JP2008193329A - Facsimile communication system, facsimile machine, and external device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique which allows facsimile communication to be easily executed. <P>SOLUTION: A facsimile communication system 10 includes a mobile terminal 20 and a multifunctional machine 50. The mobile terminal 20 includes a telephone number storage part 28 capable of storing a plurality of communication destination numbers, a display part 34 capable of displaying a plurality of communication destination numbers, an operation part 36 allowing a user to select at least one of the plurality of communication destination numbers, and a cable I/F 38 for outputting the communication destination number selected by the user to the multifunctional machine 50. The multifunctional machine 50 includes a cable I/F 52 tot which a communication destination number outputted from the mobile terminal 20 is input, and a FAX part 62 for executing facsimile communication with the input communication destination number. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for executing facsimile communication. The present invention also relates to a facsimile apparatus and an external apparatus for constituting the system.

  Various techniques for facsimile communication are provided. For example, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 below performs facsimile communication using a facsimile apparatus and an external memory connected thereto. The external memory stores a plurality of communication destination numbers. When the external memory is connected to the facsimile machine, a plurality of communication destination numbers are transferred from the external memory to the facsimile machine. The user can select a desired communication destination number by operating the operation unit of the facsimile apparatus while viewing the display screen of the facsimile apparatus. The facsimile apparatus performs facsimile communication of data stored in the external memory toward the communication destination number selected by the user.

JP 2006-121573 A (paragraph “0036”, etc.)

  In the above prior art, the user selects the communication destination number by operating the operation unit of the facsimile apparatus. For example, in a travel destination, there is a possibility that a facsimile apparatus that has never been used by a user has been installed. In this case, the user may not know how to operate the operation unit to select the communication destination number. According to the above prior art, there is a possibility that the user cannot select a communication destination number and cannot perform facsimile communication.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of performing facsimile communication more easily.

One technique disclosed by this specification is a facsimile communication system. The facsimile communication system includes an external device and a facsimile device to which the external device is connected. The “external device” means a device configured separately from the facsimile device.
The external device includes a communication destination number storage device, a first display device, an operation device, and an output device. The communication destination number storage device can store a plurality of communication destination numbers. The first display device can display a plurality of communication destination numbers stored in the communication destination number storage device. The operating device can be operated by a user. The operating device allows the user to select at least one communication destination number from among a plurality of communication destination numbers displayed on the first display device. The output device outputs the communication destination number selected by the user to the facsimile device.
The facsimile machine has an input device and a communication device. The input device inputs the communication destination number output from the external device. The communication device performs facsimile communication for the communication destination number input to the input device.

  According to the above facsimile communication system, a user (owner, occupant, etc.) of an external device can store a plurality of communication destination numbers in the external device in advance. For example, even when a facsimile machine that has never been used at a travel destination is installed, the user can select a desired communication destination number by operating an external device that the user has. The communication destination number can be easily selected. The user can easily execute facsimile communication for a desired communication destination number.

  In foreign countries and the like, various displays may be displayed on the facsimile machine in a language that the user cannot recognize. In this case, even if a message prompting the user to input or select a communication destination number is displayed on the facsimile apparatus, the user cannot recognize the meaning of the message. In the facsimile communication system disclosed in this specification, even when the display is made on the facsimile apparatus in a language that the user cannot recognize, the user can easily select the communication destination number. That is, the first display device of the external device can display a first language, and the facsimile device can have a second display device that can display a second language different from the first language. . Even if the user cannot recognize the second language displayed on the facsimile apparatus, the user can select a desired communication destination number while viewing the first language that can be recognized by the user displayed on the external apparatus. Can do.

The external device may be a mobile terminal. The term “portable terminal” means a terminal that is generally recognized as being able to be carried and carried by a human. For example, a mobile phone, a portable content playback device (audio playback device and video) Playback device), notebook computer, portable game machine, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) and the like.
The user of the mobile terminal can store a plurality of communication destination numbers in advance in the mobile terminal. The user can carry the mobile terminal and connect to the facsimile machine. The user can select a desired communication destination number by operating his / her portable terminal without operating the facsimile apparatus. For this reason, the user can easily select a communication destination number, and can easily perform facsimile communication for a desired communication destination number.

The facsimile apparatus may further include a scanner that scans a document and generates image data. The communication device may output the image data generated by the scanner toward the communication destination number input to the input device.
According to this configuration, the user can perform facsimile communication of a document describing a message or the like toward a desired communication destination number.

