JPH09326897A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply perform a changeover instruction between the FAX mode and the FAX MODEM mode by monitoring whether or not an input is entered to an operation panel of the facsimile equipment and making the equipment function like the facsimile equipment when any entry is made and making the equipment function like a facsimile MODEM when no entry is made. SOLUTION: This facsimile equipment 2 is connected to a personal computer 1 and to a public line 3. A CPU 21 is provided in the facsimile equipment 2 to control the entire equipment according to a program. Through the constitution above, whether or not any entry is made to an operation panel section 23 is always monitored and when any entry is made, whether or not the entry indicates a transfer command to the personal computer 1. When the entry does not indicate a transfer command, it is discriminated to call for facsimile operation and the FAX mode is selected. Furthermore, the FAX MODEM mode is set usually and the personal computer 1 is used to conduct facsimile transmission and personal computer communication by using the public line 3.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile machine connected to a personal computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art By connecting a facsimile modem to a personal computer, it becomes possible to connect to a public line, and it is possible to communicate with a facsimile machine or a personal computer connected to the public line. When the personal computer and the facsimile device are at hand, the personal computer can be used as the printer of the facsimile device by causing the printer of the facsimile device to output the data of the personal computer or by sending the data read by the scanner of the facsimile device to the personal computer. A scanner can be used. However, since it is expensive to use a public line to connect a personal computer and a facsimile machine, a line emulator simulating the public line is used for connection.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of connecting a personal computer and a facsimile machine. The personal computer 1 is connected to the public line 3 by the changeover switch 5 via the facsimile modem 4, and communicates with the external facsimile machine 8 or another personal computer connected to the facsimile modem. The facsimile device 6 is also connected to the public line 3 by the changeover switch 5. Personal computer 1 is a facsimile modem 4
Is connected to the facsimile device 6 via the line emulator 7 and the printer or scanner of the facsimile device 6 is used.

However, since the facsimile modem and the facsimile device have many common functions and the line emulator can be realized by software, a facsimile device having a facsimile modem function incorporating the facsimile modem and the line emulator is manufactured, and this facsimile device is personalized. The set connected to the computer is PC-FA
It is commonly known as X. This facsimile machine is connected to a public line and operates as a normal facsimile.
Acts as a fax modem and printer and scanner for personal computers.

Therefore, the facsimile apparatus having the facsimile modem function needs to switch between a FAX mode which works as a normal facsimile and a FAX modem mode which works as a facsimile modem of a personal computer. In the FAX modem mode, a printer is further used. It is necessary to specify which of the scanner and scanner will work.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-250200, a FAX key and a FAX modem mode are switched by a specific key provided in a facsimile machine. In the FAX modem mode, a scanner or a scanner is operated by a control signal from a personal computer. A method of instructing whether to use as a printer is disclosed.

[0007]

When a facsimile machine having a facsimile modem function is switched between the FAX mode and the FAX modem mode, it is necessary to switch by a specific key or the like, and the facsimile machine is used as a printer or a scanner of a personal computer. In addition, an instruction by a control signal was required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is easy to switch between a FAX mode and a FAX modem mode of a facsimile apparatus having a facsimile modem function and to instruct a printer or scanner operation in the FAX modem mode. The goal is to ensure that there are no mistakes.

[0009]

In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, whether or not there is an input on the operation panel of the facsimile is monitored, and when there is an input, it functions as a facsimile, and when no input is detected, it functions as a facsimile modem. To do. According to the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a specific key to switch the mode, and the device is easy for the operator to use.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a document having a function of a facsimile modem is connected to a personal computer, and when a transfer instruction of the personal computer is input to an operation panel, a document read by a reading unit is read. Is converted into image data and transferred to the personal computer.

Since an original to be read by the reading unit is transferred to the personal computer only by inputting a transfer instruction to the personal computer on the operation panel of the facsimile apparatus, the instruction operation when the facsimile apparatus is used as a scanner is easy. become.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, which has the function of a facsimile modem and is connected to a personal computer, and when the telephone number of the facsimile apparatus itself is input from the operation panel, the original read by the reading unit is converted into image data. And is transferred to the personal computer.

When the telephone number of the facsimile machine is entered on the operation panel of the facsimile machine, an instruction to transfer the original read by the reading section to the personal computer is given. Since the telephone number of the facsimile device itself is an instruction that is not used by the facsimile device, it will not be erroneously determined as another instruction. It is also easy as an instruction operation.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it has a function of a facsimile modem, is connected to a personal computer, monitors whether or not there is an input on the operation panel, and functions as a facsimile when any input is detected. On the other hand, when the input is not detected, it functions as a facsimile modem.

