JP2510867B2 - Fax machine - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Table of Contents] Outline Industrial field of application Conventional technology Problems to be solved by the invention Means for solving problems Action Example I. Correspondence between example and FIG. II. Configuration of Example III. Operation of Example (i) When receiving normal image information (ii) When making a normal call (iii) When receiving a call when the operating voltage is cut off IV. Summary of Example V. Invention Of the present invention [Outline] Particularly, regarding a facsimile device that shares one line with a telephone, the operating voltage of the facsimile device is used for the purpose of clarifying that the operating voltage is not supplied to the other party. A first voltage supplying means for supplying the operating voltage, a detecting means for detecting that the operating voltage is not supplied from the first voltage supplying means, a transmitting means for transmitting that the operating voltage is not supplied as an audio signal, and detecting hand When a telephone call is received from an external line when it is detected that the operating voltage is not supplied by the stage, the operating means controls the transmitting means and the controlling means to control the audio signal transmission of the transmitting means. And a second voltage supply means for supplying

[Industrial applications]

The present invention relates to a facsimile machine, and more particularly, to a facsimile machine which shares one line with a telephone.

[Conventional technology]

In a known facsimile device, image information of an original such as characters and photographs can be transmitted to a distant place using a communication line. At present, image communication can be performed via a public telephone line, and such a facsimile apparatus is generally widely used in OA.

When transmitting a document with the widely used facsimile apparatus, first, the operator on the transmission side operates the telephone to dial the transmission destination. When the transmission switch is pressed after confirming the ringing tone of the transmission destination, the facsimile apparatus starts reading and transmitting the original. The facsimile apparatus on the receiving side outputs the sent document information on a recording sheet. At this time, information such as the number of pages, the telephone number of the sender, and the time is added as image information to the original image information to be transmitted on the transmitting side, and the image information is transmitted.

Facsimile devices that receive and record and output in this manner are widely used today in companies, offices, general households, and the like.

However, in particular, in a small office or a general home, one telephone line is not exclusively used for a facsimile, but is commonly used by an ordinary telephone and a facsimile machine.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

By the way, in a facsimile machine that shares one telephone line as described above with an ordinary telephone and a facsimile machine, in the case of an automatic incoming call, the telephone line is
It is connected to the facsimile machine.

At this time, when the image information is transmitted from the other party, the facsimile device automatically receives it as it is, and when a telephone call is received, the call is received because the control signal of the facsimile communication is not transmitted. Judging from this, it automatically switches to the telephone side.

However, when the operating voltage of the facsimile device is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the image information cannot be received. Also, especially when a call comes in, the call continues to sound without being able to switch to the telephone side, and the same situation as when there is no call is presented. There was a problem that the situation was unclear because it was not known that it was not supplied.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide a facsimile apparatus which can clearly show that the operating voltage is not supplied to the other party who makes a call.

[Means for solving problems]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the principle of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention.

In the figure, the first voltage supply means 110 supplies the operating voltage of the facsimile apparatus.

The detection unit 111 detects that the operating voltage is not supplied from the first voltage supply unit 110.

The transmitting unit 113 transmits, as an audio signal, the fact that the operating voltage is not supplied.

When the detecting means 111 detects that the operating voltage is not supplied, the control means 115 controls the voice signal transmission of the transmitting means 113 when a call is received from an external line.

The second voltage supply means 117 includes a transmission means 113 and a control means 115.
And supply operating voltage.

Therefore, as a whole, when a call is received from an external line when the operating voltage is not supplied from the first voltage supply means 110, the fact that the operating voltage is not supplied is transmitted as an audio signal. There is.

[Action]

When the detecting unit 111 detects that the operating voltage is not supplied from the first voltage supplying unit 110, the control unit 115 makes a second call if an incoming call is received from an external line.
When the operating voltage is supplied from the voltage supplying means 117, the transmitting means 113 is controlled.

The transmitting means 113 receives the supply of the operating voltage from the second voltage supplying means 117 and, under the control of the control means 115, transmits the fact that the operating voltage is not supplied as an audio signal.

According to the present invention, when a call is received from an external line while the detection means 111 detects that the operation voltage is not supplied, the fact that the operation voltage is not supplied is transmitted as an audio signal. As a result, it can be clarified that the operating voltage is not supplied to the person making the call.

Embodiments Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows the structure of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

I. Correspondence between Embodiment and FIG. 1 Here, the correspondence between the embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 1 will be described.

 The first voltage supply means 110 corresponds to the power supply unit 243.

 The detection means 111 corresponds to the power supply unit 243.

