JPS63300660A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the convenience by giving prescribed information to the combinations of tone signals so as to attain the information input to the equipment and allowing the equipment to apply voice response thereby expanding the function of a facsimile equipment. CONSTITUTION:In the case of sending information from a telephone set, for example, an asterisk button '*' is depressed to send a message mode (MMD) signal. Receiving the MMD signal, the facsimile equipment 1 recognizes a call station to be a telephone set, connects the line to a tone detector 17 to send a READY signal. The caller side uses a 12-key of the pushphone to send a message signal according to the guidance. The signal is inputted to the detector 17 and detected in the equipment 1. The result of detection is converted into message information by a decoder 18, is recorded by a plotter 12 and also is stored in a RAM 20 in the form of voice data. When it is finished, a caller side depresses a pound button '#' to send an end signal and a voice output means 22 of the equipment 1 sends an ACCEPT signal in voice. The caller side depresses the button # twice to send the interruption instruction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a facsimile machine, and more particularly to a facsimile machine that records information sent directly from a telephone.

(Prior Art) Generally, when a facsimile machine sends a document, it scans a document with a scanner to read image information, converts it into an electrical signal, and stores it in a buffer memory. The image information once stored in the buffer memory 4 is reduced in data amount (data compression) without losing the original information in the data compression/reproduction section, and then sent to the modem via the transmission control section and modulated. Ru. The image information modulated by the modem is sent to the line via the network control section.

- On the other hand, during reception, the modulated signal (image information) manually input from the line is guided to the modem via the network control section, and after being demodulated,
The data is sent to the data compression/reproduction section 11 via the transmission control section.

The data compression/rejuvenation section reproduces the original information and stores it in the buffer memory. Image information I stored in buffer memory [
It is sent to a plotter and recorded on recording paper.

Therefore, facsimile machines can quickly transmit image information to remote locations using telephone lines, and the spread of facsimile machines has been remarkable due to the immediacy of this information transmission and the reduction in size and cost due to technological advances. This applies not only within companies but also to ordinary households.

The widespread use of facsimile devices has required diversification of the functions of facsimile devices, and in particular, as a method for inputting and transmitting information, it is no longer possible to simply read image information written on a document with a scanner, as in the past. However, it also requires the transmission of information from terminals other than facsimile machines.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, in such conventional facsimile machines, CCl i'T (International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee +
The International Telegraph
aph and Te1ephone Con5ult
Because it is configured to receive only signals that have been compressed and modulated in accordance with the standards of Active Communications or a manufacturer's proprietary method, it is not possible to receive and record signals in other signal formats. Therefore, for example, information could not be entered directly from a telephone into a facsimile machine and recorded.

(Object of the Invention) Therefore, the present invention adds certain information to a combination of tone signals from a pushbutton phone and detects the tone signal, thereby inputting information directly from the pushphone to a facsimile machine. The purpose of this invention is to expand the functions of the facsimile machine and improve its convenience by allowing the facsimile machine to respond by voice.

(Structure of the Invention) In order to achieve the above L1 goal, the present invention provides a facsimile device that modulates and transmits image information read by a scanner, demodulates the transmitted modulated signal, and records it on recording paper with a ζ plotter. , a voice output means for sending a voice signal to a line, a tone signal detection means for detecting a tone signal from the telephone, a decoding means for decoding the tone signal, and a voice output means for the tone signal from the telephone. and a control means for driving and responding with voice, and the decoded information is recorded by the plotter.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically explained based on examples.

1 to 8 are views showing one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a facsimile machine, and the facsimile machine I includes a main body 2, a document table 3 provided above the main body 2 on which a document is placed, an operating section 4, and a hunt set 5. The operation section 4 includes a numeric keypad 4a, operation keys 4b for inputting other commands, and a display section 4C for displaying input commands and information transmitted from the facsimile machine 1 to the operator. As shown in FIG.
, a network control section 16, a tone detector 17, a decoder 18, a speech synthesis section 19, a RAM 20, a system control section 21, the operation section 4, and the like.

The scanner 11 scans a document and converts it into an electrical signal, and the plotter 12 records image information sent from an external line and image information read by the scanner 11 on recording paper. The data compression/reproduction unit 13 compresses the image information read by the scanner 11 using the MH method or the MR method, and also converts the compressed information sent from the external line into original information. The modem 15 modulates the image information compressed by the data compression/reproduction section 13 into a signal form that can be transmitted over a telephone line, and also demodulates the signal sent from an external line. The network control unit 16 decodes the control signal and performs call settings, line establishment, etc.

The tone detector 17 detects the tone sent from the line,
In particular, MF tone (Multi Frequency)
Tone) and sends the detection result to the decoder 18.

