile multifunction peripheral is in the facsimile mode, the printer mode is set and the other four user function keys F1 to F4 are the functions for using the printer function. When the user function key F5 is pressed in the printer mode to enter the facsimile mode, the other four user function keys F1 to F4 are used for instructing the function when using the facsimile function. As the mode switching key, any one of the function keys 12 may be used instead of the user function key F5.

In each user function key 1, a function (function) or the like which is instructed to be executed by pressing the key is registered in advance. FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of an operation for registering in the user function key 1. Hereinafter, an operation for registering a function in the user function key 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, in FIG. 3, an input key is shown in [],
The arrow added near [] indicates the direction of flow by pressing the input key. The operation flow below is FC
FCU3 by the program built in ROM in U3
It is controlled by the CPU inside. First, for example, a sub-menu is displayed on the display unit 15, from which “Registration /
"Change" is selected (S1). That is, in the example in which "36 Register / Change" is displayed in the sub menu, numeric keypad 1
Enter "36" by 1. Then, the input information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM in FCU3, and FCU3
As a result, a message before the user function key (hereinafter referred to as UF key) designation as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed (S2). When the user presses the UF key F1 in response to this display message, a message after the UF key designation as shown in FIG. 4B is displayed (S).
3). Then, when the user presses the Yes key in the operation unit 2, a message requesting the input of the user function code is displayed (S5). For example, when the function code 01 of the broadcast transmission (group transmission) is input, Four
It is displayed as in (c) (S6). Yes in this state
When the key is pressed, the fact that the function code of the UF key F1 is 01 is registered in the UF registration table in FCU3, and the process returns to step S2. After that, the above operation is repeated to register the function code in each UF key 1. When the No key is pressed in the display states of steps S2, S3, S5 and S6, the process returns to steps S1, S2, S3 and S5, respectively.

FIG. 5 shows an example of registration in the UF registration table. When in step S2 or S3, the operation unit 2
By pressing the arrow key inside, the contents of the above UF registration table are read out, and a registration list similar to this table is displayed on the PC.
The recording unit 6 outputs the recording paper through U4 (S
4). Here, no character string (function name) such as "broadcast transmission" is set in the UF registration list, but the function name indicating the function is output to the registration list together with the function code. To exit this registration operation flow, the No key may be pressed in step S2 to return to the submenu, and if necessary, the No key may be further pressed to return to the main menu. The function of the UF key 1 in the printer mode can be registered in the same manner. For example, in the sub menu, select "39 Printer Registration /
"Change" is displayed, so enter [39] in step 1 (FIG. 3), and register in the same manner.

FIG. 6 shows an example of registration in the printer UF registration table in the FCU 3. Here, the signal name shown in FIG. 6 is a signal forming button (key) information a from FCU 3 to PCU 4 shown in FIG. 1, and a port circuit P as shown in FIG. 7 is provided in FCU 3. If, for example, the UF key F2 in the operation unit 2 is pressed, the CPU 21 (FIG. 7) recognizes it and refers to the mode information set in the RAM 22. And in printer mode,
When it is recognized that F2 is an online signal by referring to the printer UF registration table in the RAM 22 shown in FIG. 6, the port circuit P2 is set and the online signal a2 is set to "signal present". In FIG. 1,
Signal c is information (signal) from FCU 3 to PCU 4 other than button information a, and signal d is information (signal) from PCU 4 to FCU 3.

FIG. 8 is an operation flow when the first embodiment is used (after registration to the UF key). Hereinafter, the operation flow at the time of use will be described with reference to FIGS. During operation (during use), when the user presses any of the UF keys 1 (S11), the CPU 21 recognizes it and refers to the mode information set in the RAM 22. This mode information is in the facsimile mode in the initial state, and thereafter, every time the UF key F5 is pressed, for example, the facsimile mode and the printer mode are alternately switched. As a result of judging the mode, if the facsimile mode is set (Y in S12,
es), the CPU 21 refers to the UF registration table in the RAM 22 (S13), and executes the facsimile function corresponding to the input UF key (S14). For example, if the UF key F1 is pressed, the broadcast transmission is executed (FIG. 5).
reference).

