JPH0937347A - Communication equipment and slave set - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To immediately originate a call from a slave set from which call originating request is rejected due to the busy state of a line when the line is turned to a free state in a communication equipment such as a cordless telephone set. SOLUTION: When a slave set 10 requests call originating to a line wire to a master set 30 during the communication of an slave set 20 with a line 40 to be the line wire, the master set 30 transmits a line shortage signal to the slave set 20 and a line shortage alarming part 27 in the slave set 20 announces the output of the call outgoing request from the slave set 10 to a user of the slave set 20 by a sound or the like. At the end of communication between the slave set 20 and the line 40, the master set 30 transmits a line free signal to the slave set 10 and a line free alarming part 17 in the slave set 10 announces the free state of the line 40 to a user of the slave set 10 by a sound or the like and an automatic rerequesting part 19 requests a call outgoing to the line wire to the master set 30.

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 more terminals than communication lines, such as a cordless telephone or a private telephone, and a slave as a terminal of such a communication device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 11 shows an example of a conventional cordless telephone, in which two slave units 50 and 60 can be used for one master unit 70 connected to a communication line 80 which is a public telephone line. , The slave units 50 and 60 communicate with the master unit 70, respectively, and the communication line 80 which is an external line via the master unit 70.
If you can communicate with.

The slave units 50 and 60 are respectively provided with an antenna 5
0a, 60a, slave transmitters 51, 61, slave receiver 5
2, 62, slave unit control units 53, 63, call origination request units 54, 6
4 and a connection availability reception unit 55, 65. Further, although not shown, a push button for dialing and various operation buttons, a microphone for transmission and a speaker for reception, and a display including a display element such as a light emitting diode or a liquid crystal for indicating the operation status of the slaves 50 and 60. It has a department.

The slave unit transmitter 51 transmits a signal instructed by the slave unit controller 53 to the master unit 70. Handset receiver 52
Receives a signal from the master device 70 and delivers it to the slave device control unit 53. The child device control unit 53 controls the operation of the child device 50 based on a user operation or an instruction from the parent device 70.

The call origination request unit 54 detects a call origination request from the user, notifies the handset unit control unit 53 of the request, and causes the handset unit transmission unit 51 to transmit a call origination request signal. The connection permission / inhibition receiving unit 55 checks the content of the connection permission / inhibition signal received from the master device 70, and notifies the slave device control unit 53 whether or not the connection between the slave device 50 and the communication line 80 is possible.

[0006] Child device transmitter 61, child device receiver 6 of child device 60
2, the slave unit control unit 63, the call origination request unit 64, and the connection availability receiver unit 65 are also the slave unit transmitter unit 51 and the slave unit receiver unit 5 of the slave unit 50.
2, the slave unit control unit 53, the call origination request unit 54, and the connection availability reception unit 55 perform the same operations.

Handset controller 53 and handset request unit 5 of handset 50
4, a connection permission / prohibition receiving unit 55, a handset control unit 63 of the handset 60, a call requesting unit 64, and a connection permission / reception receiving unit 65.
Are each composed of a one-chip integrated microcomputer for system control.

The microcomputer constituting the slave unit control unit 53, the call origination request unit 54 and the connection propriety reception unit 55, and the microcomputer constituting the slave unit control unit 63, the transmission request unit 64 and the connection propriety reception unit 65, respectively. , A CPU, a ROM in which various processing programs are written, a RAM for a work area, and the like.

In the ROM of each microcomputer, a part of the program shown in FIG.
A slave transmission routine 500 shown in FIG. 2 and described later is prepared.

The base unit 70 has an antenna 70a, a base unit transmitting unit 71, a base unit receiving unit 72, a base unit control unit 73, a call origination request receiving unit 74, a connection availability transmitting unit 75, and a communication line connecting unit 76.
Having.

The master unit transmitter 71 transmits a signal instructed by the master unit controller 73 to the slave units 50 and 60. The parent device receiving unit 72 receives the signals from the child devices 50 and 60 and delivers them to the parent device control unit 73. The base unit control unit 73 controls the handset 5
The base unit 70 is controlled based on requests from 0 and 60 and signals from the communication line 80.

The call origination request receiving section 74 receives the call origination request from the child machines 50 and 60 by the parent machine receiving section 72.
A call request signal is received from the master unit control unit 73. And
The transmission request receiving unit 74 stores the connection status of the slaves 50 and 60 with the communication line 80, and stores the slaves 50 and 6 together.
It is determined whether or not a new transmission request from 0 is accepted, and the result is output to the connection permission / inhibition transmitter 75.

The connection permission / prohibition transmission unit 75 forms a connection permission / prohibition signal based on the determination result from the call origination request reception unit 74, and the master unit transmission unit 71 to the slave unit 50 via the master unit control unit 73.
And 60. The communication line connection unit 76 is the slave unit 5.
When the call origination request from 0 or 60 is accepted by the origination request receiving unit 74, the cordless handset 50 or 60 and the communication line 8
0 is connected to output a reception signal from the communication line 80 to the master unit control unit 73 and a transmission signal from the master unit control unit 73 to the communication line 80.

The master unit control section 73, the call origination request receiving section 74, the connection permission / prohibition transmitting section 75 and the communication line connecting section 76 are constituted by a one-chip integrated IC for system control. The microcomputer is C
It has a PU, a ROM in which various processing programs are written, and a RAM for a work area. Then, in the ROM of the microcomputer, a master unit response routine 700 as shown in FIG. 13 and described later is prepared as a part of the program.

The operation of the above-described conventional cordless telephone when the handset 50 tries to make an outgoing call to an outside line will be described in accordance with the handset calling routine 500 of FIG. 12 and the handset response routine 700 of FIG. However, the master device response routine 700 of FIG. 13 shows the response of the master device 70 to the slave device 50, and the master device 70 responds to the slave device 60 at the same time, but it is omitted here. .

The handset transmission routine 500 is step 50.
After starting with 1, first in step 502, the handset 5
0 stands by and waits for user operation. The parent device response routine 700 also starts in step 701 and then in step 702, the parent device 70 first enters a standby state and waits for a request from the child device 50.

When the user of the cordless handset 50 performs an operation for requesting an outgoing call to an outside line, the cordless handset 50 proceeds from step 502 to step 503, and the calling request section 54 outputs a signal of a calling request to the outside line. , The transmission request signal is the handset controller 53.
Is transmitted from the slave unit transmission unit 51 to the master unit 70.

As a result, the base unit 70 makes the step 70
From 2 to step 703, the master unit reception unit 72 receives the signal from the slave unit 50 and delivers it to the master unit control unit 73.
When the parent device control unit 73 determines that the signal is a call origination request signal, it hands it over to the call origination request receiving unit 74.

Further, the base unit 70 proceeds to step 704, and in the call origination request receiving section 74, judges whether or not the communication line 80 is in the connected state, and when the communication line 80 is not in the connected state, step 704. From step 711 to step 711, when the communication line 80 is in the connected state, the process proceeds from step 704 to step 721.

When the communication line 80 is not connected,
In step 711, the master device 70 causes the call request reception unit 74 to instruct the connection permission transmission unit 75 to permit connection, the connection permission transmission unit 75 forms a signal indicating connection permission, and transmits the connection permission signal to the master device. The data is transmitted from the parent device transmission unit 71 to the child device 50 via the control unit 73.

Next, the master unit 70 proceeds to step 712, where the call origination request receiving unit 74 instructs the communication line connecting unit 76 to connect the line, and the communication line connecting unit 76 connects the slave unit 50 and the communication line 80. To do. The call origination request receiving unit 74 also stores that the cordless handset 50 and the communication line 80 have been connected.

After transmitting the call request signal to the master device 70 in step 503, the slave device 50 proceeds to step 504 and waits for the connection permission / prohibition signal from the master device 70 in the slave device control section 53.

Then, in step 711, the base unit 70
When the connection permission signal is transmitted from the slave device 50 to the slave device 50, the slave device 50 proceeds from step 504 to step 505, and the slave device receiving unit 52 receives the signal from the master device 70 and controls the slave device. Handing over to the unit 53, the slave unit control unit 53
However, if it determines that the signal is the connection availability signal, it delivers it to the connection availability receiving unit 55.

Further, the handset unit 50 proceeds to step 506, and in the connection permission / prohibition receiving section 55, judges whether the content of the connection permission / prohibition signal is connection permission or not. Step 505 to Step 51
If the connection is not permitted as described below,
The process proceeds from step 505 to step 521.

In step 511, the handset unit 50 notifies the handset unit control unit 53 that the connection permission / inhibition receiving unit 55 can connect to the outside line. In response to this, the child device control unit 53
A signal by dial operation of the user of the handset 50 or a voice signal from the microphone for transmission is sent to the handset transmitter 51 to be transmitted to the base unit 70, and the handset is received from the communication line 80 via the base unit 70. The voice signal received by the unit 52 is sent to the receiving speaker, and an operation such as displaying the outside line connection on the display unit is performed.

