WO2010087168A1

WO2010087168A1 - Facsimile apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2010087168A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/000475
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yosuke Ezumi
Original assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2009-01-30
Filing date: 2010-01-28
Publication date: 2010-08-05
Also published as: JP2010178181A

Abstract

A facsimile apparatus includes a first switch for switching between a first state in which a second terminal connecting to an external telephone is connected to a public line via a first terminal and a second state in which the second terminal is disconnected from the first terminal and is connected to a power source unit, and a second switch arranged between the first switch and the power source unit for switching between a connected/non-connected state between a terminal of the first switch and the power source unit. When a received signal is a facsimile signal, the facsimile apparatus is set to the second state by the first switch, and the connection between the second terminal and the power source unit is cut off by the second switch.

Description

FACSIMILE APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus which can perform facsimile communication via a public line.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-93417 discusses a facsimile apparatus which can connect with an external answering machine. If a facsimile signal is received, this apparatus performs facsimile reception by detecting a CNG signal even when the apparatus is set to an answer phone mode. In the answer phone mode, a pseudo-busy tone signal generated inside the apparatus is sent to the external telephone until facsimile reception is finished. The telephone determines that a telephone call is finished and finishes audio recording by detecting the pseudo-busy tone signal. Consequently, audio recording of no sound or of a CNG signal for a long period can be avoided.

The apparatus discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-93417 is operated so that audio recording performed by the external telephone is finished based on the pseudo-busy tone signal. However, the frequency and interval of the busy tone signal may vary depending on differences in telephone line network infrastructure (varies among countries). Therefore, depending on the used line network, the busy tone signal cannot be detected, which may cause the problem that audio recording cannot be stopped. Further, since an insulating structure using a dedicated transformer or the like to meet apparatus internal safety standards is required to produce the pseudo-busy tone signal, costs are increased.

The present invention is directed to a facsimile apparatus that is capable of reliably finishing audio recording if a facsimile is received when an external telephone is in an answer phone mode regardless of the used type of line network.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a facsimile apparatus capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line includes a first terminal for connecting to the public line, a second terminal for connecting to a telephone configured to perform a voice call via the public line and provided with an answer phone audio recording function, a communication unit configured to send and receive a facsimile signal via the public line, a power source unit configured to generate a voltage to be supplied to the telephone connected to the second terminal, a first switch for switching between a first state in which the second terminal is connected to the public line via the first terminal and a second state in which the second terminal is disconnected from the first terminal and is connected to the power source unit, a second switch arranged between the first switch and the power source unit for switching between a connected/non-connected state between the second terminal and the power source unit, and a control unit configured to perform control so that, when the facsimile communication is performed, the facsimile apparatus is set to the second state by the first switch and the connection between the second terminal and the power source unit is cut off by the second switch.

Further features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 illustrates a control unit according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 illustrates a control flow of a facsimile apparatus. Fig. 4 illustrates timing of operations in the facsimile apparatus. Fig. 5A illustrates a control unit according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5B illustrates the control unit according to the second exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5C illustrates the control unit according to the second exemplary embodiment.

Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a facsimile apparatus 100, which is capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line. A central processing unit (CPU) 101 controls the facsimile apparatus 100 based on a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 102. The facsimile apparatus 100 has a plurality of operation modes. The CPU 101 performs control by selecting, for example, a telephone priority mode or a facsimile priority mode as a reception mode. As is described below, the facsimile apparatus 100 includes a function for automatically switching between telephone (voice call) and facsimile communication. The CPU 101 controls data communication using a control unit (communication control unit) 104, a document reading operation using a reading unit 109, and a recording operation onto a recording medium using a recording unit 108. In the ROM 102 are stored a program illustrated in the below-described flowchart, a program controlling a modem unit 105, and a program performing number display and the like.

A random access memory (RAM 103) is a memory for temporarily storing various data when the respective operations of the facsimile apparatus 100 are executed. The RAM 103 is, for example, a dynamic RAM (DRAM). Received image data is stored in the RAM 103, recorded onto a sheet of recording paper by the recording unit 108, and then deleted from the memory. Further, image data read by the reading unit 109 is also stored in the RAM 103.