The external device may further include a message data storage device capable of storing message data input by operating the operation device. The output device may output the communication destination number selected by the user and the message data stored in the message data storage device to the facsimile device. In this case, the input device inputs the communication destination number output from the external device and the message data output from the external device. The communication device may output the message data input to the input device toward the communication destination number input to the input device.
The “message data” may be any data as long as it is data input by operating the controller device.
According to this configuration, the user can input and store message data to be facsimile-communicated into the external device. The facsimile apparatus performs facsimile communication of the message data. The user can perform facsimile communication with a message input to the external apparatus by the user toward a desired communication destination number.

The facsimile apparatus may further include a signature data storage device capable of storing signature data indicating a place where the facsimile apparatus is installed. In this case, the communication device may output the signature data stored in the signature data storage device toward the communication destination number input to the input device.
The above “signature data” may be any data as long as it includes contents (for example, an address, a telephone number, a facsimile number, and a name of the installation location) that can specify the installation location of the facsimile apparatus. It may be.
According to this configuration, the user can perform facsimile communication of information indicating the installation location of the facsimile apparatus toward a desired communication destination number. For example, when the above facsimile apparatus is installed at a travel destination hotel, the user can perform facsimile communication of information indicating the location (or guest room) of the hotel toward a desired communication destination number.

The output device may output the communication destination number selected by the user and the language code and / or region code of the external device to the facsimile device. In this case, the input device inputs the communication destination number output from the external device, and inputs the language code and / or the region code output from the external device. The signature data storage device may be capable of storing signature data described in a plurality of languages. The communication device includes a signature described in a language corresponding to a language code and / or a region code input to the input device from among signature data described in a plurality of languages stored in the signature data storage device. Data may be selected. In addition, the communication device may output the selected signature data toward the communication destination number input to the input device.
The above “language code” means a code that specifies a language designated by the user to be displayed on the first display device of the external device. Also, the above “region code” means a code for specifying a region (country) in which the external device is mainly used. The “region code” is stored in advance in the external device by the manufacturer of the external device.
According to this configuration, the signature data described in the language corresponding to the language code and / or the area code of the external device is transmitted by facsimile. For example, when the area code of the external device indicates Japan and signature data written in Japanese is stored in the facsimile machine, the signature data written in Japanese is transmitted by facsimile.
Note that the present technology can also be applied when data other than signature data is transmitted by facsimile. This configuration will be described next.

The output device may output the communication destination number selected by the user and the language code and / or region code of the external device to the facsimile device. In this case, the input device inputs the communication destination number output from the external device, and inputs the language code and / or the region code output from the external device. The facsimile apparatus may further include a data storage device that can store data described in a plurality of languages. The communication device selects data described in a language corresponding to the language code and / or the region code input to the input device from the data described in a plurality of languages stored in the data storage device. May be. The communication device may output the selected data toward the communication destination number input to the input device.
According to this configuration, data (which may be signature data or other types of data) described in a language corresponding to the language code and / or region code of the external device is transmitted by facsimile.

Note that the technology using the language code and / or the region code of the external device can be suitably used for the following configuration. That is, the output device may output the communication destination number selected by the user and the language code and / or region code of the external device to the facsimile device. In this case, the input device inputs the communication destination number output from the external device, and inputs the language code and / or the region code output from the external device. The facsimile apparatus may further include a country code storage device capable of storing a plurality of country codes used for international calls. The communication device may select a country code corresponding to the language code and / or the region code input to the input device from a plurality of country codes stored in the country code storage device. Further, the communication device may perform facsimile communication for an international communication destination number including the selected country code and the communication destination number input to the input device.
According to this configuration, the country code is automatically added to the communication destination number selected by the user. For this reason, the user can easily execute facsimile communication from overseas to his home country.

A facsimile machine to which an external device is connected is also useful. The facsimile apparatus includes an input device that inputs a communication destination number output from an external device, and a communication device that performs facsimile communication on the communication destination number input to the input device.
By using this facsimile apparatus, the above system can be constructed. The facsimile apparatus can employ the various configurations described above. For example, the facsimile apparatus can further include a signature data storage device, a data storage device, a country code storage device, and the like.

An external device that can be connected to a facsimile machine is also useful. The external device includes a communication destination number storage device capable of storing a plurality of communication destination numbers, a first display device capable of displaying a plurality of communication destination numbers stored in the communication destination number storage device, and a user. An operating device that can be operated and allows the user to select at least one communication destination number from among a plurality of communication destination numbers displayed on the first display device, and is selected by the user And an output device for outputting the communication destination number to the facsimile machine.
By using this external device, the above system can be constructed. The external device can employ the various configurations described above. For example, the external device may be a portable terminal, may further include the above message data storage device, and may output its own language code and / or region code to the facsimile device.

