JPH0993417A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively utilize a recording memory of an externally mounted automatic answering telephone set by sending a pseudo busy tone to the externally mounted automatic answering telephone set after the detection of a CNG signal. SOLUTION: When a DC detection section 11 detects the operation start of an automatic answering telephone set 9, a main control section 1 requests detection of a CNG signal to a CNG signal detection section 2. When the CNG signal is detected while monitoring the detection of the CNG signal by the detection section 2 and the end of operation of a telephone set 9 by the detection section 11, the main control section 1 changes over switches SW1, SW2 to be closed. Then the main control section 1 requests transmission of a pseudo busy tone from a busy tone transmission section 5 to the telephone set 9 and requests to a DC supply/hook state detection/externally mounted ring section 13 to monitor as to whether or not the telephone set 9 is in operation. Since the telephone set 9 stops the recording during the transmission of the pseudo busy tone, useless recording is avoided and the recording memory capacity is saved.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention monitors a presence or absence of a CNG signal (facsimile calling signal) during use of an external telephone and, when a CNG signal is detected, automatically carries out a facsimile receiving operation. The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having a so-called telephone / facsimile (TEL / FAX) automatic switching function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when an external telephone connected to an external line is in use, the presence or absence of a CNG signal is monitored, and when a CNG signal is detected, a TE which performs a facsimile reception operation is performed.
A facsimile machine having an L / FAX automatic switching function is known (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-116077). With this conventional TEL / FAX automatic switching function,
A CNG signal detection circuit connected to the telephone side is provided, and when it is detected that a CNG signal is sent from the other party via the line, a switching signal is output to the drive unit to switch the switching unit to the facsimile transmission / reception unit side. It enables automatic reception of facsimiles in a short time.

If this TEL / FAX automatic switching function is used, an answering machine can be connected as an external telephone, for example.
Even if you go out by setting the answering machine mode, you can record a message on the connected answering machine when the person who is calling while you are away is a person, and in the case of a facsimile, you can receive a fax. It will be possible. In this case, the CNG signal is generated as a signal (for example, H level) with a time width of 0.5 seconds at intervals of 3 seconds in the hook-off state (a person picks up the handset). If detected, it is possible to switch to facsimile reception in a short time. Therefore, in a system in which an external telephone and a facsimile device are connected to one line, a quick TEL / F that responds to a call from the other party.
AX automatic switching is performed and operability is improved.

[0004]

However, in the conventional facsimile apparatus having the TEL / FAX automatic switching function, an answering machine is connected as an external telephone,
If the answering machine mode is set, the following problems occur. When the answering machine mode is set, if a CNG signal (facsimile ringing signal) is detected when an incoming call is received from the other party, when the facsimile reception is possible, the operation is switched to the facsimile reception operation, but silence is recorded on the answering machine. Further, when the facsimile reception is impossible, the detected CNG signal is recorded as it is, so that there is a disadvantage that the recording memory of the answering machine is uselessly used. The present invention eliminates such inconvenience in the conventional device, and an external answering machine set in the answering machine mode,
It is an object of the present invention to effectively record the recording memory of an external answering machine by preventing meaningless silence and useless CNG signals from being recorded.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, C
The first detecting means for detecting an NG signal (facsimile calling signal), the second detecting means for detecting whether or not the answering machine connected to the own machine is operating, and the second detecting means When it is determined that the answering machine connected to the machine is in use, the first detection means starts the detection of the CNG signal by the first detection means, and the CNG signal is detected by the first control means. At this time, in the facsimile apparatus provided with the second control means for performing the facsimile receiving operation, the facsimile machine is provided with the pseudo busy tone generating means for sending to the answering machine a pseudo busy tone which is a false busy tone sent from the NTT exchange. When the CNG signal is detected by the means, the connection between the line and the answering machine is released, and until the second detecting means detects the end of the operation of the answering machine, the pseudo-visit So that it keeps sending pseudo busy tone against answering machine by the tone generation means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first detecting means for detecting the CNG signal, the second detecting means for detecting whether or not the answering machine connected to the own machine is in operation, and the second detecting means. When it is determined that the answering machine connected to the own machine is in use by the first detecting means, the CNG is detected by the first detecting means.
In a facsimile machine provided with a first control means for starting signal detection and a second control means for performing a facsimile reception operation when a CNG signal is detected by the first control means, with respect to an answering machine. A silence generating means for continuing the silent state is provided, and when the CNG signal is detected by the first control means, the connection between the line and the answering machine is released, and the second detecting means detects the end of the operation of the answering machine. Up to now, the silence generating means keeps the silence in the answering machine.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first detecting means for detecting the CNG signal, the second detecting means for detecting whether or not the answering machine connected to the own machine is in operation, and the second detecting means. When it is determined that the answering machine connected to the own machine is in use by the first detecting means, the CNG is detected by the first detecting means.
In a facsimile apparatus equipped with a first control means for starting signal detection and a second control means for performing a facsimile reception operation when a CNG signal is detected by the first control means, a DC signal for an answering machine is provided. CNG is provided by the first control means, which is provided with a DC supply stopping means for stopping the supply.
When the signal is detected, the connection between the line and the answering machine is released, and the direct current supply stopping means stops the direct current supply to the answering machine until the second detecting means detects the end of the operation of the answering machine. I'm trying to continue.

According to the invention of claim 4, first detecting means for detecting a CNG signal, second detecting means for detecting whether or not an answering machine connected to the own machine is in operation, and second detecting means. When it is determined that the answering machine connected to the own machine is in use by the first detecting means, the CNG is detected by the first detecting means.
A DTMF signal can be created in a facsimile machine provided with a first control means for starting signal detection and a second control means for performing a facsimile reception operation when a CNG signal is detected by the first control means. A number storage means for storing a sequence of numbers and a DTMF signal transmission means for transmitting a DTMF signal to an answering machine are provided. When the CNG signal is detected by the first control means, the DTMF signal transmission means causes the number storage means. The number stored in is sent to an answering machine.

According to the invention of claim 5, first detecting means for detecting the CNG signal, second detecting means for detecting whether or not the answering machine connected to the own machine is in operation, and second detecting means. When it is determined that the answering machine connected to the own machine is in use by the first detecting means, the CNG is detected by the first detecting means.
In a facsimile apparatus provided with a first control means for starting signal detection and a second control means for carrying out a facsimile reception operation when a CNG signal is detected by the first control means, transmission from an NTT exchange. A pseudo busy tone generating means for sending a pseudo busy tone that is false to the busy tone to the answering machine, a silence generating means for maintaining a silent state for the answering machine, and a DC supply stopping means for stopping the supply of direct current to the answering machine, During operation of the answering machine, the time from the operation start of the pseudo busy tone generating means to the operation end of the answering machine, the time from the operation start of the silence generating means to the operation end of the answering machine, and from the operation start of the DC supply stopping means A time measuring means for measuring the time until the operation of the answering machine is completed, and
When the control means detects the CNG signal, the connection between the line and the answering machine is released, and the second detecting means compares the measured values measured by the time measuring means until the end of the operation of the answering machine is detected. However, by means of stopping the operation of the answering machine in the shortest time, any one of the pseudo busy tone transmission / silence state creation / DC supply stop operation is continued.

In summary, the recording operation is stopped by using the busy tone detection function of the external answering machine (the invention of claim 1), and the recording operation is stopped by using the silence detection function of the external answering machine. The recording operation is stopped (the invention of claim 2) or the recording operation is stopped by utilizing the DC disconnection detecting function. In addition, the recording operation is stopped by using the remote control function of the external answering machine by the DTMF signal (the invention of claim 4), and which of the busy tone detection, the silence detection and the DC disconnection detection is most effective. Then, the recording operation of the answering machine is stopped (the invention of claim 5).

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of a facsimile apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, a hardware configuration common to the inventions of claims 1 to 5 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the main configuration of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a main control unit, 2 is a CNG signal detection unit, 3 is a network control unit, 4 is a DTMF signal transmission unit, 5 is a busy tone transmission unit, 6 is a FAX transmission / reception unit, 7 is a RAM, 8
Is an operation / display unit, 9 is an answering machine, and 10 is a line.

FIG. 1 shows only a main part relating to the automatic TEL / FAX switching in the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. The outline of the function of each part is as follows. The main control unit 1 has a function of controlling individual operations and overall operations of each unit of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. The CNG signal detector 2 has a function of detecting a CNG signal (facsimile calling signal) transmitted from the line 10.

The network control unit 3 is a network control unit for controlling incoming / outgoing calls between the FAX transmitting / receiving unit 6 or the answering machine 9 and the line 10. The DTMF signal sending unit 4 sends a DTMF signal to an external answering machine 9.
It is a signal transmission means and transmits the same signal as the reproduction request signal of the remote control function. The busy tone sending unit 5 sends an NTT message to the external telephone answering machine 9 as well.
Is a busy tone sending means for sending a false busy tone to the busy tone sent from the exchange.

The FAX transmission / reception unit 6 is a transmission / reception unit that performs control for executing facsimile transmission / reception. RAM7
Is a memory for storing various information unique to the device. The operation / display unit 8 is an operation / display panel including operation keys and a display unit that displays various types of information.

The answering machine 9 is a telephone having a recording function, which is connected to a facsimile machine. The facsimile apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 also has a basic hardware configuration in common with a conventional facsimile apparatus having a TEL / FAX automatic switching function. However, it is characterized in that the DTMF signal sending unit 4 and the busy tone sending unit 5 are added, and that the main control unit 1 performs control according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The network control unit 3 is also different from the conventional one.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of the network control section 3 of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. The reference numerals in the figure are the same as those in FIG.
Reference numeral 11 is a direct current detection unit, 12 is a ringing detection unit, 13 is a direct current supply / hook state detection / external ringing unit, SW1 to SW
Reference numeral 4 indicates a switch.

The function of each unit of the network control unit 3 shown in FIG.
It is as follows. First, the switches SW1 to SW4 will be described. The switch SW1 is a changeover switch for controlling the opening / closing of the DC circuit between the line 10 and the FAX transmitting / receiving unit 6, and closes the line 10 and the FAX transmitting / receiving unit 6 in the ON state. The switch SW2 is an external answering machine 9
With the change-over switch for controlling whether or not to disconnect from the line 10, the external answering machine 9 is disconnected from the line 10 in the ON state.

The switch SW3 performs tone detection including the CNG signal (facsimile call signal) on the line 10 side or the answering machine 9 side when the external answering machine 9 and the line 10 are separated by the switch SW2. It is a changeover switch for switching whether to perform it. It is on the answering machine 9 side in the on state and on the line 10 side in the off state. It should be noted that it is not necessary to turn it on to detect only the CNG signal. The switch SW4 is provided when the switch SW2 disconnects the external answering machine 9 and the line 10.
This is a changeover switch for controlling whether or not the direct current is supplied to the answering machine 9, and the direct current is supplied in the ON state.

Magnet switches or transistor switches are generally used as the switches SW1 to SW4. The main controller 1 controls ON / OFF of each of the switches SW1 to SW4. Next, the direct-current detection unit 11 detects that the switch SW2 connects the external telephone answering machine 9 and the line 10 (switch S).
W2 is in an off state), and has a function of detecting whether or not the answering machine 9 is in operation. Ringing detector 12
Has a function of detecting ringing which is a calling signal from the line 10.

The DC supply / hook state detection / external ringing section 13 supplies DC to the answering machine 9 when the external answering machine 9 and the line 10 are separated by the switch SW2 (switch SW2 is in the ON state). Along with
It has the functions of DC detection capable of driving the hook detection and external ringing circuit, hook state detection, and external ringing, both the switch SW2 and the switch SW4 are in the ON state, and the answering machine 9 is connected. At this time, it is detected whether or not the answering machine 9 is in operation. The above is the detailed configuration and function of the network control unit 3 of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. Next, the inventions of claims 1 to 5 will be described in detail.

First Embodiment This first embodiment corresponds to the inventions of claims 1 to 4, and the hardware configuration is as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 above. . First, an embodiment of the invention of claim 1 will be described. The invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that, when an incoming call of a facsimile is received in the answering machine mode, the receiving side is switched to the facsimile receiving side and a busy tone is sent to the answering machine 9 to stop the recording operation. Have

First, in the network control unit 3 of FIG. 2, when the answering machine mode is set, the switches SW1 to SW4 are set.
SW1 = OFF, SW2 = OFF, SW3 = OFF, SW
4 = leave it on Therefore, according to the connection state of the network control unit 3 shown in FIG. 2, the circuit of FIG.
Line 10 → Network control unit 3 (DC detection unit 11 → Switch SW
3) → CNG signal detector 2 / ringing detector 12 → main controller 1 is connected. Further, the circuit of line 10 → network controller 3 (DC detector 11 → switch SW2) → DTMF signal transmitter 4 / busy tone transmitter 5 / answering machine 9 is also connected.

That is, in this answering machine mode, the switch SW1 of the network control unit 3 is turned off, so that the FAX transmission / reception unit 6 and the line 10 are not connected. In this answering machine mode, whether the answering machine 9 is operating or not is determined by the DC detector 11 and is transmitted to the main controller 1. The ringing signal from the line 10 is detected by the ringing detector 12.

In this answering machine mode, since the switch SW2 is turned off and the line 10 is connected to the answering machine 9 side, the DC supply / hook state detection / external ringing section 13 and the answering machine 9 are connected. And are not connected. When the answering machine mode is set, each circuit in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is in such a connected state. In this state, when ringing (calling signal) is detected by the ringing detector 12 shown in FIG. 2, the function of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention is started.

That is, the ringing detector 12 and the DC detector 11 in FIG. 2 monitor the continuation of ringing and the start of the operation of the answering machine 9. The function according to the present invention is continued until the ringing detector 12 detects that the ringing is not continued, and when the ringing is not continued, the function is also terminated. When the function according to the present invention is started and the DC detector 11 of FIG. 2 detects the operation start of the answering machine 9, the main controller 1
The CNG signal detector 2 is requested to detect the CNG signal.

By this request for CNG signal detection, CN
The G signal detector 2 monitors the presence / absence of a CNG signal. The direct current detection unit 11 monitors (detects) the presence or absence of this CNG signal.
However, the operation is continued until the end of the operation of the answering machine 9 is detected, and when the operation of the answering machine 9 ends, the function according to the present invention ends. If C by CNG signal detector 2
Monitoring the detection of the NG signal and the end of the operation of the answering machine 9 by the DC detector 11 (while the answering machine 9 is operating)
Then, when the CNG signal is detected (when the facsimile calling signal is detected), the main control unit 1 switches the switches SW1 and SW2 which have been in the off state until then to the on state.

That is, the switches SW1 to SW4 are
SW1 = on, SW2 = on, SW3 = off, SW4 =
Turned on. In this way, the switch SW of the network control unit 3
When 1 is turned on, the FAX transmission / reception unit 6 and the line 10 which have been in the non-connection state until then are in the connection state. Therefore, in the case of facsimile reception, the receiving operation becomes possible. When the switch SW2 is turned on,
DC detector 11 (line 10) that was in the connected state until then
And the external answering machine 9 are separated from each other, and instead, the DC supply / hook state detection / external ringing section 13 and the answering machine 9 are connected to supply the DC to the answering machine 9 /
Direct current is supplied from the hook state detection / external ringing unit 13.

In this state, the external answering machine 9
Is unreceivable, the main control unit 1 requests the busy tone sending unit 5 to send a pseudo busy tone, and at the same time, asks the DC supply / hook state detection / external ringing unit 13 to answer the telephone 9 Request monitoring of whether or not is in operation (end of operation). And the answering machine 9
During the sending of this pseudo busy tone, the recording operation is stopped (the recording operation is not started), so that the unnecessary recording operation is avoided and the recording memory can be saved.

After that, the FAX transmission / reception unit 6 monitors whether or not the facsimile reception is completed, and when it detects that the facsimile reception operation is completed, the main control unit 1 switches the switches SW1 and SW2 to the OFF state again, and the answering machine is left. Connection in telephone mode, that is, line 10 to answering machine 9
Then, the function according to the present invention is terminated. In a model of a type in which the generation of the pseudo busy tone is performed by the same modem as the tone used in the facsimile communication, it is better to send the pseudo busy tone before starting the facsimile reception before starting the facsimile reception. The above is the operation according to the invention of claim 1. next,
With respect to the invention of claim 1, the flow when the answering machine mode is set will be described.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the main processing flow when the answering machine mode is set in the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, # 1 to #
12 shows a step.

In step # 1, when the ringing detector 12 shown in FIG. 2 detects the continuation of ringing, the flow of FIG. 3 starts (the function starts according to the present invention). In the next step # 2, it is determined whether or not the answering machine 9 has started operating. When the answering machine 9 starts operating, the process proceeds to step # 3. In step # 3, the CN in FIG.
The G signal detector 2 is requested to start detecting the CNG signal.

In step # 4, it is determined whether or not the answering machine 9 is in operation. If the answering machine 9 is not in operation (when the operation is completed), the flow of FIG. 3 is completed. On the other hand, when the answering machine 9 is operating,
In step # 5, it is determined whether the CNG signal is detected. If the CNG signal is not detected as a result of the determination in step # 5, the process returns to step # 4 and the same operation is repeated.

On the other hand, as a result of the judgment made in step # 5,
When the CNG signal is detected, the process proceeds to step # 6,
The answering machine 9 is disconnected from the line 10, and the FAX transmission / reception unit 6 and the line 10 are connected (switch SW1 in FIG. 2).
Turn on SW2). In the next step # 7, if the facsimile reception is possible, the facsimile reception operation is performed. In step # 8, the busy tone sending section 5 starts sending a busy tone to the answering machine 9 (to stop the recording operation of the answering machine 9).

In step # 9, the answering machine 9 is monitored until it finishes its operation (in the case of an external telephone, the response method differs depending on its type, so the end of operation is monitored).
When it is detected that the answering machine 9 has finished its operation, the process proceeds to step # 10, and the busy tone sending section 5 finishes sending the busy tone. In step # 11, monitoring is performed until the facsimile receiving operation is completed, and when it is detected that the facsimile receiving operation is completed, in step # 12, the answering machine 9 and the line 10 are connected (see FIG. 2). The switches SW1 and SW2 are turned off), and the flow of FIG. 3 is terminated (return to the standby state of the original answering machine mode).

By the above steps # 1 to # 12, the automatic switching to the facsimile reception and the receiving operation when the answering machine mode is set and the receiving operation are performed, and during that time, the busy tone is sent to the answering machine 9. The recording operation is not performed (the invention of claim 1). Therefore, the recording memory can be effectively used, and unnecessary playback time of the recording does not occur, so that the line usage fee can be saved when a playback request is made by the remote control function.

As described above, in the model of the type in which the generation of the pseudo busy tone is used in the same modem as the tone used in the facsimile communication, step # 7 is used.
Process (start of facsimile reception operation), step #
It is better to perform after the processing of 10 (transmission of pseudo busy tone). The above is the flow of processing according to the invention of claim 1. In the invention of claim 2, in the flow of FIG. 3,
If the process of step # 8 (start of sending busy tone) and the process of step # 10 (end of sending busy tone) are omitted (deleted) to make a silent state, and the recording operation is not performed in this silent state. Good.

In the third aspect of the present invention, in the flow of FIG. 3, instead of the process of step # 8 (starting transmission of busy tone), the switch SW4 of FIG. 2 is turned off and the DC supply / hook state is set. By disconnecting the detection / external ringing unit 13 and the answering machine 9, the DC supply to the answering machine 9 may be terminated (the recording operation may not be performed). In this case,
Instead of the process of step # 10 (end of transmission of busy tone), the process of turning on the switch SW4 of FIG. 2 is performed. Further, in the invention of claim 4, in the flow of FIG. 3, instead of the processing of step # 8 (start of transmission of busy tone), processing of starting transmission of DTMF signal from the DTMF signal transmission section 4 and step # 10. Instead of the processing (end of transmission of busy tone), the DTMF signal transmission unit 4
To end the transmission of the DTMF signal.

Second Embodiment The second embodiment corresponds to the invention of claim 5. The hardware configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the CPU 2 shown in FIG.
1 is different in that control is performed according to the flow shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 below. Specifically, it is determined which of the three methods described in the first embodiment, namely, busy tone detection, silence detection, or DC disconnection detection, is the most effective method. The feature is that the recording operation of the answering machine is stopped by selecting the method that is judged to be the most effective.

First, in the network control section 3 of FIG. 2, when setting the answering machine mode, the switches SW1 to SW4 are
SW1 = OFF, SW2 = ON, SW3 = OFF, SW4 =
Leave it on. Next, the external ringing circuit is driven by the DC supply / hook state detection / external ringing unit 13,
Wait for the operation of the answering machine 9. The start of operation of the answering machine 9 in this case is also detected by the DC supply / hook state detection / external ringing section 13.

When the operation start of the answering machine 9 is detected, the driving of the external ringing circuit is stopped, the busy tone sending section 5 starts sending the pseudo busy tone, and the count-up timer is started to count the time. To do. This time counting is continued until it is detected that the operation of the answering machine 9 is finished, and during that time, the count-up by the count-up timer is continued.

When it is confirmed that the operation of the answering machine 9 is completed, the count-up of the count-up timer is completed at that time, and the counter value at that time is stored in the RAM of FIG.
The data is stored in a first storage area (abbreviated as storage 1) provided inside 7. The same process is performed for creating a silent state. In the case of this silence, the counter value is stored in a second storage area (abbreviated as storage 2) provided in the RAM 7.

Further, with respect to the stop of the direct current supply, the same processing is performed until the external ringing circuit is driven to activate the answering machine 9, and the direct current supply is stopped. Then, of the previously stored values of memory 1 and memory 2, the smaller value is selected and set in the count-up timer, the timer is started, and the time is awaited. When the time is over, the direct current supply is started again and the operation status of the answering machine 9 is monitored.

When the answering machine 9 is in operation, it waits for the end of the operation. When the operation of the answering machine 9 is completed, the values of the memory 1 and the memory 2 are compared, and the value of the memory 1 is stored in the memory 2
If the value is greater than or equal to the value of, the third value provided in the RAM 7 of FIG.
A code indicating silence is stored in the storage area (abbreviated as storage 3) of. On the contrary, when the value of the memory 1 is less than the value of the memory 2, the code indicating the pseudo busy tone is stored in the third memory area (abbreviated as memory 3) provided in the RAM 7 of FIG.

If the operation of the answering machine 9 is completed when the direct current supply is started again at the time when the time is over (at the same time as or before the time is over),
A code indicating DC supply is stored in a third storage area (abbreviated as storage 3) provided in the RAM 7 of FIG. When the storage of the code in the memory 3 is completed, the switch SW2 in FIG. 2 is turned off and the answering machine 9 and the line 10 are connected.

With such an operation, the memory 3 is most effective in the memory 3 among the three means for stopping the recording of the answering machine 9, namely, the busy tone detection, the silence detection, and the DC disconnection detection. A code indicating whether there is is stored. When the ringing signal is actually given through the line 10 and the continuation of ringing and the CNG signal are detected, the means corresponding to the code stored in the memory 3 is selected. The operation of the invention of claim 5 described above is shown in a flow chart.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts showing the main processing flow when the answering machine mode is set in the second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, #
21 to # 50 indicate steps, and indicates connection points.

In step # 21 of FIG. 4, the external ringing circuit is turned on (driven) by the DC supply / hook state detection / external ringing section 13 of FIG. Step # 22
Then, it is monitored whether or not the answering machine 9 has operated.
When the operation of the answering machine 9 is detected, the process proceeds to step # 23, and the external ringing circuit is turned off (non-driving state).
To In the next step # 24, the busy tone transmitting section 5 of FIG. 1 transmits the busy tone.

At step # 25, the count-up timer is started. In step # 26, it is monitored whether the operation of the answering machine 9 is completed. When it is detected that the operation of the answering machine 9 is completed, the count-up timer is stopped in the next step # 27, and the count value at that time is stored in the RAM 7 of FIG.
It is stored in the internal memory 1.

In step # 28, the busy tone transmitting section 5
Stop sending busy tones from. Step # 29
2, the DC ringing / hook state detection / external ringing section 13 in FIG. 2 turns on the external ringing circuit (drive state) again. In step # 30, it is monitored whether the answering machine 9 has operated. When the operation of the answering machine 9 is detected, the process proceeds to step # 31, and the external ringing circuit is turned off (non-driving state).

At the next step # 32, a silent state is made by a silent state creating means (not shown). Step # 33
Then, start the count-up timer. In step # 34, it is monitored whether or not the operation of the answering machine 9 is completed. When it is detected that the operation of the answering machine 9 is finished, the count-up timer is stopped in the next step # 35, and the count value at that time is stored in the memory 2 in the RAM 7 of FIG.

In step # 36, the silence producing means is turned off. In step # 37, the external ringing circuit is turned on (driving state) again. In step # 38, it is monitored whether or not the answering machine 9 has operated. When the operation of the answering machine 9 is detected, the process proceeds to step # 39, and the external ringing circuit is turned off (non-driving state).

At the next step # 40, the DC power supply shown in FIG.
The hook state detection / external ringing unit 13 stops the DC supply. In step # 41, the shorter one of the previously stored values of the memory 1 and the memory 2 in the RAM 7 of FIG. 1 is set in the count-up timer and the timer is started. In step # 42, it is monitored whether the time is over.

When it is detected that the time is over, the process proceeds to step # 43 in FIG. In step # 43,
DC supply is started by the DC supply / hook state detection / external ringing unit 13 in FIG. Proceed to step # 44,
It is monitored whether or not the operation of the answering machine 9 is completed.

When the answering machine 9 is in operation, it is monitored in the next step # 45 whether or not the operation of the answering machine 9 is completed. When it is detected that the operation of the answering machine 9 is completed, the process proceeds to step # 46, and "Memory 1
It is determined whether ≧ memory 2 ”. If memory 1 ≧ memory 2, in step # 47, a code indicating silence is stored in the memory 3 in the RAM 7 of FIG.
Go to 50.

As a result of the judgment in step # 46, the memory 1 ≧
If it is not the memory 2, the RAM 7 of FIG.
The code indicating the busy tone is stored in the memory 3 therein, and the process proceeds to step # 50. Also, the previous step # 44
If the answering machine 9 is not in operation as a result of the judgment in step 3, the process proceeds to step # 49, and the memory 3 in the RAM 7 of FIG.
In the step #
Go to 50. In step # 50, the answering machine 9 and the line 10 are connected, and the flow of FIGS. 4 and 5 ends.

By the processing of steps # 21 to # 50 described above, the recording operation of the answering machine 9 when the CNG signal (facsimile calling signal) is detected in the memory 3 in the RAM 7 of FIG. 1 in the answering machine mode. A code is stored that indicates the most effective means of stopping the. Therefore, if the recording operation of the answering machine 9 is stopped by the means selected by the code of the memory 3, it is possible to control so as not to perform wasteful recording efficiently.

In the above embodiment, in order to activate the answering machine 9, direct current supply / hook state detection /
The case where the external ringing section 13 is provided and the external ringing circuit is used has been described. However, instead of providing such an external ringing circuit, when the answering machine 9 responds to an actual call signal and detects a CNG signal, for example, the first 3
It is also possible to store the code indicating the best means in the memory 3 by the processing as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 with the number of times as the learning period.

[0059]

According to the facsimile apparatus of the first aspect, the CN
After the G signal (call signal) is detected, a pseudo-busy tone, which is a false busy tone transmitted from the NTT exchange, is transmitted to the external answering machine. Therefore, if the external answering machine has a function of detecting a busy tone and stopping the recording, it is possible to perform control so as not to perform wasteful recording, and it is possible to effectively use the recording memory.

In the facsimile apparatus of claim 2, CNG
After the signal (calling signal) is detected, the external answering machine is kept silent. Therefore,
Similar to the facsimile apparatus of claim 1, if the external answering machine has a function of detecting a busy tone and stopping recording, it can be controlled so as not to perform unnecessary recording, and the recording memory Effective use becomes possible.

In the facsimile apparatus of claim 3, the CNG is used.
After detecting the signal (call signal), the DC supply to the external answering machine is stopped. Therefore,
If the external answering machine has a function to stop the recording by detecting the condition of DC supply interruption, it can be controlled so as not to uselessly record, and the recording memory can be effectively used. .

In the facsimile apparatus of claim 4, the CNG is used.
After detecting the signal (call signal), the DTMF signal registered in advance is sent to the external answering machine. Therefore, if the external answering machine has the remote control function and has the function of stopping the recording operation after starting the operation by the remote control, it is possible to control so as not to perform unnecessary recording. , It becomes possible to effectively use the recording memory.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the facsimile machine sends a pseudo busy tone to the answering machine during operation of the answering machine, the time from the sending of the busy tone to the end of operation of the answering machine, and the answering machine during operation of the answering machine. For a period of time from the start of the silence state to the end of the operation of the answering machine, and stopping the DC supply to the answering machine during the operation of the answering machine, from the stop of the DC supply to the end of the operation of the answering machine. The means for executing the method that has obtained the shortest time out of the three times is selected so that the recording operation of the answering machine is stopped after the CNG signal is detected. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently control so as not to perform unnecessary recording.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the main configuration of a facsimile apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of a network control unit 3 of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a main processing flow when the answering machine mode is set in the facsimile apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main processing flow when an answering machine mode is set in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main processing flow when an answering machine mode is set in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 main control unit 2 CNG signal detection unit 3 network control unit 4 DTMF signal transmission unit 5 busy tone transmission unit 6 FAX transmission / reception unit 7 RAM 8 operation / display unit 9 answering machine 10 line 11 direct current detection unit 12 ringing detection unit 13 direct current supply / Hook state detection / external ringing section

