JP2007089040A - Communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system to transmit a facsimile by using a read porion of an image processing apparatus even if a communication apparatus is not provided with the read porion. <P>SOLUTION: The communication system has a communication apparatus provided with a codeless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, the image processing apparatus provided with at least a read function, a codeless handset to send and receive a control signal and a sound signal with the communication apparatus by a radio connection, and a network to connect the communication apparatus and the image processing apparatus. The codeless handset instructs the image processing apparatus to read a draft. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

In a communication system in which a communication apparatus and an image processing apparatus are connected via a network, the present invention transmits an image read by a reading unit of the image processing apparatus to an arbitrary destination via the communication apparatus. The present invention relates to a communication system.

  There has been proposed a communication system in which a terminal device connected to a main apparatus reads an image and performs facsimile transmission via the main apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  The communication system described in Patent Literature 1 is a system that transmits transmission destination information and transmission image data to an accumulation device from an input terminal device connected to the accumulation device. The storage device transmits the image data to a destination included in the destination information received from the input terminal device.

The communication system described in Patent Document 2 is a copying apparatus that includes a parent device and a child device connected via a network. When a document is set on the slave unit and a facsimile transmission processing command is executed, the image data read by the slave unit is transmitted by facsimile to the destination included in the facsimile transmission command via the master unit.
JP-A-6-276348 JP-A-8-279865

  On the other hand, a cordless telephone device with a facsimile function is known. As a peripheral device of a personal computer, an image processing device (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) in which a scanner that reads an image and a printer that records image data in the personal computer are integrated is known. Note that “MFP” is a Multi Function Peripheral.

  The cordless telephone with a facsimile function includes a cordless telephone function, an answering machine function, and a highly reliable facsimile / telephone switching function, and these functions are very excellent capabilities.

  However, the image reading function and the image recording function in the cordless telephone with the facsimile function are sufficient with a resolution and speed sufficient to satisfy the facsimile communication. On the other hand, MFPs are increasing in speed and resolution year by year, and there are MFPs that have very good image input / recording capabilities and have a facsimile communication function. It doesn't reach.

  Of course, it is technically possible to make the reading unit / recording unit of the cordless telephone with a facsimile function equal to that of the MFP, but there is a problem that it is very expensive and the case becomes large.

  In the conventional example, since the technical innovation of the MFP is very fast, there is a problem that even if the user purchases the MFP at a high price, it will soon become obsolete.

  Further, in the conventional example, it is necessary to designate a facsimile transmission destination from the terminal device. To that end, it is necessary to provide a destination designation means and a storage means for registering the transmission destination in the terminal device. is there. In this case, there is a problem that the cost of the terminal device is increased, and this is a useless function for a user who does not use facsimile transmission.

  The present invention transmits and receives control signals and audio signals between a communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and the communication device by wireless connection. With cordless handset. The present invention is also a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device.

The present invention eliminates duplication of functions between a cordless telephone apparatus with a facsimile function and an MFP, simplifies the configuration of each apparatus, reduces costs, and is a highly functional communication system. Is intended to provide.

  The present invention transmits and receives control signals and audio signals between a communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and the communication device by wireless connection. In a communication system having a cordless slave unit and a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device, the cordless slave unit instructs the image processing device to read a document.

  The present invention also provides a control signal and an audio signal between a communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and the communication device by wireless connection. In a communication system having a cordless cordless handset for transmitting and receiving and a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device, storage means for storing telephone book data and centralized management of the stored telephone book data And management means.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a control signal and an audio signal between a communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and the communication device by wireless connection. In a communication system having a cordless slave that transmits and receives and a network that connects the communication device and the image processing device, the cordless slave and the image processing device correspond to each other and are registered in the cordless slave. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, since the cordless slave unit instructs the image processing apparatus to read a document, it is possible to perform facsimile transmission using the reading unit of the image processing apparatus without providing the reading unit in the communication apparatus. There is an effect that can be done.

  According to the present invention, since the communication device centrally manages the phone book data, the memory capacity in the cordless child device can be reduced.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the registered phone book data can be referred from any cordless handset out of a plurality of cordless handset devices. There is an effect that the outgoing call can be made.

According to the present invention, a conventional telephone with a facsimile function can be handled like a one-to-one correspondence between a main unit and a sub unit, and facsimile transmission / reception can be realized while maintaining the same operability. There is an effect that can be.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system CS1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The communication system CS1 includes a communication BOX 100, cordless slave devices 200 (200-1, 200-2), and MFPs 300 (300-1, 300-2). Further, the communication system CS1 includes a network router 400 having a DHCP function, a general PC (personal computer) 500, and a network cable 600.

  The network is connected by a network defined by IEEE 802.3. Alternatively, the wireless network may be connected through a wireless network defined by IEEE 802.11a / b / g.

  The cordless handset 200 is connected to the communication BOX 100 by radio.

  The MFP 300 is an example of an image processing apparatus, and a plurality of MFPs can be connected. In FIG. 1, two MFPs 300-1 and 300-2 are provided, but three or more MFPs are connected. Alternatively, only one MFP 300 may be connected.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the communication BOX 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The communication BOX 100 is an example of a communication device, and includes a wireless interface that communicates with the cordless handset 200 and an interface with a public line 700 that performs facsimile communication or a call using the cordless handset 200. The communication BOX 100 includes an interface for communicating with the PC 500 and the MFP 300 connected via a network.

  That is, the communication BOX 100 includes a control unit 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a buffer memory 104, an encoding / decoding processing unit 105, a communication control unit 106, a modem 107, and a crosspoint switch unit 108. The communication BOX 100 includes a radio control unit 109 including an RF module, a network control unit 110, a system bus 111, an antenna 112, a telephone directory memory 113, and a WEB page memory 114.

  The control unit 101 is a control unit that controls the entire communication BOX 100 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 102.

  The ROM 102 stores a control program of the control unit 101, an operating system (OS) program, and the like. The control unit 101 controls the operation of the communication BOX 100 according to the stored control program.

  In the first embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 102 is subjected to software control such as scheduling and task switching under the management of the OS program stored in the ROM 102.

  The RAM 103 stores data to be processed, setting values registered by the operator, device management data, an address acquired when the communication BOX 100 is connected to the network router 400, and an address of the MFP 300 connected to the network.

  The buffer memory 104 stores image data received through the network, data packets, and facsimile image data transmitted / received via the public line 700. Further, when receiving a facsimile transmission instruction from the cordless handset 200, the buffer memory 104 stores the destination dial number information sent from the cordless handset 200 at the same time.

  The code decoding processing unit 105 performs code decoding processing for compressing / decompressing image data received from the MFP 300 and image data received from the public line 700 according to the operation mode, such as MH, MR, JBIG, and JPEG. is there.

  The communication control unit 106 is an interface that connects the public line 700 and the communication BOX 100, and includes a ringer detection circuit that detects a call signal from the central office switch, a dial generation circuit, a transformer circuit that performs 2-wire to 4-wire conversion, and the like. It is constituted by. A voice signal for a call by the cordless handset 200 and a modulated signal for facsimile communication are transmitted / received to / from the public line 700 through the communication control unit 106.

  The modem 107 modulates / demodulates digital data for facsimile communication.