Here, some of the features of the techniques described in the following examples are listed.
(Embodiment 1) A facsimile apparatus is built in a multi-function device. The multi-function device has a scanner function, a print function, a copy function, a FAX function, and the like.
(Mode 2) The multi-function device stores its country code. This country code is a code for specifying the country in which the multi-function device is mainly used, and is set in advance by the manufacturer of the multi-function device.
(Mode 3) The multi-function device compares its country code with the country code of the portable terminal. If the two country codes match, the multi-function device does not create an international telephone number. On the other hand, if the two country codes are different, the multi-function device creates an international telephone number.
(Mode 4) The multi-function device stores an outside line transmission number. When the multi-function device performs facsimile communication, an outside line transmission number is dialed first. Next, the country code or the communication destination number selected by the user is dialed.
(Mode 5) The multi-function device stores a number for receiving an international telephone (facsimile) service. Hereinafter, this number is referred to as an “international telephone service number”. This international telephone service number is a number set by a telephone company that provides international telephone service. For example, in Japan, there are international telephone service numbers such as “001” and “010”. When the multi-function device performs international facsimile communication, an international telephone service number is dialed, and then a country code or a communication destination number selected by the user is dialed.
(Mode 6) The multi-function device stores messages described in a plurality of languages (for example, messages for prompting a user to perform a predetermined operation). The multi-function device outputs a message described in a language corresponding to the language code and / or country code of the mobile terminal to the mobile terminal. The portable terminal inputs and displays the message output from the multi-function device.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a facsimile communication system 10 of the present embodiment. The facsimile communication system 10 includes a mobile terminal 20 and a multi-function device 50.

(Configuration of mobile device)
The mobile terminal 20 of the present embodiment is a mobile phone. The portable terminal 20 includes a control unit 22, a display unit 34, an operation unit 36, a cable interface 38, and the like. The devices 22 to 38 are connected to each other via a bus 40 so as to communicate with each other. The mobile terminal (that is, the mobile phone) 20 has a microphone, a speaker, an antenna and the like that enable telephone communication in addition to the elements shown in FIG. Since these are not particularly relevant to the present technology, they are not shown.

  The control unit 22 includes a CPU 24, a ROM 26, a telephone number storage unit 28, a country code storage unit 30, other storage areas 32, and the like. The CPU 24 executes various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 26 and controls the operation of the mobile terminal 20 in an integrated manner. The ROM 26 stores various programs. The telephone number storage unit 28 can store a plurality of communication destination numbers (phone numbers and facsimile numbers). FIG. 2 shows an example of the contents stored in the telephone number storage unit 28. The user can input a communication destination number by operating an operation unit 36 described later, and can store the communication destination number in the telephone number storage unit 28. The country code storage unit 30 stores a code for specifying a country (or region) in which the mobile terminal 20 is mainly used. This country code is set in advance by the manufacturer of the mobile terminal 20. It is assumed that the country code storage unit 30 of this embodiment stores the country code “jp” of Japan. The storage area 32 can store data generated in the course of execution of processing by the CPU 24 and other various data. The contents of the data stored in the storage area 32 will be described later if necessary.

  The display unit 34 of this embodiment can display various information in Japanese. For example, the display unit 34 can display a plurality of communication destination numbers (see FIG. 2) stored in the telephone number storage unit 28. The operation unit 36 has a plurality of buttons operated by the user. For example, the operation unit 36 includes number buttons from zero to 9, an OK button for executing various processes, a cancel button for canceling processes, and the like. The user can cause the display unit 34 to display a plurality of communication destination numbers stored in the telephone number storage unit 28 by operating the operation unit 36. Further, the user can select a desired telephone number from a plurality of communication destination numbers displayed on the display unit 34 by operating the operation unit 36. One end of a communication cable 44 is connected to the cable interface 38. The other end of the communication cable 44 is connected to the multi-function device 50. The portable terminal 20 can communicate various data with the multi-function device 50 via the communication cable 44.

(Configuration of multi-function device)
It is assumed that the multi-function device 50 of this embodiment is installed in a guest room of a hotel in the United States. The multi-function device 50 includes a cable interface 52, a scanner unit 54, a printing unit 56, a display unit 58, an operation unit 60, a FAX unit 62, a communication interface 64, a control unit 66, and the like. The devices 52 to 66 are communicably connected to each other via a bus 82. Note that the multi-function device 50 may include a handset that enables telephone communication in addition to the elements shown in FIG.

