JPS62249560A - Method for controlling communication between personal computer and facsimile - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain facsimile communication service with high performance by electrically converting a document or the like formed by a computer, transmitting the electric signal to a facsimile, starting a personal computer based on termination from the facsimile, and accumulating, displaying and retrieving information. CONSTITUTION:When a communication request is generated, a computer part 30 generates a facsimile control signal CTB to a facsimile part 10. Consequently, the facsimile part 10 controls an automatic termination detection/automatic originating circuit 14 through an I/O 16 and sends a dial pulse from a net control circuit 12 to a telephone line 11. when the terminating equipment generates an answer, a polarity inverting signal is returned from the line to the circuit 12 and the connection of the terminating equipment to the line is confirmed. When a called station discriminating signal CED and an initial discriminating signal CSI or the like are sent from the terminating equipment, these signals are modulated/demodulated by a MODEM circuit 15 and analyzed by a CPU 19 and the signal CSI is sent to the computer part 30. The computer part 30 controls the facsimile part 10 to execute facsimile communication with the terminating equipment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field to which the Invention Pertains] The present invention relates to a communication control method for a personal computer and a facsimile, which economically realizes high functionality of a facsimile.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, facsimiles have been developed as communication devices for transmitting existing manuscripts, but they do not have a single document creation function or data processing function. On the other hand, the popularity of personal computers has been remarkable, and they are excellent at document creation and data processing.

However, since there is no interface that connects the two, it has the following drawbacks.

When communicating documents created on a personal computer, it is necessary to first output a hard copy and then send this document by facsimile. Therefore.

The image quality deteriorates more than when electrically converting text and facsimile signals.

In addition, since facsimile machines output hard copies of received communications in real time, there is no service that stores communications once, searches for them using a soft copy display, and outputs hard copies as needed. Not suitable.

[Purpose of the invention]

Facsimile has developed as a communication device for transmitting existing manuscripts, but as it becomes more widespread, it is desired that its communication functions become even more sophisticated and diversified. on the other hand.

The development of personal computers has been remarkable, and it is thought that they can be used not only for office work, 2 document creation, and games, but also 2 communication functions, 2 enhanced peripheral devices, and the development of multimedia communication devices. It will be done.

In order to economically realize these demands, it is necessary to combine the image input/output function 1 communication function of a facsimile and the information processing function such as document creation of a personal computer.

[Structure of the invention]

(Characteristics of the Invention and Differences from the Prior Art) The present invention relates to a scanning/recording unit and a network control unit (NCU) of a facsimile from a personal computer.

The main feature is that the communication control section of the modulation/demodulation section 2 can be controlled, thereby realizing an advanced facsimile communication service.

This enables the following functions to be realized, which is different from conventional technology.

■ With an interface that enables automatic outgoing calls and facsimile communication procedures under personal computer control, it is possible to electrically convert the code and pattern of letters, slips, etc. created on a personal computer and send them to an existing facsimile machine.

- Automatically detects an incoming call from an existing facsimile machine, starts up a personal computer, stores one message in the personal computer, and enables one display/search operation.

■ A personal computer controls the facsimile's scanning/recording unit to enable input and output of facsimile images.

(Example) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the present invention in detail.

10 is a facsimile section, and 30 is a personal computer section, each of which is composed of the following sections.

11 is a telephone line, and 12 is a network control circuit.

13 is a telephone circuit, 14 is an automatic call detection/automatic dialing circuit, 15 is a modem circuit, and 16 is an input/output circuit (I
17 is a reading circuit, 18 is a recording circuit, and 19 is a central processing circuit (CPU).

20 is a memory circuit (ROM/RAM), 21 is an interface control circuit, and 31 is a personal computer.
System (PC system) section, 32 is a disk section, 33
is a display section, and 34 and 35 are interface control circuits.

FIG. 2 is an example of a sequence for operating the circuit shown in FIG. 1, and (A) is a transmission mode.

(B) is a reception mode, and (C) is a local mode regarding image input/output.

