JPS61176239A - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve both the workability and the operability in a communication CONSTITUTION:A circuit L1 is connected to an MODEM 12 via a CI detector 1 and switches SW3.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[Technical Field] The present invention relates to a communication device that has not only a communication function but also a call function with the other party. [Prior Art] For example, a facsimile machine has been known as one type of communication device of this type that also has a function of making a call with the other party. Facsimile machines are broadly classified into automatic response type devices and manual response type devices. In the case of receiving operations on a manual facsimile machine, when receiving a telephone call, first pick up the handset of the telephone connected to the main body of the machine, then use the command to start communication established in this year. Press the switch to start/start the facsimile machine. Due to this,
The line is switched from the telephone side to the facsimile machine side, and communication operations are performed between both facsimile machines. The same is true when making a call from this side; after answering the telephone as usual, when communicating, the facsimile machine is activated by operating switches. On the other hand, in the case of an automatic answering type facsimile machine, image communication is automatically performed after a predetermined control procedure is performed after receiving a call, so there is no room for talking to the other party. However, depending on the model used, it is possible to make a call as appropriate, but in that case, the image communication will be interrupted. As described above, conventionally known facsimile machines are used by switching between the image communication state and the telephone conversation state, and therefore have the disadvantage that they cannot perform image communication and telephone conversation at the same time. [Objective] In view of the above-mentioned points, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system that improves the work and operability during communication by configuring the communication function and the communication function to be executed simultaneously or selectively. The goal is to provide equipment. In order to achieve such an object, the present invention provides a communication device that has a communication means and a telephone call means and is connected to a plurality of lines, and even when the communication means is in communication, another available line is selected. The telephone is provided with a dialing means for making a dial call, and is configured to be able to make a telephone call using the telephone calling means. [Examples] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on Examples. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a facsimile apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In this figure, A indicates the main body of the facsimile machine, B indicates a network control section, and L1 and L2 indicate telephone lines. 1 and 2 are calling signal detection circuits (hereinafter referred to as CI detection circuits) connected to each telephone line. This CI detection circuit 1.2 detects the hook state of the handset (that is, the state of whether the handset is lifted or not) and detects the ringing tone obtained from the line side. Let me know. 11 is a dial signal generating section, 12 is a modem, 13 is a main control section which is composed of a microprocessor and each memory and controls the entire communication operation, 14 is an operation section including dial buttons, etc., 15 is equipped with a CCD line sensor, etc. An image reading section, 18 is an image recording section equipped with a thermal printer, etc., 17 is a telephone equipped with a handset and a calling bell (the dial button is included in the operation section 14), and 18 is connected to the outside of the main body of the device. It is a general telephone. 3 to 10 are changeover switch units (hereinafter abbreviated as SW). Among these, SW3 and SW4 are switch sections for switching between the circuits on the telephone 17.18 side and the modem 12 side, and SW5 and S-8 are switch sections for switching between the circuits on the telephone 17.18 side and the dial signal generating section 11 side. Further, SW7 and SW8 are switch sections for respectively switching the telephone 17 to the line L2 side and the telephone 18 to the line L1 side. Further, the SW9 transmits the dial signal sent from the dial signal generator 11 to one of the lines Ll.
, 5IIIO is a switch for connecting the modem 12 to either line L'l or 'L2 side. '□ 20 is a memory for storing telephone numbers, which will be explained in detail later. Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained. 1) First, the general operation of this embodiment will be explained. In the normal state, line L1 is SWI, SW3
, SW5. It is connected to the telephone side circuit via SW7. On the other hand, line L2 has SW2, S
W4. SW8. It is connected to an external telephone 18 via SW8. When a calling signal arrives from line L1, the bell of telephone Ia17 rings. So, when you lift the handset (i.e., put it in off-footer mode), it seizes the line and
You can now talk to the other party. In addition, when transitioning to data communication from the middle of a call, a start button (not shown) included in the operation unit 14 may be pressed. That is, when this start button is pressed, the line L1 is switched to the modem 12 side by SW3. Furthermore, 5WIO is also SW
3 to connect to modem 12. In this way, when the modem 12 is connected to line Ll, the modem

[2] In order to perform image communication with the other party's facsimile machine, the transmission and reception of predetermined procedure signals is started. The received signal obtained through the circuit VjL1 is demodulated by the modem 12, and the demodulated data is sent to the image recording section 16 and recorded on recording paper. 1. On the other hand, the original to be transmitted is read by the image reading section 7u and sent to the line Ll side via the modem 12. Further, when the device according to this embodiment is set to the automatic reception mode, the CI detection circuit 1 detects a calling signal, and in response to the detection output, the controller 13 switches the SW.
3 and 5 WIO switching operations are performed, and line L1 is connected to modem 12. Thereafter, communication operations are automatically started according to conventionally known control procedures. The same operation as the line Ll can be performed for the line L2 as well. That is, when a calling signal arrives from line L2, the bell of telephone 18 rings. At this time, telephone 18
If the telephone 18 is a push button type, the push button is pressed to generate a tone signal when entering data communication, and a tone detector (not shown) is placed at a distance from the main body of the device. The tone signal is detected in step 1). When confirming that such a tone signal has been issued, the main control unit 13 switches S■ to connect the line L2 to the 5WIO side. Furthermore, 5WI
Q connects line L2 to modem 12. After that, the image communication operation is started. 2) Next, the case where a telephone call is made from the device side will be explained. First, press the hook button (not shown) provided on the operation section 14 or lift the handset of the telephone 17 to confirm the dial tone from the local exchange, and then dial the dial on the operation section 14. Press the button. The main control section 13 receives dial button data from the operation section 14, and energizes the dial signal generation circuit section 11 to generate a dial signal. Further, at the same time as the dial button is pressed, SW9 is switched to the side that connects the dial signal generating section 11 and SW5, and SW5 is switched to the side that connects 9W3 and SW9. By switching these switches, the dial signal is sent to SW9. S oath 5. It is sent to line L1 via SW3 and CI detection circuit l. The dial signal described in - can also be sent to line L2. In this case, the dial signal is SW9,5
The signal is sent to line L2 via WJSW4 and CI detection circuit 2. However, whether or not to capture line L2 depends on the phone f.
The CI detection circuit 2 checks the hook status of the ile (that is, whether it is on-hook or off-hook). 3) When communicating by making a call from this device side, follow the procedure for making a call described above to connect line L1 or line L2.
After making a dialing call and confirming that the other party has answered the call, switch SW3 or SW4 to 12 on the modem side.
Switch to . The main control section 13 switches the 5WIO to the connected line side, and then starts image communication operation via the modem 12. 4) This device is capable of making phone calls even while image data is being communicated. Assuming that image communication is now being carried out through line L1, line L1 connects CI detector l and SW3. It is connected to the modem 12 via 5WIO. At this time, the telephone 17 is disconnected from the line L1, so
If line L2 is free, a call can be made. As a means to realize such simultaneous calls, SW7 and S
W8 is used. That is, when the handset of the telephone 17 is lifted and the dial button of the operation section 14 is pressed, the main control section 13 uses the CII output device 2 to monitor the line L2 in order to execute the procedure for making a call. If the line L2 is free, the main control section 13 switches SW7 and SW8, and then the telephone 1
117 to SW7. Connected to line L2 via SW4 and CII output section 2. Further, the telephone 18 is disconnected from the line L2 by the line 8. Further, SW 6 and SW 9 are switched, whereby the dial signal generated from the dial signal generating section 11 is sent to line L 2 via SW 9 , SW 8 , SW 4 and CII output circuit 2. Similarly, line L2 is connected to CII output circuit 2. S 4', swx
Even if the telephone 12 is connected to the modem 12 via the telephone 17 and communication is being performed through this, it is possible to make a call using the telephone 17 if the line L1 is free. That is, when the dial button of the operation section 14 is pressed, after confirming that the line Ll is empty, the dial signal from the dial signal generation section 11 is sent to SW9. SW5. It is sent to line L1 via SW3 and the CI detection detection circuit side. Next, when the other party responds and the CI detection detection circuit side confirms that the polarity of the line has been reversed, SW5 is switched, and as a result, the line L1 is connected to c■ detection circuit 1° SW3. SW5 is connected to telephone 17 via wire 5117. Furthermore, it is also possible to make a call from the telephone 18 side. In this case, after the pressing of the dial button is confirmed, the idle state of the line is detected and 51118, SW? , SW5
. Telephone 18 is connected to line Ll via SW3 and CII output circuit 1. However, in this case, dialing will be performed from the telephone @18 side. The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 schematically shows the control procedure described above, that is, the control procedure when image communication and telephone conversation are performed simultaneously. That is, when communication is being performed using one line (step S1), when the handset of the telephone 17 or 18 is lifted and the dial button is pressed, the main control unit 13 determines that there is an intention to make a call. Deeds (
Step S2) Check the availability of the other line using CII output circuit 1 or 2 (Step S3). Thereafter, the dial signal generating unit 11 dials an open line via a predetermined switch (STERIB s0, a call is made (step S5). 5) The device uses one line to perform image communication. If there is an incoming call on the other free line, the call can be made using either telephone 17 or 18. If there is an incoming call on line L2 while communicating through line L1, the telephone 18 will ring. At this time, it is possible to make a call by lifting the handset of the telephone 118, but it is also possible to make a call using the telephone 17 on the main body side of the device. That is, the controller 13 recognizes that the handset of the telephone 17 has been lifted, and by switching SW8 and 'SW7, the line L2 can be connected to the telephone 17, thereby making it possible to make a call. Similarly, if a call is received on line L1 while communication is being performed using line L2, the telephone 17 provided on the main body side of the device rings. At this time, telephone 17
It is also possible to make a call by lifting the handset of the external telephone 18. However, even if the handset of the external telephone 18 is lifted, the controller 13 recognizes this fact and calls S11? By switching SW8 and SW8, the line L1 can be connected to the telephone 18 side. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart schematically showing the above control procedure. That is, when communication is being carried out through one line (step 510), there is an incoming call through the other line. (Step 511), the main control unit 13 detects the off-hook state of any telephone (Step 512), connects that telephone to the line on which the call was received via a predetermined switch (Step 513),
A call is made (step 514). 8) According to this device, even when the telephone installed on the device main body side is in use, it is possible to perform image communication using another line. Now, when the telephone 17 is connected to the line L1 and used, if you want to send a document using this device, first set the document on the image reading section 15, and then press the operation section 4.
Press the dial button. When the main control unit 13 detects this, it is subsequently confirmed that the line L2 is free, and the dial transmission unit 11 sends the switch to SW9.
．． A dial signal is sent out via SW8, SW4 and CI detection circuit 2. When the other party responds to such a call, the first line L2 is connected to the CI detection circuit 2, SW4, 5.
It is connected to the modem 12 via WIO and can start image communication. FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing such a control procedure. That is, if a telephone call is being made using a telephone set on the device main body side (step 320
), press the dial button 4 on the operation panel after setting the original. If the dial button is pressed (step 521), the main control unit 13 determines that there is an intention to communicate, checks the availability of the other line (step 522), and dials that line (step 522). Step 523), and if there is a response from the other party, image communication can be started via the modem 12 (step 524). 7) According to this device, even if the telephone set on the device main body side is in use, image communication can be performed when there is an incoming call on the other line. For example, when the telephone 17 on the device side is connected to the line L1 and used, if there is an incoming call on the line L2, and the line L2 is set to automatic reception mode, the device enters the reception operation. Alternatively, the reception operation can also be started by pressing the reception button on the operation unit 14. FIG. 5 shows an outline of such a control procedure. That is, when the telephone 18 on the main unit side of the device is in use using one line (step 530), when an incoming call is received on the other line (step 531), the device is set to automatic reception mode. or when the receive button is manually pressed (step 532), the modem 12 is connected to the line from which the call was received via a predetermined switch (step 532).