This Ml tone is a signal that is generated when the button is pressed on a telephone.Generally, six frequencies within the band are set up exclusively for selection signals, with the aim of increasing transfer speed and stability when calling a station. , 2 of them
By combining frequencies, one decimal number and five types of special codes can be expressed, and approximately 10 digits can be transferred within one second.

The tone detector 18 includes a memory that stores information using the tone (No. 3) as a parameter, and converts the tone signal into information based on the detection result of the tone detector 17. For example,
As shown in FIG. 3, character information and numerical information are set by a combination of two types of tone signals and stored in the memory in the decoder 18, and the decoder 18 extracts the corresponding information from the detection results of the tone detector 17. It is read out and output to the system control wholesaler 21.

Note that FIG. 3 shows an example of the correspondence between tone signals and information, and does not use all combinations. Furthermore, the correspondence relationship between tone signals and information is not limited to this. Furthermore, a fixed phrase may be displayed in combination with an ask button (*) or a pound button (#). In addition, in FIG. 3, SP indicates a space.

The speech synthesis section 19 includes an audio LSI, a ROM, an audio amplifier, etc., and an audio signal corresponding to prearranged digital data (audio data) is input to the ROM. When digital data (audio data) is input from the RAM 20, the voice synthesis section 19 reads out the voice signal corresponding to the voice data from the ROM, synthesizes it into voice with the voice LSI, and amplifies it with the voice amplifier. It is output to the network control section 16. RAM 20 contains information from telephone to facsimile device 1.
When a call comes in, the text to be answered, for example, the guidance information K, such as the procedure for inputting a tone signal using the button on the telephone, is stored in advance in the form of digital data (voice data), and the text is stored in the telephone. The message input from the computer is stored as voice data.

The system control unit 21 controls the operation unit 4, which is an interface unit with the operator, the data compression/reproduction unit 13, the buffer memory 14, the modem 15, the network control unit 16, the decoder 18, etc., and performs the sequence as a facsimile machine. At the same time, the system control unit 21 determines whether the decoded information decoded by the decoder 18 is a control signal or a message signal, and if it is a control signal, controls the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the reception procedure described later.

When the decoded information is a message signal, the decoded information is stored in the buffer memo 4, and the sound corresponding to the message content of the decoded information is determined, and the sound in a form suitable for voice synthesis in the voice synthesis section 19 is generated. It is converted into data (digital data) and stored in the RAM 20a.

Therefore, the voice synthesis section 19 and the RAM 20 constitute a voice output means 22 that sends a voice signal to the line, and the system control section 21 drives the voice output means 22 in response to a tone signal from the telephone to output voice signals. configuring a responsive control means;

Next, the effect will be explained.

At the time of transmission, the facsimile machine 1 scans a document with a scanner 11 to read the image information, converts it into an electrical signal, and stores it in a buffer memory in the same way as a normal facsimile machine.
Store in 4. The image information once stored in the buffer memory 14 is compressed in the data compression/reproduction unit 13 to remove redundancy of the original, and then subjected to image conversion processing such as scaling conversion and linear density conversion, and then sent to the modem. 15 and is modulated. The image information modulated by the modem 15 is sent to the network control unit 1.
6 to the line.

On the other hand, at the time of reception, it differs depending on whether the transmitting station is a facsimile machine or a telephone set, and will be explained separately for cases where the other party's station is a facsimile machine and a telephone set.

First, when the other party is a facsimile machine, transmission and reception are performed according to normal facsimile transmission procedures, as shown in FIG.

That is, in response to ringing from the calling station, the facsimile machine 1, which is the called station, receives the called station recognition signal (C)ED).
and transmit a digital identification signal (DIS). The calling side receives this DIS signal and sends a digital command signal (D
C3) and a training check signal (TCP). The facsimile machine 1 on the called side outputs a reception preparation confirmation signal (CFR) to notify that reception preparation has been completed. This CFRFM signal is sent from the calling side to receive information (ME).
SSAGE), and after transmitting one page, if there is a next page, a multi-page signal (MPS) is transmitted. In response, the facsimile machine 1 on the called side sends a message confirmation signal (MCF), and the calling side, after a training check, sends the next page of information (MESSA).
GE) is output. When the next page runs out, an end-of-procedure signal (EOP) is sent, and after the facsimile machine 1 on the called side outputs an MCF signal, the calling side sends a disconnect command signal (DC
N) to disconnect the line.

Next, when the other party's station is a telephone, the sending and receiving of the month of the month is carried out as shown in FIG.

However, in response to the ringing from the telephone, which is the calling station, the facsimile machine 1, which is the called T station,
Sends the D signal and Dis signal.