  The crosspoint switch unit 108 switches the analog signal transmitted / received via the communication control unit 106 between the modem 107 and a radio control unit 109 (to be described later) according to the operation mode under the control of the control unit 101.

  The radio control unit 109 including the RF module modulates the control data and the audio signal and converts them into a format that can be transmitted by radio in order to communicate with the cordless cordless handset 200 connected by radio, and the antenna 112. Send to. In addition, the radio control unit 109 including the RF module demodulates a signal wirelessly received from the antenna 112, outputs control data to the control unit 101, and outputs an analog signal (audio signal) to the crosspoint switch unit 108.

  When the cordless handset 200 is used, the communication BOX 100 and the cordless handset 200 are wirelessly connected to form an audio path.

  The network control unit 110 is a network control unit that performs communication control over a network defined by IEEE 802.3 or the like. The network control unit 110 is connected to the network, performs protocol control in accordance with a standard such as TCP / IP, receives a data packet from the MFP 300, and transmits the data packet to the MFP 300. Furthermore, when receiving the data packet, the network control unit 110 notifies the control unit 101.

  The telephone directory memory 113 stores a communication partner name, telephone number, facsimile number, and the like registered for each cordless handset 200.

  The system bus 111 is a bus that connects the control unit 101 and each block.

  The WEB page memory 114 is a memory for storing data to be displayed on the display unit 207 of the cordless handset 200, and is a memory for storing various setting menu screens described in the HTML format.

  The network cable 600 is a cable connected to the network router 400. The public line 700 performs telephone calls and facsimile communications through this.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the cordless slave device 200 according to the first embodiment.

  The cordless handset 200 includes a control unit 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a baseband unit 204, a wireless control unit 205, an antenna 206, a display unit 207, an operation unit 208, and a speaker 209. The cordless child device 200 includes a receiver 210, a microphone 211, a nonvolatile memory 212, and a system bus 213.

  The control unit 201 controls the entire cordless child device 200.

  The ROM 202 stores a control program of the control unit 201, an operating system (OS) program, and the like, and the control unit 201 controls the operation of the communication BOX 100 according to the control program stored therein.

  The RAM 203 stores image data to be processed, image data to be displayed on the display unit 207, telephone book data received from the communication BOX 100, and the like.

  The operation unit 208 includes dial keys for inputting a dial number and the like, and function keys such as a call key, a transmission key, and a phone book key.

  The display unit 207 displays various setting screens, input dial numbers, operation statuses of the communication BOX 100, and the like according to the operation of the operation unit 208.

  The baseband unit 204 has a modem compander and a secret talk / amplifier function, and modulates and demodulates control data and audio signals into a format with good transmission efficiency. The modulated signal output from the baseband unit 204 is transmitted to the communication BOX 100 via the radio control unit 205 described later. Further, the modulation signal output from the wireless control unit 205 is demodulated, the control signal is output to the control unit 201, and the audio signal is output to the speaker 209.

  The wireless control unit 205 converts the modulated signal output from the baseband unit 204 into a format that can be wirelessly transmitted, sends the modulated signal to the antenna 206, extracts the modulated signal from the signal received wirelessly by the antenna 206, Output.

  The microphone 211 inputs a call voice signal. The speaker 209 sounds a sound output of an audio signal and a ring tone. The receiver 210 outputs a call voice signal.

  The nonvolatile memory 212 stores a system call code (system ID) for establishing wireless communication between the cordless handset 200 and the communication BOX 100, a handset number ID of the cordless handset 200, etc. It is configured. The system bus 213 is a bus that connects the control unit and each block.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFP 300.

  The MFP 300 includes a reading unit 307 and a recording unit 309. The image data read by the reading unit 307 is output to a network, and the image data received from the network is recorded by the recording unit 309 or read by the reading unit 307. Image data is recorded by the recording unit 309.

  That is, the MFP 300 includes a system control unit 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a buffer memory 304, and an operation unit 305. The MFP 300 includes a reading processing unit 306, a reading unit 307, a recording processing unit 308, a recording unit 309, a display unit 310, and an encoding / decoding processing unit 311.

  A system control unit 301 controls the entire MFP 300. The ROM 302 stores a control program of the control unit 301, an operating system (OS) program, and the like, and the control unit 301 controls the operation of the MFP 300 according to the control program stored therein.

  In the first embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 302 performs software control such as scheduling and task switching under the management of the OS program stored in the ROM 302.

  The RAM 303 stores data to be processed, setting values registered by the operator, management data of the MFP 300, and the like, and further stores an address acquired when the MFP 300 is connected to the network router 400.

  The buffer memory 304 stores read image data and received image data, and stores data packets transmitted and received via the network.

  The operation unit 305 includes various input keys, and performs various input operations by the operator. Display unit 310 includes an LED, an LCD, and the like, and displays to set a reading mode, displays to make various settings, and displays an operation status of MFP 300.

  A reading processing unit 306 performs various image processing such as binarization processing and halftone processing on an image signal obtained by optically reading a document by a photoelectric conversion element provided in the reading unit 307 and converting the document into electrical image data. To output high-definition image data. The reading processing unit 306 is controlled by a scan control task program of a control program stored in the ROM 302. The reading unit 307 is configured by a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or a contact image sensor.

  The recording processing unit 308 performs resolution conversion processing and smoothing processing on the recorded image data so that the recording unit 309 records image data. Also, when a failure such as paper out, paper jam, or toner (or ink) running out occurs in the recording unit 309, failure information is received from the recording unit 309 and notified to the control unit 301. The recording processing unit 308 is controlled by a printer control task program that is a control program stored in the ROM 302.

  The recording unit 309 is configured by a laser beam printer, an inkjet printer, or the like, and has a recording paper detection unit, a toner (or ink) detection unit, and a jam detection unit.

  The code decoding processing unit 311 performs code decoding processing for compressing / decompressing image data such as MH, MR, JBIG, and JPEG according to the operation mode.

  The network control unit 312 is a network control unit that performs communication control over a network defined by IEEE 802.3 or the like. That is, the network control unit 312 is connected to the network, performs protocol control in accordance with a standard such as TCP / IP, receives a data packet with the address acquired by the MFP 300 as a destination, and receives a data packet from the MFP 300. Send.

  When receiving the data packet, the network control unit 312 notifies the control unit 301. The system bus 323 is a bus that connects the control unit 301 and each block.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the cordless child device 200.

  The cordless child device 200 includes an operation unit 208 and a display unit 207.

  The operation unit 208 includes function keys such as a dial key for inputting a dial number, a call key, a communication key, and a telephone directory key. The display unit 207 displays the input dial number and the like.

  Next, an operation for facsimile transmission in the first embodiment will be described.

  FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 7, and 8 are flowcharts showing the operation at the time of facsimile transmission and the operation of each device at the time of a call by the cordless handset 200 in the first embodiment.

  6A is a flowchart showing an operation in cordless handset 200, FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing an operation in communication BOX 100, and FIG. 6C is a flowchart showing an operation in MFP 300. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the facsimile transmission operation, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the call operation.

