JP3080321B2 - Communication device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication device, and more particularly to an operating device used to execute a part or all of a predetermined communication function of a device defined with respect to the operating device when the operating device is operated. The present invention relates to a communication device having:

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various electronic devices have become more sophisticated and multifunctional. Facsimile machines are no exception,
Numerous functions not available in conventional facsimile machines have been realized.

[0003] Accordingly, the operation system or operation procedure of the apparatus has become considerably complicated.

As for the operation system, there is a design concept of assigning a large number of functions to one key, but in this case, there is a problem that the number of keys provided on the operation panel becomes very large.

On the other hand, a design concept in which a key for shifting and changing the operation mode is provided and a plurality of functions are assigned to one key can be considered. In this case, the number of keys can be reduced, but an equivalent additional function is provided. In order to satisfy the above, complicated operations are required.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As described above, the conventional 2
According to one design concept, there were the following problems.

[0007] 1) In the former design concept, a large number of keys are required for the operation unit, which causes an increase in cost or an increase in the size of the device. In addition, from the viewpoint of the user who uses the device, few of the devices with advanced functions in recent years use all the functions of the device. Therefore, even keys related to functions that the user does not normally use are arranged on the operation surface. Has been
Spatial waste occurs.

2) On the other hand, according to the latter design concept, the number of keys can be reduced, but when the user selects a predetermined function, the operation method becomes complicated and an excessive burden is imposed on the user. Although this is a very useful function for the user, there is a problem that the function is not actually used.

[0009] As for the prior art relating to the handling of the key of the communication device, USP 4833705 , USP 4502080, USP 456732
2, USP 4729033, USP 4908853 etc. are known,
The above-mentioned problems have not been solved by these conventional techniques.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, to provide a registration means capable of arbitrarily changing a key input function, not to complicate a key operation system, and to place an excessive burden on a user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device that allows a user to set an operation system suitable for a user's use situation without calling.

[0011]

In order to solve the above problems BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the present invention, a communication apparatus having a plurality of data communication function defined in advance, the key functions, are previously <br/> defined At least one key, a first storage unit storing information of a plurality of key functions for respectively selecting the plurality of data communication functions, and a plurality of key functions stored in the first storage unit. Display means for displaying, selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of key functions of the first storage means, and determining whether or not the key function selected by the selecting means has already been registered. in a registration unit that stores information about the key function in the second storage means as a key function of the key, in response to an operation of said key, the key function corresponding to the second information stored in the storage means Run And a performing unit that, when selecting the key function by said selection means, together with displaying the plurality of key functions on the display unit, the key function is selected
If it has already been registered, this will be displayed.
If not, it will show the new registration
It has adopted the configuration.

[0012]

According to the above arrangement, the registration means has already registered.
The user can define a desired communication function for a key for which a key function is not defined after judging whether or not the key function is defined, and display a plurality of key functions on the display unit when selecting the key function by the selection unit. Along with the selected key
-If the function has already been registered, this is displayed and
If not registered, it can be displayed that a new registration has been made.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a part of the configuration of a communication apparatus employing the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a CPU constituted by a microprocessor or the like, and reference numeral 12 denotes an operation unit according to the present invention. The apparatus operates according to an operation input from this operation unit.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the operation unit 12. As shown in FIG. Reference numeral 13 denotes a main power supply, 5 V required for each system circuit, ±
A voltage such as 12V or 24V is supplied. Symbol 14 is RO
M stores the main software program of the apparatus, and the program of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 is also stored here.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a RAM used as a memory for storing various data, and functions and the like assigned to a registration key in the present invention are stored in the RAM 15. Reference numeral 16 denotes a battery for backing up the data in the RAM 15 even when the power supply unit 13 is off.

Next, FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the operation unit 12 of FIG. The configuration in FIG. 2 is based on the configuration of a general facsimile machine. In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes an LCD panel for notifying the user of the progress of the operation and the operation of the facsimile machine, etc., reference numeral 22 denotes a registration key (22a to 22c) capable of registering a function selected by the user (programmable), and reference numeral 2
Reference numeral 3 denotes a numeric keypad used for inputting a telephone number.

