JP3620489B2 - Communication device, program, recording medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication device, a program, and a recording medium. More specifically, the present invention relates to a communication device such as a telephone and a facsimile, a program for causing a computer system to function so as to realize the communication device, and a computer on which the program is recorded. The present invention relates to a readable recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, NTT has provided an information service called “L mode”. The L mode is a service that can be used for information retrieval centered on characters and simple images and transmission / reception of e-mail, etc., through a menu operation from an L mode compatible communication device (telephone, facsimile, etc.).
Note that information retrieval and transmission / reception of electronic mail in the L mode are performed via an L mode gateway installed by NTT.
[0003]
In the L mode, a pay-as-you-go system in which charging is made according to the connection time (communication time) with the L-mode gateway is adopted. For this reason, an automatic line disconnection function is set to reduce communication costs. The automatic line disconnection function includes a function for disconnecting a line on the L mode compatible communication device side and a line disconnection on the L mode gateway side. There is a function to do.
According to the automatic line disconnection function on the communication device side corresponding to the L mode, when the button (key) operation of the communication device is not performed for a certain period of time while using the L mode, a no-communication monitoring timer (timeout) When the set time (0 to several tens of minutes) is reached, the line connection between the communication device and the L-mode gateway is automatically disconnected from the communication device side.
Further, according to the automatic line disconnection function on the L mode gateway side, when the button operation of the communication device is not performed for 30 minutes while using the L mode, the line connection between the communication device and the L mode gateway is established from the L mode gateway side. Disconnected automatically.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if the user is operating a button when creating a new e-mail, replying, or forwarding, the above automatic line disconnection function will not work, and will be charged, resulting in higher communication costs. There's a problem.
In addition, when a facsimile is used as an L-mode compatible communication device, charging is also performed during printing of e-mails and websites. At this time, if the printing time is long, the above-described automatic line disconnection function functions. However, if the printing time is less than the set time of the no-communication monitoring timer or 30 minutes or less, the user is charged for the printing time. . Therefore, when printing operations are repeated, there is a problem that the amount of money to be charged is accumulated and becomes large, and the communication cost becomes high.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has the following objects.
(1) To provide a communication device capable of reducing communication costs.
(2) Provided is a program for causing a computer system to function so as to realize the communication device of (1).
(3) Provided is a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer system to function is realized so as to realize the communication device of (1).
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
The communication device according to claim 1, which has been made to achieve such an object, includes line connection means for performing line connection with a communication line, and line disconnecting means for disconnecting the line connection with the communication line by the line connection means. An operation unit that causes the communication device to perform an operation that uses the communication line; a determination unit that determines whether the operation performed by the operation unit requires a predetermined time or more;Setting means for setting the predetermined time; andA communication device comprising control means for controlling operations of the line connection means and the line disconnection means based on a determination result of the determination means;The operation means includes storage means for storing information transmitted from a communication line, and printing means for printing the information stored in the storage means on printing paper, and the setting means includes the printing means The predetermined time is set by setting a printing amount to be printed on a printing paper, and the determination unit is configured such that the printing amount to be printed on the printing paper by the printing unit is equal to or larger than a predetermined printing amount set by the setting unit. If it is determined that printing by the printing unit requires more than the predetermined time, and the control unit determines that the determination unit requires more than the predetermined time for printing If the line disconnection unit temporarily disconnects the line connection with the communication line, and the determination unit determines that the printing unit requires printing less than the predetermined time. Without cutting the line connection to the communication line by the line disconnection means, to execute printing on the printing meansIs.
[0007]
Therefore, according to the communication device of the first aspect, when it is determined that the operation using the communication line requires a predetermined time or more by the determination means, the line disconnection means temporarily establishes a line connection with the communication line. Disconnected. Therefore, the line connection with the communication line is not performed for a long time of a predetermined time or more, and the communication line usage fee (line connection fee) does not become excessive, so that the communication cost can be reduced.
In addition, since the user of the communication device can freely set the predetermined time by the setting means, it is possible to reflect the user's intention as to how to reduce the communication cost.