  First, in order to perform facsimile transmission, the user sets a transmission document on the document table of the reading unit 307 of the MFP 300 and operates the image quality selection button provided on the operation unit 305 to perform “fast” or “clean”. Is selected (S31). Here, the “fast” reading mode corresponds to the standard mode in the ITU-T recommendation, and the “clean” reading mode corresponds to the fine mode in the ITU-T recommendation.

  An image quality selection button (not shown) is also used when selecting image quality during copying.

  Next, the number of the other party is input using a dial key provided on the operation unit 208 of the cordless handset 200 (S1), and the transmission key is pressed (S2). As a result, the cordless handset 200 transmits the input destination number information and facsimile transmission instruction information to the communication BOX 100 (S3).

  When receiving the destination number information and the facsimile transmission instruction information (S11, S12), the communication BOX 100 temporarily stores the destination number information in the buffer memory 104 (S13). Then, a reading start command is transmitted to the MFP 300 through the network control unit 312 (S14).

  When the network control unit 312 receives the reading start command output from the communication BOX 100 (S32), the MFP 300 reads the document at the reading resolution specified by the operation unit 305 (S33). Then, the read image data is sequentially stored in the buffer memory 304.

  Next, the image data stored in the buffer memory 304 and the reading mode information are sent to the communication BOX 100 via the network control unit 312 (S34). This operation is repeated until the reading of the original is completed (S35).

  When the communication BOX 100 receives the image data from the MFP 300 (S15), the received data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 104 and then sequentially transferred to the encoding / decoding unit 105. Then, according to the reading mode information instructed by the MFP 300, the image data is encoded (S16) and stored again in the buffer memory 104. At the same time, the control unit 101 switches the crosspoint switch unit 108 to the modem 107 side (S17), reads the destination number information temporarily stored in the buffer memory (S18), and the control unit 101 issues a call to the public line 700. Call (S19).

  When the counterpart facsimile machine responds, the modem 107 modulates the image data stored in the buffer memory 104, and the ITU-T T.264. In accordance with the facsimile communication procedure standardized by the 30 recommendation, it is transmitted to the other party (S20). When all the image data has been transmitted (S21), the communication BOX 100 disconnects the connection with the public line 700 and returns to the standby state (S22).

  Next, the operation when making a call in the first embodiment will be described.

  When a call is made, a dial key provided on the operation unit 208 of the cordless handset 200 is operated, a destination number is input (S1), and the call key is pressed (S4). When the call key is pressed, the cordless handset 200 transmits the input destination number information and calling instruction information to the communication BOX 100 (S5).

  When the communication BOX 100 receives the destination number information and the call instruction information (S11, S12), the control unit 101 switches the crosspoint switch unit 108 to the radio control unit 109 side (S23). The control unit 101 calls the destination number received from the cordless handset 200 (S24). When the other party answers, the cordless handset 200 can make a call via the crosspoint switch unit 108 and the wireless control unit 109 (S25, S6).

  When the call is finished and the disconnect key of the cordless handset 200 is pressed (S7), disconnection instruction information is transmitted from the cordless handset 200 to the communication BOX 100 (S8). When receiving the disconnection instruction information from the cordless handset 200 (S26), the communication BOX 100 disconnects the connection with the public line 700 and returns to the standby state (S27).

  According to the first embodiment, it is possible to perform facsimile transmission using the reading unit of the external MFP 300 without providing the reading unit in the communication BOX 100.

  When there are a plurality of MFPs 300 on the network, one of the MFPs 300 may be fixed for facsimile transmission. Alternatively, the MFP 300 that reads the document may be determined according to the cordless child device 200 that is associated with the cordless child device 200 and operated.

  Embodiment 1 includes an image processing apparatus having at least one of printer functions, a cordless slave that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication apparatus by wireless connection, the communication apparatus, and the communication apparatus. A network connecting the image processing apparatus.

According to the first embodiment, duplication of functions can be eliminated between the cordless telephone apparatus with a facsimile function and the MFP, the configuration of each apparatus can be simplified, and the cost can be reduced. It is a function.

  The first embodiment is an embodiment in which a transmission instruction is given from a cordless slave when performing facsimile transmission, but the second embodiment is a second communication system in which a facsimile transmission instruction is issued from an MFP.

  The second communication system includes a communication BOX 100, cordless slaves 200-1 and 200-2, MFPs 300-1 and 300-2, a router 400, a PC 500, a network cable 600, and a public line 700. .

  Communication BOX 100, cordless slave units 200-1 and 200-2, MFPs 300-1 and 300-2, router 400, PC 500, network cable 600, and public line 700 constituting the second communication system The configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, description of each detailed structure is abbreviate | omitted. However, only the appearance of the cordless slave shown in FIG. 9 is different.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an external appearance of the cordless child device 1200.

  9, a cordless slave device 1200 corresponds to the cordless slave device 200 shown in FIG. 3, a display unit 1207 corresponds to the display unit 207 shown in FIG. 3, and an operation unit 1208 corresponds to the operation unit 208 shown in FIG. It corresponds to.

  The operation unit 1208 includes function keys such as a dial key for inputting a dial number and the like, a call key, and a telephone directory key. The display unit 1207 displays the input dial number and the like.

  Next, an operation for facsimile transmission in the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating operations of the MFP 300, the communication box 100, and the cordless slave device 1200 according to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 10B is a flowchart illustrating the facsimile transmission operation according to the second embodiment.

  First, the user sets a transmission document on the document table of the reading unit 307 of the MFP 300 for facsimile transmission, and selects a “fast” or “clean” reading mode by an image quality selection button included in the operation unit 305 ( S41). Here, the “fast” corresponds to the standard mode in the ITU-T recommendation, and the “clean” corresponds to the fine mode in the ITU-T recommendation. An image quality selection button (not shown) is also used when selecting image quality during copying.

  Next, the number of the transmission destination is input using a dial key provided on the operation unit 1208 of the cordless handset 1200 (S61). The destination number may be designated by the telephone book function.

  Next, in MFP 300 again, a transmission start button provided on operation unit 305 is operated to instruct transmission start (S42).

  The MFP 300 reads the document at the reading resolution designated by the operation unit 305, and sequentially stores the read image data in the buffer memory 304 (S43).

  Next, the image data stored in the buffer memory 304 and the reading mode information are sent to the communication BOX 100 via the network control unit 312 (S44).

  The above operation is repeated until the reading of the document is completed (S45).

  When the communication BOX 100 receives the image data sent from the MFP 300 (S51, S52), the received data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 104 (S53) and then sequentially transferred to the encoding / decoding unit 105. Then, according to the reading mode information instructed from the MFP 300, the image data is encoded and stored again in the buffer memory 104 (S54).

  When the encoding of all received data is completed (S55), the communication BOX 100 requests the transmission destination number from the cordless handset 1200 (S56).

  When receiving the request for the transmission destination number from the communication BOX 100, the cordless handset 1200 returns the transmission destination number input by the user to the communication BOX 100 (S62).

  When receiving the number of the transmission destination from the cordless handset 1200, the communication BOX 100 temporarily stores the destination number information in the buffer memory 104 (S57).

  Thereafter, the control unit 101 switches the crosspoint switch unit 108 to the modem 107 side, reads the destination number information temporarily stored in the buffer memory, and the communication control unit 106 calls the public line 700. Then, when the counterpart facsimile machine responds, the modem 107 modulates the image data stored in the buffer memory 104, and the ITU-T T.264. In accordance with the facsimile communication procedure standardized by the 30 recommendation, it is transmitted to the other party (S58).