The number of registration keys 22 may be arbitrary. Reference numeral 24 denotes a set key for setting a mode or the like at the time of various registrations, reference numeral 25 denotes a clear key used for clearing a registered mode, and reference numeral 26 denotes a selection key for selecting a desired one from several types of registration modes. It is. Reference numeral 27 denotes a one-touch dial key. By pressing this key, a call can be made to a telephone number registered in the RAM 15 in advance.

Reference numeral 28 denotes a stop key used when terminating the operation of the facsimile apparatus, and reference numeral 29 denotes a start key for starting a certain operation of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows the registration keys 22a to 22
The structure of the storage area of the key function number registered in 22c is shown. Here, function numbers 02, 01, and 00 are registered in three keys (registrations 1 to 3) of the registration key 22, respectively. As these function numbers, for example, RO
By using the start address of a subroutine of a control program of a certain CPU 11 stored in M14, one of the registration keys 22 can be associated with a predetermined processing function. Each function number is stored in association with a function name in order to display the data to the user.

FIG. 5 shows registration keys 22a to 22a which are pre-installed in the RAM 15 in the form of a memory table in a shipping state.
22c shows a function number table that can be assigned.

It is not necessary to assign functions to all numbers in the table at the time of shipment. For example, functions are registered in advance for key function numbers 01 to 2F (hexadecimal), but function numbers 30 It is also possible to set specifications such that the area up to 4F is expandable and can be used when specific hardware is added.

In FIG. 4, function numbers 02, 01, and 00 are assigned to the registration keys 22a to 22c, respectively. Of these, the function number 00 is special data indicating unregistered. Means that no data has been registered.

The functions corresponding to the function numbers in FIG. 5 will be described below. These functions are realized by a subroutine of a processing program of the CPU 11. In the following, the details of the known functions will not be described.

The "transmission omission warning" of the function number 01 is based on the number of transmission pages input by the user using the numeric keypad 23 or the like.
The matching with the actually transmitted page number is checked, and a warning is issued when the two page number data do not match.

The “ECM release” of the function number 02 is an ECM that is set by default when the power is turned on.
(Error correction mode). ECM
Is an operation mode for performing data retransmission and the like based on a check of a cyclic code and recovering a transmission error.

The function number 03 “forced memory reception”
The memory reception is forcibly performed, that is, a mode in which the received image is temporarily stored in the memory, and the image is read and recorded after the reception processing is completed is forcibly selected.

The "tone transmission" of the function number 04 is for switching the type of dial signal to a tone signal (from a pulse signal).

The "caller select" of the function number 05 is selected from a plurality of caller name data registered in advance.
The user selects a desired sender name. The selected name is transmitted together with the image, and is recorded as a header of the image on the receiving side.

The “transmitted stamp” of the function number 06 is
This is for selecting a mode for stamping a document which has been actually read and transmitted.

The function number 07 “confidential transmission / reception” is for selecting a confidential transmission or reception mode in which a received image can be recorded only when the passwords match each other through collation of the password on the receiving side. .

"Relay instruction transmission" of the function number 08 sets a mode in which transmission is performed together with relay instruction data for relaying a transmission image from a partner station to another station.

The "timer transmission" of the function number 09 is for setting a mode in which image transmission or broadcast transmission is performed at a predetermined time according to the counting of the timer.

"Timer polling" of the function number 0A is as follows.
A mode is set in which timer polling is performed in which a call is made to a partner station at a predetermined time in accordance with the timer count and an image is transmitted from the partner station.

The "telephone number registration" of the function number 0B sets a mode in which a desired telephone number is registered in a predetermined abbreviated number or the one-touch dial key 27.

The "user data registration" of the function number 0C is as follows.
A mode for registering the user's telephone number and abbreviation data is set.

"User software switch registration" of the function number 0D sets a mode for registering data in the registration keys 22a to 22c. This function is the registration function itself described later.

"Select button registration" of function number 0E
Is used to set a predetermined function or an input character string on a select button (not shown).

The “report print” of the function number 0F is
The mode for printing various reports such as a communication management report is set.

The broadcast stop of the function number 10 is for canceling the already started broadcast processing.