Hereinafter, the operation according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained in the order of transmission operation, reception operation, and local operation.

(i) Transmission operation To perform a transmitting operation according to the present invention.

■Create documents in advance on a personal computer.

When a document is created after creating a form or the like and is sent to the other party's facsimile machine, the following operations are performed in sequence.

In the following explanation, the operation will be explained using the G3 facsimile communication procedure, but the same effect can be obtained by using the same method in a communication device such as the G4 facsimile.

(2) When a transmission request occurs, the personal computer unit 30 issues a command (hereinafter referred to as CTB) to control the facsimile. The parameters of this command consist of the telephone number (NUMBER) of the other party's device.

When the facsimile unit 10 receives this command, it controls the automatic incoming call detection/automatic dialing circuit 14 via the input/output circuit (Ilo) 16 and sends a dial pulse (DIAL) to the telephone line 11 via the 1w4 control circuit 12. Send out.

There are two types of transmission circuits: one that uses a dial pulse (DP) and one that uses a button button (PB).
Pulse sending speed: 10pps/20pps
Because there is.

Set in advance according to the accommodated line.

(2) When the other party's device responds to the incoming call, a polarity inversion signal (REVER3E) is sent back to the network control circuit 12 from the first line. The network control circuit 12 receives nine polarity inversion signals (RE V E
By detecting RSE), it is detected that the other party's device is connected to the line. If the polarity inversion signal is not detected for a certain period of time, the automatic incoming call detection/automatic transmission circuit 14 is controlled again.

A dial pulse (DIAL) is sent to the telephone line 11 via the network control circuit 12. Due to this.

Retransmission will be possible automatically.

■ When the other party's device detects the incoming 9 call, it subsequently sends the called station identification signal (CED) and initial identification signal (C3I, NS
F, Dis). Therefore, an initial identification signal (C3I) is input from one line.

NSF, DIS) is demodulated by a modulation/demodulation (modem) circuit 15, and analyzed by a central processing circuit (CPU) 19 via an input/output circuit (Ilo) 16. Since the initial identification signal has the reception capability as a parameter, the status signal (S
TB). The status signal (STB) is composed of information on the connection of a partner device to one line and a parameter (DATA LI NK) indicating the reception capability of the initial identification signal.

The personal computer section 30 sets the parameter (
DATA LINK) and the information attributes of the created documents, depending on the reception capability of the other device.

Command () corresponding to the reception command signal (TSl, DO3)
CTB) and sends the facsimile unit 1 to the facsimile unit 1 via the interface control circuit 34.21 using the reception capability requested of the other party as a parameter (DC3PARAMETER).
Send to 0.

■ In the facsimile unit 10, the parameters of the command received via the interface control circuit 21 are input to the modulation/demodulation (modem) circuit 15 via the input/output circuit (Ilo) 16, and the received command signal (TSI, DO3) is output. , and send it to the other party's device.

■ After sending the reception command signal (TS (, DC5), the facsimile unit 10 controls the modem circuit 15 via the interface control circuit 21, and sends the training signal (TCP) to the other party's device. Inspect condition.

■ The other device has one line in good condition and cannot receive the command signal (
If it is possible to receive with the capability indicated in TSI, DO3),
Returns a pre-message response signal (CFR). When the facsimile section 10 receives the pre-message response signal (CFR), it sends a status signal (STB) to the personal computer section 30.

It is notified via the input/output circuit (Ilo) 16. The status signal (STB) is used as a signal indicating completion of reception by the other party's device, and notifies the personal computer unit 30 of the parameters of the one-picture signal request (PIX REQUEST).

■ When the personal computer section 30 receives notification of the parameter of the 2nd picture (No. 8 request (P I
) is transferred to the facsimile section 10.

At this time, the personal computer section 30.

Transfers image signals for multiple pages. Note that if it is necessary to change the mode from standard resolution to high resolution, etc., the parameters are included in the command (CTB) and transferred. When the transmission from the personal computer section 30 is the last page, the facsimile section 10 transmits an after-message command (EOP) signal to the other party's device, and a post-message response signal (MCF) which is a response signal to the after-message command signal.
receive. The facsimile unit 10 uses the status signal (STB) to indicate that the image signal has been transmitted normally, and uses the parameter (
MESSAGE END) notifies the personal computer section 30.

As described above, the network control unit (N
CU), the communication control section of the modulation/demodulation section 1 can be controlled from the personal computer section 30.
Computer-controlled automatic calling and facsimile communication procedures are now possible.

Documents, slips, etc. created on a personal computer,
It is possible to electrically convert the code pattern and send it to an existing facsimile machine.

(ii) Receiving operation■ The ringing signals from the line are the 16Hz ringing signal of the telephone line and the 1300Hz ringing signal of the facsimile communication network.
There is. The calling signal input from the telephone port NfAll is
Automatic incoming call detection/automatic calling circuit 1 via network control circuit 12
4, and a telephone line calling signal 16H2 and a facsimile communication network calling signal 1300 Hz are detected. When the facsimile unit 10 detects the calling signal, it sends a parameter (DATA L) to the personal computer unit 30 via the input/output circuit (Ilo) 16 and the interface control circuit 21 using the status signal (STB).
INK) to notify the incoming call detection.

■ The personal computer unit 30 receives a status signal (S
TB), an initial identification signal (C3I, NSF) is sent to notify the receiving capability to the other device.

Parameter (DIS PAR) corresponding to
AMETER) to the facsimile unit 10 using a command (CTB). Therefore, facsimile section 10
is the initial identification signal (C31, NSF.

DIS).

■ At this time, the status signal (S
TB), initial identification signals (C3I, NSF, DIS
) corresponding to the parameter (D I SPARAMETE
The command (CTB) with R) is sent to the facsimile unit 10.
If you did not receive it.

It is assumed that the personal computer section 30 is not connected or that another application program is running on the personal computer section 30 and that the received image signal cannot be stored in the personal computer section 30.

The recording circuit 18 of the facsimile unit 10 allows the hard
In order to output a copy, the receiving operation is performed as a normal facsimile.

■ The facsimile unit 10 receives initial identification signals (CSI, N
After sending the receive command signal (SF, DIS), the receive command signal (
TSI, DC5), receives the I-laning signal (TCP) and inspects the status of 9 lines.

If the line condition is good, receive command signal (TSI, DO3)
If the message can be received with the capability indicated by , a pre-message response signal (CFR) is sent back.

■ At this time, when the facsimile unit 1o transmits the pre-message response signal (CFR), the 9-state code (STB
) is notified to the personal computer unit 3o via the input/output circuit (Ilo) 16. Status signal (STB)
indicates a transmission request to the other party's device, and a two-picture signal reception request (PIX
REQUEST) parameters. Also, the parameters corresponding to the reception command signals (TS1, DO3) are as follows.

The personal computer unit 30 is notified using command)-(CTB). This information represents the expression attribute of the received message, and can be used as management information when storing the message in the personal computer section 30. That is, when once stored facsimile messages are transferred to another facsimile device again, they are used as the reception capability required of the other device.

■ The received signal from the other device is a 2-picture signal reception request CPT.
Following the command (CTB) that notifies the parameters of
0 via the input/output circuit (Ilo) 16.

(2) When image signal reception is completed, the facsimile unit 10 receives an after-message command (EOP) signal from the other party's device, and transmits a post-message response signal (MCF) which is a response signal to the after-message command signal. Facsimile section 1
0 is a status signal (S) indicating that the image signal has been successfully received.
TB).

By parameter (MESSAGE END).

The personal computer section 30 is notified.

As described above, after the facsimile unit 10 automatically detects an incoming call, the personal computer unit 30 is started, and the network control unit (NCU) of the facsimile unit 10 and the communication control unit of the modem unit 9 are controlled from the personal computer unit 30. By making it controllable, automatic reception and facsimile communication procedures can be performed under personal computer control, and communications from other parties' facsimile machines can be stored on the personal computer, and search services and communications can be performed using soft copy display. 9 re-transfer etc. can be realized without deteriorating the image quality.

(iii) Local operation facsimile unit 10 reading circuit 17. Recording circuit 18
The operation that enables personal computer control of the computer will be described below with reference to FIG. 2(C).

■ The personal computer unit 30 activates the reading circuit 17 of the facsimile unit 10 and inputs the facsimile image signal to the personal computer unit 30.
Resolution,
A command (CTB) having an encoding method etc. (READ PARAMETER) is notified to the reading circuit 17 of the facsimile unit 10.

■ In the reading circuit 17 of the facsimile section 10.

When the scanned original comes to the image signal reading position, status No. 8 (
STB) is notified to the personal computer section 30, and subsequently a picture signal (PIX) is sent.

The data is transferred to the personal computer section 30. When the reading of the image signal of the scanned original is completed, a status signal (STB) is sent to the personal computer unit 30, and subsequently it is notified that there is no original to be scanned.

The personal computer section 30 is notified.

■ When transferring a facsimile image signal from the personal computer section 30 to the recording circuit 18 of the facsimile section 10, the personal computer section 30 sends parameters such as resolution, encoding method, etc. (WRITE PARAMETER) to specify the recording mode. The command (CTB) with
to notify.

■ When the recording circuit 18 of the facsimile unit 10 is ready to record the 9th picture image, it notifies the personal computer unit 30 of the status signal (STB) and records the 1st picture (?J number (PIX)).
) is requested from the personal computer section 30.

By the above-described operation, the reading circuit 17 in the facsimile section 10. It becomes possible to control the recording circuit 18 from the personal computer section 3G, and the personal
Input of a facsimile image signal to a personal computer and output from the personal computer to a facsimile can be realized under computer control.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, the following functions can be realized by controlling the scanning/recording section of the facsimile, the FJ1 control section (NCU), and the communication control section of the modulation/demodulation section 2 from a personal computer.

■ Documents, slips, etc. created on a personal computer can be sent using an interface that enables automatic transmission and facsimile communication procedures under personal computer control! It is possible to convert the digital code pattern and send it to an existing facsimile machine.

■ When an incoming call is received from an existing facsimile machine, the incoming call is automatically detected, the personal computer is activated, and the message can be stored in the personal computer, making display and search operations possible.

■ A personal computer controls the facsimile's scanning and recording section, making it possible to input and output facsimile images.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a personal computer/facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 10 is a facsimile section, and 11 is a telephone line. 12 is a network control circuit, 13 is a telephone circuit, 14 is an automatic incoming call detection/automatic dialing circuit, 15 is a variable m<modem) circuit, 1
6 is an input/output circuit (Ilo), 17 is a reading circuit, 18
is a recording circuit, 19 is a central processing circuit (CPU), 20
21 is a memory circuit (ROM/RAM) and an interface control circuit. 30 is a personal computer section, 31 is a personal computer system (PC system) section, 32 is a disk section, 33 is a display section, and 34 and 35 are interface control circuits.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A personal computer/facsimile device in which a personal computer and a facsimile are connected, the facsimile unit having a control signal transmitting/receiving means, an automatic calling means, an automatic call detection means, an image signal transmitting/receiving means, and an image signal scanning means.・Providing a recording means and a means for connecting with the personal computer section, (a) When transmitting information, the transmitting operation and the above personal computer section are controlled by the personal computer section.
(b) When receiving information, the above is performed by detecting an incoming call when receiving information. Start up the personal computer section, and under control from the personal computer section, perform operations to notify the receiving capability of the own device, notify operations of the transmitting capability of the other device, and receive information, (c) In local mode In the above personal
A communication control method for a personal computer/facsimile machine, characterized in that, under control from a computer section, an operation of outputting image information to the facsimile section and an operation of inputting an image signal from the facsimile section are performed to perform mutual communication operations.