Next, the slave unit 50 proceeds to step 512, and waits for the communication end operation by the user of the slave unit 50 in the slave unit control section 53.

The parent device 70 connects the child device 50 and the communication line 80 in step 712, then proceeds to step 714, relays the communication between the child device 50 and the communication line 80, and communicates from the child device 50. Wait for the end request.

Then, when the user of the handset 50 performs a communication end operation, the handset 50 proceeds from step 512 to step 5.
13, the child device control unit 53 transmits a communication end request to the parent device 70 through the child device transmission unit 51.
Performs a prescribed procedure for terminating the communication with the communication line 80 via the base unit 70, and then step 5
Return to 02.

Thus, in step 513, the slave unit 5
When a communication end request is transmitted from 0 to the master device 70, the master device 7
In step 0, the process proceeds from step 714 to step 715, and the master device receiving unit 72 receives the signal from the slave device 50 and delivers it to the master device control unit 73, and the master device control unit 73 sends the signal to request the communication end request. If it is determined that it is, it is delivered to the transmission request receiving unit 74.

Further, the call origination request receiving unit 74 instructs the communication line connecting unit 76 to disconnect the line, and the communication line connecting unit 76 disconnects the connection between the handset 50 and the communication line 80. Further, the call origination request receiving unit 74 stores that the communication line 80 has been disconnected. Then, the parent device 70 returns to step 702 after step 715.

In step 703, the parent device 70 makes the child device 5
When the call request signal from 0 is received, the communication line 80 is already in the connected state, such as when the cordless handset 60 responds to an incoming call from the communication line 80. When it is determined that the communication line 80 is in the connected state, the master device 70 proceeds to step 721 as described above.

At this time, in the base unit 70, in step 721, the call origination request receiving unit 74 instructs the connection permission / inhibition transmission unit 75 to prohibit connection, and the connection permission / inhibition transmission unit 75 forms a signal indicating connection refusal. Then, the connection prohibition signal is transmitted from the base unit transmission unit 71 to the handset unit 50 via the base unit control unit 73. The call origination request receiving unit 74 does not give any instruction to the communication line connecting unit 76. Then, the parent device 70 returns to step 702 after step 721.

In step 721, the master unit 70 transmits a connection disapproval signal to the slave unit 50, so that the slave unit 50 is transmitted in the same manner as when the above-described connection permission signal is transmitted.
Goes from step 504 to step 505, the slave unit reception unit 52 receives the signal from the master unit 70 and delivers it to the slave unit control unit 53, and the slave unit control unit 53 sends a signal indicating whether the signal is connectable or not. If it is determined that it is, it is handed over to the connection availability reception unit 55.

Further, as described above, the slave unit 50 proceeds from step 505 to step 506, and in the connection permission / prohibition receiving section 55, judges whether the content of the connection permission / prohibition signal is connection permission or not, When the connection is not permitted, the process proceeds from step 506 to step 521.

Then, in step 521, the slave unit 5
In the case of 0, the connection permission / inhibition reception unit 55 notifies the slave unit control unit 53 that the external line connection is impossible.
3 rings the bell or the like to notify the user of the handset device 50 that the connection to the outside line could not be established, and stops the communication with the base device 70. Then, the child device 50 returns to step 502.

[0036]

However, FIG.
In the conventional cordless telephone shown in and described above,
When the handset device 50 makes a call request to the base device 70 when the handset device 60 and the communication line 80 are connected and the call request is rejected, then the handset device 60 and the communication line 80 are connected. Even though the communication of 80 is completed and the communication line 80 is free, the user of the child device 50 often delays making a call without noticing it.

A cordless telephone having a function of always displaying the usage status of the line is also considered, but even in that case, the user cannot know that the line is free unless the user frequently sees the display. , Is inconvenient for users.

In the above case, the user of the child device 50 needs to make a phone call as soon as possible, and in order to notify the user of the child device 60, the user of the child device 60 should speak directly or There is no choice but to show the gesture, and the user of the child device 50 makes the child device 6
There is an inconvenience that it is not possible to easily and properly convey one's wishes to 0 users.

Therefore, according to the present invention, in a communication device such as a cordless telephone or a premises telephone, in the first place, when the call request of the handset is rejected because the communication line is not available, When the communication line is free, the fact that the communication line is free is automatically and immediately notified to the user of the handset, which has rejected the call request.

Secondly, according to the present invention, further, when a call request from a child device is rejected because the communication line is not vacant, the fact that the request is rejected by another child device is being made. The user of the mobile device can be notified directly and automatically, and the user of another mobile device can be prompted to end the communication at an early stage.

[0041]

According to the present invention, in a communication device comprising a master unit connected to a communication line and a slave unit connected to the master unit, the slave unit is a utilization unit of the slave unit. A call origination request unit for outputting a call origination request for requesting a connection with the communication line to the master unit based on a user's operation, and a connection acceptability receiving unit for receiving the possibility of connection with the communication line from the master unit. , A line idle receiver that receives a line idle signal from the parent device, and when this line idle receiver receives a line idle signal from the parent device, connects the user of the child device to the communication line. And a line availability warning section for notifying that it is possible to determine whether it is possible to connect the slave unit and the communication line to the master unit by receiving a call request from the slave unit. Depending on the call request receiving unit and the judgment result of the call request receiving unit After the connection permission / prohibition transmitting unit for transmitting the connection / non-connection between the slave unit and the communication line to the slave unit and the transmission request receiving unit disables the connection between the slave unit and the communication line, the communication line When the connection between the slave unit and the communication line becomes possible due to the availability of the line, a line idle transmission unit for transmitting a line idle signal to the slave unit is provided.

In the communication device of the present invention thus configured, when the child device makes a call request to the parent device, another child device or the parent device itself is communicating with the communication line and the communication line is free. If not, the call request from the child device is not permitted. However, after that, when communication with other slaves or the master itself and the communication line is completed and the communication line becomes free, the master sends a line idle signal to the slave, and the line idle warning part of the slave Notifies the user of the child device that the communication line is free.

Further, according to the present invention, in the communication device comprising the master unit connected to the communication line and the first and second slave units respectively connected to the master unit, the first slave unit is , A call origination request unit that outputs a call origination request for requesting a connection to the communication line to the master unit based on an operation of the user of the first slave unit, and whether the connection to the communication line is permitted by the parent unit. The connection availability receiving unit for receiving from the base unit, the line idle receiving unit for receiving the line idle signal from the master unit, and the line idle receiving unit receiving the line idle signal from the master unit, A line availability warning section for notifying the user of the slave unit that the connection with the communication line is possible, and the second slave unit receives a line shortage signal for receiving a line shortage signal from the master unit. Section and this line shortage receiver receives the line shortage signal from the above master unit. And a line shortage warning section for notifying the user of the second slave unit that the first slave unit has made a call request to the master unit. A call origination request receiving unit that receives a call origination request from the first cordless handset and determines whether or not the connection between the first cordless handset and the communication line is possible, and a judgment result of the call origination request receiving unit. And a connection propriety transmitting unit that transmits to the first slave unit whether the connection between the first slave unit and the communication line is possible, and the call origination request receiving unit connects the first slave unit and the communication line. When the connection is disabled, the line shortage transmitter that transmits a line shortage signal to the second slave and the call origination request receiver disables the connection between the first slave and the communication line. After that, when the connection between the first child device and the communication line becomes possible due to the communication line being vacant, the above Providing a line free transmission unit that transmits the line empty signal to the first slave unit.

In the communication device of the present invention thus configured, when the first slave unit requests the master unit to make a call, the second slave unit is communicating with the communication line and the communication line is free. If not, the call origination request from the first child device is not permitted. However, in that case, a line shortage signal is transmitted from the base unit to the second handset unit, and the line shortage warning unit of the second handset unit sends a call request from the first handset unit to the user of the second handset unit. By notifying that there is, prompting the user of the second child device to end the communication early. Then, when the communication between the second slave unit and the communication line is completed and the communication line becomes free, the master unit sends a line idle signal to the first slave unit, and the line idle warning of the first slave unit is issued. The department notifies the user of the first child device that the communication line is free.

[0045]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a communication device,
It can be implemented on cordless phones or on-premise phones. The cordless telephone and the cordless telephone of the private branch can be used as the cordless handset. Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described by taking a case of a cordless telephone as an example.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, which is a communication line 40 which is a public telephone line.
It is possible to use two slave units 10 and 20 for one master unit 30 connected to, and each of the slave units 10 and 20 communicates with the master unit 30 and the outside line via the master unit 30. This is the case of a cordless telephone that can communicate with a certain communication line 40.