The "cursor movement" of the function number 11 corresponds to the LC
Although only one function is shown here for moving the cursor displayed on the D panel 21, a plurality of functions may be prepared for each predetermined moving direction.

The "space" of the function number 12 is a function of inserting a space (blank character) into data which has been already input (or further displayed on the LCD panel 21).

The "pause" of the function number 13 is a function of inserting pause data (forming a predetermined waiting time when read out) at the current position while inputting a telephone number.

The "facsimile network" of the function number 14 is a function of transmitting outgoing call data unique to a communication network dedicated to data communication when the communication network is used.

The "menu search" of the function number 15 is a function of searching for registered data and menus.

The "set" of the function number 16 is a function for confirming data input halfway in various input modes. By this "set" function, for example, input data is transferred to a predetermined data registration area, and a normal registration state is set.

"Clear" of the function number 17 is a function for clearing data that has been input halfway or data that has already been registered in various input modes.

The "return" of the function number 18 has almost the same input data determination function as that of the "set", but is different in that, after the registration, the mode shifts to the registration mode of the next item.

“End” of the function number 19 is a function to end the data registration mode.

When registering a function in the registration key 22,
As will be described later, the contents of FIG.
Select a function number to be assigned to 2.

FIG. 3 shows a communication control procedure by the CPU 11 of the apparatus shown in FIGS. This procedure is based on the function number 0 described above.
The CPU 11 stored in the ROM 14 in the processing of the data registration processing mode for the registration keys 22a to 22c corresponding to D
Of the control program.

First, in step S31, one of the registration keys 22 is pressed, and in step S32, it is checked whether or not any function is already registered in the pressed key. This check is performed by determining whether or not the registration data corresponding to each registration key in FIG. 4 is other than 0. If the registered data is 0, no data is registered for that key.

If it has been registered, the process proceeds to step S33, where the function is displayed on the LCD panel 21 to display the function, and the process proceeds to step S35 to wait for key input.

On the other hand, if the function is not registered in the registration key 22, the function which can be selected is displayed on the LCD panel 21 with reference to the function number data shown in FIG. 5 in step S34, and the process proceeds to step S35.

Next, if the key pressed in step S36 is the selection key 26, in step S37 one menu of the selection function is scrolled and the process returns to step S35. The key pressed in step S38 is the clear key 25.
If it is, it is checked in step S39 whether or not something has already been registered in the registration key to be registered.

If registered, the memory area of the RAM 15 in which the function is stored is cleared in step S40, and the flow advances to step S37. If not registered, the process directly proceeds to step S37.

Further, if the key pressed in step S41 is the set key 24, it is checked whether or not the function selected and registered in step S42 is already registered in another registration key. If registered, step S43
Displays on the LCD panel 21 "already registered with registration key xx" and the like, and then proceeds to step S37.

If the function selected in step S42 is not registered in any of the registration keys 22, the flow advances to step S44 to store the function number of the function selected by the user in the memory area of the RAM 15 as shown in FIG. Further, "registered" is displayed on the LCD panel 21 in step S45, and the process returns to step S31.

In step S46, key input time management is performed. If no key is input within a predetermined time, the key input timer expires and the process returns to the standby state in step S47.

FIG. 6 shows an operation when a registration key 22 in which a function is already registered is pressed in a normal mode other than the registration mode of FIG.

Step S50 in FIG. 6 waits for a key input. If a key input is performed here, steps S51 to S51 are executed.
At 53, it is determined whether the input key is one of the registration keys 22a to 22c. In the case of other key input, another key input and a function execution process corresponding to the other key input are performed in step S54.

When the registration keys 22a to 22c are identified in steps S51 to S53, the registered function numbers are read out in step S55 as shown in FIG.

In step S56, it is determined whether the function number read out in step S55 is 00, that is, whether the function of the pressed registration key is undefined.
If the function of the pressed registration key is undefined, a message to that effect is displayed on the LCD panel 21 in step S57.
The process ends.

On the other hand, if any function is defined in the pressed registration key, the process proceeds to step S58,
The function corresponding to the registered function number is assigned to the LCD panel 21.
And the corresponding function is executed in step S59, and the process ends.