And even if the printing operation is repeated, the amount charged as the usage fee for the communication line is not accumulated, so the amount charged is increased when the printing operation is repeated. Can be reduced.
The predetermined printing amount can be freely set by the user of the communication apparatus using the setting means, and therefore the user's will can be reflected as to how to reduce the communication cost.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a line connecting means for connecting a line with a communication line, a line disconnecting means for disconnecting the line connection with the communication line by the line connecting means, and an operation using the communication line. Operating means for causing the communication device to execute, determining means for determining whether an operation to be performed by the operating means requires a time longer than a predetermined time, setting means for setting the predetermined time, and determination by the determining means And a control unit that controls operations of the line connection unit and the line disconnection unit based on a result, wherein the operation unit causes an operation related to an electronic mail to be executed as the operation, and the setting unit Sets the predetermined time by setting an operation of at least one of new creation, reply, and forwarding of an e-mail, and the determination means sets the operation means to the operation means. If the operation executed by the setting means is an operation set by the setting means, it is determined that the operation by the operation means requires more than the predetermined time, and the control means When it is determined that the operation means requires more than the predetermined time, the line disconnection means temporarily disconnects the line connection with the communication line, and the determination means is less than the predetermined time for the operation by the operation means. If it is determined that it only takes time, without disconnecting the line connection with the communication line by the line disconnecting means, The operation means is made to execute the operation.
[0009]
Therefore, according to the communication device of the second aspect, when it is determined by the determination means that the operation using the communication line requires a predetermined time or more, the line disconnection means temporarily establishes a line connection with the communication line. Disconnected. Therefore, the line connection with the communication line is not performed for a long time of a predetermined time or more, and the communication line usage fee (line connection fee) does not become excessive, so that the communication cost can be reduced.
In addition, since the user of the communication device can freely set the predetermined time by the setting means, it is possible to reflect the user's intention as to how to reduce the communication cost.
When a new e-mail created by the setting means is created, when a reply is sent, the communication line usage fee is not charged at the time of forwarding. The communication cost can be reduced as compared with the conventional form in which charging is performed.
In addition, for reply and transfer that does not take much time to process compared to the creation of a new e-mail, the user of the communication device can freely set whether to disconnect the line connection with the communication line by the setting means, It is possible to reflect the user's intention on how to reduce the communication cost.
[0010]
Next, a communication device according to a third aspect is the communication device according to the first or second aspect, further comprising selection means for selecting whether or not to execute the operations of the determination means and the control means. is there.
Therefore, according to the communication device of the third aspect, the user of the communication device can freely select whether to execute the operations of the determination unit and the control unit by the selection unit. The user's will can be reflected.
next,The program according to claim 4 is a program according to claims 1 to 3.A program for causing a computer system to function as each means in the communication apparatus according to any one of the above is provided.
That meansClaims 1-3The function for realizing each means in the communication apparatus according to any one of the above can be provided as a program executed in a computer system.
[0011]
next,The recording medium according to a fifth aspect is the first to third aspects.A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer system to function as each means in the communication apparatus according to any one of the above is provided.
In the case of such a program, for example, the program can be recorded on a ROM or backup RAM as a computer-readable recording medium, and the ROM or backup RAM can be incorporated into a computer system and used.
In addition, semiconductor memory (smart media, memory stick, etc.), hard disk, floppy disk, data card (IC card, magnetic card, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, etc.), magneto-optical The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a disk (MO, etc.), a phase change disk, a magnetic tape, etc., and the program may be used by loading it into a computer system and starting it as necessary. Good.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[Main configuration of the embodiment]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system 10 in an L mode provided by NTT.
The communication system 10 in the L mode includes various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode, the Internet network 12, various communication devices 13 connected to the Internet network 12, an information provider communication device 14, a public telephone line 15, and an L mode gateway 16. Etc.
[0013]
Examples of the various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode include an L mode compatible telephone, a facsimile, and an IC card public telephone.
Examples of various communication devices 13 connected to the Internet network 12 via a WWW server (not shown) include personal computers and mobile phones.