An operator wishing to send information from a telephone must check the line connection and send, for example, a message mote signal (MM
I): MESSAGE MODE) is sent. This MMD (No. 5) is sent by, for example, pressing the asterisk button (*). When the facsimile machine 1 receives this MMD signal, it recognizes that the calling station is a telephone and sets the line to a tone. It connects to the detector 17 side, prepares to receive a message, and sends out a READY signal.This READY signal is transmitted as audio from the audio output means 22 to the line via the network controller 16 in response to an instruction from the system controller 21. This is a guidance signal that includes, for example, "If you hear a beep, please enter a message."
After confirming the DY signal, send the message signal using the 12 keys (0-9 buttons and asterisk button,
Pound button) to send out.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, character information and numerical information are input by performing key operations corresponding to the information. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, a fixed phrase may be stored in the decoder 18 in advance and input in the same manner as speed dialing on a telephone.

Alternatively, character information may be input in a pattern using the keys of the telephone. For example, the katakana shown in FIG. 7(a) is input as a pattern on the keys of a telephone as shown in FIG. 7(b). In this case, character information is sent by pressing the key shown in the hatched part in FIG. 7(b).

The message signal sent out in this way is input to the tone detector 17 as a tone signal, and the tone detector 17
Detected in The detection result of the tone detector 17 is converted into message information by a decoder 18, recorded on a recording paper by a plotter 12, and also written in a RAM 20 in the form of audio data.

When the operator finishes sending the message signal, the operator presses the pound button (#), for example, to send a message end signal (ROM), and the facsimile machine 1 reads the ROM.
It receives the signal and sends out an ACCEPT signal. This ACC
The EPT signal is output as a voice from the voice output means 22 according to an instruction from the system control unit 21, for example, ``The message we have just received is as follows.''
"..." If you agree, please press the pound button twice. This is a guidance signal with contents such as ”. When the operator confirms the ACCEPT signal, he presses the pound button (#) twice to generate the ζ disconnection command signal (DCN).
), then hang up the line, and if the message is incorrect, press the asterisk (*) to enter input mode again.

In this way, the functions of the facsimile machine 1 can be expanded to send information directly from the telephone to the facsimile machine 1, and it is also possible to respond to the operator on the other end of the phone by voice, increasing the convenience of the facsimile machine 1. This can be further improved.

The above operation can be illustrated by the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that P1 to P8 in FIG. 8 indicate each step of the flow, and each step will be explained below.

Step P1...In response to the ringing from the telephone, the line is connected and the CHD signal and DIS signal are sent out.

Step P2...Press the Ask button (*) on the phone.

Step P3...When the MMD signal from the telephone is received, the audio guidance indicated in - is sent out as a READY signal.

Step P4... Receive message information.

Step P...Press the output button (#) to send the message end signal (ROM).

Step P6...The message is repeated and guidance is given as an ACCEPT signal.

Step P,,P,...If the message is not accurate, press the asterisk button (*) and return to step P3 to enter input mode.If the message is accurate, it will detect the operator's on-hook and close the line. disconnect.

In the above embodiment, the decoded information converted by the decoder 18 is converted into recordable character information (tosoto information) by the plotter 12, but this conversion may be performed by a unique character generator or by a general character generator. A facsimile machine is provided to record the sender. Character generator fonts may also be used.

(Effects) According to the present invention, it is possible to directly input information from a telephone to a facsimile machine according to guidance from a facsimile machine that responds by voice, and it is possible to expand the functions of the facsimile machine and improve convenience.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 8 are diagrams showing one embodiment of a facsimile device of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the facsimile device, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the facsimile device, and FIG. 3 is a facsimile device. Figure 4 is a time chart of control signals during normal facsimile communication, Figure 5 is a diagram showing the correspondence between telephone keys and information recorded in the decoder of
A time chart of control signals when transmitting information from a telephone; Figure 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between key operations and information when transmitting information using the telephone's speed dial method; Figure 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between key operations and information when transmitting information from a telephone. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the correspondence between information and keys when the information is patterned and sent, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation. 1...Facsimile machine, 2...Main body, 3...Original table, 4...Operation unit, 5...Handset, 11. ...Scanner, 12...Plotter, 13...Data compression/reproduction unit, 14...
・Hasofah memory, 15...Modem, 16...Network control unit, 17...Tone detector (tone signal detection means)
, 18...decoder (decoding means), 21.
...System control unit (control means).

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) Modulate and transmit image information read by a scanner,
A facsimile machine that demodulates a transmitted modulated signal and records it on a recording paper using a plotter includes: audio output means for sending an audio signal to a line; tone signal detection means for detecting a tone signal from a telephone; a decoding means for decoding the signal; a control means for driving the voice output means to respond with voice in response to the tone signal from the telephone;
A facsimile device comprising: a facsimile device, wherein the decoded information is recorded by the plotter. (2) The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes the voice output means to output guidance information that guides a procedure for inputting a tone signal from the telephone. (3) The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means causes the audio output means to output decoded information input from the telephone and recorded by a plotter.