  The status of facsimile transmission can be displayed on the display unit 1207 of the cordless handset 1200 (S63). The information to be displayed may be only the communication management number of the corresponding facsimile transmission, or the detailed facsimile transmission status may be displayed.

  When all the image data has been transmitted, the communication BOX 100 disconnects the connection with the public line 700 and returns to the standby state.

  When there are a plurality of cordless slave units 1200, one cordless slave unit 1200 may be fixed for transmission (may be dedicated for transmission), or can be communicated with the MFP 300 by operating the MFP 300. You may make it designate a subunit | mobile_unit.

  Further, when the cordless handset 1200 is in a call and the user presses a facsimile transmission start button provided in the MFP 300, the cordless handset 1200 may execute a facsimile transmission to the other party in the call.

  Further, when the cordless handset 1200 is busy, pressing a facsimile transmission start button provided in the MFP 300 may prohibit facsimile transmission.

  Then, when the facsimile transmission is in a retransmission standby state due to the other party busy or the like, the transmission destination data and the transmission image data may be stored in the communication BOX 100.

  According to the second embodiment, the communication BOX 100 realizes high-functional telephone functions such as a cordless telephone function, an answering machine function, a highly reliable facsimile / telephone switching function, and high-performance reading of a document during facsimile transmission. MFP 300 having a simple reading unit can be used. Therefore, the configurations of the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 300 are simple, and it is possible to provide a user with a low-cost and high-performance telephone function and a high-performance image input / output function for a personal computer.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to realize a purchase form in which only the MFP 300 is first purchased and the communication BOX 100 is additionally purchased when necessary. Conversely, a purchase form in which only the communication BOX 100 is purchased first and the MFP 300 is additionally purchased when necessary is also realized.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, when the scanner function and the printer function of the MFP 300 become obsolete, the user only needs to replace the MFP 300. Therefore, the user's economic burden at the time of replacement of the MFP 300 that has made rapid progress can be reduced. Can be lightened.

Further, according to the second embodiment, when a plurality of MFPs 300 are connected to the network, facsimile transmission can be performed from each MFP 300 via the communication BOX 100. Therefore, the same result as when there are a plurality of facsimile apparatuses can be obtained by one facsimile communication function provided in the communication BOX 100.

  In the first and second embodiments, when making a call, the telephone number of the other party is mainly input at the time of making the call. It is a third communication system that sometimes calls phone numbers from the phone book.

  The third communication system includes a communication BOX 100, cordless slaves 200-1 and 200-2, MFPs 300-1 and 300-2, a router 400, a PC 500, a network cable 600, and a public line 700. . A communication BOX 100, cordless slave units 200-1 and 200-2, MFPs 300-1 and 300-2, a router 400, a PC 500, a network cable 600, and a public line 700 that constitute the third communication system are: The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, description of each detailed structure is abbreviate | omitted. However, only the appearance of the cordless slave shown in FIG. 11 is different.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an external appearance of the cordless child device 2200.

  11, a cordless slave device 2200 corresponds to the cordless slave device 200 shown in FIG. 3, a display unit 2207 corresponds to the display unit 207 shown in FIG. 3, and an operation unit 2208 includes an operation unit 208 shown in FIG. It corresponds to.

  The operation unit 2208 includes function keys such as a dial key for inputting a dial number, a call key, a communication key, a set key, and a telephone directory key. A display unit 2207 displays the input dial number and the like.

  Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described.

  FIGS. 12 to 18 and FIGS. 21 to 23 are flowcharts showing operations of facsimile transmission from telephone book data, telephone conversation by the cordless handset 2200 from the telephone book data, and telephone book registration in the embodiment.

  First, the telephone number telephone directory registration operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 13, 17, 18, and 21.

  13 and 18 are flowcharts showing the operation of the communication BOX 100.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cordless handset 2200.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the telephone number telephone directory registration operation.

  When the user presses a menu key provided on the operation unit 2208 of the cordless handset 2200 (S131), the cordless handset 2200 sends a menu content transmission request to the communication BOX 100 (S132).

  When receiving the menu content transmission request (S91), the communication BOX 100 transmits the received menu content to the cordless handset 2200 (S92). The cordless handset 2200 receives the menu content (S133) and displays it on the display unit 2207 (S134). The user selects phonebook registration from the displayed menu contents (S135), and presses the set key (S136). When the set key is pressed, cordless handset 2200 transmits a telephone book registration screen transmission request to communication BOX 100 (S137).

  When receiving the telephone book registration screen transmission request (S161), the communication BOX 100 transmits the data of the telephone book registration screen (name) to the cordless handset 2200 (S162). The cordless handset 2200 receives the phone book registration screen (name) (S138) and displays it on the display unit 2207 (S139). When the user inputs a name using the numeric keypad provided on the operation unit 2208 of the cordless handset 2200 (S140) and presses the set key (S141), the input name data is transmitted to the communication BOX 100. (S142).

  When receiving the name data (S163), the communication BOX 100 temporarily stores the name data in the buffer memory 104 (S164), and transmits the data of the phone book registration screen (phone number) to the cordless handset 2200 (S165). The cordless handset 2200 receives the phone book registration screen (phone number) (S143) and displays it on the display unit 2207 (S144).

  Using the numeric keypad provided on the operation unit 2208 of the cordless handset 2200, the user inputs a telephone number (S145), presses the set key (S146), and the input telephone number data is stored in the communication BOX 100. (S147).

  When receiving the telephone number data (S166), the communication BOX 100 temporarily stores the received telephone number data in the buffer memory (S167), and transmits the data on the telephone book registration screen (facsimile number) to the cordless handset 2200. (S168).

  The cordless handset 2200 receives the telephone directory registration screen (facsimile number) (S148) and displays it on the display unit 2207 (S149). Using the numeric keypad provided on the operation unit 2208 of the cordless handset 2200, the user inputs a facsimile number (S150), presses the set key (S151), and the input facsimile number data is transmitted to the communication BOX 100. (S152).

  When receiving the facsimile number data (S169), the communication BOX 100 temporarily stores the facsimile number data in the buffer memory (S170). Then, at least one of the telephone number data and the facsimile number data is registered in the area unique to the cordless telephone or registered in the common area, the data on the telephone directory data registration area selection screen is displayed. It transmits to 2200 (S171).

  The cordless handset 2200 receives the telephone directory data registration area selection screen (S153), displays it on the display unit 2207 (S154), and registers at least one of telephone number data and facsimile number data in the unique area. Alternatively, the user selects whether to register in the shared area (S155).

  The communication BOX 100 receives a request to register at least one of telephone number data and facsimile number data in the unique area of the cordless handset 2200 (S172). As a result, the name data, telephone number data, and facsimile number data stored in the buffer memory are related, and the data including the information of the cordless handset 2200 is registered in the telephone book memory (S173).

  The communication BOX 100 receives a request to register at least one of telephone number data and facsimile number data in the shared area (S174). As a result, the name data, telephone number data, and facsimile number data stored in the buffer memory are related and registered in the telephone directory memory (S175). Since the name data, telephone number data, and facsimile number data stored in the buffer memory need not be stored in the buffer memory, they are cleared from the buffer memory (S176). Then, the telephone directory registration screen (name) is transmitted again (S177).