Information providers (for example, weather forecast providers (Japan Weather Association, etc.), banks, securities companies, newspaper companies, etc. that provide various information (information useful for daily life, information closely related to the region) using the communication device 14 The dealer is registered in the L menu list provided by NTT.
Note that the information provided by the information provider using the communication device 14 and the information provided by the user of the various communication devices 13 and the contents of the service are collectively referred to as “content”. Further, information and service contents provided by users of various communication devices 13 not registered in the L menu list provided by NTT are referred to as “general contents”.
[0014]
Each communication device 11, 13, 14 and the Internet network 12 are connected to an L mode gateway 16 installed by NTT via a public telephone line 15.
The various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode include a first route (public telephone line 15 → L mode gateway 16 → public telephone line 15) or a second route (public telephone line 15 → Internet network 12 → L mode gateway 16 → Various information and electronic mail can be transmitted / received to / from the communication device 14 of the information provider through the public telephone line 15).
In addition, the various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode can transmit and receive various information and electronic mails with the various communication devices 13 connected to the Internet network 12 through the second path.
Note that one L-mode gateway 16 is actually provided in each of NTT West and NTT East and connected to each other.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an appearance of the main body 20 of the L-mode compatible facsimile which is an example of the various communication devices 11 compatible with the L-mode.
The main body 20 of the L-mode compatible facsimile is provided with a display 21 and a number of buttons (keys) 22, to which a handset (not shown) is connected and a cordless phone child having the main body 20 as a parent device. A machine (not shown) is provided separately.
The display 21 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or a plasma display. The display 21 has a pictogram indicating that the line between the L-mode gateway 16 and the main unit 20 is being connected, a message text indicating that the line connection has been disconnected (for example, “disconnected”), and the like. The standby screen is displayed.
[0016]
Each button constituting the buttons 22 includes a numeric keypad constituting a dial button, various function buttons for performing various operations (for example, setting / canceling an answering machine, playing a speaker, holding or switching to a slave unit), An e-mail button 22a used when performing an operation related to electronic mail, an L button 22b used when performing an operation related to L mode, and a cursor moving button for moving a cursor (not shown) displayed on the display 21 up, down, left and right (Scroll button) 22c and the like.
[0017]
FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of the main body 20 of the L-mode compatible facsimile.
The main body 20 of the L-mode compatible facsimile has a display 21, buttons 22, panel GA (Gate Array) 41, motor 42, thermal head 43, scanner 44, sensors 45, AFE (Analog Front End) 46, melody IC. (Integrated Circuit) 47, speaker 48, RTC (Real Time Clock) 49, ROM 50, RAM 51, EEPROM 52, radio frequency (RF) unit 53 for handset, cross point switch 54, handset 55, NCU 56, CPU 57, recording circuit 58, a reading circuit 59, a FAX / data modem 60, and the like.
[0018]
The CPU 57 controls the operation of the entire L-mode compatible facsimile including the main body 20 as a parent device and a child device (not shown). The CPU 57 is connected to a recording circuit 58, a reading circuit 59, a panel GA 41, a FAX / data modem 60, an AFE 46, an RTC 49, a ROM 50, a RAM 51, an EEPROM 52, and a slave unit RF unit 53.
The CPU 57, the recording circuit 58, the reading circuit 59, the panel GA41, and the FAX / data modem 60 are constituted by a one-chip IC 61, and the one-chip IC 61 is called a one-chip FAX engine.
[0019]
The recording circuit 58 controls the operation of the motor 42 and the thermal head 43 constituting the printer according to the control processing of the CPU 57. The motor 42 is moved to supply and discharge printing paper to the main body 20 of the L mode facsimile. The thermal head 43 performs printing on a printing paper made of thermal paper. The thermal head 43 may be replaced with an inkjet head or a laser engine.
[0020]
The reading circuit 59 controls the operation of the scanner 44 according to the control of the CPU 57. The scanner 44 reads characters and images printed on a document, and outputs the characters and image data to the reading circuit 59.
The sensors 45 include various sensors provided in the main body 20 such as a printing paper detection sensor that detects that printing paper is set and a handset detection sensor that detects that the handset 55 is set. .