The handset 10 includes an antenna 10a, a handset transmitter 11, a handset receiver 12, a handset controller 13, and a call originator 1.
4, a connection availability reception unit 15, a line availability reception unit 16, and a line availability warning unit 17. The slave 20 has an antenna 20.
a, handset transmitter 21, handset receiver 22, handset controller 2
3, a call origination request unit 24 and a connection availability reception unit 25.

Although not shown, the slaves 10, 20
Has a push button for dialing and various operation buttons, a microphone for transmitting and a speaker for receiving, and a display section including a display element such as a light emitting diode or a liquid crystal for indicating the operation status of the slaves 10 and 20. .

The handset transmitters 11 and 21 respectively transmit signals instructed by the handset controllers 13 and 23 to the handset 30. The child device receiving units 12 and 22 receive signals from the parent device 30 and deliver them to the child device control units 13 and 23, respectively.
The child device control units 13 and 23 control the operations of the child devices 10 and 20 based on the user's operation and instructions from the parent device 30, respectively.

The outgoing call requesting units 14 and 24 detect the outgoing call request to the outside line by the user, respectively, and detect the slave unit controlling unit 13 and.
23, and the slave unit transmitters 11 and 21 are caused to transmit a call request signal to the master unit 30. Connection availability receiver 15, 25
Respectively, checks the contents of the connection permission / prohibition signal received from the master device 30, and notifies the slave device control units 13 and 23 whether or not the connection between the slave devices 10 and 20 and the communication line 40 is possible.

The line idle receiver 16 of the child device 10 is connected to the parent device 3
The line idle signal from 0 is checked to notify the handset controller 13 that the handset 10 and the communication line 40 can be connected, and the handset controller 13 issues a warning to the line idle warning unit 17. Give instructions.

The line availability warning section 17 is provided with means for emitting sound or light, and in response to an instruction from the line availability receiving section 16,
Sound or light is generated from the means to notify the user of the child device 10 that the connection with the communication line 40 is possible. Specifically, for example, a message such as "External connection is possible" is played from the receiving speaker by a signal formed by voice synthesis in the master device 30.

Handset control unit 13 of handset 10 and call origination request unit 1
4, the connection availability receiver 15 and the line availability receiver 16
It is composed of a system control microcomputer which is integrated into a one-chip IC. Handset control unit 2 of handset 20
3, the transmission requesting unit 24 and the connection availability receiving unit 25 are also configured by a one-chip IC system control microcomputer.

Each microcomputer has a CP
It has a U, a ROM in which various processing programs are written, and a RAM for a work area. Then, in the ROM of the microcomputer on the slave unit 10 side, a slave unit transmission routine 100 as shown in FIG. 2 and described later is prepared as a part of the program.

RO of the microcomputer on the slave unit 20 side
In M, a slave transmission routine is prepared as a part of the program. However, the slave unit calling routine on the slave unit 20 side is the same as the slave unit calling routine 100 on the slave unit 10 side, except that it does not have a portion related to reception and warning of a circuit vacant, and is therefore not shown.

The base unit 30 includes an antenna 30a, a base unit transmitting unit 31, a base unit receiving unit 32, a base unit control unit 33, a call origination request receiving unit 34, a connection availability transmitting unit 35, a communication line connecting unit 36, and a storage unit 37. And a line idle transmitter 38.

The base unit transmitter 31 transmits the signal instructed by the base unit controller 33 to the handsets 10 and 20. The parent device receiving unit 32 receives the signals from the child devices 10 and 20 and delivers them to the parent device control unit 33. The master unit control unit 33 uses the slave unit 1
The base unit 30 is controlled based on the requests from 0 and 20 and the signal from the communication line 40.

The call origination request receiving section 34 receives a call origination request signal from the parent machine control section 33 when the parent machine receiving section 32 receives the call origination request from the child machines 10 and 20, and communicates with the child machines 10 and 20. The connection status with the line 40 is stored, it is determined whether or not a new transmission request from the slaves 10 and 20 is accepted, and the result is output to the connection availability transmission unit 35.

The connection permission / prohibition transmission unit 35 forms a connection permission / prohibition signal based on the judgment result from the transmission request reception unit 34, and transmits the connection permission / prohibition signal from the parent device transmission unit 31 to the child device via the parent device control unit 33. To machines 10 and 20.

The communication line connection unit 36 is used for the slave unit 10 or 2
When the call request to the outside line from 0 is accepted by the call request receiving unit 34, the cordless handset 10 or 20 and the communication line 40
And are connected to each other to output a reception signal from the communication line 40 to the master unit control unit 33 and output a transmission signal from the master unit control unit 33 to the communication line 40.

The storage unit 37 stores the detection information of the transmission request from the handset 10. In the case of FIG. 1, the storage unit 37 need only store the fact that there is a call request from the child device.

In the idle circuit transmitter 38, the base unit 30 is the slave unit 1
When the communication between the handset 20 and the communication line 40 is terminated after the call origination request from 0 is rejected and the connection between the handset 10 and the communication line 40 becomes possible, the information stored in the storage unit 37 is used. Then, the line idle signal is transmitted to the child device 10.

The master unit control unit 33, the call origination request receiving unit 34, the connection permission / inhibition transmitting unit 35, the communication line connecting unit 36, the storage unit 37 and the line idle transmitting unit 38 are microcomputers for system control which are integrated into one chip IC. It is composed of The microcomputer has a CPU, a ROM in which various processing programs are written, a RAM for a work area, and the like. Then, in the ROM of the microcomputer, as a part of the program, a master unit response routine 300 as shown in FIG. 3 and described later is prepared.

In the above cordless telephone, the handset 1
The operation when 0 tries to make an outgoing call to the outside line is performed by the slave calling routine 100 of FIG. 2 and the master answering routine 3 of FIG.
Shown according to 00. However, the master unit response routine 3 of FIG.
00 indicates the response of the parent device 30 to the child device 10, and the response of the parent device 30 to the child device 20 also exists at the same time, but it is omitted here.

The handset transmission routine 100 is step 10
After starting with 1, in step 102, the remote unit 1
0 stands by and waits for user operation. The parent device response routine 300 also starts at step 301, and first at step 302, the parent device 30 enters a standby state and waits for a request from the child device 10.

When the user of the cordless handset 10 performs an operation for requesting a call to the outside line, the cordless handset 10 proceeds from step 102 to step 103, and the call requesting unit 14 outputs a signal of a call request to the outside line. , The transmission request signal is the handset controller 13
Is transmitted from the handset device transmission unit 11 to the base device 30 via.

As a result, the master device 30 is set to the step 30.
From 2 to step 303, the master unit reception unit 32 receives the signal from the slave unit 10 and delivers it to the master unit control unit 33.
When the master unit control unit 33 determines that the signal is the call origination request signal, it hands it over to the call origination request receiving unit 34.

Further, the base unit 30 proceeds to step 304, and in the call origination request receiving section 34, judges whether or not the communication line 40 is in the connected state. If the communication line 40 is not in the connected state, step 304 is executed. To step 311, the process proceeds from step 304 to step 321 when the communication line 40 is in the connected state.

When the communication line 40 is not connected,
In step 311, the master device 30, in step 311, the call origination request reception unit 34 instructs the connection permission / inhibition transmission unit 35 to permit connection, and the connection permission / inhibition transmission unit 35 forms a signal indicating connection permission, and transmits the connection permission signal to the master device. The data is transmitted from the base unit transmission unit 31 to the handset unit 10 via the control unit 33.

Next, the master unit 30 proceeds to step 312, where the call origination request receiving unit 34 instructs the communication line connecting unit 36 to connect the line, and the communication line connecting unit 36 connects the slave unit 10 and the communication line 40. Upon connection, the call origination request receiver 34 stores that the handset 10 and the communication line 40 are in the connected state.

Further, in the base unit 30, the procedure goes to step 313, the transmission request receiving unit 34 clears the storage unit 37,
The detection information of the transmission request from the slave is deleted from the storage unit 37.

After transmitting the call request signal to the parent device 30 in step 103, the child device 10 proceeds to step 104 and waits for the connection permission signal from the parent device 30 in the child device control unit 13.

Then, in step 311, the base unit 30
When a connection permission signal is transmitted from the slave unit 10 to the slave unit 10, the slave unit 10 proceeds from step 104 to step 105, and the slave unit receiver 12 receives the signal from the master unit 30 and controls the slave unit. Handing over to the unit 13, the handset control unit 13
However, if it determines that the signal is the connection availability signal, it delivers it to the connection availability receiving unit 15.

Further, the handset 10 proceeds to step 106, and in the connection permission / prohibition receiving section 15, judges whether the content of the connection permission / prohibition signal is connection permission. Step 106 to Step 11
If the connection is not permitted as described below,
The process proceeds from step 106 to step 121.