If the determination in step S12 is the printer mode (No in S12), as described above, the printer UF registration table is referred to (S15), and the button signal a corresponding to the input UF key is issued (S16). ). FIG. 9 shows button signals a1 to a4 corresponding to FIG. It should be noted that all button signals input to the PCU 4 from the keys provided on a single printer must be provided as the button signals a from the FCU 3 to the PCU 4, but some of them are shown in FIGS. 6 and 9. . The interface between the FCU 3 and the PCU 4 is adapted to the PCU 4 when the printer is used independently, and depending on the interface, a serial data line may be used instead of the parallel data line as shown in FIG. When the CPU 21 recognizes that the UF key 1 has changed from the ON state (pressed state) to the OFF state, it immediately sets the corresponding button signal a to the no signal state.
4 can receive the button signal a from the FCU 3 as if the button signal was received from the operation unit of the printer in the single state. Thus, according to the above embodiment,
Even if the fax machine is equipped with a printer function that can output data from the information processing device and is multifunctional, when using the printer function, etc., use a single printer instead of a complicated operation like the menu method. It can be used with a simple operation like that used, and it is not necessary to increase the number of function keys of the operation unit 2 of this facsimile compound apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the essential parts of a facsimile compound apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention. In the facsimile complex apparatus of this embodiment, when the PCU 4 receives the button signal a, the display signal b corresponding to the button signal a is passed to the FCU 3 and the display means corresponding to each UF key 1 is turned on. Signals b1 to b3 in the block diagram shown in FIG. 11 are signals forming the display signal b, and b
1 is an error cancellation display signal, b2 is an online display signal,
Reference numeral b3 indicates a forced paper discharge display signal. U shown in FIG.
When the F key 1 is of the self-illuminating type (the display means is provided on the key top portion), the display means in the UF key 1 is used as the display means which is turned on by the display signal b. As shown in FIG. 12, a display means 16 is provided in the vicinity of each UF key 1 in association therewith. Even when the self-illuminating display means or the display means 16 provided in the vicinity is in the facsimile mode, the configuration is such that it lights up in response to each pressing of the UF key 1, as shown in FIG. At this time, the display signal at the time of e.g., e1 (this becomes a signal when the UF key F1 for the broadcast transmission instruction is pressed) and the display signal b1 at the time of the printer mode are set to the wired OR (connecting the signal lines) state. The display means is turned on regardless of which display signal is present. Further, in the facsimile mode, the illuminated display means is turned on, and in the printer mode, the display means 16 is turned on.
It is also possible to make it easy for the user to know which mode the UF key 1 is pressed by lighting either or both. It should be noted that each display signal b is brought into a signal-present state by the PCU 4 when the PCU 4 receives each button signal a. As described above, according to the second mode example, even when the UF key 1 is pressed even in the printer mode, it is possible to display so that it can be seen that the respective button signals a have been received.
The result of UF key operation can be confirmed.

FIG. 14 shows a third embodiment in which a printer interface unit 17 is provided between the FCU 3 and the PCU 4. In this embodiment, the button signal A input to the PCU 4 and the display signal B output from the PCU 4 are matched with the interface with the printer operation unit when the printer is used alone, and the button signal a output from the FCU 3 is used. And the signal format of the display signal b input to FCU3 is matched with the signal format of FCU3. At that time, generally, the button signal A and the button signal a are not the same, and the display signal B and the display signal b are not the same, so that the printer interface unit 17 performs the signal format conversion between them. Similarly, the signal c is also converted to the signal C, and the signal d is also converted from the signal D.

FIG. 15A is a circuit diagram of an essential part of a facsimile compound machine showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15B is a timing chart of the above embodiment. As shown,
The facsimile compound apparatus of this embodiment includes a function selecting means 18 having a mono-multivibrator (one-shot) 23 and a D-type flip-flop (hereinafter referred to as DFF) 24. The output of the mono multivibrator 23 is the output signal f of the function key 19
High level for a predetermined time T from the rise of
Therefore, the level of the signal g is as shown in FIG. In the DFF 24, when the signal g input to the clock (CK) input terminal rises, the Q output h becomes High if the level of the data input (D input) terminal is High, and thereafter.
High is maintained until the input of the next function key, and if the level of the data input terminal is Low, the signal h becomes Low and continues Low. Therefore, if the time during which the function key 19 is pressed is longer than the predetermined time T, the signal h keeps High until the next function key is input, and if it is shorter than T, it keeps Low. Thus, when there is an input from the function key 19, the predetermined time T
After that, when the CPU 21 obtains the level of the signal h, one of the two functions can be selected by the input from one function key.