For example, in the registration state shown in FIG.
If 2a is pressed, the function number 02 is read in step S55, so that the ECM release mode is selected. That is, the registration key 22a functions as an ECM cancellation key.

According to the above-described embodiment, the operability can be simplified by allowing the user to select a frequently used function and to register the function with a registerable key. As a result, the number of keys on the operation unit can be reduced, and it is very easy to reduce the cost and size and weight of the device.

Further, among the additional functions of the facsimile,
Because individual users can choose the features they really want to use,
There is an excellent effect that a small number of keys on the operation unit can be effectively used, there is no waste, the operation system can be easily learned, and a desired function can be input by a very easy operation.

In the above embodiment, the set key 24 and the clear key 25 are provided separately. However, these keys can be replaced by the start key 28 and the stop key 29. In that case, the number of keys on the operation unit can be further reduced, and the cost and the size and weight can be further reduced.

Further, in the above embodiment, the facsimile apparatus is exemplified, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to communication apparatuses other than the facsimile apparatus, for example, telex / teletex, various data terminal apparatuses, and the like. further,
It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified.

[0071]

As is apparent from the above, according to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the information has already been registered by the registration means.
In addition, the user can define a desired key function for a key for which a key function is not defined, so that the structure and operation method of an operation system can be significantly simplified, cost reduction, device size and weight reduction. reduction is Hakare Rutotomoni, to customize the operation of the device really operating system that has only operation input function required of the user, when displaying the plurality of key function on the display unit when selecting the key function by selecting means
In both cases, if the selected key function has already been registered
Will display this, and if it is not already registered,
Since the recorded information is displayed , the user can select the key function by a very simple selection operation,
In addition, erroneous operations such as duplicate registration when selecting
And notify that registration has been completed.
There is an excellent effect that can be .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication device employing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an operation unit of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in more detail.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a key registration control procedure in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing key registration data in a RAM in the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing key function numbers and their contents or names in a RAM in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing input control relating to a registration key in the apparatus of FIG. 1; 11 CPU 12 Operation unit 13 Power supply unit 14 ROM 15 RAM 16 Battery 21 LCD panel 22 Registration key 23 Numeric keypad 24 Set key 25 Clear key 26 Selection key 27 One-touch dial key 28 Start key 29 Stop key

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Ken Ono 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Tomoyuki Takeda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inside (72) Inventor Masaya Kondo 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Makoto Kobayashi 3-30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. ( 72) Inventor Takehiro Kato 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-61-261951 (JP, A) JP-A-3-190453 (JP, A)

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A communication device having a plurality of data communication functions defined in advance, wherein the key functions are at least one key not defined in advance and a plurality of keys for selecting each of the plurality of data communication functions. A first storage unit storing function information; a display unit displaying a plurality of key functions stored in the first storage unit; and one of a plurality of key functions of the first storage unit Selecting a key function selected by the selecting means, and determining whether or not the key function selected by the selecting means has already been registered, and then storing information on the key function in the second storage means as the key function of the key. Means for executing a key function corresponding to the information stored in the second storage means in response to the operation of the key, wherein the selecting means selects the key function. Displaying the plurality of key functions on the display means, displaying the selected key function if it has already been registered, and displaying that the key function has been newly registered if it has not been registered. A communication device comprising: 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit is configured to select one of the plurality of key functions and to store information on the selected key function in the second storage unit by the registration unit. The communication according to claim 1, further comprising a set key, wherein the registration unit stores information on the selected key function in the second storage unit in response to pressing of the set key. apparatus. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a unit for clearing information on a key function stored in the second storage unit. 4. The second storage using the clearing means.
Clears information about key functions stored in the means,
Using the select key and the set key, the second
By performing the process of storing the憶means, claim 2, characterized in that to change the information relating to the second stored key function in the storage means information about other key functions or
A communication device according to claim 3 . 5. The information relating to a key function stored in the second storage means should be executed when the key is pressed.
Is information for specifying the key functions it can, said execution means, characterized in that in response to depression of said key, executes the key function corresponding to the information based on information in the second storage means The communication device according to claim 1. 6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein a key function stored in said first storage means is expandable.