The control unit 104 is an interface for connecting with a public line network 131, and is connected to a telephone line of an exchange apparatus. The control unit 104 includes an SiDAA (silicon direct access arrangement) 151 (Fig. 2), which is a data access apparatus configured as a semiconductor for facsimile communication that has a full-wave rectifier circuit using a diode. SiDAA is a data access apparatus which is configured as a semiconductor in an interface (I/F) unit with the telephone line for the purpose of reducing the size of the facsimile apparatus. SiDAA may also be called a "semiconductor DAA". The control unit 104 further includes a polarity matching circuit for matching the polarity of the line voltages and a ringer detection circuit for detecting a calling signal from the exchange apparatus. The modem unit 105 modulates/demodulates and transfers image information and communication data, connects with a telephone line 130 via the control unit 104, and performs facsimile communication. The SiDAA 151 also includes an off-hook rectifier, a capacitor for direct current loop cutting, and the like. A communication unit for sending and receiving a facsimile signal is configured by the SiDAA 151 and the modem unit 105.

The reading unit 109 includes a flatbed type or sheet-through type scanner, which reads a document for generating image data to be sent by facsimile. When sending by facsimile, the image data is encoded in a manner suited to the communication. Further, when performing facsimile reception, image data is recorded on a recording sheet by the recording unit 108 based on decoded data. The recording unit 108 includes an inkjet type or thermal type printer for printing image data received by facsimile. The printer has a conveyance motor for conveying recording sheets, a recording head for discharging ink, and a carriage motor for moving a carriage on which the recording head is mounted.

An amplifier unit 106 causes a speaker 107 to produce sound so that a calling sound or a warning sound is output. A sensor unit 110 detects the presence of a recording sheet, the position of the recording head, whether a cover is open or closed, and the like. A display unit 111 displays the operation and time of a facsimile, the line state during communication, the state of errors, and the like. The display unit 111 is configured by a display device such as a color liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like. An operation unit 112 includes a dial key for input of alphabet letters or symbols of a dial number or a uniform resource locator (URL), and a send key and a receive key for sending and receiving a facsimile. The operation unit 112 also includes keys such as a hook key for switching between an on-hook and off-hook state, and a select key for performing function selection.

A power source unit 113 is a switching power source for generating direct current (DC) voltages from an externally-input commercial power source. The power source unit 113 generates a voltage (e.g., 5 volts) to be supplied to a logic circuit of the CPU 101 and the like, a recording head drive voltage, a voltage (e.g., 24 volts) for external telephone off-hook detection, a voltage (minus 150 volts) for pseudo CI and the like. Thus, the power source unit 113 generates the voltage to be used in off-hook detection and the voltage to be used in pseudo CI.

When outputting the voltage for external telephone off-hook detection, a current sufficient to detect that the external telephone is off the hook is supplied from the power source unit 113. The configuration is such that a calling signal (CI signal) can be output from the power source unit 113 to the external telephone. At this stage, a rectangular pulse signal of the above-described minus 150 volts is output.

An external telephone 141 is a telephone which performs a voice call via the public line and which is provided with an answer phone audio recording function. The external telephone 141 is connected in parallel with the SiDAA 151 to the public line as illustrated in Fig. 2.

The external telephone 141 includes an audio recording function. The external telephone 141 records voice data received over the public line by an audio recording unit having a medium such as a memory or a tape. For example, the external telephone 141 starts audio recording when an incoming call is received. Further, the external telephone 141 finishes audio recording based on detection of a busy tone signal coming from the telephone line, detection of a no-sound state, detection of a reverse in polarity, and the like. Thus, the external telephone 141 has a plurality of conditions for finishing audio recording. If any of the above-described conditions is satisfied, the external telephone 141 finishes audio recording. More specifically, the external telephone 141 starts audio recording based on reception of a signal from the public line, and finishes audio recording at least by detecting a no-sound state.