Instead of the function selecting means 18 shown in FIG.
The same function selecting means can be realized by the control of the CPU 21 according to the program stored in the OM. In such a function selecting means, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 16, the CPU 21 first monitors the input from the function key 19 (S21), and when the input is recognized (Yes in S21), the timer (not shown) is displayed. ) Is started (S22), and then
It is monitored whether the timer has reached the predetermined time T (S23).
When the predetermined time T is reached (Yes in S23), step S21
The output level of the function key 19 that has recognized the input is acquired and it is determined whether or not the function key 19 is continuously pressed (S24). If the pressed state continues (Yes in S24), the CPU 21 executes the function A (S2
5) If the pressed state does not continue, the function B is executed (S26).

In this way, according to the above embodiment, one function key can be used for two functions,
For example, a predetermined facsimile function can be executed when the function key 19 is pressed for a time shorter than a predetermined time, and a printer registration / change function can be executed when the function key 19 is pressed for a long time. In other words, instead of displaying the main menu, displaying the submenu, and inputting the numerical value “39” from the numeric keypad 11 in the mode example shown in FIG. 3, the function key 19 is pressed for a predetermined time or more (for example, 1 By simply pressing the button for more than one second, the process can proceed to step S2 (FIG. 3). Further, in the first embodiment, when each UF key 1 is pressed for less than a predetermined time, each function of the facsimile mode is executed, and when pressed for more than a predetermined time, each function of the printer mode is executed. You can Thus, the operation of pressing another function key to switch the mode becomes unnecessary.

[0017]

As described above, according to the present invention,
First, since the same user function key can be used for the facsimile function and the function of other information devices, it is possible to prevent an increase in the function key due to the increase in the function, and thus increase the cost and shape. The size can be prevented, and the number of operations for menu selection does not increase. Secondly, since the state of the user function key at that time can be known by the display means, reliable operation becomes possible. Third, one function key can be used to selectively use two functions without providing a special key for function selection, which further simplifies the operation and reduces cost and size. However, further effects can be realized.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an operation unit of the facsimile compound device showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation flow chart of a main part of the facsimile compound apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

4 (a), (b) and (c) are screen diagrams of the display unit of the facsimile combined apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a data configuration diagram of a UF key of the facsimile compound machine showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is another data configuration diagram of the UF key of the main part of the facsimile compound apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration block diagram of a main part of the facsimile compound apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of a main part of the facsimile compound apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of another configuration of the essential parts of the facsimile compound apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration block diagram of a main part of a facsimile compound device showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of another configuration of the essential parts of the facsimile compound apparatus showing the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of a facsimile compound device showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is another explanatory diagram of the essential parts of the facsimile compound apparatus showing the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a configuration block diagram of a main part of a facsimile compound device showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

15 (a) and 15 (b) are a circuit diagram and a timing chart of a main part of a facsimile compound apparatus showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart of a main part of a facsimile compound device showing another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 user function key 2 operation unit 3 facsimile control unit 4 printer control unit 16 display means 17 printer interface unit 19 function key

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. In a facsimile complex device having a facsimile function and a function of another information device, a key function for using the facsimile function and a key for using the function of another information device are provided for the same key. Facsimile multifunction device having user function keys to which functions and are selectably assigned 2. The facsimile compound machine according to claim 1, further comprising a display means for indicating a state of the user function key in association with the user function key. 3. The facsimile composite apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display means are adjacent to each other in association with the user function key, and the two of the two are selected depending on whether the state of the facsimile function or another information device function is indicated. Facsimile multifunctional apparatus characterized in that the display method by the display means is changed 4. A function selecting device for selecting a function A if a function key pressing time is within a predetermined time, and a function B if the pressing time exceeds the predetermined time, in a facsimile compound device having a function key. Facsimile compound device characterized by including a facsimile device