  A communication cable 44 is connected to the cable interface 52. The multi-function device 50 can communicate various data with the mobile terminal 20 via the communication cable 44. The scanner unit 54 scans a document and generates image data. The printing unit 56 prints image data. The image data may be sent from the outside of the multi-function device 50 (for example, received facsimile data), or may be generated by the scanner unit 54. The display unit 58 can display various information in English. That is, in this embodiment, the language (Japanese) displayed on the display unit 34 of the portable terminal 20 is different from the language (English) displayed on the display unit 58 of the multi-function device 50. The operation unit 60 has a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions and information to the multi-function device 50 by operating the operation unit 60. The FAX unit 62 performs facsimile communication according to an instruction from the control unit 66 described later. The FAX unit 62 includes, for example, a modem. The communication interface 64 is connected to a general public line 86. The communication interface 64 can input voice and facsimile data sent via the general public line 86. The communication interface 64 can output voice and facsimile data toward the general public line 86.

  The control unit 66 includes a CPU 68, a ROM 70, a country code storage unit 72, a country code-country code storage unit 74, a signature data storage unit 76, a message storage unit 78, and other storage areas 80. The CPU 68 executes various processes in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 70 and controls the operation of the multi-function device 50 in an integrated manner. The ROM 70 stores various programs. The own country code storage unit 72 stores a code for specifying a country (or region) in which the multi-function device 50 is mainly used. This country code is set in advance by the manufacturer of the multi-function device 50. Assume that the country code storage unit 72 of this embodiment stores the country code “us” in the United States. The country code-country code storage unit 74 stores a country code and a country code used for international calls (international facsimiles) in association with each other. FIG. 3 shows an example of the contents stored in the country code-country code storage unit 74. The country code-country code storage unit 74 stores a country code (1, 81, 49, etc.) in association with each of a plurality of country codes (eg, us, jp, de, etc.).

  The signature data storage unit 76 stores signature data indicating a place where the multi-function device 50 is installed (a guest room in a US hotel in this embodiment). FIG. 4 shows an example of the contents stored in the signature data storage unit 76. The signature data storage unit 76 stores signature data 90 and 92 described in a plurality of languages. FIG. 4 shows signature data 90 written in English and signature data 92 written in Japanese. The signature data storage unit 76 may store not only the language shown in FIG. 4 but also signature data described in other languages (German, Russian, Spanish, etc.). Although not shown, the signature data storage unit 76 associates each signature data 90 and 92 with a country code. For example, the signature data 90 written in English is associated with a country code (us, ca, etc.) of a country (US, Canada, etc.) that uses English as an official language. Further, for example, the country data (jp) of Japan is associated with the signature data 92 described in Japanese. Each signature data 90 and 92 includes a room number of a hotel guest room (a room number of a guest room in which the multi-function device 50 is installed), a telephone number of the multi-function device 50, a facsimile number of the multi-function device 50, and a hotel Includes name and hotel address.

  The message storage unit 78 stores message data indicating instructions for the user of the mobile terminal 20. FIG. 5 shows an example of the contents stored in the message storage unit 78. The message storage unit 78 stores message data 100 and 102 described in a plurality of languages. FIG. 5 shows message data 100 written in English and message data 102 written in Japanese. The message data storage unit 78 may store not only the language shown in FIG. 5 but also message data described in other languages. Although not shown, the message storage unit 78 associates the message data 100 and 102 with the country code. The message data 100 written in English is associated with the country code of the country that uses English as the official language. The message data 102 written in Japanese is associated with the country code of Japan. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the language stored in the message storage unit 78 matches the language stored in the signature data storage unit 76. For example, when English, Japanese, and German signature data 90 and 92 are stored in the signature data storage unit 76, English, Japanese, and German message data 100 and 102 are also stored in the message storage unit 78. It shall be. The storage area 80 can store data generated in the course of execution of processing by the CPU 68 and other various data. The contents of the data stored in the storage area 80 will be described later if necessary.

(Processes executed by multi-function devices)
Next, the contents of processing executed by the multi-function device 50 will be described. The following processing is executed by the CPU 68 of the multi-function device 50. 6 and 7 show flowcharts of processing executed by the multi-function device 50. When the mobile terminal 20 is connected, the multi-function device 50 executes the following processing.
The multi-function device 50 monitors whether the communication destination number and the country code output from the mobile terminal 20 have been input (S2). This communication destination number is selected from the telephone number storage unit 28 by the user of the mobile terminal 20. The country code is a country code (“jp” in this embodiment) stored in the country code storage unit 30 of the mobile terminal 20. How these pieces of information are output from the portable terminal 20 will be described later.