In step 111, the handset unit 10 informs the handset unit accepting / receiving unit 15 that the handset unit control unit 13 can connect to the outside line. In response to this, the child device control unit 13
A signal from a dialing operation of the user of the handset 10 or a voice signal from a microphone for transmission is sent to the handset transmitter 11 to be transmitted to the base unit 30, and the handset is received from the communication line 40 via the base unit 30. The voice signal received by the unit 12 is sent to the speaker for reception, and an operation such as displaying on the display unit that the external line is connected is performed.

Next, the child device 10 proceeds to step 112, and waits for the communication end operation by the user of the child device 10 in the child device control section 13.

After clearing the storage unit 37 in step 313, the parent device 30 proceeds to step 314, relays the communication between the child device 10 and the communication line 40, and waits for a communication end request from the child device 10.

When the user of the handset 10 performs a communication end operation, the handset 10 proceeds from step 112 to step 1
13, the slave unit control unit 13 transmits a communication end request to the master unit 30 through the slave unit transmission unit 11, and the master unit 30
Performs a prescribed procedure for terminating communication with the communication line 40 via the parent device 30, and then step 1
Return to 02.

When the communication end request is transmitted from the child device 10 to the parent device 30 as described above, the parent device 30 proceeds from step 314 to step 315, and the parent device receiving unit 32 causes the child device 10 to receive the communication end request.
From the master unit 33 and delivers it to the master unit control unit 33. When the master unit control unit 33 determines that the signal is a communication end request signal, it delivers it to the call origination request receiver unit 34, and the call origination request receiver unit 34. Instructs the communication line connection unit 36 to disconnect the line, the communication line connection unit 36 disconnects the connection between the handset 10 and the communication line 40, and the call origination request reception unit 34 disconnects the communication line 40. I remember that.

Next, the base unit 30 proceeds to step 331, and the communication line connection unit 36 notifies the line idle transmission unit 38 that the communication line 40 is free.

Further, in the base unit 30, the process proceeds to step 332, and the line idle transmission unit 38 refers to the storage unit 37, and whether or not the storage unit 37 stores the detection information of the transmission request from the handset unit. When the detection information of the outgoing call request from the slave unit is not stored as described above, the process directly returns to step 302, but when the detection information of the outgoing call request from the slave unit is stored as described below. , Step 33
Go to 3.

At step 303, the parent device 30 becomes the child device 1
When the outgoing call request signal from 0 is received, the outgoing call request receiving unit 34 determines in step 304 that the outgoing call request receiving unit 34 is already in the connected state such as the handset 20 responding to the incoming call from the communication line 40. When it is determined that the communication line 40 is in the connected state, the parent device 30 proceeds to step 321 as described above.

Then, in step 321, the master unit 3
In the case of 0, the call origination request receiving unit 34 instructs the connection permission / inhibition transmission unit 35 to prohibit connection, the connection permission / inhibition transmission unit 35 forms a signal indicating connection prohibition, and the connection prohibition signal is transmitted to the master unit control unit 3
Then, the data is transmitted from the base unit transmission unit 31 to the handset unit 10 via 3. The transmission request receiving unit 34 does not give any instruction to the communication line connecting unit 36.

Further, in the parent device 30, the calling request receiving unit 34 causes the storage unit 37 to store the detection information of the calling request from the child device 10 in step 322.

In step 321, the connection disapproval signal is transmitted from the master unit 30 to the slave unit 10, so that the slave unit 10 is transmitted in the same manner as when the connection permission signal is transmitted.
Goes from step 104 to step 105, the slave unit reception unit 12 receives the signal from the master unit 30 and delivers it to the slave unit control unit 13, and the slave unit control unit 13 sends the signal indicating whether the connection is possible or not. If it is determined that it is, it is delivered to the connection availability reception unit 15.

Further, the handset 10 proceeds to step 106, and the connection permission / prohibition receiving section 15 judges whether or not the content of the connection permission / prohibition signal is connection permission, and the connection is not permitted as described above. Sometimes, the process proceeds from step 106 to step 121.

Then, in step 121, the cordless handset 1
0 notifies the slave unit control unit 13 that the connection permission / inhibition unit 15 cannot connect to the outside line, and in response to this, the slave unit control unit 13 receives the notification.
However, by ringing a bell or the like, the user of the child device 10 is notified that the external line cannot be connected, and communication with the parent device 30 is stopped.

Further, the handset 10 proceeds to step 122 and waits for a line idle signal from the base unit 30.

Similarly, the parent device 30 stores the detection information of the call origination request from the child device 10 in the storage unit 37 in step 322 as described above, and then proceeds to step 324 to communicate with the child device 20 and the communication line 40. Wait for the communication with to end.

When the communication between the child device 20 and the communication line 40 is completed, the parent device 30 performs the steps of the parent device response routine 300 for the child device 10 in the parent device response routine for the unillustrated child device 20. In the step corresponding to 315, the communication line connection unit 36 disconnects the connection between the child device 20 and the communication line 40.

Next, in step S331, the base unit 30 determines that the communication line connection unit 36 has the line idle transmission unit 38 in the same manner as in the case where the communication line 40 is not in the connected state when the handset unit 10 makes a call request. Is notified that the communication line 40 is free.

Further, in step S332, the parent device 30 determines whether or not the line idle transmission part 38 refers to the storage part 37, and the storage part 37 stores the detection information of the outgoing call request from the child device. However, when the detection information of the transmission request from the slave unit is stored as described above, step 333 is executed.
Proceed to.

Then, in step 333, the parent device 3
In the case of 0, the line idle transmission unit 38 forms a signal indicating a line idle, and the line idle signal is transmitted from the base unit transmission unit 31 to the handset 10 via the base unit control unit 33. After that, the parent device 30 returns to step 302.

By transmitting the line idle signal from the base unit 30 to the handset unit 10 in this way, the handset unit 10 proceeds from step 122 to step 123, and the handset unit reception unit 12
Receives a signal from the parent device 30 and receives the signal from the child device control unit 13
When the slave unit control unit 13 determines that the signal is a line idle signal, it hands it over to the line idle receiving unit 16.

Next, the handset 10 proceeds to step 124, where the line idle receiver 16 checks the content of the line idle signal to notify the handset controller 13 that the line can be connected to the outside line, and the line idle. The warning unit 17 is instructed to issue a warning, and then the process returns to step 102.

As a result, the line availability warning unit 17 informs the user of the handset 10 that an external line can be connected, as described above. Therefore, the user of the handset 10 can immediately call the outside line. To make a call again, the user of the handset 10 makes a call request operation again
From the base unit 30 to the call request signal.

The above-described first embodiment is an embodiment of the invention of claim 1 for the communication device, and
As for the slave unit, the slave unit 10 is an embodiment of the invention of claim 4.

According to the first embodiment, when the slave unit 10 issues a call request to the master unit 30, the slave unit 20
Is communicating with the communication line 40, and the communication line 40 is not idle, the communication between the child device 20 and the communication line 40 is terminated thereafter, and when the communication line 40 is available, the child device 30 A line idle signal is transmitted to the handset 10, and the line idle warning unit 17 of the handset 10 notifies the user of the handset 10 that the communication line 40 is free. Therefore, the user of the handset 10 can immediately make another call request and communicate with the communication line 40.

Moreover, it is not always warned that the communication line 40 is available, but that the communication line 40 is available only when the communication request is rejected by the handset 10. Is alerted, there is no unnecessary alert, it is not annoying, and the alert is more likely to be recognized.

In the cordless telephone shown in FIG. 1,
As described above, the child devices 10 and 20 are respectively the parent device 30.
It is possible not only to communicate with the communication line 40 which is an external line via the base station, but also to enable the slave unit 10 to communicate with the slave unit 20 via the master unit 30 via an extension line.

Even when the slave unit 10 communicates with the slave unit 20 by the extension as described above, the invention of claims 1 and 4 is applied, and the slave unit 10 requests the master unit 30 to make a call to the extension. When the handset 20 is communicating with the communication line 40, such as when the handset 20 responds to an incoming call from the communication line 40, the communication ends after that and the handset 10 When the extension connection between the slave unit 20 and the cordless handset 20 becomes possible, the line idle signal from the base unit 30 causes the line idle warning unit 1 of the handset 10 to operate.
7 can notify the user of the handset 10 that extension connection is possible.

Therefore, the "communication line" referred to in the inventions of claims 1 and 4 is not limited to an external line such as the communication line 40, but includes an extension line between the master unit and another slave unit.

In addition, in the cordless telephone shown in FIG.
0 has a microphone for transmission and a speaker for reception,
When the base unit 30 itself can communicate with the communication line 40, which is an external line, even when only the handset unit 10 is used as the handset unit and the handset unit 20 is not provided, the inventions according to claims 1 and 4 are applied to the handset unit 1.
When the base unit 30 is communicating with the communication line 40, such as when the base unit 30 responds to an incoming call from the communication line 40 when the base unit 30 makes a call request to the outside line from 0, ,
After that, when the communication is completed and the outside line connection between the handset 10 and the communication line 40 becomes possible, the line availability warning unit 17 of the handset 10 causes the handset 1 to receive the line availability signal from the base unit 30.
0 users can be notified that an external line connection is possible.