The transmission means 113 includes a voice response unit 239 and a loop generation circuit unit 237.
Is equivalent to

The control unit 115 corresponds to the line control unit 231 and the ringer detection unit 233.

 The second voltage supply means 117 corresponds to the battery 297.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below on the basis of the above correspondence.

II. Configuration of the Embodiment In FIG. 2, the facsimile apparatus 200 includes a reading unit 211 for reading image information of a transmission original (not shown).
A recording unit 261, which prints image information of a transmission document, a compression / decompression unit 251, which compresses transmission data and decompresses reception data, and an image information storage unit which is a RAM for storing transmission and reception data. 253, a modem 235 that modulates and demodulates data, a ringer detection unit 233 that detects a call signal from an external line, and a loop that receives the detection by the ringer detection unit 233 and generates a current loop for connecting the line. A generation circuit unit 237, a voice response unit 239 that generates and outputs a voice signal, a line control unit 231 that controls the modem 235 for transmitting and receiving an instruction signal and data, and a main control unit 210 that controls the whole. , An operation panel 221, which is used to input operator instructions and data, a handset 241, which is used for communication, a power supply unit 243 which supplies an operating voltage to each unit, three switches 291, 293, 295, and a chargeable unit. A battery
It comprises 297 and a diode 299.

The main control unit 210, the line control unit 231, the compression / decompression unit 251, and the image information storage unit 253 are connected by a bus.

Instructions and data from the operation panel 221 are input to the main control unit 210. The data read by the reading unit 211 is input to the compression / decompression unit 251. The data received from the compression / decompression unit 251 is input to the recording unit 261.

The signal from the external line is input to the ringer detection unit 233, and the output thereof is the line control unit 231 and the loop generation circuit unit 2
Commonly supplied to 37. The line control unit 231 is connected to the modem 235, and the control signal from the line control unit 231 is supplied to the voice response unit 239 and the switch 293.

The voice response unit 239 or the modem 235 is connected to the loop generation circuit unit 237 via the switch 291, and the handset 241
Alternatively, the loop generation circuit unit 237 is connected to the external line via the switch 293.

The operating voltage from the external line and power supply unit 243 is switch 2
It is supplied to the diode 299 via 95, and its output is the battery 2
It is input to the positive side of 97 and each part (connection to each part is omitted). The negative side of the battery 297 is grounded.
The control signal from the power supply unit 243 is transmitted to the line control unit 231, the switch 2
Commonly supplied to 91 and switch 295.

Note that when the operating voltage is normally supplied from the power supply unit 243 to each unit, the switch 291 is connected to the modem 235 side and the switch 295 is connected to the power supply unit 243 side. Also, the switch 293 is normally connected to the loop generation circuit section 237 side (however, when making a call, it is switched to the handset 241 side by a switch on the operation panel).

Facsimile device 200 and facsimile device 290 are connected via an external public telephone line. The configuration of the facsimile apparatus 290 is the same as the configuration of the facsimile apparatus 200, and a detailed description of the configuration will be omitted.

III. Operation of Embodiment The operation of the facsimile apparatus configured as described above will be described below.

FIG. 3 shows an operation procedure when the normal image information is received. FIG. 4 shows an operation procedure for making a normal call. FIG. 5 shows an operation procedure when a call is received when the operating voltage is cut off.

 Hereinafter, FIGS. 2 to 5 will be referred to.

(I) Receiving Normal Image Information First, the case of receiving image information from the facsimile device 290 will be described.

The ringer detection unit 233 of the facsimile apparatus 200 detects the 16-Hz calling signal transmitted via the line (step 311). When the ringer detection unit 233 detects the 16-Hz calling signal, the loop generation circuit unit 237 is next detected.
Generates a current loop to connect the line (step 312).

When the line is connected, the main control unit 210 causes the control signal (NS
F) is sent. In this case, since the information transmitted is image information, the pre-procedure by exchanging control signals continues (step 313).

Next, the facsimile device 200 becomes the facsimile device 290.
The reception of the image information transmitted from is started. The compressed data of the image information transmitted from the facsimile device 290 is
The line control unit 23 is demodulated by the modem 235 (step 314).
Sent to 1.

The main control unit 210 stores the compressed data in the image information storage unit 253 (step 315). Then, the main control unit 210 stores the compressed data corresponding to the first page of the document in the image information storage unit 25.
It is read from 3 and sent to the compression / decompression unit 251.

The compression / decompression unit 251 decompresses the input compressed data (step 316) and records the decompressed image information in the recording unit 261.
Output to. The recording unit 261 prints on thermal paper (not shown) based on the input restoration data (step 31).
7).