If YES in S2, the multi-function device 50 determines whether or not the scanner unit 54 is ready to scan the document (S4). The user can set the original created by himself (original to be transmitted by facsimile) on the tray (not shown) of the scanner unit 54. If a document is set on the tray, YES is determined in S4. In this case, the process proceeds to S6. On the other hand, if NO is determined in S4, the process proceeds to S8.
In S6, the multi-function device 50 creates image data by scanning a document. The created image data is temporarily stored in the storage area 80 (see FIG. 1). When S6 ends, the process proceeds to S10.

  As will be described in detail later, the user of the mobile terminal 20 can create a message (message to be transmitted by facsimile; hereinafter referred to as a transmission message) by operating the operation unit 36. That is, the user can send either a document or a transmission message by facsimile. When the transmission message is stored in the portable terminal 20, the transmission message is sent from the portable terminal 20 to the multi-function device 50. In S8, the multi-function device 50 determines whether or not this transmission message has been input. In the case of YES here, the multi-function device 50 temporarily stores the transmission message in the storage area 80 (see FIG. 1). If YES in S8, the process proceeds to S10. On the other hand, if NO in S8, the multi-function device 50 returns to S4 and determines whether or not a document is set.

  In S10, the multi-function device 50 determines whether or not the signature data 90 and 92 corresponding to the country code (that is, the country code of the mobile terminal 20) input in S2 exists. As described above, each signature data 90 and 92 is associated with a country code. The multi-function device 50 determines whether or not the country code input in S2 is included in the country codes associated with the signature data 90 and 92. In the present embodiment, the country code input in S2 is “jp”, and “jp” is associated with the signature data 92 described in Japanese (see FIG. 4). To be judged. In this case, the process proceeds to S12. On the other hand, if NO in S10, the process proceeds to S16.

In S12, the multi-function device 50 creates transmission data using the signature data (signature data 92 in this embodiment) corresponding to the country code input in S2. This transmission data includes the image data created in S6 or the transmission message input in S8, and the signature data 92 corresponding to the country code input in S2. That is, the image data or transmission message and the signature data 92 are synthesized. The created transmission data is temporarily stored in the storage area 80.
Subsequently, the multi-function device 50 outputs message data corresponding to the country code input in S2 (message data 102 described in Japanese in this embodiment) to the mobile terminal 20 (S14).

In S16, the multi-function device 50 creates transmission data by using signature data described in a language set as a default (in this embodiment, the signature data 90 is described in English). This default language is preset by the administrator of the multi-function device 50. The transmission data includes the image data created in S6 or the transmission message input in S8, and signature data 90 described in a default language. The created transmission data is temporarily stored in the storage area 80.
Subsequently, the multi-function device 50 outputs message data described in a default language (message data 100 described in English in this embodiment) to the portable terminal 20 (S18).

  Next, the multi-function device 50 waits for an instruction from the mobile terminal 20. The multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not a transmission instruction from the mobile terminal 20 has been input (S20). In the case of NO here, the multi-function device 50 monitors whether or not a stop instruction from the mobile terminal 20 has been input (S22). In the case of NO here, the multi-function device 50 returns to S20 and monitors whether or not a transmission instruction has been input. On the other hand, if YES in S22, the multi-function device 50 clears the transmission data created in S12 from the storage area 80 (S24), and ends the process. If YES in S20, the process proceeds to S30 in FIG.

  In S30, the multi-function device 50 determines whether or not an outside line transmission number is set. The external line transmission number is a number dialed before the telephone number or facsimile number when a telephone or facsimile is transmitted as an external line. For example, an outside line transmission number may be used in a hotel or the like. The outside line transmission number is preset (stored) in the multi-function device 50. In the case of YES in S30, the multi-function device 50 stores the outside line transmission number as an additional telephone number (S32). The additional telephone number is stored in the storage area 80. On the other hand, if NO in S30, the multi-function device 50 skips S32 and proceeds to S34.