Step 533) Image communication is performed (Step 53)
4). 8) It is clear from the above explanation that calls and communications can be made at the same time using two lines, but it is troublesome to remember the communication telephone number and the telephone number of the other party, respectively. Therefore, when communicating and calling at the same time using two lines, a control procedure will be described which simplifies the operation procedure that the user should perform and thereby improves the operability. First, for the other party you frequently call, in addition to the telephone number of one of the other party, the other party's (second) telephone number,
Alternatively, a pair of nearby phone numbers for calls are stored in advance in the memory 20 (first) of this device. Then, when a situation arises in which a call is required during image communication,
Alternatively, when it becomes necessary to perform image communication during a call, press the operation key (not shown) on the operation section 14.
Alternatively, by lifting the handset of the telephone 17 (that is, placing it in an off-footer state), the other party's other telephone is automatically connected by referring to the second telephone number of the other party registered in the memory. (Use the other free line to call), you can communicate and talk at the same time. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart for realizing this function. That is, when communication or a call is being made using one of the lines (step 540), when the telephone 17 is placed in an off-hook state or a key on the operating section 14 is operated (step 541), the main control section 1
Step 3: Make sure the other line is free Step 5
41), then the second telephone number of the other party is read from the memory (step 543), and a call is made from the other line (step 544). If the other party answers the call, the call or communication control is started (step 5).
45). 8) In addition to carrying out the control procedure described with respect to FIG.
An optional signal can be used to automatically dial the other party. Generally, procedure signals are transmitted and received during communications in accordance with CCITT Recommendation T-30, but optional signals are used to identify specific user requests that are outside the scope of this recommendation. Therefore, in this device, the option signal is Te N5F (Won 5 standard Facil).
non-standard devices) or N5S (WonSt.
andard Facilities 5et-up;
non-standard device settings). In other words, the other telephone number (second telephone number) that is not used for communication is treated as non-standardized information by the NSF or NSS FIF (
Facsimile Information File
ld), and the side receiving the information stored in this PIF stores its contents in advance in memory. Then, as described in step 341 of FIG. 6, in response to the off-hook of the J telephone or the operation of the ' key on the operation unit 14, the previously stored telephone information is read from the memory and the telephone information is transferred to the second vacant line. Call, 19 calls are made automatically. In this way, it is possible to make a call by automatic calling even during communication. FIG. 7(A) and FIG. 7(B) are flowcharts showing details of this control procedure. FIG. 7(A) shows the control procedure on the called side. That is, upon starting the communication procedure, step 550)
, the second phone number (vacant phone number) of the called party is ll5F
to notify the calling party (step 551). Next, the second telephone number (
If the second telephone number of the other party is included, the telephone number is stored in the memory of the called device (step 553). ). Next, image communication is started (step 554), but if the telephone is off-hook during the communication or a key operation (for example, pressing the hook button) on the operation unit 14 is performed (step 555), the previously stored A free telephone number of the other party (calling party) is read from the memory (steps 35B, 557), and an automatic call is made from the other unused line (step 858). Thereafter, a telephone conversation is made (step 559). However, even if you go off-hook or press the hook button on the telephone (step 555), the other party's second
If the telephone number is not stored, the communication will simply continue and no automatic call will be made (step 5eo). FIG. 7(B) shows the control procedure on the calling side. That is, upon starting the communication procedure, step 561)
, First, it is checked whether the FIF of the NSF includes the second telephone number (vacant telephone number) of the called party (step 582). If the called party's second telephone number is included in the PIF, its contents are stored in memory within the calling party's device (step 563), and then the calling party's second telephone number (an empty (telephone number) is sent to the called party using NSS (step 584). Next, image communication is started (step 565), but if the telephone is off-hook during the call or a key operation on the operation unit 14 (for example, pressing the hook button) is performed (step 86B), the previously stored Read the empty telephone number of the other party (called party) from the memory (Steps S87, 968), make an automatic call from the other unused line, i+ (Step 568)
. In this way, it becomes possible to make a call at the same time during the communication (step 570). However, even if the telephone goes off-hook or the hook button is pressed (step 588), if the other party's second telephone number is not stored in the memory, step Sho shown in FIG. 7(A) is performed.
