JPS63304758A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To avoid the waste of a line charge of an opposite party by using a DTMF signal inputted from a telephone set so as to record the required information thereby sending a message to the operation during absence. CONSTITUTION:A Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) signal detection means 16 detecting a DTMF signal from a telephone set and converting it into a prescribed identification code, a storage means 22 storing information corresponding to the identification code, and a control means 17 reading the information stored in the storage means 22 based on the prescribed identification code from a telephone set and recording the readout information on recording paper are provided. That is, a facsimile equipment assigns various kinds of information to various DTMF signals from a telephone set and reads the information from the DTMF signal sent from the telephone set and records it onto the recording paper as its function and records a prescribed message to a call from the telephone set. Thus, the message transmittance is attained and the waste of line charge is omitted to improve the convenience and the utilization of the facsimile equipment.

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 equipped with an answering function that can respond to calls made from a telephone.

(Prior Art) In recent years, facsimile machines have been personalized and used in a wide range of areas. Such facsimile devices share the functions of a facsimile and a telephone, and are used by switching between the two functions as necessary. For example, when there is someone nearby, you can set it on the phone, and only when you want to make a facsimile communication, switch the line to the facsimile machine, and when you are away, set it on the facsimile machine to receive automatic reception. There is.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, with such conventional facsimile machines, although it is possible to automatically receive calls from other facsimile machines even when the user is away, All calls are automatically received, so if the other party is using a telephone, not only is the fee was wasted, but there is also a problem in that the message cannot be transmitted.

(Object of the Invention) Therefore, the present invention provides a function for a facsimile device to allocate various information to various DTMF signals from a telephone, read the information from the DTMF signal sent from the telephone, and record it on recording paper. By recording predetermined requirements for calls made from the telephone, it is possible to transmit the requirements from the telephone, eliminating wasteful line charges and improving the convenience and usability of facsimile equipment. The purpose is to

(Structure of the Invention) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a facsimile machine equipped with an automatic call reception function that reads image information of a document, transmits it, and records the transmitted image information on recording paper. DTMF signal detection means for detecting the DTMF signal of the phone and converting it into a predetermined identification code; storage means for storing information corresponding to the identification code; The apparatus is characterized by comprising a control means for reading out the information contained in the information and recording the read information on recording paper.

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

1 to 5 are diagrams showing one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, l denotes a facsimile machine, and the facsimile machine 1 includes a main body 1a, a document table 2, an operation section 3, a handset 4, a control section 5, a document reading section 6, a recording section 7, and the like.

The manuscript table 2 is a stand for placing manuscripts (not shown) to be transmitted, and can collect and send a plurality of manuscripts. The operation unit 3 includes, for example, a start key, a numeric key, a copy key, a mode changeover switch (normal mode, absent mode), various control switches, a display unit, etc., and is used to control each part of the facsimile machine 1. A command signal is output to the control section 5. The handset 4 is a so-called telephone receiver, and in a normal mode to be described later, the facsimile machine 1 can be used to manually call a destination facsimile machine, and the facsimile machine 1 can be used like a general telephone set. The control section 5 includes an A/D conversion circuit 1 as shown in FIG.
1, buffer memory 12, data compression/reproduction circuit 13,
It includes a modulation/demodulation circuit 14, a network control circuit 15, a DTMF signal detection circuit 16, and a control circuit 17.

A/D (Analog/Digital) conversion circuit 1
Reference numeral 1 converts an analog signal into a digital signal, and converts image information (analog signal) for each read line outputted from the original reading section 6 into image information (digital signal) that can be processed within the control section 5. . Buffer memory 12 is A
Image information from the original reading section 6 digitized by the /D conversion circuit 11 is stored for each predetermined line (for example, one line) and sent to the data compression/reproduction circuit 13 . The data compression/reproduction circuit 13 is responsible for shortening the transmission time and improving efficiency of image information, and compresses (encodes) image information when transmitting, and compresses (encodes) image information when receiving. Replay to original information. The modulation/demodulation circuit 14 is generally called a modem, and modulates the image information of the original that has been processed and digitized by the control unit 5 for transmission through an external line, and also modulates the modulated signal input from the external line. Demodulate and extract the digital signal.

The network control circuit 15 is generally referred to as an AA-NCU, and automatically originates a call to a destination and automatically receives a call in response to a transmission from an external line. DTM F (Du
A Tone Multi Frequency) signal detection circuit (DTMF signal detection means) 16 detects the DTMF signal from a telephone (for example, a telephone), other facsimile device, etc.
It detects a TMF signal, and converts a DTMF signal sent from the other party in an absentee mode, which will be described later, into binary data' that can be processed by the control circuit 17. The control circuit (control means) 17 includes CPU1B, ROM19, RA
It includes an M20, a timer 21, and a memory 22.
CPU (Central Processing)
The IJnit) 18 integrally controls each part of the facsimile machine 11 according to a program written in the ROM 19, and also exchanges data with the RAM 20.

ROM (Read Only Memory) 19
is a program for controlling the facsimile device 11,
It also stores programs for performing an answering function, which will be described later.

RAM (Random Ac5ses Memor
y) 20 is, for example, the telephone number of the calling party, the communication mode,
The timer 21 temporarily stores information such as the number of sent/received originals and data read out from the memory 22.
It has calendar functions such as hours and minutes. memory (storage means)
22 is, for example, a non-volatile EEF ROM (Ele
Critically Erasable Progra
mble Read 0nly Memory) is used, and the other party's I
D (Identification) Records data such as code, name, message, etc. That is, the control circuit 17 integrally controls the facsimile machine W1 based on a command signal from the operation section 3, a signal from a sensor (not shown) provided in each section, or image information transmitted from an external line.

The document reading section 6 is equipped with a line image sensor and a document conveying means (not shown), and conveys the document set on the document table 2 one by one, and the line image sensor reads the image information of the document line by line. It is read, photoelectrically converted, and output to the puffer memory 12.

The recording section 7 includes a thermal head (not shown), a conveyance means, an ink sheet, a recording paper, etc., and records an image on the recording paper based on image information and control signals inputted from the control section 5.

Next, the effect will be explained.

The facsimile apparatus 1 of the present invention is characterized in that it can perform normal facsimile communication in the absence mode and also receive and record messages from a telephone. Therefore, such a function (answering function) will be explained in detail.

Note that the memory 22 of the facsimile device 1 has a first
It is assumed that data as shown in the table is registered (stored) in advance.

Table 1 ID code Registration data This data is, for example, registered name and message,
Each data has an ID (Identification) in advance.
cation (identification mark) is added and registered in the memory 22.

First, when the facsimile device 1 receives a call from the other party's telephone (hereinafter referred to as a "butsuhon") through the line,
After the network control circuit 15 connects the incoming call line, it sends a called station recognition signal (CHD) to the other party. The other side is this CE
While checking the D signal (so-called beep sound), press each button on the button and enter your name and ID code corresponding to the required message. At this time,
From Butshuhon, DTMF corresponding to each Butsushki.
A signal is sent out. Therefore, the ID code input from the Bush key is input to the facsimile machine 1 in the form of a DTMF signal. Therefore, to explain the input of this ID code using an actual example, first, when the other party's name is "AAAA" shown in Table 1 above, the other party presses the pound key "#" on the phone, and then, ``l'' key, and if the other party wants to send a message to ``please call back'', the other party can press the asterisk key ``*'' on the phone. The DTMF signal input from the telephone to the facsimile machine 1 is converted into binary data by the DTMF signal detection circuit 16, and checked by the control circuit 17 against the ID code stored in the memory 22.

When there is a [D code corresponding to the memory 22, the data with this ID code is read out and the timer 2
It is temporarily stored in the RAM 20 together with the calendar read from 1. Then, when the input of the ID code from the other party is completed, the facsimile machine 1 disconnects the line, reads out the data stored in the RAM 20 (the other party's name, time of arrival, message, etc.), and stores it in the recording section 7. , and output it as a report in the format shown in FIG.

Therefore, the other party whose data is registered in the memory 22 can make a call to the facsimile machine 1 from a telephone capable of transmitting DTMF signals, such as a telephone, and enter a predetermined ID code. It is possible to convey messages, etc.

The operation of this facsimile machine 1 will be explained below based on the flowchart shown in FIG. In addition, Fig. 4 P, ~
P□ indicates each step of the flow.

When the facsimile machine 1 receives a call via an external line,
First, in step P1, it is determined whether the facsimile machine 1 is in an absentee mode (facsimile mode). This determination is made by checking the mode changeover switch provided on the operation section 13. In the absence mode, the network control circuit 15 connects the line in step P2, and sends a called station recognition signal (CHD) to the other party in step P3.
Send out. CED is a signal indicating that the terminal is a non-voice terminal, and indicates to the other party that facsimile communication is possible. On the other hand, if the mode is not in the absence mode at step PK, the mode branches to the normal mode (telephone mode). Therefore, a call from the other party is not received until the handset 4 is picked up.

Next, in step P4, the timer value T is set to O) (T
=0)L, counting of the timer value T is started in step Ps, and it is determined in step P6 whether or not the timer value T has reached a predetermined value T'. The predetermined value T' is a waiting time for a signal input from the other party. When T#T', the timer value T is incremented (T=T+1) in step P, and the input signal is detected in step P. Here, the input signal to be detected is a group identification signal (C, I) from a facsimile machine or a DTMF signal from a telephone or the like. Note that signals other than these signals (for example, voice, etc.) are excluded and processed as no signal input.

Therefore, when no signal is input, the process returns to step P, and the same process is repeated until T-T' is reached in step P6. Also, in step P, the input signal is G! When , facsimile communication processing is performed. On the other hand, when the input signal is a DTMF signal, steps P,
Check the ID code. This ID code is DTM
This is the data obtained by converting the DTMF signal by the F detection circuit 26, and is the ID of the data stored in the memory 22.
Search to see if the same code exists. Note that the ID code in this step is checked for the ID code (with "#" added at the beginning) corresponding to the name data. If the input ID code is registered in the memory 22, step P1
Then, the data corresponding to this ID code is read out from the memory 22 and transferred to the RAM 20 and stored therein. Therefore, the ID code input at this time is
”, data “AAAA” is stored in the RAM 20.

Next, reset the timer value T again at the step pH (T
=0)L, the timer value T starts counting at step p+z, and the timer value T reaches the predetermined value T' at step P13.
It is determined whether or not (T=T'). When T#T', increment the timer value T in step P14 (T=T+1)L, and then DTM again in step PIS.
Check the F signal input. When the DTMF signal is input, the ID code is checked in step P0 in the same manner as in step P above. Note that the ID code in this step is checked for the ID code (with "*" added at the beginning) corresponding to the message data. When there is data corresponding to the input ID code, step PI? and memory 22
Read data corresponding to the ID code from RAM20
Transfer and store it.

Therefore, if the ID code input at this time is the aforementioned 6*1'', then the data "Original Equipment Kudasai" is stored in the RAM 20.

Next, in step Pla, the calendar (September 1, 2018, 1 o'clock) is read out from the timer 21 and transferred to the RAM 20 and stored. In step PI9, the line is disconnected in the network control circuit 15, and in step P2, a report is output. , this flow ends. In this report, data stored in the RAM 20 is read out in a predetermined order, transferred to the recording section 7, and recorded in the format shown in FIG. 3 above.

Therefore, by looking at this report when the opaque returns home, he or she can know who contacted him or her while he was away, and what kind of messages he received. Also,
When the DTMF signal is not detected until T-T' in step PIm, the process jumps to step pH and the subsequent steps are executed. Therefore, step PK1
As shown in Figure 5, the report in 1 contains the name ``AAAA'' corresponding to the ID code "#1" that was first input.
The calendar at the time of the incoming call will be recorded.

On the other hand, when T-T' in step P, or when there is no data corresponding to the ID code input in step P9 and step Pl & in the memory 22, or when I
If the input order of the D codes (name and message) is different, the process advances to step Pg1, the line is disconnected in the network control circuit 15, and this flow ends.

In this way, when the facsimile device 1 is set to the answering mode, not only is facsimile communication performed, but even if the other party is a telephone, the memory 22 of the facsimile device 1 is manually operated by the ID code using the DTMF signal. Since each transmission item set in advance can be read out and output as a report, the facsimile device 1 can be used in place of an answering machine. Therefore, the operator can view the report and quickly take the necessary reaction to the other party, and
The other party can also save money on telephone charges.

Note that in this embodiment, step P in FIG.

And in step P, in Po, the ID code of the name (
Although the ID code of the message (which is marked with "#" at the beginning) and the ID code of the message (which is marked with "*" at the beginning) in step P16 is not limited to this method. For example, if the data corresponding to the input ID code is simply stored in the memory 22, the memory 22
2 and stored in the RAM 20.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a case has been described in which a button telephone is used as a means for inputting a DTMF signal from the other party, but in this case, for example, a commander (DTMF signal generator) used in recent multi-function telephones is used. By doing so,
Necessary messages can be sent even from a dial telephone.

(Effects) According to the present invention, a facsimile machine can record necessary information using a DTMF signal input from a telephone, and can transmit a message to an operator who is away from home. You can eliminate wasteful line charges.

As a result, the convenience and usability of the facsimile device can be further improved.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 5 are diagrams showing one embodiment of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the facsimile apparatus, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the facsimile apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the facsimile apparatus.
4 is a flowchart of a program showing the operation of the facsimile machine, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of a report in the facsimile machine. l...Facsimile machine, 16...DTMF signal detection circuit (DTMF signal detection means), 17...Control circuit (control means), 22...
...Memory (storage means).

Claims (1)

[Claims] A DTMF signal that detects a DTMF signal from a telephone and converts it into a predetermined identification code in a facsimile machine equipped with an automatic call reception function that reads and transmits the image information of the original and records the transmitted image information on recording paper. a detection means, a storage means for storing information corresponding to the identification code, and reading out the information stored in the storage means based on a predetermined identification code from the telephone, and recording the read information on recording paper. A facsimile apparatus comprising: a control means for controlling the facsimile apparatus.