Usually, when the facsimile apparatus is used as a facsimile, some operations such as an instruction of a destination telephone number and setting of an original are required. Therefore, when this is detected, the facsimile apparatus is made to function as a facsimile machine, while being used as a FAX modem. In case of no fax, FAX
Use a modem. That is, the FAX modem is always used, and if there is any operation, the FAX mode is set. This eliminates the need for special operation for mode switching.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, it has a function of a facsimile modem, is connected to a personal computer, monitors whether or not there is an input on the operation panel, and functions as a facsimile when any input is detected. On the other hand, it functions as a facsimile modem when no input is detected, and functions as a facsimile even when there is no input on the operation panel for a certain period when the power is turned on.

Although it always functions as a FAX modem and functions as a facsimile when any input is made from the operation panel, since it is likely to be used as a facsimile when the power is turned on, it is used as a facsimile regardless of whether there is an input. To do.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, which has a function of a facsimile modem and is connected to a personal computer, a transmission instruction is transmitted from the personal computer together with a telephone number, and this telephone number is the telephone number of the facsimile apparatus itself. If the telephone number is recognized, the telephone number is not called and the data transmitted from the personal computer is output from the recording unit.

When data is sent from the personal computer to the facsimile machine together with the telephone number of the machine, the data is printed. As a result, the personal computer does not need to perform any special operation to use the facsimile machine as a printer, and since it is a special signal of the telephone number of the facsimile itself, there is no erroneous judgment and there is no malfunction with other operations. It can be prevented.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus embodying the present invention. The facsimile device 2 is connected to the personal computer 1, and is further connected to the public line 3. In the facsimile device 2,
A CPU 21 is provided and controls the entire apparatus according to a program. In the ROM / RAM 22, programs that function as a facsimile, a facsimile modem, a circuit emulator, and the like are stored in the ROM, and the RAM reads out and stores these programs, and also serves as a working task of the CPU 21. The operation panel unit 23 is provided with a display panel and touch keys. When the operator inputs an instruction from the touch key, the operation panel section 23 is displayed on the display panel, and an instruction from the facsimile apparatus is displayed on the display panel.

The modem 24 modulates the transmitted data and demodulates the received data. The PC interface 25 controls the connection with the personal computer 1, and an RC-232C interface is used. The mechanical control unit 26 controls mechanical parts such as a document feeding motor. The reading unit 27 reads an original with a scanner, and the recording unit 28 prints a received electronic message or data sent from the personal computer 1.

The operation of the facsimile apparatus configured as above will be described. FIG. 2 is an operation flow chart of the first embodiment. It is constantly monitored whether or not it is input to the operation panel unit 23 (S1), and if there is an input, it is checked whether or not it is a transfer instruction to the personal computer 1 (S2). S3). Normally, the FAX modem mode is set so that the personal computer 1 can use the public line 3 to perform facsimile transmission and personal computer communication.

If the input is a transfer instruction to the personal computer 1, it is checked because "DTR" indicating that the personal computer 1 is ready to accept data is turned on (S4), and it is turned on. If not, the transfer instruction is judged to be incorrect and the process ends (S5).
If the "DTR" is turned on, the control signal "RING" for ringing the bell is sent to the personal computer 1 (S5). Response signal "AT" to "RING"
Whether "A" has been sent from the personal computer 1 is monitored (S6), and if there is no response (S7), the processing ends as an error. When “ATA” is input, the reading unit 27
The document set to is read, encoded and output to the personal computer 1 (S8). Step S8 is repeated until the original is exhausted (S9). When all the originals have been sent, the process ends normally, and the control signals "+ FHS: 00: 00" and "OK" signals indicating that the document is cut are sent to the personal computer 1 (S10).

As described above, in the normal fax modem mode, when a transfer instruction to the personal computer is input to the operation panel section 23, the original of the reading section 27 is read and transferred to the personal computer 1. The operator can transfer the read document to the personal computer 1 only by the transfer instruction. As a result, the personal computer 1 can use the scanner function of the facsimile device 2.

Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the operation flow chart of FIG. If there is an input from the operation panel unit 23, it is monitored (S11), and if it is input, it is checked whether it is the telephone number of the facsimile device 2 itself (S12). If not, the FAX modem mode is changed to the FAX mode. Switching and facsimile operation are performed (S13). If it is the own telephone number, the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG. 2, where the document of the reading unit 27 is read and transferred to the personal computer 1.

In the present embodiment, the original of the reading section 27 can be read and transferred to the personal computer 1 by inputting the telephone number of itself from the operation panel section 23. Also, if you enter something other than your own telephone number, F
Switch from AX modem mode to FAX mode. Since it is a unique process of inputting its own telephone number, it is reliably transferred to the personal computer 1 without being erroneously determined to be another operation.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to the operation flow chart of FIG. First, when turned on, the FAX modem mode is turned on, and "DSR" is turned off to set the FAX mode (S20).
Set the guard timer (S21). Whether there is an input from the operation panel unit 23 is monitored (S22), and if there is an input, "DSR" is turned off (S23). In this case, if it is already off, leave it as it is, and if it is on, turn it off. As a result, the FAX mode has been selected, and the facsimile machine operates as a facsimile (S24). If there is no input from the operation panel unit 23, the input is waited until the guard timer times out, and if there is any input during that time, the facsimile mode is operated (S23), and the facsimile operates (S24). In this manner, the facsimile operation can be performed in the FAX mode for a certain period after the power is turned on.