Further, in the cordless telephone of FIG. 1, the communication line 40, which is an external line, is one line and is composed of one master unit 30 and two slave units 10 and 20. There are n lines, and (n +
1) The invention of claim 1 can be applied to the case where there are more than one slaves.

In the cordless telephone of FIG. 1, as described above, when the base unit 30 makes a call request from the handset 10 when the communication line 40 is in the connected state, it simply makes a call request from the handset. Only that information is stored in the storage unit 37, and when the communication between the slave unit 20 and the communication line 40 is completed, it is confirmed that the storage unit 37 stores that there is a call request from the slave unit. In the above, the line idle signal may be transmitted to the predetermined slave unit 10.

On the other hand, the slave unit 20 can also be provided with the function of receiving and warning the availability of a line like the slave unit 10. Even in this case, the master unit 30 communicates with one of the slave units. When the call request is made from the other handset while the line 40 is in the connected state, it is sufficient to store in the storage unit 37 only the call request from the handset similarly.

That is, in this case, when there is a call origination request from the handset 20 when the handset 10 and the communication line 40 are in the connected state, when the communication between the handset 10 and the communication line 40 ends, the storage unit After confirming that the call request from the slave unit is stored in 37, the line idle signal may be transmitted to the slave unit 20 which has not been in communication until then, and the slave unit 20 and the communication line 40 are connected. Remote unit 1 when connected
When there is a call request from 0, when the communication between the handset 20 and the communication line 40 is completed, it is confirmed that the call request from the handset is stored in the storage unit 37. The line idle signal may be transmitted to the child device 10 that is not in communication.

However, when the communication line 40 is connected to the other slave unit in this way, the communication line 40 is not available because the line idle signal is not transmitted only to the slave unit which has requested the call from the master unit 30. In this case, the line idle signal may be transmitted to both the slaves 10 and 20.

When there are three or more slave units and two or more of them have the function of receiving a line and receiving a warning like the slave unit 10 in FIG. 1, the master unit is When a call request is made from a certain handset when the line is not available, the handset identification information corresponding to the call requesting handset is stored in the storage section as detection information of the call request from the handset. When the line is idle, the line idle signal may be transmitted to the handset indicated by the handset identification information stored in the storage unit.

Even in this case, however, it is stored in the storage unit not the slave unit identification information but only the fact that there is a call request from the slave unit. Alternatively, the line idle signal may be transmitted to the slave units excluding the slave unit that is currently communicating or the slave unit that was communicating immediately before.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and like the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is connected to a communication line 40 which is a public telephone line. 1
Two slave units 10 and 20 can be used for each master unit 30, and the slave units 10 and 20 communicate with the master unit 30 respectively and communicate with the master unit 30 via a communication line 40 which is an external line. This is the case of a cordless telephone that can communicate.

The handset 10 differs from that of FIG. 1 in that it has a storage section 18. The storage unit 18 stores information on whether or not the call origination request of the child device 10 is rejected by the parent device 30. The cordless handset 20 is the same as that of FIG.

The base unit 30 differs from that of FIG. 1 in that it does not have the storage unit 37. Then, in this case, when the communication line 40 becomes available, the line availability transmitter 38 causes the slave unit 1 to operate.
A line idle signal is transmitted to both 0 and 20.

[0114] Handset control unit 13 of handset 10 and call origination request unit 1
4, the connection availability receiving unit 15, the line availability receiving unit 16, and the storage unit 18 are configured by a microcomputer for system control integrated into a one-chip IC. 5, a handset transmission routine 100 as described later is prepared.

Handset controller 23 of handset 20, call originator 2
4 and the connection permission / prohibition receiving unit 25 are also configured by a microcomputer for system control which is integrated into a one-chip IC, and the ROM of the microcomputer has a ROM for the slave unit 20 (not shown) as a part of the program. A cordless handset calling routine is prepared.

The master unit control unit 33, the call origination request receiving unit 34, the connection availability transmitting unit 35, the communication line connecting unit 36, and the line idle transmitting unit 38 of the base unit 30 are also one-chip integrated system control microcomputers. The main unit response routine 300 shown in FIG. 6 and described later is prepared in the ROM of the microcomputer as a part of the program.

In the above cordless telephone, the handset 1
The operation when 0 tries to make a call to an outside line will be described with reference to the handset calling routine 100 of FIG. 5 and the base unit response routine 3 of FIG.
Shown according to 00. However, the base unit response routine 3 of FIG.
00 indicates the response of the parent device 30 to the child device 10, and the response of the parent device 30 to the child device 20 also exists at the same time, but it is omitted here.

The handset transmission routine 100 is step 10
After starting with 1, in step 102, the remote unit 1
0 stands by and waits for user operation. The parent device response routine 300 also starts at step 301, and first at step 302, the parent device 30 enters a standby state and waits for a request from the child device 10.

When the user of the cordless handset 10 performs an operation for requesting a call to the outside line, the cordless handset 10 proceeds from step 102 to step 103, and the call requesting unit 14 outputs a signal of a call request to the outside line. , The transmission request signal is the handset controller 13
Is transmitted from the handset device transmission unit 11 to the base device 30 via.

As a result, the parent device 30 is allowed to proceed to step 30.
From 2 to step 303, the master unit reception unit 32 receives the signal from the slave unit 10 and delivers it to the master unit control unit 33.
When the master unit control unit 33 determines that the signal is the call origination request signal, it hands it over to the call origination request receiving unit 34.

Further, the base unit 30 proceeds to step 304, and determines whether or not the communication line 40 is in the connection state in the call origination request receiving section 34. If the communication line 40 is not in the connection state, step 304 is executed. To step 311, the process proceeds from step 304 to step 321 when the communication line 40 is in the connected state.

When the communication line 40 is not connected,
In step 311, the master device 30, in step 311, the call origination request reception unit 34 instructs the connection permission / inhibition transmission unit 35 to permit connection, and the connection permission / inhibition transmission unit 35 forms a signal indicating connection permission, and transmits the connection permission signal to the master device. The data is transmitted from the base unit transmission unit 31 to the handset unit 10 via the control unit 33.

Next, the base unit 30 proceeds to step 312, the call origination request receiving unit 34 instructs the communication line connecting unit 36 to connect the line, and the communication line connecting unit 36 connects the handset unit 10 and the communication line 40. Upon connection, the call origination request receiver 34 stores that the handset 10 and the communication line 40 are in the connected state.

After transmitting the call request signal to the parent device 30 in step 103, the child device 10 proceeds to step 104 and waits for the connection permission signal from the parent device 30 in the child device control unit 13.

Then, in step 311, the master unit 30
When a connection permission signal is transmitted from the slave unit 10 to the slave unit 10, the slave unit 10 proceeds from step 104 to step 105, and the slave unit receiver 12 receives the signal from the master unit 30 and controls the slave unit. Handing over to the unit 13, the handset control unit 13
However, if it determines that the signal is the connection availability signal, it delivers it to the connection availability receiving unit 15.

Further, the handset 10 proceeds to step 106, and in the connection permission / prohibition receiving section 15, judges whether the content of the connection permission / prohibition signal is connection permission. Step 106 to Step 11
If the connection is not permitted as described below,
The process proceeds from step 106 to step 121.

In step 111, the handset unit 10 notifies the handset unit control unit 13 that the connection permission / prohibition receiving unit 15 can connect to the outside line. In response to this, the child device control unit 13
A signal from a dialing operation of the user of the handset 10 or a voice signal from a microphone for transmission is sent to the handset transmitter 11 to be transmitted to the base unit 30, and the handset is received from the communication line 40 via the base unit 30. The voice signal received by the unit 12 is sent to the speaker for reception, and an operation such as displaying on the display unit that the external line is connected is performed.

Next, the child device 10 proceeds to step 112, and waits for the communication end operation in the child device control section 13 by the user of the child device 10.

After connecting the child device 10 and the communication line 40 in step 312, the parent device 30 proceeds to step 314 to relay the communication between the child device 10 and the communication line 40, and to communicate from the child device 10. Wait for the end request.

When the user of the handset 10 performs a communication end operation, the handset 10 proceeds from step 112 to step 1.
13, the slave unit control unit 13 transmits a communication end request to the master unit 30 through the slave unit transmission unit 11, and the master unit 30
Performs a prescribed procedure for terminating communication with the communication line 40 via the parent device 30, and then proceeds to step 131 described later.