In S34, the multi-function device 50 uses the country code (“us” in this embodiment) stored in its own country code storage unit 72 (see FIG. 1) and the country code (in this embodiment) input in S2. Then, “jp”) is compared. If the two country codes are different, the process proceeds to S36. On the other hand, if the two country codes match, the process skips S36 and proceeds to S38.
In S36, the multi-function device 50 searches the country code-country code storage unit 74 (see FIG. 3) by using the country code input in S2 as a key, thereby obtaining the country code associated with the country code. Identify. In this embodiment, since the country code input in S2 is “jp”, the country code “81” is specified. The multi-function device 50 stores an international telephone service number (for example, “010” or “001” in the case of Japan) and an identified country code “81” as additional telephone numbers for receiving an international telephone service. . Specifically, the additional telephone number is stored so that the country code is arranged next to the international telephone service number. When the outside line calling number is stored as an additional telephone number in S32 above, the multi-function device 50 stores the additional telephone number so that the outside line calling number, the international telephone service number, and the country code are arranged in this order. To do. When S36 ends, the process proceeds to S38.

  In S38, the multi-function device 50 dials the additional telephone number. Next, the multi-function device 50 dials the communication destination number input in S2 (S40). As a result, the multi-function device 50 calls the communication destination number. Subsequently, the multi-function device 50 transmits the transmission data created in S12 or S16 by facsimile (S42). As a result, transmission data is sent from a guest room in a US hotel to a Japanese communication number.

The user can select a plurality of communication destination numbers on the mobile terminal 20. In this case, a plurality of communication destination numbers are input to the multi-function device 50 in the process of S2. The multi-function device 50 determines whether the facsimile (transmission data) has been transmitted to all the communication destination numbers input in S2 (S44). In the case of NO here, the additional telephone number is dialed in S38 and the next communication destination number is dialed in S42. As a result, the facsimile is transmitted to the next communication destination number.
If YES in S44, the multi-function device 50 outputs a message indicating transmission completion to the mobile terminal 20 (S46). The transmission completion message may be prepared only in a predetermined language (for example, English) or may be prepared in a plurality of languages. In the latter case, the multi-function device 50 may send a transmission completion message described in a language corresponding to the country code input in S <b> 2 to the mobile terminal 20.

(Processing executed by the mobile device)
Next, the content of the process which the portable terminal 20 performs is demonstrated. The following processing is executed by the CPU 24 of the mobile terminal 20. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of processing executed by the mobile terminal 20. When the mobile terminal 20 is connected to the multi-function device 50, the mobile terminal 20 executes the following processing.
The user of the portable terminal 20 can cause the display unit 34 to display a plurality of communication destination numbers (see FIG. 2) stored in the telephone number storage unit 28 by operating the operation unit 36. The user can select one or a plurality of communication destination numbers from among a plurality of communication destination numbers displayed on the display unit 34 by operating the operation unit 36. The portable terminal 20 monitors that the communication destination number is selected by the user (S50). If YES here, the process proceeds to S52.

In S52, the mobile terminal 20 determines whether or not the message output from the multi-function device 50 in S14 or S18 of FIG. 6 has been input. In the case of YES here, the mobile terminal 20 displays the input message (S54). The user can operate the operation unit 36 according to the message.
The portable terminal 20 determines whether any button (OK button, cancel button, or other button) of the operation unit 36 has been operated (S56). When the cancel button is operated, the mobile terminal 20 outputs a stop instruction (S60). In this case, the multi-function device 50 determines YES in S22 of FIG. When S60 ends, the process ends. If the OK button is operated in S56, the multi-function device 50 outputs a transmission instruction (S58). In this case, the multi-function device 50 determines YES in S20 of FIG. When S58 ends, the process proceeds to S62.

  In S62, the mobile terminal 20 monitors whether the transmission completion message output from the multi-function device 50 in S46 of FIG. 7 is input. In the case of YES here, the mobile terminal 20 displays a transmission completion message (S64). When S64 ends, the process ends.

The facsimile communication system 10 of the present embodiment has been described in detail. According to this system 10, a user (owner, occupant, etc.) of the mobile terminal 20 can store a plurality of communication destination numbers in the mobile terminal 20 in advance. For example, even when the multi-function device 50 that has never been used is installed at a travel destination (overseas hotel, etc.), the user operates the portable terminal 20 that the user has to operate the desired communication destination. A number can be selected. The user can easily select the communication destination number. The user can easily execute facsimile communication for a desired communication destination number.
In the present embodiment, English is displayed on the display unit 58 of the multi-function device 50 described above. On the other hand, Japanese is displayed on the display unit 34 of the portable terminal 20. Even when the user cannot recognize English, the user can select a desired communication destination number while viewing the display of Japanese that can be recognized by the user. For this reason, the user can easily select the communication destination number.