The panel GA 41 functions as an interface for mediating data signals between the buttons 22 and the display device 21 and the CPU 57.
[0021]
The fax / data modem 60 modulates / demodulates facsimile transmission / reception data and also modulates / demodulates various information and electronic mail transmission / reception data in the L mode. The AFE 46 samples and converts a data signal between the melody IC 47 and the crosspoint switch 54 and the CPU 57 and the FAX / data modem 60.
The melody IC 47 generates a melody (ring melody) that functions as a ring tone based on a predetermined data format specification (for example, SMAF (Synthetic Music Mobile Application Format)) according to the control processing of the CPU 57, and drives the speaker 48. To play the ringtone.
[0022]
The RTC 49 measures the current time and date and outputs the data to the CPU 57. The ROM 50 stores various control programs for the CPU 57 to execute various controls. The RAM 51 provides a work area for the CPU 57 and a development area for various data.
The EEPROM 52 stores telephone numbers of telephone and facsimile transmission destinations, e-mail transmission destinations, URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) of various communication devices 13 and 14 connected to the Internet network 12, and the like.
[0023]
The slave unit RF unit 53 wirelessly transmits and receives data signals between the CPU 57 and the slave unit in order to connect the cordless phone slave unit (not shown) and the main unit 20 as a master unit via a wireless line.
The crosspoint switch 54 switches and mediates data signals transferred between the handset RF unit 53, the NCU 56, the handset 55 including a telephone handset, and the AFE 46.
The NCU 56 is connected to the public telephone line 15 to perform network control, sends out a dial signal to the public telephone line 15, and responds to the calling signal from the public telephone line 15.
[0024]
[Main control processing executed by CPU 57]
4 to 6 are flowcharts showing a flow of main control processing executed by the CPU 57 in the present embodiment.
The CPU 57 executes processes of the following steps (hereinafter referred to as “S”) by various arithmetic processes by the computer according to a program recorded (stored) in the ROM 50. The CPU 57 connects the line via the public telephone line 15 between the L mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 before the processing of the following steps is executed.
A computer-readable recording medium (semiconductor memory (memory stick, etc.), hard disk, floppy disk, data card (IC card, magnetic card, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW). , DVD, etc.), magneto-optical disk (MO, etc.), phase change disk, magnetic tape, etc.) are recorded (stored) and the program is externally recorded as necessary. You may make it use by loading to CPU57 from an apparatus and starting.
[0025]
First, the CPU 57, based on the data signal transferred from the panel GA 41 or the slave unit RF unit 53, any of the buttons (keys) constituting the buttons 22 or the buttons (illustrated) disposed on the slave unit. It is determined whether any of the buttons (keys) constituting the abbreviation is operated (S10). If any of the buttons is operated (S10: Yes), the no-communication monitoring timer (timeout timer) is set. The process is started after resetting (S12), and a control command corresponding to the operated button is generated (S14).
[0026]
Next, the CPU 57 determines whether or not the control command generated in the process of S14 is to be transmitted to the L mode gateway 16 (S16), and if the control command is to be transmitted to the L mode gateway 16 (S16: Yes). The control command is transferred from the AFE 46 to the NCU 56 via the cross point switch 54, and transmitted from the NCU 56 to the L mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 (S18).
Then, various information corresponding to the control command generated by the CPU 57 in the process of S14 is selected from various information provided from the various communication devices 11, 13, and 14, and the various information is transmitted from the public telephone line 15 to the NCU 56. Transferred.
[0027]
Subsequently, the CPU 57 determines whether or not various information responding to the control command generated in the process of S14 has been acquired by the NCU 56 from the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 (S20) until the acquisition is completed. When the acquisition is completed (S20: Yes), the display 21 is controlled via the panel GA41, and the acquired data of various information is displayed on the display 21 (S22), and then the process returns to S10. .
[0028]
If the CPU 57 determines that none of the buttons are operated in the process of S10 (S10: No), the CPU 57 determines whether the non-communication monitoring timer has reached the set time (time up) ( S24) When the no-communication monitoring timer reaches the set time (S24: Yes), the line connection via the public telephone line 15 between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 is disconnected (S26).