When the guard timer times out (S25), "DSR" is turned on to switch to the FAX modem mode (S26). If there is an input from the personal computer 1 (S27), it operates as a FAX modem (S28). If there is no input, it stands by in the state of "DSR" on, that is, the state of the FAX modem mode, and if there is an input from the operation panel unit 23 (S22), the "DSR" is turned off to enter the FAX mode (S23), The personal computer 1 operates as a facsimile (S24).
If there is an input from (S27), it operates as a FAX modem (S28).

In the present embodiment, the FAX mode is set for a certain period such as when the power is turned on, and when there is an input from the operation panel section 23, it operates as a facsimile. After a certain period of time, the mode is switched to the FAX modem mode, and when there is an input from the personal computer 1, it operates as a FAX modem,
When there is an input from the operation panel section 23, it switches to the FAX mode and operates as a facsimile. Such mode switching is automatically performed, and a facsimile operation can be performed by inputting it from the operation panel section 23, and a facsimile apparatus 2 can be faxed by inputting it from the personal computer 1.
Since it works as a modem, it is a very convenient device for the operator.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the operation flow chart of FIG. As shown in the third embodiment, it is normally in the FAX modem mode. In this state, when the input from the personal computer 1 is monitored and the input is "ATD" of the call request and the telephone number XYZ (S30),
It is checked whether or not this telephone number XYZ is the telephone number of the facsimile device itself (S31). If it is the own telephone number, the data from the personal computer 1 is printed from the recording unit 28 and output (S32), and all the data is printed and the process ends (S34). If it is not your own phone number, call the specified phone number and fax.
It operates as a modem (S33).

In the present embodiment, by transmitting the telephone number and data of the facsimile device itself from the personal computer 1, the recording unit 28 prints the data and the facsimile device 2 can be used as a printer. At this time, since the instruction is given by a signal which is not normally used, that is, the telephone number of the facsimile apparatus itself, it is possible to prevent a malfunction with other operations.
Further, when the user wants to make a call to the outside, he / she has to indicate the telephone number of the other party, and thus, the print instruction and the communication instruction with the outside can be easily given.

[0032]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has the function of a facsimile modem and can easily perform the following operations in a facsimile apparatus connected to a personal computer. The facsimile apparatus can be used as a scanner of a personal computer by a simple operation of inputting a transfer instruction to the personal computer on the operation panel. The facsimile device can be used as a scanner of a personal computer by a simple operation of inputting the telephone number of the facsimile device itself on the operation panel. Further, since the judgment is made by the signal which is not normally used, which is the telephone number of the user, it is possible to prevent the malfunction with other operations.

If there is an input on the operation panel, the FAX mode is set, and if not, the FAX modem mode is set.
No special operation is required to switch modes. Even in this case, by setting the FAX mode for a certain period such as when the power is turned on, it is possible to meet the requirements of facsimile communication that is often used when the power is turned on. The data is printed by sending the telephone number and data of the facsimile device itself from the personal computer. As a result, the personal computer can use the facsimile device as a printer without performing any special operation, and can make a judgment based on a special signal of the telephone number of the facsimile device itself, so that malfunctions with other operations can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation flow chart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an operation flow chart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an operation flow chart of the third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an operation flow chart of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of connecting a personal computer and a facsimile device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Personal Computer 2 Facsimile Device 3 Public Line 21 CPU 22 ROM / RAM 23 Operation Panel Section 24 Modem 25 PC Interface 26 Mechanical Control Section 27 Reading Section 28 Recording Section

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile modem having a function of being connected to a personal computer, and when a transfer instruction of the personal computer is input to the operation panel, the document read by the reading unit is converted into image data, and the original is read. Facsimile machine to transfer to a personal computer. 2. When the telephone number of the facsimile device itself is input from the operation panel and has the function of a facsimile modem and is connected to a personal computer, the document read by the reading unit is converted into image data. A facsimile device for transferring to the personal computer. 3. A facsimile modem function, which is connected to a personal computer, monitors whether or not there is an input on the operation panel, and if any input is detected, it functions as a facsimile while the input is input. A facsimile machine that functions as a facsimile modem when it is not detected. 4. A facsimile modem function, which is connected to a personal computer, monitors whether or not there is an input on the operation panel, and if any input is detected, it functions as a facsimile while the input is input. A facsimile machine that functions as a facsimile modem when it is not detected and functions as a facsimile for a certain period when the power is turned on even when there is no input on the operation panel. 5. When the personal computer has a function of a facsimile modem and is connected to a personal computer, and a transmission instruction is transmitted from the personal computer together with a telephone number, and the telephone number is recognized as the telephone number of the facsimile device itself. , A facsimile apparatus for outputting data sent from the personal computer from a recording unit without making a call by the telephone number.