When the communication end request is transmitted from the child device 10 to the parent device 30 as described above, the parent device 30 proceeds from step 314 to step 315, and the parent device receiving unit 32 causes the child device 10 to receive the communication end request.
From the master unit 33 and delivers it to the master unit control unit 33. When the master unit control unit 33 determines that the signal is a communication end request signal, it delivers it to the call origination request receiver unit 34, and the call origination request receiver unit 34. Instructs the communication line connection unit 36 to disconnect the line, the communication line connection unit 36 disconnects the connection between the handset 10 and the communication line 40, and the call origination request reception unit 34 disconnects the communication line 40. I remember that.

Next, the base unit 30 advances to step 331, and the communication line connection unit 36 notifies the line idle transmission unit 38 that the communication line 40 is available.

Further, the master unit 30 proceeds to step 334, the line idle transmitting unit 38 forms a signal indicating the line idle, and the line idle signal is transmitted from the parent unit transmitting unit 31 via the parent unit control unit 33. , To all slaves, ie, to both slaves 10 and 20, and then return to step 302.

In step 303, the parent device 30 becomes the child device 1
When the outgoing call request signal from 0 is received, the outgoing call request receiving unit 34 determines in step 304 that the outgoing call request receiving unit 34 is already in the connected state such as the handset 20 responding to the incoming call from the communication line 40. When it is determined that the communication line 40 is in the connected state, the parent device 30 proceeds to step 321 as described above.

Then, in step 321, the master unit 3
In the case of 0, the call origination request receiving unit 34 instructs the connection permission / inhibition transmission unit 35 to prohibit connection, the connection permission / inhibition transmission unit 35 forms a signal indicating connection prohibition, and the connection prohibition signal is transmitted to the master unit control unit 3
Then, the data is transmitted from the base unit transmission unit 31 to the handset unit 10 via 3. The transmission request receiving unit 34 does not give any instruction to the communication line connecting unit 36.

By transmitting the connection disapproval signal from the master unit 30 to the slave unit 10 in this way, the slave unit 10 shifts from step 104 to step 105 as in the case where the above-mentioned connection permit signal is transmitted. Going forward, the slave receiver 12
Receives a signal from the parent device 30 and receives the signal from the child device control unit 13
When the slave unit control unit 13 determines that the signal is a connection availability signal, it hands it over to the connection availability receiving unit 15.

Further, the handset 10 proceeds to step 106, and the connection permission / prohibition receiving section 15 judges whether or not the content of the connection permission / prohibition signal is connection permission, and the connection is not permitted as described above. Sometimes step 106 as described above
To step 121.

Then, in step 121, the cordless handset 1
0 notifies the slave unit control unit 13 that the connection permission / inhibition unit 15 cannot connect to the outside line, and in response to this, the slave unit control unit 13 receives the notification.
However, by ringing a bell or the like, the user of the child device 10 is notified that the external line cannot be connected, and communication with the parent device 30 is stopped.

Further, the handset 10 proceeds to step 126, and causes the connection propriety receiving unit 15 to store in the storage unit 18 that the connection to the outside line is not permitted.

Then, the handset 10 goes to step 131 to wait for a line idle signal from the base unit 30.

Similarly, the parent device 30 transmits the connection disapproval signal to the child device 10 in step 321 as described above, and then proceeds to step 324 to communicate with the child device 20 and the communication line 40.
Wait for the communication with to end.

When the communication between the child device 20 and the communication line 40 is completed, the parent device 30 executes the steps of the parent device response routine 300 for the child device 10 in the parent device response routine for the unillustrated child device 20. In the step corresponding to 315, the communication line connection unit 36 disconnects the connection between the child device 20 and the communication line 40.

Next, in the same way as in the case where the communication line 40 is not in the connected state when the slave device 10 makes a call request, the base unit 30 determines that the communication line connection unit 36 has the line idle transmission unit 38 in step 331. Is notified that the communication line 40 is vacant, and in step 334, the line idle transmission unit 38 forms a signal indicating the line idle, and the line idle signal is transmitted via the parent device control unit 33 to the parent device transmission unit 31. From each of the slaves 10 and 20 and then step 30
Return to 2.

In this way, from the master unit 30 to the slave units 10 and 2
When the line idle signal is transmitted to 0, the handset 10
Goes from step 131 to step 132, the child device receiving unit 12 receives the signal from the parent device 30 and delivers it to the child device control unit 13, and the child device control unit 13 sends the signal to the line idle signal. If it is determined that it is, it is handed over to the idle circuit receiving unit 16.

Next, the handset 10 proceeds to step 133, where the line availability receiving section 16 refers to the storage section 18 to determine whether or not the storage section 18 stores the connection non-permission detection information of the handset 10. If the communication line 40 is not in the connected state when the handset 10 makes a call request and the detection information indicating that the connection is not permitted is not stored in the storage unit 18, the process directly returns to step 102. When the communication line 40 is in the connected state when the call request is issued by the device 10 and the detection information indicating that the connection is not permitted is stored in the storage unit 18, the process proceeds to step 134.

In step 134, the handset unit 10 erases the connection disapproval detection information stored in the storage unit 18 of the line idle receiving unit 16.

Further, the handset 10 proceeds to step 135 to notify the handset control unit 13 that the line availability receiving unit 16 can connect to the outside line, and at the same time, the line availability warning unit 17
Is instructed to warn, and then the process returns to step 102.

As a result, the line availability warning unit 17 informs the user of the handset 10 that an external line can be connected, as described above. Therefore, the user of the handset 10 can immediately call the outside line.

The above-described second embodiment is an embodiment of the invention of claim 1 for the communication device, and
As for the slave unit, the slave unit 10 is an embodiment of the invention of claim 4. Therefore, according to this second embodiment,
The same effect as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained.

Also in the cordless telephone shown in FIG. 4, not only the slaves 10 and 20 can communicate with the communication line 40, which is an external line, via the master 30 as described above, but the slave 10 also operates as the master 30. It is also possible to enable the extension device to communicate with the child device 20 via the. In this way, even when the slave 10 communicates with the slave 20 by extension,
The second embodiment described above can be applied.

Generally, when the communication line is n lines and there are (n + 1) or more slave units for one master unit,
In the cordless telephone of FIG. 4, the base unit 30 has a microphone for transmission and a speaker for reception, the base unit 30 itself can communicate with the communication line 40 that is an external line, and only the handset 10 is a handset. Even when there is no 20, the second embodiment described above can be applied.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and like the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is connected to a communication line 40 which is a public telephone line. 1
Two slave units 10 and 20 can be used for each master unit 30, and the slave units 10 and 20 communicate with the master unit 30 respectively and communicate with the master unit 30 via a communication line 40 which is an external line. This is the case of a cordless telephone that can communicate.

The slave unit 10 differs from that of FIG. 1 in that it has an automatic re-request unit 19. The automatic re-request unit 19
When the line idle receiver 16 receives the line idle signal from the base unit 30, it automatically forms a call origination request signal without depending on the call origination request operation performed again by the user of the handset unit 10, and transmits this to the handset unit. The data is transmitted from the child device transmission unit 11 to the parent device 30 via the control unit 13.

The base unit 30 is different from that of FIG. 1 in that it has a line shortage transmitter 39. Line shortage transmitter 39
When the communication line 40 is not available, when there is a call request from any of the child devices, that is, in this case, there is a call request from the child device 20 while the child device 10 and the communication line 40 are communicating. At this time, or when there is a call origination request from the handset 10 during communication between the handset 20 and the communication line 40, a line shortage signal is formed and transmitted from the handset transmitter 31 via the handset controller 33. The data is transmitted to the child device that is communicating with the communication line 40.

The slave unit 20 differs from that of FIG. 1 in that it has a line shortage receiving unit 26 and a line shortage warning unit 27. The line shortage reception unit 26 receives the line shortage signal from the base unit 30 when the handset 20 receives the line shortage signal.
Give warning instructions to 7.

The line shortage warning unit 27 is provided with means for emitting sound or light, and in response to an instruction from the line shortage receiving unit 26,
Sound or light is generated from the means to notify the user of the slave unit 20 that the slave unit 10 has made a call request. Specifically, for example, by a signal formed by voice synthesis in the base unit 30, a message such as "a call is requested from another handset" is played from the receiving speaker.

Handset control unit 13 of handset 10 and call origination request unit 1
4, the connection availability receiving unit 15, the line availability receiving unit 16, and the automatic re-request unit 19 are configured by a microcomputer for system control integrated into a one-chip IC, and the ROM of the microcomputer has a part as a program. , A handset transmission routine 10 shown in FIG. 8 and described later
0 is prepared.

Handset controller 23 of handset 20, call origination request unit 2
4, the connection availability receiver 25 and the line shortage receiver 26
It is composed of a system control microcomputer which is integrated into a one-chip IC, and a ROM of the microcomputer is provided with a slave unit transmission routine 200 shown in FIG. 9 and described later as a part of the program.