Here, the CPU 57 controls the display 21 via the panel GA 41 at the same time as disconnecting the line connection between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 and is displayed on the display 21 until then. The pictogram indicating that the connected line is connected is deleted, and a message text indicating that the line connection has been disconnected (“disconnected”) is newly displayed.
Next, the CPU 57 controls the display device 21 via the panel GA41 to display a preset standby screen on the display device 21 (S28), and thereafter ends the processing.
When the CPU 57 determines that the non-communication monitoring timer has not reached the set time in the process of S24 (S24: No), the CPU 57 returns to the process of S10.
[0029]
As described above, the L-mode compatible facsimile is equipped with an automatic line disconnection function. When the button (key) operation of the L-mode compatible facsimile is not performed for a certain period of time while using the L-mode, the L-mode compatible facsimile is used. When the set time of the provided no-communication monitoring timer is reached, the line connection between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 is automatically disconnected from the main body 20 side.
Note that the set time of the no-communication monitoring timer can be freely set by the user of the L-mode compatible facsimile by operating the buttons 22 within a predetermined time (0 to several tens of minutes).
The non-communication monitoring timer may be embodied by a software timer by the CPU 57 or by a dedicated timer circuit added to the CPU 57.
[0030]
If the CPU 57 determines in step S16 that the control command generated in step S14 is not to be transmitted to the L-mode gateway 16 (S16: No), the control command causes the motor 42 and the thermal head 43 to be transmitted. It is determined whether or not it is related to the used printing (S30). If the control command is related to printing (S30: Yes), it is determined whether or not the number of printed pages is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of pages (S32). If the number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of pages (S32: Yes), the line connection between the NCU 56 and the L mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 is disconnected (S34).
[0031]
Next, the CPU 57 controls the motor 42 and the thermal head 43 via the recording circuit 58 to perform printing processing for printing on printing paper (S36). When the printing processing is completed, the L mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 The line via the public telephone line 15 is reconnected (S38), and then the process returns to S10.
If the CPU 57 determines in step S32 that the number of printed pages is less than the predetermined number of pages (S32: No), the CPU 57 disconnects the line via the public telephone line 15 between the L-mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56. If not, the printing process is performed (S40), and then the process returns to S10.
[0032]
The CPU 57 temporarily stores various information and electronic mail transmitted from the L mode gateway 16 to the NCU 56 via the public telephone line 15 in the RAM 51 or the EEPROM 52. Then, the CPU 57 outputs various information and electronic mail data read from the RAM 51 or the EEPROM 52 to the recording circuit 58, and prints the various information and electronic mail on printing paper.
Therefore, even if the line connection is disconnected in the process of S34, the printing process can be performed in the process of S36.
[0033]
If the CPU 57 determines in the process of S30 that the control command generated in the process of S14 is not related to printing (S30: No), the CPU 57 determines whether the control command is related to e-mail (S42). If the control command is related to e-mail (S42: Yes), it is determined whether the control command is related to any of new creation, reply, and transfer of e-mail (S44), and the control command is e-mail. In the case of any of new creation, reply, and transfer (S44: Yes), the line connection between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 is temporarily disconnected (S46).
[0034]
Next, the CPU 57 inputs an operation related to the e-mail designated by the user using the buttons 22 via the panel GA (input in the TO column (CC column) of the e-mail transmission destination (S48)). When the input of the subject (S50), the input of the body of the e-mail (S52), and the input processing are completed, the line via the public telephone line 15 between the L mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 is connected again (S54), The input electronic mail is transmitted (S56), and then the process returns to S10.
[0035]
If the CPU 57 determines in the process of S42 that the control command generated in the process of S14 is not related to e-mail (S42: No), the CPU 57 passes through the public telephone line 15 between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16. The line connection is disconnected (S58), and then the process returns to S10.