  The cordless handset 2200 receives the phone book registration screen (name) (S156) and displays it on the display unit 2207 (S157). The user selects whether to continue telephone directory registration (S158). When continuing the telephone directory registration operation, the process returns to step S140. When the phone book registration operation is terminated, the operation is terminated when the user presses the off key.

  On the other hand, the communication BOX 100 returns to Step S163 when continuing the phone book registration operation. When the phone book registration operation is to be terminated, information to be terminated is received (S179), and the operation is terminated.

  Next, a calling operation for calling by calling a telephone number from the telephone directory will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation in the cordless handset 2200.

  14 and 15 are flowcharts showing operations in the communication BOX 100. FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation in the MFP 300.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a facsimile transmission operation from telephone directory data.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a call operation by the cordless handset 2200 from the phone book data.

  First, in order to perform facsimile transmission, the user sets a transmission document on the document table provided in the reading unit 307 of the MFP 300 and operates the image quality selection button provided in the operation unit 305 to perform “fast”. Alternatively, the “clean” reading mode is selected (S121). Here, the “fast” corresponds to the standard mode in the ITU-T recommendation, and the “clean” corresponds to the fine mode in the ITU-T recommendation. The image quality selection button is also used when selecting image quality during copying.

  Next, when a telephone book key provided in the operation unit 2208 of the cordless handset 2200 is pressed (S71), the cordless handset 2200 sends a telephone book data transmission request to the communication BOX 100 (S72).

  When the communication BOX 100 receives the telephone book transmission request (S93), the communication BOX 100 transmits the specific telephone book data of the corresponding slave unit and the name data of the shared phone book data to the cordless slave unit 2200 (S94). The cordless handset 2200 receives the phone book data (S73), and displays the received phone book data on the display unit 2207 (S74).

  The user selects a destination from the displayed phone book data (S75). That is, when a partner is selected by pressing a communication key provided on the operation unit 2208 of the cordless handset 2200 (S76), the selected partner information and facsimile transmission instruction information are transmitted to the communication BOX 100. (S77).

  When the communication BOX 100 receives the selected partner information and facsimile transmission instruction information (S101, S102), it calls the partner's facsimile number from the telephone directory memory (S103). Then, the called facsimile number is stored in the buffer memory 104 (S104), and a reading start command is transmitted to the MFP 300 through the network control unit 312 (S105).

  In the MFP 300, the network control unit 312 receives a reading start command from the communication BOX 100 (S122). Then, the original is read at the reading resolution designated by the user via the operation unit 305 (S123), and the read image data is sequentially stored in the buffer memory 304.

  Next, the image data stored in the buffer memory 304 and the reading mode information are sent to the communication BOX 100 via the network control unit 312 (S124). The above operation is repeated until the reading of the original is completed (S125).

  The communication BOX 100 receives image data from the MFP 300 (S106). The received data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 104 and then sequentially transferred to the encoding / decoding unit 105. The image data is encoded in accordance with the reading mode information instructed from the MFP 300 (S107). Accumulate again.

  At the same time, the control unit 101 switches the crosspoint switch unit 108 to the modem 107 side (S108), reads the facsimile number temporarily stored in the buffer memory (S109), and the communication control unit 106 calls the public line 700. (S110). When the counterpart facsimile machine responds, the modem 107 modulates the image data stored in the buffer memory 104, and the ITU-T T.264. In accordance with the facsimile communication procedure standardized by the 30 recommendation, it is transmitted to the other party (S111). When all the image data has been transmitted (S112), the communication BOX 100 disconnects from the public line 700 and returns to the standby state (S113).

  Next, a call operation in the third embodiment will be described.

  When making a call, the user presses a telephone book key provided in the operation unit 2208 of the cordless handset 2200 (S71), whereby the cordless handset 2200 sends a telephone book data transmission request to the communication BOX 100 ( S72). When the communication BOX 100 receives the telephone book transmission request (S93), it transmits the specific telephone book data of the corresponding slave unit and the name data of the shared phone book data to the cordless slave unit 2200 (S94). The cordless handset 2200 receives the phone book data (S73) and displays it on the display unit 2207 (S74).

  The user selects a destination from the displayed phone book data (S75). That is, when the user presses a call key provided on the operation unit 2208 of the cordless child device 2200 (S78), the cordless child device 2200 sends the selected destination information, call instruction information, and communication destination information to the communication BOX 100. Is transmitted to the communication BOX 100 (S79).

  When receiving the selected destination information and call instruction information (S101, S102), the communication BOX 100 calls the destination phone number from the phone book memory (S114). Then, the control unit 101 switches the crosspoint switch unit 108 to the radio control unit 109 (S115), and the communication control unit 106 calls the telephone number called from the telephone directory memory (S116). When the other party answers, the cordless handset 2200 can make a call via the crosspoint switch unit 108 and the wireless control unit 109 (S117, S80).

  On the other hand, when the call is finished and the disconnect key of the cordless handset 2200 is pressed (S81), disconnection instruction information is transmitted from the cordless handset 2200 to the communication BOX 100 (S82).

  When receiving the disconnection instruction information from the cordless handset 2200 (S118), the communication BOX 100 disconnects the connection with the public line 700 and returns to the standby state (S119).

  According to the third embodiment, it is possible to perform facsimile transmission using the reading unit of the external MFP 300 without providing the reading unit in the communication BOX 100.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, since the phone book data is managed in the communication BOX 100, the phone book data can be used even if the cordless handset 2200 does not have the phone book data. Further, since the cordless handset 2200 does not have the phone book data, the memory capacity in the cordless handset 2200 can be reduced, and the phone book data can be used from any cordless handset.

  In the third embodiment, in the case of registering the phone book data in the specific area of the telephone book, an example of registering in the specific area corresponding to the cordless slave unit used is shown. It may be registered in the area. Registration can be performed even when a desired cordless slave is not found. Further, the unique area may be made to correspond to the user instead of making it correspond to the cordless child device. In this case, if the user is authenticated, the user-specific telephone directory can be called up using any cordless handset.

  In the third embodiment, when there are a plurality of MFPs 300 on the network, one MFP 300 may be fixed for facsimile transmission. Alternatively, the cordless handset 2200 and the MFP 300 may be associated with each other so that the MFP 300 corresponding to the operated cordless handset 2200 can read the document.

  According to the third embodiment, high-functional telephone functions such as a cordless telephone function, an answering machine function, and a highly reliable facsimile / telephone switching function can be realized by the communication BOX 100. Since reading of a document during facsimile transmission can be realized using the MFP 300 having a high-performance reading unit, the configurations of the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 300 are simple. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a user with a low-cost and high-performance telephone function and a high-performance image input / output function for a personal computer.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, when the scanner function and the printer function of the MFP 300 become obsolete, it is sufficient for the user to replace only the MFP 300. Therefore, the economic burden on the user who replaces the MFP 300 that has made rapid progress is reduced. can do.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, when a plurality of MFPs 300 are connected to the network, facsimile transmission from each MFP 300 becomes possible via the communication BOX 100. Therefore, the same result can be obtained by a single facsimile communication function provided in the communication BOX 100 when there are a plurality of facsimile apparatuses.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, the communication BOX 100 centrally manages the phone book data, so that the memory capacity in the cordless handset 2200 can be reduced. In addition, since the registered phone book data can be referred from any cordless handset 2200 among the plurality of cordless handset 1200, a call based on the phone book data can be made using the cordless handset 2200 nearby. You can make a call.

  That is, in the third embodiment, a control signal and an audio signal are transmitted between a communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and the communication device by wireless connection. A cordless cordless handset that transmits and receives. In the communication system having the network connecting the communication apparatus and the image processing apparatus, the third embodiment is configured to centrally manage the stored phone book data and storage means for storing the phone book data. It is an example of the communication apparatus which has a management means.

  In the third embodiment, a control signal and an audio signal are transmitted between a communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and the communication device by wireless connection. A cordless cordless handset that transmits and receives. The third embodiment is a communication system including a network that connects the communication device, the image processing device, and a cordless handset specific area for storing telephone book data unique to the cordless handset. The third embodiment is an example of a communication apparatus having registration means for registering the predetermined cordless handset phone book data in the specific area for the cordless handset corresponding to the predetermined cordless handset.

  Further, in the third embodiment, a control signal and an audio signal are transmitted between a communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and the communication device by wireless connection. A cordless cordless handset that transmits and receives. The third embodiment is a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device. Further, in the third embodiment, a user-specific area for storing telephone book data specific to a user who uses a cordless cordless handset, and a user-specific area corresponding to a predetermined user, the user-specific area Registration means for registering telephone directory data. In the third embodiment, user authentication means for authenticating a user, and when the user authentication means authenticates the user, the user authentication means is registered in the user specific area corresponding to the authenticated user. It is an example of the communication apparatus which has a telephone directory calling means which calls a telephone directory.

  In the third embodiment, a control signal and an audio signal are transmitted between a communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and the communication device by wireless connection. A cordless cordless handset that transmits and receives. The third embodiment is a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device. The third embodiment includes number data receiving means for receiving telephone number data or facsimile number data, and a buffer memory for temporarily storing the received telephone number data or facsimile number data. In the third embodiment, at least one of telephone number data and facsimile number data is registered in a specific area unique to a predetermined cordless handset, or in a common area where a cordless handset is not specified is selected as a cordless handset. It is an example of the communication apparatus which has a means to prompt a machine.

  When a request for registering telephone number data or facsimile number data in the unique area is received from the cordless slave unit, the telephone number data or facsimile number data stored in the buffer memory, the name data, and the cordless slave unit information are stored in the unique area. sign up.

  Means for registering telephone number data or facsimile number data stored in the buffer memory and name data in the shared area when a request for registering telephone number data or facsimile number data in the shared area is received from the cordless slave unit; Have

  Example 3 can be grasped as the invention of the method. That is, the third embodiment is an example of a method for controlling a communication apparatus, characterized by having a storage stage for storing telephone book data and a central management stage for centrally managing the stored telephone book data.

  In addition, the third embodiment includes a registration step of registering the telephone book data for the predetermined cordless slave unit in the cordless slave unit specific registration area corresponding to the predetermined cordless slave unit. It is an example of a control method.

  Further, the third embodiment includes a registration step of registering the telephone book data unique to the predetermined user in the user specific registration area corresponding to the predetermined user. In the third embodiment, when a user is authenticated at the user authentication stage for authenticating the user and at the user authentication stage, the user is registered in the user specific registration area corresponding to the authenticated user. It is an example which has a telephone directory data calling step for calling telephone directory data.

The third embodiment includes a number data receiving stage for receiving telephone number data or facsimile number data, and a temporary storage stage for temporarily storing the received telephone number data or facsimile number data in a buffer memory. In the third embodiment, selection is made between registering at least one of telephone number data and facsimile number data in a specific registration area unique to a predetermined cordless slave unit or registering in a shared registration area not specifying a cordless slave unit. To the cordless handset.

  The fourth embodiment is an embodiment regarding the correspondence between the cordless slave unit and the MFP.

  The fourth communication system includes a communication BOX 100, cordless slaves 200-1 and 200-2, MFPs 300-1 and 300-2, a router 400, a PC 500, a network cable 600, and a public line 700. .

  A communication BOX 100, cordless slave units 200-1 and 200-2, MFPs 300-1 and 300-2, a router 400, a PC 500, a network cable 600, and a public line 700 that constitute the fourth communication system are: This is the same as each configuration in the first embodiment. Therefore, description of each detailed structure is abbreviate | omitted. However, only the appearance of the cordless slave shown in FIG. 11 is different.

  Instead of the cordless slave device 200, cordless slave devices 1200 and 2200 may be used.

  Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described.

  If there are a plurality of MFPs 300 on the network, the MFP 300 and the cordless slave device 200 may be associated with each other, and the MFP 300 corresponding to the operated cordless slave device 200 may read the document. One MFP 300 may be dedicated to facsimile transmission.

  Next, an operation of registering a slave unit when the cordless slave unit 200 and the MFP 300 are associated with each other in the fourth embodiment will be described.

  Specifically, a case will be described in which cordless child device 200-1 and MFP 300-1 are registered in association with each other.

  In the initial state, the cordless slave device 200 (200-1, 200-2) is only connected to the communication BOX 100 wirelessly and is not associated with the MFP 300 connected to the network.

  Plug and play is realized when the MFP 300-1 is connected to the network by the network router 400 having the DHCP function.

  That is, when the MFP 300 is physically connected to the network by the network router 400 having the DHCP function, settings necessary for communication such as TCP / IP are automatically performed. Here, the IP address of MFP 300-1 is determined.

  Then, based on the IP address distributed by the network router 400 having the DHCP function, the communication BOX 100 that desires address resolution can know the MAC address of the connected MFP 300-1. As a means in this case, for example, there is ARP (Address Resolution Protocol).

  In the ARP, the communication BOX 100 that desires address resolution to know the MAC address from the IP address sends a packet called a broadcast packet “MFP 300-1 having this IP address should return MAC” to the other party within the entire LAN. Send to. Then, ARP broadcast is performed.

  Thereafter, all the MFPs 300 existing in the LAN receive the broadcast packet, and the irrelevant MFP 300 having no IP address discards the packet. Finally, when an MFP 300 having a specific IP address is found, unicast is performed on a one-to-one basis with the MFP 300 to establish communication. The detailed exchange there is not directly related to the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Note that the relationship between the IP address and the MAC address may be determined by another means called RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol).

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a reference format of a MAC address according to the fourth embodiment.

  The format of the MAC address is a 48-bit code, and consists of 48 bits of a 24-bit vendor code and a 24-bit node number (a management code that does not overlap with other devices managed and provided by the manufacturer). ing.

  In the format shown in FIG. 19, 3 to 24 bits are called a vendor identifier, a specific number is assigned to each manufacturer, and 25 to 48 bits are assigned a different number to each network interface manufactured by the manufacturer. Structure.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the network control unit 110 of the communication BOX 100 can determine the manufacturer based on the vendor identifier portion of the MAC address of the connected MFP 300-1.

  Then, it can be recognized that the connected apparatus is the MFP 300.

  Then, by transmitting the manufacturer data to the cordless slave device 200-1, the cordless slave device 200 can display only the products connected to a predetermined manufacturer on the LAN.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example displayed on the display unit 207 when the cordless slave device 200 and the MFP 300 are associated with each other in the fourth embodiment.

  By pressing each key of the operation unit 208, a desired MFP 300 is selected from the plurality of MFPs 300 and determined.

  FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating an association screen between the cordless child device 200 and the MFP 300 according to the fourth embodiment.

  FIG. 20B is a screen showing a list of MFPs 300 that can be used at present in the fourth embodiment, and is a screen that is selected after displaying FIG. Here, the manufacturer is determined from the vendor identifier portion of the MAC address, and only MFP products manufactured by Company A are displayed. Of course, another company's MFP may be displayed.

  Further, from the node number of the MAC address, it may be displayed that the product is a scanner / printer and the performance of the scanner / printer.

  FIG. 20 (3) is a determination screen in the fourth embodiment, and is a screen displayed after displaying FIG. 20 (2).

  Here, a determination is made to associate the currently used child device 200-1 with the MFP 300-1.

  The communication BOX 100 stores the association between the slave device 200-1 and the MFP 300-1. That is, the RAM 103 of the communication BOX 100 records the association between the slave device 200-1 and the MFP 300-1. Specifically, an address acquired when the communication BOX 100 is connected to the network router 400, such as setting values registered by the operator, management data of the communication BOX 100, and the like are stored, and arithmetic processing and the like are performed. Further, the address of the MFP 300 connected to the network and the association between the MFP 300 and the slave device 200 are stored, and arithmetic processing and the like are performed.

  Further, the telephone directory memory 113 of the communication BOX 100 stores a communication partner name, a telephone number, a facsimile number, and the like registered for each cordless handset 200.

  The phone book data registered in the cordless handset 200-1 is stored for each cordless handset 200 in the phone book memory 113 of the communication BOX 100. When facsimile transmission / reception is performed from the MFP 300-1, the telephone directory data of the cordless handset 200-1 can be used by referring to the telephone directory memory 113 of the communication BOX 100.

  After the association, when the cordless child device 200 operates the MFP 300, the communication BOX 100 receives the instruction content from the child device 200, and the communication BOX 100 is associated based on the received content. A predetermined instruction is issued to the MFP 300.

  For example, a case where the cordless slave 200-1 instructs the MFP 300-1 to perform facsimile transmission will be described.

  The cordless child device 200-1 transmits the input destination number information and facsimile transmission instruction information to the communication BOX 100. Upon receiving the destination number information, facsimile transmission instruction information, etc., communication BOX 100 temporarily stores the destination number information in buffer memory 104 of communication BOX 100, and sends a read start command to MFP 300-1 through network control unit 110. Send.

  According to the fourth embodiment, a conventional facsimile telephone can be handled like a one-to-one correspondence between a parent device and a child device, and facsimile transmission / reception can be realized while maintaining the same operability. Can do.

  Further, according to the fourth embodiment, when the association is performed, not only the unicast in which the slave device 200 and the MFP 300 communicate on a one-to-one basis, but also the multicast in which the slave device 200 and the MFP 300 communicate on a specific one-to-one basis. Is also possible.

  According to the fourth embodiment, high-functional telephone functions such as a cordless telephone function, an answering machine function, a highly reliable facsimile / telephone switching function can be realized by the communication BOX 100. Then, reading of a document at the time of facsimile transmission can be realized by using the MFP 300 having a high-performance reading unit. Therefore, the configurations of the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 300 are simple, and it is possible to provide a user with a low-cost and high-performance telephone function and a high-performance image input / output function for a personal computer.

  Further, according to the fourth embodiment, when the scanner function and the printer function of the MFP 300 become obsolete, it is sufficient for the user to replace only the MFP 300. Therefore, the economic burden on the user who replaces the MFP 300 that has made rapid progress is reduced. can do.

  Further, according to the fourth embodiment, when a plurality of MFPs 300 are connected to the network, facsimile transmission from each MFP 300 becomes possible via the communication BOX 100. Therefore, the same result can be obtained by a single facsimile communication function provided in the communication BOX 100 when there are a plurality of facsimile apparatuses.

  Further, according to the fourth embodiment, when there are a plurality of slave units 200, they are associated with the MFP 300, so that the master unit and the slave units in a conventional facsimile telephone have a one-to-one correspondence. Can be handled. Then, facsimile transmission / reception can be realized with the same operability, and the telephone book data can be associated.

  In the fourth embodiment, the image processing apparatus performs only transmission on the public line, apparatus that performs only reception on the public line, apparatus that performs transmission and reception on the public line, and neither transmission nor reception on the public line. Which of the apparatuses is registered in the image processing apparatus.

  Incidentally, the cordless handset 200 is an example of means for instructing the image processing apparatus to read a document. The network control unit 110 is an example of a receiving unit that receives a document reading signal read by the image processing apparatus based on a document reading instruction signal output from the cordless slave unit. The buffer memory 104 is an example of a memory that stores document reading signals received from the image processing apparatus.

  The communication control unit 106 is an example of a transmission unit that transmits a document reading signal received from the image processing apparatus via a line. The control unit 201 and the ROM 202 are examples of reading signal generating means for generating a reading instruction signal for instructing the image processing apparatus to read a document. The wireless unit 205 is an example of a transmission unit that transmits a reading instruction signal to the image processing apparatus.

Further, the network control unit 312 is an example of a document reading instruction signal receiving unit that receives a document reading instruction signal from a cordless slave unit via a communication device. The reading unit 307 is an example of a document reading unit that reads a document based on a received document reading instruction. The network control unit 312 is an example of a transmission unit that transmits read data obtained by reading a document to a communication device.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention supplies a program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely to a system or apparatus, and the system or apparatus is supplied with the program. It is also achieved by reading and executing the code. Accordingly, the program code itself installed in the computer in order to realize the functional processing of the present invention by the computer is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In this case, the program may be in any form as long as it has a program function, such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS.

  As a recording medium for supplying a program, there are a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, an MO, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, and a nonvolatile memory card. Further, there are ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) and the like as recording media for supplying the program.

  When the program is supplied, it can be supplied by connecting to a homepage on the Internet using a browser of a client computer and downloading the computer program of the present invention from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. The program can also be supplied by downloading a compressed file including an automatic installation function to a recording medium such as a hard disk.

  It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. You may make it make it. In this way, it is possible to execute the encrypted program using the key information and install it in the computer.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiments being realized by the computer executing the read program, the OS running on the computer based on the instructions of the program may be part of the actual processing. Or do everything. In this way, the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.

Further, the program read from the recording medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and then executed based on the instructions of the program. Also good. As a result, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of communication system CS1 which is Example 1 of this invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication BOX 100. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the cordless subunit | mobile_unit 200 in Example 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFP 300. FIG. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the cordless subunit | mobile_unit 200 in Example 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the cordless child device 200 according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a communication BOX 100 according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the MFP 300 according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a facsimile transmission operation in the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a call operation in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the cordless cordless handset 1200 in Example 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the MFP 300, the communication box 100, and the cordless slave device 1200 according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a facsimile transmission operation according to the second exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the cordless cordless handset 2200 in Example 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the facsimile transmission from telephone directory data, and the telephone call of the cordless subunit | mobile_unit 2200 in Example 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of telephone directory registration of the communication box 100 in Example 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the facsimile transmission from telephone directory data of the communication box 100 in Example 3, and a telephone call. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the facsimile transmission from telephone directory data of the communication box 100 in Example 3, and a telephone call. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of facsimile transmission from telephone directory data in MFP 300 according to the third embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of telephone directory registration of the cordless subunit | mobile_unit 2200 in Example 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of telephone directory registration of the communication box 100 in Example 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the reference format of the MAC address in Example 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example displayed on the display unit 207 when the cordless slave device 200 and the MFP 300 are associated with each other in the fourth embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a telephone number telephone directory registration operation according to the third embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a telephone number telephone directory registration operation according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of transmitting a facsimile from telephone directory data in the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a call operation from telephone directory data in the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

CS1 ... communication system,
100: Communication BOX,
200, 1200, 2200 ... cordless handset,
300: MFP.

Claims (29)

A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A communication system, wherein the cordless slave unit instructs the image processing apparatus to read a document. A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
Receiving means for receiving document image data read by the image processing device based on a document reading instruction signal output by the cordless slave;
Transmitting means for transmitting the document image data received from the image processing apparatus via a line;
A communication apparatus in a communication system, comprising: A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
Document reading signal generating means for generating a document reading instruction signal for instructing the image processing apparatus to read a document;
Transmitting means for transmitting the document reading instruction signal to the image processing apparatus;
A cordless cordless handset in a communication system characterized by comprising: A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
Document reading instruction signal receiving means for receiving a document reading instruction signal from the cordless slave unit via the communication device;
A document reading means for reading a document based on the received document reading instruction;
An image processing apparatus in a communication system, comprising: In claim 4,
An image processing apparatus in a communication system, comprising: transmission means for transmitting original image data obtained by reading the original to the communication apparatus. A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a control method of a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A control method of a communication system, wherein the cordless slave unit instructs the image processing apparatus to read a document. A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a control method of a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
Receiving a document image data read by the image processing device based on a document reading instruction signal output by the cordless slave;
A transmission step of transmitting the document image data received from the image processing device via a line;
A communication method in a communication system, comprising: A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a control method of a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A document reading signal generation stage for generating a document reading instruction signal for instructing the image processing apparatus to read the document;
A transmission step of transmitting the document reading instruction signal to the image processing apparatus;
A control method for a cordless slave unit in a communication system, comprising: A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a control method of a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
Receiving a document reading instruction signal from the cordless slave unit via the communication device;
A document reading stage for reading a document based on the received document reading instruction;
A control method for an image processing apparatus in a communication system. In claim 9,
A method for controlling an image processing apparatus in a communication system, comprising: a transmission step of transmitting document image data obtained by reading the document to the communication device. A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a program for controlling a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A program that causes the computer to execute a procedure in which the cordless slave unit instructs the image processing apparatus to read a document. A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a control program for a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A receiving procedure for receiving document image data read by the image processing device based on a document reading instruction signal output by the cordless slave;
A transmission procedure for transmitting original image data received from the image processing apparatus via a line;
A program that runs a computer. A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a control program for a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A document reading signal generation procedure for generating a document reading instruction signal for instructing the image processing apparatus to read a document;
A transmission procedure for transmitting the reading instruction signal to the image processing apparatus;
A program that causes a computer to execute. A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a control program for a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A document reading instruction signal receiving procedure for receiving a document reading instruction signal from the cordless slave unit via the communication device;
A document reading procedure for reading a document based on the received document reading instruction;
A program that causes a computer to execute. A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
Storage means for storing telephone book data;
Centralized management means for centrally managing the stored telephone directory data;
A communication apparatus comprising: A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A cordless cordless handset-specific area that stores phonebook data specific to the cordless cordless handset;
Registration means for registering the predetermined cordless handset telephone directory data in the cordless handset specific area corresponding to the predetermined cordless handset;
A communication apparatus comprising: A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A user-specific area for storing user-specific phone book data using the cordless handset;
Registration means for registering the user-specific phone book data in the user-specific area corresponding to a predetermined user;
A user authentication means for authenticating the user;
Telephone book calling means for calling a telephone book registered in the user-specific area corresponding to the authenticated user when the user authentication means authenticates the user;
A communication apparatus comprising: A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
Number data receiving means for receiving telephone number data or facsimile number data;
A buffer memory for temporarily storing the received telephone number data or facsimile number data;
Area selection that prompts the cordless cordless handset to select whether to register at least one of telephone number data and facsimile number data in a specific area unique to a given cordless handset or a common area that does not specify a cordless handset A means of prompting;
A communication apparatus comprising: In claim 18,
When a request for registering telephone number data or facsimile number data in the specific area is received from the cordless slave unit, the telephone number data or facsimile number data stored in the buffer memory, name data, and the cordless slave unit And a unique area registering means for registering the information in the unique area. In claim 18,
When a request for registering telephone number data or facsimile number data in the shared area is received from the cordless handset, the telephone number data or facsimile number data stored in the buffer memory and name data are transferred to the shared area. A communication area registration means for registering to the communication device. A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In the communication device control method in a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A storage stage for storing phone book data;
A centralized management stage for centrally managing the stored phone book data;
A method for controlling a communication apparatus, comprising: A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In the communication device control method in a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A method for controlling a communication apparatus, comprising: a registration step of registering telephone book data for a predetermined cordless slave unit in a cordless slave unit specific registration area corresponding to the predetermined cordless slave unit. A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In the communication device control method in a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A registration step of registering the telephone book data unique to the predetermined user in a user specific registration area corresponding to the predetermined user;
A user authentication stage to certify the user;
A phone book data calling step of calling phone book data registered in the user specific registration area corresponding to the authenticated user when the user is authenticated in the user authentication step;
A method for controlling a communication apparatus, comprising: A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In the communication device control method in a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A number data receiving stage for receiving telephone number data or facsimile number data;
Temporarily storing the received telephone number data or facsimile number data in a buffer memory;
Encourage the cordless handset to choose whether to register at least one of telephone number data or facsimile number data in the specific registration area unique to a given cordless handset or in a shared registration area that does not specify a cordless handset Prompting area selection;
A method for controlling a communication apparatus, comprising: A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A communication system, wherein the cordless slave unit and the image processing apparatus are registered in the cordless slave unit in association with each other. In claim 25,
The cordless handset includes a display unit that displays a selection screen for selecting one of the plurality of image processing apparatuses. A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a control method of a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A method for controlling a communication system, comprising: registering the cordless slave unit and the image processing apparatus in association with each other in a memory of the cordless slave unit. In claim 27,
A control method for a communication system, comprising: a display step of displaying a selection screen for selecting one of a plurality of the image processing devices in the cordless slave unit. A communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, an image processing device having at least a reading function, and a cordless slave device that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection; In a control program for a communication system having a network connecting the communication device and the image processing device,
A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for associating the cordless slave unit with the image processing apparatus and registering the cordless slave unit in the memory of the cordless slave unit.

Images