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A CNG signal (facsimile calling signal)
A first detecting means for detecting whether the answering machine is connected to the own machine, a second detecting means for detecting whether or not the answering machine connected to the own machine is operating, and an answering machine connected to the own machine by the second detecting means. First control means for starting detection of a CNG signal by the first detection means when it is determined that the telephone is in use; and facsimile reception when the CNG signal is detected by the first control means. In a facsimile apparatus including a second control means for performing an operation, a pseudo busy tone generating means for sending a pseudo busy tone, which is a false pseudo tone to a busy tone sent from an NTT exchange, to the answering machine, and the first control means is provided. At the time when the CNG signal is detected, the connection between the line and the answering machine is released, and until the second detecting means detects the end of the operation of the answering machine, the pseudo call Facsimile apparatus characterized by continuously sending the pseudo busy tone to the voice mail by Ton generating means. 2. A first detection means for detecting a CNG signal, a second detection means for detecting whether or not an answering machine connected to the own machine is in operation, and the second detection means. When it is determined that the answering machine connected to the own device is in use, the first control unit starts detecting the CNG signal by the first detection unit, and the CNG signal is transmitted by the first control unit. When detected, a facsimile machine having a second control means for carrying out a facsimile reception operation is provided with a silence generation means for maintaining a silent state for an answering machine, and a CNG signal is detected by the first control means. At this point, the connection between the line and the answering machine is released, and the silence generating means silences the answering machine until the second detecting means detects the end of operation of the answering machine. Facsimile apparatus characterized by continued. 3. A first detecting means for detecting a CNG signal, a second detecting means for detecting whether or not an answering machine connected to the own machine is in operation, and the second detecting means. When it is determined that the answering machine connected to the own device is in use, the first control unit starts detecting the CNG signal by the first detection unit, and the CNG signal is transmitted by the first control unit. When detected, a facsimile apparatus having a second control means for carrying out a facsimile reception operation is provided with direct current supply stopping means for stopping the supply of direct current to an answering machine, and the first control means detects a CNG signal. At this point, the connection between the line and the answering machine is released, and until the second detecting means detects the end of the operation of the answering machine, the DC supply stopping means keeps the answering machine from Facsimile apparatus characterized by continuing to stop the supply of direct current. 4. A first detection means for detecting a CNG signal, a second detection means for detecting whether or not an answering machine connected to the own machine is in operation, and the second detection means. When it is determined that the answering machine connected to the own device is in use, the first control unit starts detecting the CNG signal by the first detection unit, and the CNG signal is transmitted by the first control unit. In a facsimile apparatus having a second control means for performing a facsimile reception operation when detected, a number storage means for storing a sequence of numbers that can be created by a DTMF signal and a DTMF signal for sending a DTMF signal to an answering machine. Signal transmission means, and when the first control means detects a CNG signal, the DTMF signal transmission means sets the number stored in the number storage means to the answering machine. A facsimile device characterized by transmitting to a telephone. 5. A first detection means for detecting a CNG signal, a second detection means for detecting whether or not an answering machine connected to the own machine is in operation, and the second detection means. When it is determined that the answering machine connected to the own machine is in use, first control means for starting the detection of the CNG signal by the first detection means, and the CNG signal is detected by the first control means. And a second control means for performing a facsimile reception operation, the pseudo busy tone generating means for sending to the answering machine a pseudo busy tone which is a false busy tone sent from the NTT exchange, and an answering machine. To the answering machine, the silence generation means for continuing the silent state, the DC supply stopping means for stopping the DC supply to the answering machine, and the pseudo-vibrator during the operation of the answering machine. -Time from start of operation of tone generating means to end of operation of answering machine, time from start of operation of silence generating means to end of operation of answering machine, from start of operation of DC supply stopping means to end of operation of answering machine And a time measuring means for respectively measuring time and, when the CNG signal is detected by the first control means, the connection between the line and the answering machine is released, and the second detecting means measures the answering machine. Until the end of the operation of the telephone is detected, the measured values measured by the time measuring means are compared, and the means for stopping the operation of the answering machine in the shortest time sends the pseudo busy tone / creates the silent state / stops the DC supply. A facsimile machine characterized by continuing any one of the above operations.