If the CPU 57 determines in the process of S44 that the control command generated in the process of S14 does not relate to any new creation, reply, or transfer of an email (S44: No), the CPU 57 Without disconnecting the line via the public telephone line 15 with the NCU 56, other electronic mail related processes (for example, reception and reference) are performed (S60), and then the process returns to S10.
[0036]
[Operations and effects of the embodiment]
As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained.
(1) The CPU 57 operates any one of the buttons 22 (S10: Yes), and the control command corresponding to the operated button relates to printing (S30: Yes). If the number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of pages (S32: Yes), the line connection between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 is temporarily disconnected (S34), and the printing process is performed (S36). When the printing process is completed, the line via the public telephone line 15 between the L mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 is connected again (S38).
If the number of printed pages is less than the predetermined number of pages (S32: No), the CPU 57 performs the printing process without disconnecting the line via the public telephone line 15 between the L mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 (S40). ).
[0037]
That is, in this embodiment, when the number of printed pages is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of pages (for example, printing a long e-mail or printing a homepage with a large amount of image data), the printing process takes a long time. Before processing, the line connection between the L-mode compatible fax machine 20 and the L-mode gateway 16 is temporarily disconnected. Further, when the number of printed pages is less than the predetermined number of pages, the printing process does not take much time, so the printing process is performed without disconnecting the line connection between the L-mode compatible fax machine 20 and the L-mode gateway 16. I have to.
[0038]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if the printing operation is repeated, the amount charged as the usage fee of the public telephone line 15 is not accumulated. Therefore, when the printing operation is repeated, the amount charged is accumulated and increased. The communication cost can be reduced compared to the conventional form.
The predetermined number of pages may be set freely by the user of the L-mode compatible facsimile by operating the buttons 22.
[0039]
(2) The CPU 57 operates any one of the buttons 22 (S10: Yes), and the control command corresponding to the operated button relates to an electronic mail (S42: Yes). If the command relates to any of new creation, reply, and transfer of an email (S44: Yes), the line connection between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 is once disconnected (S34). ), The input process related to the e-mail is performed (S48 to S52). When the input process is completed, the line via the public telephone line 15 between the L mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 is connected again (S54). An electronic mail is transmitted (S56).
If the control command does not relate to any new creation, reply, or transfer of e-mail (S44: No), the CPU 57 establishes a line via the public telephone line 15 between the L-mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56. Without disconnecting, processing related to the other electronic mail related to the control command is performed (S60).
[0040]
In other words, in the present embodiment, a long time is required for processing related to any new creation, reply, or transfer of an electronic mail. Therefore, before performing the processing related to the electronic mail, the main body 20 of the L-mode compatible fax and the L-mode gateway. The line connection with 16 is temporarily disconnected. In addition, since processing other than the creation, reply, and transfer of an e-mail does not take much time, the processing is performed without disconnecting the line connection between the L-mode compatible fax machine 20 and the L-mode gateway 16. ing.
[0041]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the usage fee of the public telephone line 15 is not charged when a new e-mail is created and when a reply / transfer is performed. The communication cost can be reduced as compared with the conventional form in which charging is performed in the case where there is a charge.
For reply and transfer that takes less time to process than the creation of a new e-mail, whether or not to disconnect the line connection between the L-mode compatible fax machine 20 and the L-mode gateway 16 is determined by operating the buttons 22. The user of the L-mode compatible facsimile may be freely selectable.
[0042]
[Another embodiment]
By the way, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be embodied as follows, and even in that case, operations and effects equivalent to or higher than those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
[1] In the above embodiment, in the process of S32, it is determined whether or not the number of printed pages is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of pages.
However, it is not limited to the number of printed pages, and it may be determined whether the printing amount is a predetermined amount or more (for example, it is determined whether the number of printing lines is a predetermined number or more).
[0043]
In the process of S32, the CPU 57 may estimate the time required for printing and determine whether the estimated time is a predetermined time or more.
In this case, when the estimated time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (S32: Yes), the CPU 57 disconnects the line connection between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 (S34), and the print processing is performed. When completed (S36), the line via the public telephone line 15 between the L-mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 may be reconnected (S38).