Master unit control unit 33 of master unit 30, call origination request receiving unit 34, connection availability transmitting unit 35, communication line connecting unit 36, storage unit 37, line idle transmitting unit 38 and line shortage transmitting unit 3
9 is also composed of a system control microcomputer which is integrated into a one-chip IC, and a ROM of the microcomputer is provided with a master unit response routine 300 as shown in FIG. 10 and described later as a part of the program. It

In the above cordless telephone, the handset 1
The operation when 0 tries to make an outgoing call to an outside line will be described in accordance with the slave calling routines 100 and 200 of FIGS. 8 and 9 and the master answering routine 300 of FIG. However, the master unit response routine 300 of FIG.
The response of the master device 30 includes the response to the slave device 20 at the same time, but it is omitted here.

After starting the slave unit calling routines 100 and 200 in steps 101 and 201, respectively, first, in steps 102 and 202, the slave units 10 and 20 are in a standby state and wait for a user operation. Base unit response routine 30
0 also starts at step 301, then first step 30
In 2, the parent device 30 enters the standby state and waits for a request from the child device 10.

In this case, first, the child device 20 executes the step 20.
It is assumed that communication is performed with the communication line 40 via the master device 30 by performing the processing of 2 to 206, 211, and 212. This procedure is the procedure of steps 102 to 106, 111, 112 in the slave transmission routine 100 shown in FIG. 2 on the side of the slave 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
That is, step 1 in the handset transmission routine 100 shown in FIG. 8 on the handset 10 side of the third embodiment shown in FIG.
The procedure of 02-106, 111, 112 is the same.

Although the procedure of the master unit 30 until relaying the communication between the slave unit 20 and the communication line 40 is not shown, the procedure for the slave unit 10 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is performed. The procedure of steps 302 to 304 and 311 to 314 in the master unit response routine 300 shown in FIG. 3, that is, the master unit response routine shown in FIG. 10 as the slave unit 10 in the third embodiment shown in FIG. This is the same as the procedure of steps 302 to 304 and 311 to 314 in 300.

As described above, when the slave unit 20 makes a call request to the master unit 30 while the slave unit 20 is communicating with the communication line 40, the master unit 3
0 from the step 302 to the steps 303 and 304, and in step 321, the connection permission signal is transmitted to the slave unit 1
0, and in step 322, the call origination request reception unit 34 stores the detection information of the call origination request from the handset 10 in the storage unit 37.

In the third embodiment, thereafter, the master unit 3
0, in step 323, the call origination request receiving unit 34 notifies the line shortage transmitting unit 39 of the line shortage, and
A list of slave unit identification information corresponding to the slave units currently communicating with the communication line 40 is presented. In this case, only the child device 20 is included in the child device identification information list.

Then, the line shortage transmission unit 39 forms a signal indicating a line shortage, and the line shortage signal is transmitted from the base unit transmission unit 31 to the handset unit included in the handset unit identification information list via the base unit control unit 33. , I.e., in this case, it is transmitted to the child device 20.

Next, the parent device 30 proceeds to step 324 and waits until the communication between the child device 20 and the communication line 40 is completed.

When the child device 20 is communicating with the communication line 40, the child device 1
When a call origination request is issued from 0 to the master device 30, the slave device 10 waits for a line idle signal from the master device 30 in step 122 through steps 102 to 103 to 106 and 121.

At step 323, the line shortage signal is transmitted from the base unit 30 to the handset 20 and the handset 2
In step 0, the process proceeds from step 212 to step 213, where the child device receiving unit 22 receives the signal from the parent device 30 and hands it over to the child device control unit 23, and the child device control unit 23 causes the signal to be short on the line. When it is determined that the signal is a signal, it is delivered to the line shortage receiving unit 26.

Next, the child device 20 proceeds to step 214, where the line shortage receiving unit 26 checks the contents of the line shortage signal and confirms that there is a call request from the handset device 10.
3 is notified, and a warning is given to the line shortage warning unit 27.

As a result, the line shortage warning unit 27 informs the user of the handset 20 in communication with the communication line 40 that the handset 10 has made a call request as described above.

Then, when the user of the slave unit 20 performs a communication end operation, the slave unit 20 proceeds from step 214 to step 2
15, the child device control unit 23 transmits a communication end request to the parent device 30 through the child device transmission unit 21.
Performs a prescribed procedure for terminating communication with the communication line 40 via the master device 30, and then step 2
Return to 02.

When the communication end request is transmitted from the child device 20 to the parent device 30 in this way, although not shown, the parent device 30
As in step 315 when the communication end request is transmitted from the handset 10 to the base unit 30, the call origination request receiving unit 34 instructs the communication line connecting unit 36 to disconnect the line, and the communication line connecting unit 36 The connection between the handset 20 and the communication line 40 is disconnected, and the call origination request receiving unit 34 stores that the communication line 40 has been disconnected.

Next, in the same way as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the base unit 30 causes the communication line connection unit 36 to notify the line idle transmission unit 38 that the communication line 40 is free, in Step 331. Further, in step 332, the idle circuit transmitter 38 refers to the storage unit 37 to determine whether or not the storage unit 37 stores the detection information of the transmission request from the slave unit, and the slave unit will be described later. If the detection information of the outgoing call request from the device is not stored, step 30 is performed as it is.
Returning to step 2, when the detection information of the call origination request from the slave unit is stored as described above, the process proceeds to step 333.

Then, in step 333, the parent device 3
In the case of 0, the line idle transmission unit 38 forms a signal indicating a line idle, and the line idle signal is transmitted from the base unit transmission unit 31 to the handset 10 via the base unit control unit 33. After that, the parent device 30 returns to step 302.

By transmitting the line idle signal from the base unit 30 to the handset unit 10 in this way, the handset unit 10 proceeds from step 122 to step 123, and the handset unit reception unit 12
Receives a signal from the parent device 30 and receives the signal from the child device control unit 13
When the slave unit control unit 13 determines that the signal is a line idle signal, it hands it over to the line idle receiving unit 16.

Next, the handset 10 proceeds to step 124, where the line idle receiver 16 checks the content of the line idle signal to notify the handset controller 13 that the line can be connected to the outside line and the line idle. A warning instruction is given to the warning unit 17. As a result, the line availability warning unit 17 notifies the user of the handset 10 that the line can be connected to the outside line, as described above.

Then, in the third embodiment, the slave unit 1
In step 0, the line idle receiver 16 instructs the automatic re-request unit 19 to make a call request, and in response to this, the automatic re-request unit 19 forms a call request signal. The transmission request signal is transmitted from the slave unit transmitter 11 to the master unit 30 via the slave unit controller 13, and then the process returns to step 104. That is, in this case, the user of the handset 10 automatically makes another call request from the handset 10 to the base device 30 without requiring a new call request operation.

[0179] By automatically issuing a call request from the child device 10 to the parent device 30 in this manner, the parent device 30 proceeds from step 302 to step 303, and thereafter, the child device 1
The same operation as when a call origination request is made by the operation of the user of 0 is performed. After returning to step 104, the child device 10 also performs the same operation as when a call origination request is made by the operation of the user of the child device 10.

In step 106 of FIG. 8, after the connection permission / prohibition receiving unit 15 of the handset 10 determines that the content of the connection permission / prohibition signal from the base unit 30 indicates connection permission, the handset 10 operates in steps 111 to 113. In, the same processing as in the case of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is performed, and the process returns to step 102.

Further, in step 206 of FIG. 9, after the connection permission / prohibition receiving unit 25 of the handset 20 determines that the content of the connection permission / prohibition signal from the base unit 30 indicates that connection is not permitted, the handset 20
In step 221, similarly to step 121 for the handset 10, the handset controller 23 notifies the user of the handset 20 that the external line could not be connected by using a bell, and cancels communication with the base unit 30. And then step 20
Return to 2.

In the third embodiment described above, the communication line 40
When the call request is made from the handset 10 when the mobile device 10 is not available, when the communication line 40 is available thereafter, the user of the handset 10 is notified that the communication line 40 is available.
This is an embodiment of the invention of claims 1 and 4, and therefore the same effect as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained.

When the communication line 40 becomes available, the cordless handset 1
Claims 2 and 5 in that 0 automatically requests outgoing calls.
Is an embodiment of the invention. Since the call request is automatically made in this way, the call request operation by the user of the handset 10 is delayed even though the communication line 40 is available, so that the handset 20 which is another handset is delayed. The communication line 40 is not occupied again, and the user of the handset 10 can surely communicate with the communication line 40.

Further, in the above-described third embodiment, when a call origination request is issued from the handset 10 when the communication line 40 is not available, the user of the handset 20 currently communicating with the communication line 40 is notified. This is an embodiment of the invention of Claim 3 in that it notifies that there is a call origination request from the handset 10. And
In this way, since the user of the child device 20 is notified that there is a call origination request from the child device 10, the user of the child device 20 notifies the user of the child device 1
It can be expected that communication with the communication line 40 will be cut off quickly for 0 users, and the convenience of the cordless telephone is improved.