Further, in the system 10 described above, the user can perform facsimile communication of information (signature data 90, 92) indicating the installation location of the multi-function device 50 toward a desired communication destination number. The user can perform facsimile communication of information indicating the location of the travel destination hotel toward a desired communication destination number. In addition, the multi-function device 50 specifies a language expected to be recognized at the communication destination from the country code of the portable terminal 20, and performs facsimile communication of signature data described in the language. It can be said that the multi-function device 50 (system 10) has an excellent function.
In addition, the multi-function device 50 automatically adds the outside line transmission number, the international telephone service number, and the country code to the communication destination number selected by the user for dialing. For this reason, the user can easily execute facsimile communication from overseas to his home country.

The modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.
(1) The mobile terminal 20 may be other than a mobile phone. For example, a portable audio player, a portable video (for example, DVD) player, a notebook computer, a portable game machine, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), or the like may be used.

(2) In the above embodiment, the country code of the mobile terminal 20 is sent to the multi-function device 50. However, the language code of the portable terminal 20 may be sent to the multi-function device 50. “Language code” is a code for specifying a language set by the user to be displayed on the display unit 34. For example, when Japanese is selected by the user, a code specifying Japanese is sent to the multi-function device 50. The multi-function device 50 can store a language code and signature data in association with each other. For example, a Japanese language code and signature data written in Japanese can be stored in association with each other. Also, for example, a German language code and signature data written in German can be stored in association with each other. In this case, the multi-function device 50 can perform facsimile communication of signature data described in a language corresponding to the language code of the mobile terminal 20. The multi-function device 50 can store a language code and a country code used for international calls in association with each other. For example, a Japanese language code and a country code “81” can be stored in association with each other. Also, for example, a German language code and a country code “49” can be stored in association with each other. In this case, the multi-function device 50 can dial an international telephone number including the country code corresponding to the language code of the mobile terminal 20 and the communication destination number selected by the user.

(3) In the above embodiment, the multi-function device 50 stores signature data and performs facsimile communication of the signature data. However, the multi-function device 50 may store data other than the signature data, and may perform facsimile communication of the data. In this case, the multi-function device 50 may store data described in a plurality of languages, and may perform facsimile communication of data described in a language corresponding to the country code or language code of the mobile terminal 20.

(4) In the above embodiment, the multi-function device 50 has the message storage unit 78, and a message is sent from the multi-function device 50 to the portable terminal 20 in S14 or S18 of FIG. However, the text data of this message may be stored in the mobile terminal 20. A part of this message may be stored in the mobile terminal 20. For example, a part other than the reference numeral 100a in FIG. In this case, the multi-function device 50 sends only data indicating the type of button (data indicating the start button in the example of FIG. 5) to the mobile terminal 20.

(5) In the above embodiment, when the start button of the operation unit 36 of the portable terminal 20 is operated, the multi-function device 50 performs facsimile communication. However, when a predetermined button of the operation unit 60 of the multi-function device 50 is operated, the multi-function device 50 may perform facsimile communication.
(6) In the above embodiment, the portable terminal 20 and the multi-function device 50 are connected to the cable I / Fs 38 and 52 via the cable 44. However, for example, a short-range wireless I / F such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WUSB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) may be connected wirelessly.

Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.
Further, the technical elements described in the present specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

1 is a schematic diagram of a facsimile communication system according to an embodiment. An example of the storage content of a telephone number storage unit is shown. An example of the content stored in the country code-country code storage unit is shown. An example of the contents stored in the signature data storage unit is shown. An example of the stored contents of the message storage unit is shown. The flowchart of the process which a multi-function device performs is shown. FIG. 7 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 6. FIG. The flowchart of the process which a portable terminal performs is shown.

Explanation of symbols

10: Facsimile communication system 20: Mobile terminal 22: Control unit 28: Telephone number storage unit 34: Display unit 36: Operation unit 38: Cable I / F
50: Multi-function device 52: Cable I / F
58: Display unit 60: Operation unit 62: FAX unit 66: Control unit

Claims (15)

A facsimile communication system comprising an external device and a facsimile machine to which the external device is connected;
External device
A communication number storage device capable of storing a plurality of communication numbers;
A first display device capable of displaying a plurality of communication destination numbers stored in the communication destination number storage device;
An operating device that can be operated by the user and that allows the user to select at least one communication destination number from among a plurality of communication destination numbers displayed on the first display device;
An output device for outputting the communication destination number selected by the user to the facsimile device;
The facsimile machine
An input device for inputting a communication destination number output from an external device;
A facsimile communication system comprising: a communication device that performs facsimile communication with respect to a communication destination number input to an input device. The first display device can display a first language;
2. The facsimile communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a second display device capable of displaying a second language different from the first language.   3. The facsimile communication system according to claim 1, wherein the external device is a mobile terminal. The facsimile apparatus further includes a scanner that scans a document and generates image data;
4. The facsimile communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication device outputs the image data generated by the scanner toward a communication destination number input to the input device. The external device further includes a message data storage device capable of storing message data input by operating the operation device,
The output device outputs a communication destination number selected by a user and message data stored in a message data storage device to the facsimile device,
The input device inputs the communication destination number output from the external device and the message data output from the external device,
The facsimile communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication device outputs message data input to the input device toward a communication destination number input to the input device. The facsimile apparatus further includes a signature data storage device capable of storing signature data indicating a location where the facsimile apparatus is installed,
6. The facsimile communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication device outputs signature data stored in a signature data storage device toward a communication destination number input to the input device. The output device outputs a communication destination number selected by a user and a language code and / or a region code of the external device to the facsimile device,
The input device inputs a communication destination number output from the external device, and inputs a language code and / or a region code output from the external device,
The signature data storage device can store signature data described in a plurality of languages,
The communication device includes a signature described in a language corresponding to a language code and / or a region code input to the input device from signature data described in a plurality of languages stored in the signature data storage device 7. The facsimile communication system according to claim 6, wherein data is selected, and the selected signature data is output toward a communication destination number input to the input device. The output device outputs a communication destination number selected by a user and a language code and / or a region code of the external device to the facsimile device,
The input device inputs a communication destination number output from the external device, and inputs a language code and / or a region code output from the external device,
The facsimile apparatus further includes a data storage device capable of storing data described in a plurality of languages,
The communication device selects data described in a language corresponding to a language code and / or a regional code input to the input device from data described in a plurality of languages stored in the data storage device 8. The facsimile communication system according to claim 1, wherein the selected data is output toward a communication destination number input to the input device. The output device outputs a communication destination number selected by a user and a language code and / or a region code of the external device to the facsimile device,
The input device inputs a communication destination number output from the external device, and inputs a language code and / or a region code output from the external device,
The facsimile apparatus further includes a country code storage device capable of storing a plurality of country codes used for international calls,
The communication device selects a country code corresponding to a language code and / or a region code input to the input device from a plurality of country codes stored in a country code storage device, and the selected country code 9. The facsimile communication system according to claim 1, wherein facsimile communication is performed for an international communication destination number including a communication destination number input to the input device. A facsimile machine to which an external device is connected;
An input device for inputting a communication destination number output from an external device;
A facsimile apparatus comprising: a communication device that performs facsimile communication with respect to a communication destination number input to an input device. A signature data storage device capable of storing signature data indicating a place where the facsimile device is installed;
11. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the communication apparatus outputs signature data stored in a signature data storage apparatus toward a communication destination number input to the input apparatus. The input device inputs a communication destination number output from the external device, and inputs a language code and / or a region code output from the external device,
The signature data storage device can store signature data described in a plurality of languages,
The communication device includes a signature described in a language corresponding to a language code and / or a region code input to the input device from signature data described in a plurality of languages stored in the signature data storage device 12. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 11, wherein data is selected, and the selected signature data is output toward a communication destination number input to the input apparatus. A data storage device capable of storing data described in a plurality of languages;
The input device inputs a communication destination number output from the external device, and inputs a language code and / or a region code output from the external device,
The communication device selects data described in a language corresponding to a language code and / or a regional code input to the input device from data described in a plurality of languages stored in the data storage device The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the selected data is output toward a communication destination number input to the input device. A country code storage device capable of storing a plurality of country codes used in international calls;
The input device inputs a communication destination number output from the external device, and inputs a language code and / or a region code output from the external device,
The communication device selects a country code corresponding to a language code and / or region code input to the input device from a plurality of country codes stored in a country code storage device, and is input to the input device. 14. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 10, wherein facsimile communication is performed with respect to an international communication destination number added with a country code selected as a communication destination number. An external device that can be connected to a facsimile machine,
A communication number storage device capable of storing a plurality of communication numbers;
A first display device capable of displaying a plurality of communication destination numbers stored in the communication destination number storage device;
An operating device that can be operated by the user and that allows the user to select at least one communication destination number from among a plurality of communication destination numbers displayed on the first display device;
An external device comprising: an output device that outputs a communication destination number selected by a user to a facsimile device.

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