Similarly, communication is simply continued and no automatic call is made (step 571). 10) Next, we will explain the control procedure for automatic reception using this device.0 For example, when there is an incoming call on line L1, the CI detection circuit 1 first detects the ringing tone and confirms that there is an incoming call. is notified to the main control section 13. The main control unit 13 determines whether the J reception mode is set to automatic mode or manual mode,
In the automatic mode, SW3 is closed, 5WIO is switched to the modem 12 side, and communication is started. Similarly, when there is an incoming call on line L2, the CI detection unit 2. The modem 12 and line L2 are connected via SW4 and 5WIO to start communication. The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 outlines this control procedure. That is, when the CI detection circuits 1 and 2 confirm the incoming call (step 580), the main control unit 13 checks that the device is set to automatic reception mode, and then captures the line where the incoming call was received. Then, in steps S81 and S82), communication is started (step 583). 11) Furthermore, since this device has separate CI detection circuits for each of the lines L1 and L2, it is possible to independently set the mode of automatic reception or manual reception for each line. As a result, it is also possible to set one of the lines for manual use only and the other line for automatic use only. In general, if the automatic reception mode is set, you can receive a call without any human intervention when you receive an incoming call, so in places where you use facsimile frequently, you can dedicate one line to the facsimile. There are many cases where this is done. However, in places where facsimile machines are used infrequently, it is often set to manual reception mode in order to activate the facsimile machine as needed while using the line primarily for telephone calls. Therefore, at present, the automatic/manual mode is appropriately switched depending on whether the purpose is telephone communication or facsimile communication. Furthermore, it is common for the person on the other end of the phone call to know whether the phone number is for voice calls or facsimile calls. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, automatic reception only device 1. Since it is possible to combine the advantages of a manual device and a manual device, two facsimile machines are no longer required. Further, when leaving work, by setting both lines to automatic reception mode, facsimile information etc. can be reliably received no matter which line receives a call. In the embodiment described so far, the telephone 17 is constructed integrally with the main body of the apparatus according to the embodiment, but it is also possible to attach a general independent telephone externally. Furthermore, although this embodiment has both the functions of a facsimile device and the functions of a telephone device, it is also possible to provide not only such image communication functions but also general data communication functions. Furthermore, although the present embodiment has been described assuming that the number of lines used is "2," it is of course possible to perform more complicated switching control using three or more lines. [Effect 1] As explained above, according to the present invention, even during communication, the attached telephone can be used at the same time using another free line, so communication is efficient and easy to use. You can get the equipment. Especially in companies and offices where multiple telephones are used, there is no need to add new lines.
It becomes possible to add new communication functions such as facsimile.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a facsimile apparatus to which the present invention is applied; FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 (A
), FIG. 7(B), and FIG. 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the control procedure in this embodiment. Ll, L2... Line, 1.2... Calling signal detection circuit (CI detection circuit), 3-10... Changeover switch section, 11... Dial signal generation section, 12... Modem, 13 ...Main control unit, 14...Operation unit, 15...Image reading unit, 16...Image recording unit, 17.18...Telephone 1. 20...Memory. Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 M] BaG1-176239 (10) Fig. 7 (A)〒E~゛. Figure 7 (f3) 56t between hands 1 and 16 (from/handmade) NSF's PIF 2's t-total number No. Is there one? ES 2nd telephone number T story number 941NSST Ren Ufu Nawate e Ibaku 5'' Offuzu 7-point 1's N. Kichi Tosaku Riki? JP-A No. 6L-176239 (1υ Fig. 8 ES Me-7-Ha-Koto 2 T Story No. 1 η Pa N0 Warutsu?

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) In a communication device having a communication means and a calling means and connected to a plurality of lines, even when the communication means is in communication, another available line is selected and dialing is made. What is claimed is: 1. A communication device comprising dialing means for making a call, the communication device being capable of making a telephone call using the telephone call means.