In the cordless telephone shown in FIG. 7, as described above, not only the slaves 10 and 20 can communicate with the communication line 40 which is an external line via the master 30, respectively, but the slave 10 also operates as the master 30. It is also possible to enable the extension device to communicate with the child device 20 via the.

Also when the slave unit 10 communicates with the slave unit 20 by extension as described above, the invention of claim 3 is applied,
When the handset 20 is communicating with the communication line 40, such as when the handset 20 makes a call request to the extension from the handset 10 and the handset 20 responds to an incoming call from the communication line 40. To the slave unit 20 due to a line shortage signal from the master unit 30.
The line shortage warning unit 27 of (1) informs the user of the handset 20 that there is a call origination request from the handset 10, and further applies the inventions of claims 2 and 5, and thereafter, the handset 20 and the communication line. When the extension connection between the child device 10 and the child device 20 becomes possible after the communication with the child device 40 is completed, the line idle signal from the parent device 30 causes the line idle warning unit 17 of the child device 10 to operate. The user can be notified that extension connection is possible, and the automatic re-request unit 19 can automatically request the base unit 30 to make a call to the extension.

Therefore, the "communication line" referred to in the invention of claim 2, 5 or 3 is not limited to the external line such as the communication line 40, but may be between the master unit and another slave unit or the second slave unit. It includes the extension.

Further, in the cordless telephone of FIG. 7, each of the slave units 10 and 20 has a slave unit transmitting unit, a slave unit receiving unit, a slave unit control unit, a call requesting unit, a connection availability receiving unit, a line availability receiving unit, It has a line availability warning part, an automatic re-request part, a line shortage receiving part and a line shortage warning part, and each has a base unit 30.
Receives a line shortage signal from the other handset and informs the user that there is a call request from the other handset during communication, and receives a line idle signal from the base device 30 to establish communication with the communication line 40. To notify its own user that it has become possible to connect to the outside line of the terminal or to connect to the extension of another child device, and the parent device 30
It is also possible to automatically make an outgoing call request.

Also, in the cordless telephone of FIG.
0 has a microphone for transmission and a speaker for reception,
When the base unit 30 itself can communicate with the communication line 40, which is an external line, even when the base unit 30 is only the base unit 10 and does not have the base unit 20, the invention of claims 2 and 5 is applied to the base unit 30. From the base unit 30 to the outside line, the base unit 30 responds to an incoming call from the communication line 40.
When the base unit 30 is communicating with the communication line 40, when the communication is finished and the connection between the handset unit 10 and the communication line 40 becomes possible thereafter, the line idle signal from the base unit 30 causes The line availability warning unit 17 of the child device 10 informs the user of the child device 10 that the outside line connection is possible, and the automatic re-request unit 19 automatically makes the parent device 30 a call request to the outside line. can do.

Further, in the cordless telephone of FIG. 7, the communication line 40, which is an external line, is one line and is composed of one master unit 30 and two slave units 10 and 20, but in general, the communication line There are n lines, and (n +
1) When there are more than one slaves, the inventions of claims 2 and 3 can be applied.

Storage of a call origination request from the child device in the parent device,
For the transmission destination of the line idle signal, the various methods described above with reference to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be used.

The destination of the line shortage signal described in the handset identification information list created together with the line shortage signal in the master unit is not all the slave units currently using the line but It may be only the slave unit that has used the line for the longest time, or only the slave unit that uses the line belonging to the line type for which the slave unit has requested the call.

[0193]

As described above, according to the inventions of claims 1 and 4, when a call request is made from the child device to the parent device, another child device or the parent device itself is communicating with the communication line, If the communication line is not available, then the communication between the other handset or the base unit itself and the communication line ends, and when the communication line becomes available, the user of that handset has an available communication line. Is notified, the user of the child device can immediately communicate with the communication line.

Moreover, it is not always warned that the communication line is free, but that the communication line is free only when the communication line becomes free after the call request from the slave is rejected. Therefore, there is no unnecessary warning, it is not annoying, and the degree of recognition of the warning is high.

According to the inventions of claims 2 and 5, when the communication line is vacant as described above, the calling request is automatically made from the slave unit to the master unit. Therefore, even if the communication line is vacant. Instead, the delay request operation by the user of the child device does not cause another child device or the parent device to occupy the communication line again, and the user of the child device reliably communicates with the communication line. be able to.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the second slave unit is communicating with the communication line and the communication line is not available when the first slave unit makes a call request to the master unit, , Second
The user of the second handset is notified that the first handset has made a call request, and the user of the second handset communicates with the communication line for the user of the first handset. It is expected to round up quickly.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a handset transmission routine executed by one handset in the embodiment of FIG.

3 is a flowchart showing a master unit response routine executed by the master unit in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart showing a handset transmission routine executed by one handset in the embodiment of FIG. 4. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a master unit response routine executed by the master unit in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a slave transmission routine executed by one slave in the embodiment of FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing a handset transmission routine executed by the other handset in the embodiment of FIG. 7. FIG.

10 is a flowchart showing a master unit response routine executed by the master unit in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a conventional cordless telephone.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a cordless handset calling routine executed by one cordless handset in the cordless telephone of FIG.

13 is a flowchart showing a master unit response routine executed by the master unit in the cordless telephone of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Handset 14 Call origination request section 15 Connection acceptability section 16 Line availability reception section 17 Line availability warning section 19 Automatic re-request section 20 Handset 26 Line shortage reception section 27 Line shortage warning section 30 Master unit 34 Call request reception section 35 Connection Possibility transmission unit 38 Line idle transmission unit 39 Line shortage transmission unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A master unit connected to a communication line and a slave unit connected to the master unit, wherein the slave unit is connected to the communication line based on an operation of a user of the slave unit. A call origination request unit that outputs a call origination request that requests a connection to the master unit, a connection availability reception unit that receives from the master unit whether connection to the communication line is possible, and a line idle signal from the master unit. A line idle receiver, and a line idle warning unit that informs the user of the child device that connection with the communication line is possible when the line idle receiver receives the line idle signal from the parent device, The base unit has a call origination request receiving unit that receives a call origination request from the handset unit and determines whether or not the handset unit can connect to the communication line, and a call origination request receiving unit. In response to the judgment result of the After the connection permission transmission unit and the call origination request reception unit disable the connection between the slave unit and the communication line, the communication unit can be connected to the communication unit by opening the communication line. And a line idle transmitting unit that transmits a line idle signal to the slave unit. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein when the line idle receiving unit receives a line idle signal from the master unit, the slave unit issues a call origination request for requesting connection with the communication line. A communication device having an automatic requesting unit for outputting to a master unit. 3. A master unit connected to a communication line, and first and second slave units respectively connected to the master unit, wherein the first slave unit is the first slave unit. Based on a user's operation, a call origination request unit that outputs a call origination request that requests a connection to the communication line to the master unit, and a connection availability reception unit that receives from the master unit whether or not to connect to the communication line. A line idle receiving unit for receiving a line idle signal from the master unit; and when the line idle receiving unit receives the line idle signal from the parent unit, the communication to the user of the first slave unit. A line availability warning unit for notifying that connection with a line is possible, and the second slave unit has a line shortage receiving unit for receiving a line shortage signal from the master unit, and the line shortage receiving unit. When the user receives the line shortage signal from the parent device, the user of the second child device A line shortage warning unit for notifying that there is a call request from the first slave unit to the master unit, and the master unit receives the call request from the first slave unit, and A call origination request receiving unit that determines whether or not a connection between the first handset and the communication line is possible, and a reception result of the call origination request receiving unit that determines the connection between the first handset and the communication line. When the connection permission / prohibition transmission unit for transmitting the connection permission / prohibition to the first slave unit and the transmission request reception unit prohibits the connection between the first slave unit and the communication line, the second slave unit A line shortage transmitter for transmitting a line shortage signal to the first child, and the call origination request receiver disables the connection between the first slave unit and the communication line, and then the first line When the connection between the device and the communication line becomes possible, a line idle signal is transmitted to the first slave device. Line communication apparatus having a vacant transmission unit. 4. In a slave unit connected to a communication line via the master unit, an outgoing call request for connection to the communication line is output to the master unit based on an operation of a user of the slave unit. The call origination request unit, the connection availability receiver that receives the connection availability from the master unit, the line availability receiver that receives the line availability signal from the master unit, and the line availability receiver. A slave unit, which, when receiving a line availability signal from the master unit, notifies the user of the slave unit that the connection with the communication line is possible, and a slave unit. 5. The cordless handset according to claim 4, wherein when the line idle receiver receives the line idle signal from the master unit, a call origination request for connecting to the communication line is output to the parent unit. A handset with an automatic re-request unit.