Fig. 2 illustrates a configuration of the control unit 104, which includes the SiDAA 151, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The SiDAA 151 includes a voltage detection unit 161, a CODEC 162, and a serial interface unit 163.

Terminals L1 and L2 constitute a bipolar terminal (first terminal) for connecting the facsimile apparatus 100 to the telephone line 130, which is connected to the public line network 131. Terminals T1 and T2 constitute a bipolar terminal (second terminal) for connecting the facsimile apparatus 100 to the external telephone 141.

The voltage detection unit 161 detects the voltage of the telephone line 130. If a switch SW1 is in a state as illustrated in Fig. 2, the voltage detection unit 161 can detect whether the external telephone is on the hook or off the hook based on a change in the voltage of the telephone line 130.

The CODEC 162 performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion and digital/analog (D/A) conversion of the facsimile signal (facsimile data). This data is transferred as digital data by serial communication between the serial interface unit 163 and the modem unit 105.

The control unit 104 further includes a switch (relay) SW1 for switching between connection/non-connection with the telephone line of the external telephone 141 and a switch (relay) SW2 for switching between connection/cut-off with the switch SW1 and the power source unit 113. In the facsimile apparatus 100, the state of these switches is determined based in a plurality of operation modes. Further, the switch SW2 can be applied as a mechanical relay, an electronic relay, a photo relay and the like.

The control unit 104 further includes a current detection unit 153 between the switch SW1 and the terminal T1. If the external telephone 141 and the power source unit 113 are connected via the switches SW1 and SW2, the CPU 101 can detect whether the external telephone 141 is on the hook or off the hook using the current detection unit 153.

The switch (relay) SW1, which changes the connection destination of the external telephone 141, is controlled by a signal C1 output from the CPU 101. The switch (relay) SW2 for switching between connection/cut-off of the signal line is controlled by a signal C2 output from the CPU 101. The signal line connecting the switch SW1 and the power source unit 113 is connected when the switch SW2 is in an on state, and cut off when the switch SW2 is in an off state.

The current detection unit 153 includes a photocoupler (unidirectional photocoupler, sensor), which is operated by a unidirectional voltage. The output state of the current detection unit 153 is input to the CPU 101 via a signal line S. In other words, the CPU 101 can acquire information about a signal level of the signal line on which the current detection unit 153 is arranged. For example, in an off-hook state, the signal level of the signal S is an "H" level (high level), and in an on-hook state, the signal level of the signal S is an "L" level (low level).

The modem unit 105 is insulated from the telephone line 130 by an insulating part 154. A high-voltage-resistant capacitor is used for the insulating part 154. Based on this configuration, the modem unit 105 is connected with the telephone line 130 via the control unit 104, and performs facsimile communication.

Next, the control performed by the control unit 104 will be described. Based on an instruction from the CPU 101, the control unit 104 can switch the reception mode between the facsimile priority mode and the telephone priority mode. Fig. 2 illustrates a state in which the external telephone 141 and the telephone line 130 are connected (first state). Further, the switch SW1 and the power source unit 113 are connected. The state illustrated in Fig. 2 is a case in which the reception mode of the facsimile apparatus 100 is set to the telephone priority mode. More specifically, in the telephone priority mode, the control unit 104 controls the first switch so that the facsimile apparatus 100 is in the first state in which the second terminal is connected to the public line via the first terminal.

On the other hand, when the reception mode of the facsimile apparatus 100 is set to the facsimile priority mode, the switch SW1 is controlled so that the facsimile apparatus 100 is in a state (second state) in which the external telephone 141 and the switch SW2 are connected and so that the switch SW2 is "ON". More specifically, in the facsimile priority mode, the facsimile apparatus 100 is controlled so as to be in the second state by the first switch, and so that the first switch and the power source unit 113 are connected by the second switch. Based on this control, the external telephone 141 is connected with the power source unit 113, and a voltage generated by the power source unit 113 is supplied to the external telephone 141.

Control of the facsimile apparatus 100 will now be described using the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 3. If the telephone priority mode is set, when an incoming call is received from the public line, the external telephone 141 records a voice signal (voice data) received by the audio recording unit.