(Ii) Making a Normal Call Next, a case of receiving a call from the facsimile device 290 will be described.

The ringer detector 233 of the facsimile apparatus 200 detects the 16-Hz calling signal transmitted through the line (step 411). When the ringer detection unit 233 detects the 16-Hz calling signal, the loop generation circuit unit 237 is next detected.
Generates a current loop and connects the line (step 412).

When the line is connected, the main control unit 210 causes the control signal (NS
F) is sent. In this case, the predetermined time (eg 20 seconds)
Since the control signal of the pre-procedure in the facsimile communication has not been sent even after the lapse of time, the main control unit 210 has the line control unit 231.
The switch 293 is switched to the handset 241 side via (step 413).

Since the line is switched to the handset 241 side, the facsimile device 200 functions as a telephone, and it becomes possible to talk with the operator of the facsimile device 280 via the handset 241 (step 414).

(Iii) When a call is received when the operating voltage is cut off When the operating voltage is cut off, the switch 295 is connected to the line side by a control signal from the power supply unit 243, and a minute current due to the DC operating voltage from the line is introduced to the battery 297. Accumulated in. The switch 291 is connected to the voice response unit 239 side by the control signal from the power supply unit 243, and the line and the voice response unit 239 are connected.

A case where a call is received from the facsimile device 290 in this state will be described.

First, the ringer detection unit 233 detects the 16-Hz calling signal transmitted through the line (step 51).
1). When the ringer detection unit 233 detects a 16-Hz calling signal, the loop generation circuit unit 237 then generates a current loop and connects the line (step 512).

At this time, the line control unit 231 determines from the control signal from the power supply unit 243 that the operating voltage is not supplied,
A control signal is supplied to the voice response unit 239 to make a voice response (step 513).

Voice response unit 239 receiving a control signal from the line control unit 231
Synthesizes the message "the operating voltage is not supplied to the device now" pre-programmed in it as voice, converts it into a voice signal and supplies it to the line (step 514).

The operator who makes a call from the facsimile device 290 hears the message from the handset and grasps the status of the facsimile device 200.

The above-described units operate with the charged battery 297 as the operating voltage.

IV. Summary of Embodiments As described above, when the operating voltage from the power supply unit 243 is not supplied to the facsimile apparatus 200, the control signal from the power supply unit 243 is introduced to the line control unit 231 and the switch 291, and the line Is connected to the voice response unit 239.

At this time, when a call is received from the facsimile device 290, the line control unit 231 gives a command to the voice response unit 239 by using the charged battery 297 as an operating voltage.
A message is sent to the facsimile device 290 indicating that the operating voltage is not supplied.

Therefore, it can be clarified that the operating voltage is not supplied to the caller.

V. Modified Embodiment of the Invention In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the detecting means for detecting that the operating voltage is not supplied is the operating voltage part itself, but is separated from the operating voltage part. May be.

Further, as the battery in the embodiment, a conventionally used memory backup battery may be used together.

Furthermore, in “I. Correspondence between Example and FIG. 1”,
Although the correspondence between the present invention and the embodiments has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that there are various modifications.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, according to the present invention, the operating voltage is not supplied when the telephone is called from the external line when the operating unit detects that the operating voltage is not supplied. Is transmitted as an audio signal, it becomes clear that the operating voltage is not supplied to the other party who made the call, which is extremely useful in practice.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the principle of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation procedure for receiving normal image information. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation procedure when a normal call is made, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an operation procedure when a call is received when the operating voltage is cut off. In the figure, 110 is a first voltage supply unit, 111 is a detection unit, 113 is a transmission unit, 115 is a control unit, 117 is a second voltage supply unit, 211 is a reading unit, 221 is an operation panel, 231 is a line control unit, 233 is a ringer detection unit, 235 is a modem, 237 is a loop generation circuit unit, 23
9 is a voice response unit, 241 is a handset, 243 is an operating voltage unit, 251 is a compression / decompression unit, 253 is an image information storage unit, 261 is a recording unit, 291, 293 and 295 are switches, 297 is a battery, and 299 is a diode.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A first voltage supply means (110) for supplying an operating voltage of a facsimile machine, and a detection means (111) for detecting that the operating voltage is not supplied from the first voltage supply means (110). , A transmitting means (113) for transmitting as a voice signal that the operating voltage is not supplied, and a telephone call from an external line when the detecting means (111) detects that the operating voltage is not supplied. In this case, the control means (115) for controlling the audio signal transmission of the transmission means (113), and the second voltage supply means for supplying the operating voltage to the transmission means (113) and the control means (115). (117), and a facsimile machine characterized by comprising: