JPS61189771A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To decrease the waiting time for a transmitting subscriber by giving the automatic dialing transmission to another station to be called which serves as a substitute receiver even in case the transmission is impossible to the station to be called. CONSTITUTION:The 1st memory areas 411...41X (main dial areas) where the dial number data on a main station to be called and the 2nd memory areas 421...42X (secondary dial areas) where the dial number data on another station to be called which performs the substitute reception are allocated to a dial memory 10. It is decided whether an answer of the station to be called and given from an exchange is obtained from an NCU 7, a signal is given from a busy tone detector 8 in a busy mode or a timer T reaches 45sec or not. If no answer is obtained, an access is given to a secondary dial area 42i based on the address data. Then the data on the dial number of a station to be called of a substitute receiver is read out, and the picture information is transmitted according to the answer of the station to be called.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Technical Field] The present invention provides a facsimile machine equipped with an automatic dialing device that establishes an interception relationship with the called station when image transmission with the called station is not possible. This invention relates to a facsimile device that is capable of automatically transmitting images to another called station.

Prior Art In a conventional facsimile machine equipped with an automatic dialing device, if a connection with a called station cannot be established, redialing is automatically performed multiple times at predetermined intervals.

However, if a connection with the called station still cannot be established, the only option is to abandon the image transmission and wait for the right time to perform the transmission operation again from the beginning.

Purpose of the present invention In view of the above-mentioned points, the present invention provides a facsimile machine that is installed in a department near the called station when image transmission with the called station is not possible, especially in a facsimile machine equipped with an automatic dialing device. To provide a facsimile device that can reduce retransmission operations by a sender by automatically dialing and transmitting an image to another called station in a proxy reception relationship.

The present invention provides a facsimile apparatus equipped with an automatic dialing device, which includes an mi storage means for storing dial number data of a first called station, and a second called station that is in a proxy relationship for the first called station. Memorize station dial number data!
¥$2 storage means, means for detecting non-connection with the first called station that dialed based on the dial number data stored in the first storage means, and the non-connection detecting means. The facsimile apparatus is characterized by comprising means for responsively reading dial number data stored in the second storage means and automatically dialing.

<Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows the configuration blocks of a facsimile apparatus of the present invention, and numeral 1 is a main control unit that performs system control of the entire facsimile apparatus.

This main control unit 1 includes an operation unit 2 for operating the facsimile machine, a reading unit 3 for reading the image information of the transmitted document, a recording unit 4 for recording the received image information, and a A transmission processing unit 5 performs transmission processing according to the transmission procedure, a dial signal generator 9 transmits a corresponding dial tone based on dial number data supplied from the main control unit 1, and an image read by the reading unit 3. A line memory unit 11 for storing image information received via the information or transmission processing unit 5 and supplying the image information to the transmission processing unit 5 or the recording unit 4 is connected via a pass line. A modem 6 is connected to the transmission processing unit 5, and this modem 6 is connected to a network control device (
NCU) 7 to the telephone line connected to the exchange.

When the NCU 7 dials and opens a line with the called station, the called station's response is confirmed by reversing the polarity of the line performed by the exchange, and a response is sent to the main control unit 1 via the control path 12. supply the signal.

Each of the configurations described above is a known configuration in the field of facsimile machines.

8 is a busy tone detector that detects a 400H2 busy tone (busy signal) supplied to the exchange via the NCU 7 when the called station is busy, and when this pinot tone is detected, the main control unit Control pass to 1! 1 to output a busy tone detection signal.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a dial memory that stores dial number data of a plurality of called stations allocated in correspondence with speed dial numbers, and is composed of a RAM backed up by a battery.

As shown in FIG. 3, this dial memory 10 is allocated with a plurality of storage areas for storing dial number data of called stations corresponding to two-digit abbreviated dial numbers (01, 02, . . . xX), Each of these storage areas includes a first storage area 411, 412 . . . which stores dial number data of the main called station. ... 4IX (referred to as the main dialing area), and a second storage area 421° 422, . . . 42X (421° 422, . (referred to as a sub-dial area) is assigned.

Address data from the main control unit 1 generated by inputting a speed dial number accesses any one of the storage areas, and reads out the dial number data and supplies it to the main control unit 1.

The main control unit 1 described above includes a ROM that stores a system program for controlling the entire system of the facsimile machine and an address conversion table that generates access data for accessing the dial memory 10.
21 is built in, and system programs related to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). Furthermore, various buffers (IN, MA, SA) used for system control
), a built-in RAM 20 in which flags F, etc. representing the control status of the counter C1 and timer T1 are allocated.

The IN is the numeric key (10 key) on the operation unit 2.
A buffer 7 temporarily stores the dial number data entered in , and MA and SA are buffers that temporarily store the address data of the main dial area and the address data of the dial area generated by the address conversion table. be. Further, F is composed of a main flag and a sub-flag, and T is a timer that is activated when the timer is turned on and is used to control dialing.

Next, the above-mentioned operating unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. Note that this figure shows only a portion of the operation panel related to the present invention.

32 is a numeric key (10 key) for inputting the speed dial number of the called station or the dialed number of the called station, and the signal of the operated numeric key is converted into the corresponding binary code and used for main control. It is supplied to the unit 1 and displayed on the display 30.

The registration key 33 is a control key that instructs to operate a speed dial number, and the dial key 34 is a control key that instructs dialing to a called station. The facsimile key 31 is a control key that starts the transmission process when the dial number instruction of the called station is completed. 30 is a liquid crystal display that displays numbers input using the 10 keys or messages generated in the ROM of the main control unit 1. 35.3G is a lamp that indicates whether the facsimile machine is operating as a transmitter or a receiver.

Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). Before explaining, dial memory 1
To explain how to register a dial number to 0, first operate the registration key 33 and then input a two-digit speed dial number using the 10 key 32. The storage area corresponding to this number is addressed, and then the called By inputting the 9- to 10-digit (not limited to) dial number of the station using the 10 key and operating the registration key 33 again, the dial number data consisting of a binary code is stored in the corresponding main dial area 41i. be done. Subsequently, by similarly inputting the dial number of the called station that will serve as a substitute receiver, the binary code dial number data is stored in the corresponding sub-dial area 421. Therefore, both data are registered as a pair corresponding to the previously input speed dial number.

Sub-dial area 42 of the called station where there is no substitute receiver
All 1s of a binary code are stored in i without storing dial number data.

(1) In the case of manual dialing.

In FIG. 4(A), when the dial key 34 of the operation unit 2 is operated to make a dial call, 8100 and subsequent steps are executed, and when the dial number of the called station is directly input using the 10 key 32, the dial number data is Buffer I
N and displayed on the display 30.

When the input of the dial number is completed, the 77 key key 31 is operated.

By this operation, the dial number data in the buffer IN is read out and supplied to the dial signal generator 9. This dial signal generator 9 generates a dial tone corresponding to the dial number data, and sends the dial tone signal to the line via the NCU 7. (si o i~5105
, 5117) Next, the timer T is turned on and the process proceeds to S130 in FIG. 4(b).

After that, there is a response from the called station from the exchange from the NCU 7 (S130), or whether the called station is busy and there is a busy tone detection signal from the busy tone detector 8 (813).
1), or has timer T reached 45 seconds (S132)?
One of the following judgments is made.

When there is a response from the NCU 7, that is, when the line with the called station is opened, the reading unit 3
The transmission document is read and stored in the line memory unit 11, and this image information is transmitted to the called station via the transmission processing unit 5, modem 6, and NCU 7 (S140).
. When the transmission of all the image information is completed, the line is disconnected and the main control unit 1 is placed in the initial state to complete the transmission. Also, if there is no response and the busy tone detection signal is supplied and the number of tones is counted (S133.5134), or if the called station does not respond and the timer T reaches 45 seconds, the timer T reaches 8150. proceed. In this example, the initial state is 72.
3150%8160 because Tsugu F remains reset
If both of them do not match, the flag and counter are reset, the line is disconnected, and the redial process, that is, the above-described operation is repeated after a predetermined time.

(2) In the case of automatic dialing using speed dialing.

In FIG. 4(A), in this case, the registration key 33 is operated following the operation of the dial key 34, and
When a two-digit speed dial number is input using the 0 key 32, the speed dial number data is stored in the buffer IN and displayed on the display 30. If you operate the fax key 31 after entering this speed dial number, it will be 8112.
The following will be executed.

The speed dial number data (binary code) stored in the buffer yIN is converted into address data for the main and sub dial areas of the dial memory 10 by the address conversion table in the ROM 21 (S112), and both address data are transferred to the buffer yIN. and latches into buffer 7SA (S113).

Next, the main flag is turned ON, and the main dial area 41i corresponding to the address data latched in the buffer 7MA is accessed, and the dial number data of the called station registered in advance is read out and supplied to the dial signal generator 9. As a result, a dial tone is sent out in the same way as described above, and the timer T is turned on (S114 to 8118
). The process then proceeds to Figure 4 (b).

Although not shown, if dial number data is not stored in the corresponding main dial area, it is assumed that an operation error has occurred and the system returns to the initial state.

In FIG. 4(b), when a response from the NCU 7 is supplied, steps 5130, 5140 and subsequent steps are executed in the same manner as described above, and image information is transmitted to the called station (main dial).

(A) When a pinot tone signal (busy) is detected.

When a pinot tone is detected, the number of tones is counted, and when a predetermined number is reached, steps 8150 and subsequent steps are executed.

Here, the main flag is ON, and it is determined that the counter C (initial state!!!"O") matches a predetermined counter value (for example, 3"), but since they do not match, it is latched into the buffer SA. Access the sub-dial area 42i based on the address data (8150-515).
2). The dial number data of the called station of the substitute receiver is read from the area 42i and it is determined whether the dial number data is registered. If the data is not registered, that is, if the binary code is all 1, steps 8161 and subsequent steps described above are executed, and redial processing is performed.

Also, if the data is stored, the main flag is OFF,
Turn on the IH+J flag, count up the counter C, and then disconnect the line (S154-5156) PtI
Figure J4 (A) 811 Proceed to G. Then, the dial number data of the called station of the proxy receiver read out from the sub dial area 42i is supplied to the dial signal generator 9 to make a dial call (8116 to 8118). As a result, when there is a response from the called station, steps 8140 and subsequent steps in FIG. 4(b) are executed to transmit the image information. When the transmission is completed, the message "Send to proxy light" is displayed on the display 30.

As described above, when it is detected that the called station to which a transmission is to be made is busy, a dial is immediately made to the called station of a proxy receiver in the vicinity of the station.

In addition, if the called station of the substitute receiving station is busy, a busy tone inspection signal is supplied from the pinot tone detector 8 and the 5
Proceed to 131.5133.5134.5150.

In this case, since the sub flag is ONt as described above, 5
Proceeding from 160 to 5170, main flag ON, I!
III flag is turned off, the line is disconnected, and the fourth
In figure (a) 3118, the timer T that is turned on is 60.
The process waits at 5172 until the second is exceeded. When the time exceeds 60 seconds, the timer T is turned off and the timer T is turned off.
Proceed to step 15. As a result, since transmission cannot be made to the called station of the substitute receiver, dialing processing is performed again to transmit to the original called station to which transmission could not be made previously. If both calling stations cannot transmit together, the above-described operation is repeated and dialing of both stations is performed alternately. Then, in S151 and 5155 of FIG. 4, this alternate transmission is repeated until the number of times (for example, 3 times), and in 5151, the counter C and m value match, and after dialing the main dial area 41i, the above-mentioned Alternate dialing is interrupted and redial processing is executed. Due to this dialing process, the above-described dialing process is performed again after a predetermined period of time.

In addition, when dialing again to a called station from which transmission could not be made, a standby time of 60 seconds or more is required, which is the protection period of the exchange.

(B) When timer T reaches 45 seconds, when the called station is ringing and there is no response, timer T is turned ON at 8118.
reaches 45 seconds, and from Figure 4 (b) S 132, 5150
progress to. Then, dialing is performed in the same manner as in the above-mentioned item (A).

When this timer T reaches 45 seconds, conventionally the line is disconnected and redial processing is performed, but in this device, a dial is sent to the called station of the substitute receiver. 4゜〈Effect〉 As described above, according to the present invention, even if transmission to a called station is not possible, the transmission is automatically sent to another called station which is a substitute receiver for the called station. Since the call is made by dialing, it has the feature of reducing the sender's transmission waiting time.

Furthermore, by increasing the called station storage area of the proxy receiver in the dial memory, it is possible to expand the number of alternate reception destinations, and the above-mentioned effects will be clearly visible.

Furthermore, the capacity of the dial memory is reduced by limiting the called station of the substitute receiver to a specific short dial number, or by assigning the called station and the called station of the substitute receiver to different specific keys. It is also possible.

Furthermore, the 4f! It is also possible to use a function.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration block of a facsimile machine equipped with an automatic dialing device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation unit of the same device, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of a dial memory of the same device. figure,! @4 Figures (a) and (b) are 70-charts showing the operation of the device. 1: main control unit of facsimile machine, 2: operation unit), 3: a-to-x unit, 4: i-unit, 5: transmission processing unit, 6: modem, 7: network control unit (NCU)
, 8: Pino-tone detector, 9: Dial signal generator,
10: Dial memory, 11th line memory unit,
20: RAM 121: ROM.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In a facsimile machine equipped with an automatic dialing device, a first storage means for storing dial number data of a first called station, and a second called station in a proxy relationship for the first called station. a second storage means for storing dial number data stored in the first storage means; means for detecting a disconnection between the first called station that dialed based on the dial number data stored in the first storage means; A facsimile apparatus comprising means for automatically dialing by reading dial number data stored in the second storage means in response to a non-connection detecting means.