In step S101, the facsimile apparatus 100 is in an incoming call standby state. If an incoming call is received (YES in step S101), the processing proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the external telephone 141 captures the line. On the other hand, the SiDAA 151 does not capture the line, which is in telephone priority mode.

In step S103, audio recording of the caller's message is started. The CPU 101 detects that the external telephone 141 has captured the line based on a detection by the current detection unit 153.

In step S104, the CPU 101 determines whether the signal received via the first terminal is a facsimile signal by detection of a CNG signal indicating that the incoming call is a facsimile communication. If a CNG signal is detected (YES in step S104), the CPU 101 determines that the incoming call is a facsimile communication. On the other hand, if a CNG signal is not detected (NO in step S104), the processing proceeds to step S105. In step S105, audio recording is performed by the audio recording unit of the external telephone. If audio recording is finished (YES in step S105), the processing proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the external telephone 141 opens the line, and the processing then returns to the incoming call standby state of step S101.

In step S104, if a CNG signal is detected (YES in step S104), the processing proceeds to step S107. In step S107, a direct current capture circuit of the SiDAA 151 is operated to capture the line. Consequently, the telephone line is connected with the modem unit 105. Next, in step S108, the switch SW1 (relay 1) is switched, so that the facsimile apparatus 100 switches from a state in which the external telephone 141 and the public line (telephone line) are connected (first state) to a state in which the external telephone 141 and the power source unit 113 are connected (second state). Before this switching is performed, both the external telephone 141 and the SiDAA 151 momentarily capture the public line. Based on this switching of the switch SW1, the external telephone 141 and the power source unit 113 are connected, and a voltage for hook detection is supplied from the power source unit 113. The hook state can be detected by the current detection unit 153.

In step S109, the switch SW2 (relay 2) is controlled so that the connection between the external telephone 141 and the power source unit 113 is cut off. Here, by performing control so that the switch SW2 is off, the connection between the external telephone 141 and the power source unit 113 is cut off. Based on this control, in step S110, the external telephone 141 finishes audio recording. The external telephone 141 can reliably detect a no-sound state because the voltage supplied via the bipolar terminal (terminals T1 and T2) is zero volts.

Then, in step S111, the facsimile apparatus 100 waits for facsimile communication to finish. Further, the execution of step S109 is performed by simplifying the control of the CPU 101 by using the start of facsimile communication as a trigger.

If it is determined in step S111 that communication is finished (YES in step S111), then in step S112, the switch SW2 is controlled so that the power source unit 113 and the external telephone 141 are in a connected state. Until this point, the external telephone 141 opens the line. Next, in step S113, the SiDAA 151 opens the line. Then, in step S114, the switch SW1 is switched so that the facsimile apparatus 100 switches from a state in which the external telephone 141 and the power source unit 113 are connected to a state in which the external telephone 141 and the public line (telephone line) are connected. Consequently, the external telephone 141 can prepare for the next incoming call.

Next, Referring to Fig. 4, operation of the facsimile apparatus 100 and operation of the external telephone 141 will be described. In Fig. 4, times proceeds from left to right.

When an incoming call is received at a timing T1, the external telephone 141 captures the line at timing T2. Then, the external telephone 141 starts audio recording at timing T3. On the other hand, if a CNG signal is detected, the SiDAA 151 captures the line at timing T4. Then, the SiDAA 151 notifies the CPU 101. The CPU 101 switches the switch SW1 from the first state to the second state at timing T5, and switches the switch SW2 from ON to OFF at timing T6. Consequently, the external telephone 141 opens the line, and stops audio recording at timing T7. Conventionally, audio recording is performed until facsimile communication finishes. However, as described above, audio recording can be started and finished for a period R. Consequently, the amount of memory used for audio recording can be reduced.

Next, at timing T8, when facsimile communication processing by the SiDAA 151 finishes, the SiDAA 151 notifies the CPU 101. Then, the CPU 101 switches the switch SW2 from OFF to ON at timing T9. At timing T10, the SiDAA 151 opens the line. At timing T11, the CPU 101 switches the switch SW1 from the second state to the first state.

From timing T11 and onwards, the facsimile apparatus 100 returns to the same state as at timing T1.

Period A is a period in which hook detection is performed using a line current. Period B is a period in which hook detection is performed using a power supply from the power source unit 113. Period C is a period during which hook detection cannot be performed. However, until timing T8, facsimile communication is performed, and thus hook detection is unnecessary. During the period from timing T8 after facsimile communication until timing T9, the time required for the switching of the switch SW2 is short, and thus can be ignored.

According to the above facsimile apparatus, unnecessary audio recording processing can be reduced when a facsimile is received while hook detection is appropriately performed. More specifically, when the external telephone receives a facsimile when in answer phone mode, audio recording can be reliably finished regardless of the used type of line network. Further, the above-described facsimile apparatus can be realized while avoiding an increase in costs.

Next, a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 5A illustrates a configuration of the control unit 104 including the SiDAA 151. Here, parts which are specific to the second exemplary embodiment will be described. Description of parts which are similar to those in the first exemplary embodiment is omitted.

SW1 in Fig. 5A is a switch (relay) SW for switching the connection destination of the external telephone 141. The switch SW1 is controlled by an instruction C SW from the CPU 101. Fig. 5A illustrates a state in which the external telephone 141 is connected to the public line. Fig. 5B illustrates a non-connected state (open state) in which the external telephone 141 is connected to an open terminal. Fig. 5C illustrates a state in which the external telephone 141 is connected to the power source unit 113.

As described in the first exemplary embodiment, in the state illustrated in Fig. 5A, if the telephone priority mode is set, when an incoming call is received from the public line, the external telephone 141 records the received voice signal (voice data).

Then, CNG signal detection is performed. If a CNG signal is detected, the SiDAA 151 notifies the CPU 101. Then, based on the instruction C SW from the CPU 101, the switch SW1 is switched, so that the state changes to that illustrated in Fig. 5B. Consequently, the external telephone 141 finishes audio recording. Then, after facsimile communication finishes, the state is changed to that illustrated in Fig. 5C based on the instruction C SW from the CPU 101. Consequently, the facsimile apparatus is in a state in which the external telephone 141 is connected to the power source unit 113.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications, equivalent structures, and functions.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-020230 filed January 30, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

A facsimile apparatus capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line, the facsimile apparatus comprising:
a first terminal for connecting to the public line;
a second terminal for connecting to a telephone configured to perform a voice call via the public line and provided with an answer phone audio recording function;
a communication unit configured to send and receive a facsimile signal via the public line;
a power source unit configured to generate a voltage to be supplied to the telephone connected to the second terminal;
a first switch for switching between a first state in which the second terminal is connected to the public line via the first terminal and a second state in which the second terminal is disconnected from the first terminal and is connected to the power source unit;
a second switch arranged between the first switch and the power source unit for switching between a connected/non-connected state between the second terminal and the power source unit; and
a control unit configured to perform control so that, when the facsimile communication is performed, the facsimile apparatus is set to the second state by the first switch and the connection between the second terminal and the power source unit is cut off by the second switch.
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to determine whether a signal received via the first terminal is a facsimile signal, and if the signal is a facsimile signal, to set the facsimile apparatus to the second state by the first switch, and to cut off the connection between the second terminal and the power source unit by the second switch.
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power source unit generates a voltage for off-hook detection.
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of switching a reception mode between a facsimile priority mode and a telephone priority mode,
wherein in the facsimile priority mode, the control unit performs control so that the facsimile apparatus is set to the second state by the first switch and the facsimile apparatus is set to a state in which the first switch and the power source unit are connected by the second switch, and
wherein in the telephone priority mode, the control unit performs control so that the facsimile apparatus is set to the first state by the first switch.
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the telephone starts audio recording based on reception of a signal from the public line, and finishes audio recording at least by detecting a no-sound state.
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit includes a semiconductor data access apparatus for facsimile communication.
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a scanner configured to read a document to generate image data to be sent by facsimile; and
a printer configured to print image data received by facsimile.