If the CPU 57 determines that the estimated time determined in the process of S32 is less than the predetermined time (S32: No), the CPU 57 disconnects the line via the public telephone line 15 between the L-mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56. It is only necessary to perform the printing process (S40).
[0044]
[2] Whether or not to execute the process (S32 to S40) related to the function (1) may be freely selected by the user of the L-mode compatible facsimile by operating the buttons 22.
In this case, when the CPU 57 determines that the number of printed pages is equal to or larger than the predetermined number of pages in the process of S32 (S32: Yes), a message message indicating that (for example, “the number of printed pages is large, so the line is temporarily disconnected. Or the like? "Or a pictogram is displayed on the display 21 to inquire the user whether or not to execute the processes of S34 to S38.
[0045]
Then, when the user operates a selection button set in advance from among the buttons constituting the buttons 22, the CPU 57 determines that the user has selected to execute the processing of S 34 to S 38. Processes are executed sequentially.
In addition, when the user operates a non-selected button set in advance among the buttons constituting the buttons 22, the CPU 57 assumes that the user has not selected to execute the processes of S 34 to S 38. andS38Is omitted, and only the process of S36 is executed.
[0046]
[3] Whether or not to execute the process (S44 to S56, S60) related to the function (2) may be freely selected by the user of the L-mode compatible facsimile by operating the buttons 22.
In this case, if the CPU 57 determines in the process of S44 that the control command generated in the process of S14 is not related to any new creation, reply, or transfer of an email (S44: No), this is indicated. A message text (for example, “Would you like to disconnect the line because it takes time to process e-mail?”) Or a pictogram is displayed on the display 21 and the user is inquired whether to execute the processing of S46 to S56.
[0047]
Then, when the user operates a selection button set in advance from among the buttons constituting the buttons 22, the CPU 57 determines that the user has selected to execute the processing of S 46 to S 56. Processes are executed sequentially.
Further, when the user operates a non-selected button set in advance among the buttons constituting the buttons 22, the CPU 57 determines that the user has not selected to execute the processing of S <b> 46 to S <b> 56. And the processing of S54 is omitted, and only the processing of S48 to S52, S56 is executed.
[0048]
[4] In the above embodiment, a printer using the thermal head 43 is used. However, any type of printer (for example, a laser printer, an ink jet printer, etc.) may be used.
[0049]
[5] The embodiment described above is embodied as an L-mode compatible facsimile as an example of various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode.
However, any communication device 11 compatible with the L mode may be applied to any communication device (for example, an L mode compatible telephone, an IC card public telephone, etc.).
[0050]
[6] The above embodiment is applied to various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode.
However, the present invention is not limited to the L mode, and any type of communication system (for example, i-mode provided by NTT, various communication systems using the Internet network, various information communication network networks other than the Internet network (various LANs) , Ethernet using a bus-structured LAN), etc.).
The communication device may be any device (for example, a telephone, a facsimile, various information devices (a portable information terminal, a personal computer equipped with a modem, etc.)).
[0051]
The correspondence relationship between the constituent elements described in [Claims] and [Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of Invention] and the constituent members described in [Embodiments of the Invention] is as follows. It is like that.
The “communication device” corresponds to the various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode and the main body 20 of the L mode compatible facsimile.
The “communication line” corresponds to the Internet network 12, the public telephone line 15, and the L mode gateway 16.
The “line connection unit” corresponds to the AFE 46, the cross point switch 54, the NCU 56, the FAX / data modem 60, and the processing of S 38 and S 54 executed by the CPU 57.
[0052]
The “line disconnecting means” corresponds to the AFE 46, the cross point switch 54, the NCU 56, the FAX / data modem 60, and the processes of S 34 and S 46 executed by the CPU 57.
“Operation using a communication line” corresponds to an operation related to printing or an operation related to electronic mail.
The “operation means” corresponds to the buttons 22 and the panel GA 41, and the processing of S36, S40, S48 to S52, and S60 executed by the CPU 57.
The “determination means” corresponds to the processing of S32 and S44 executed by the CPU 57.
“Setting means” and “selection means” correspond to the buttons 22 and the panel GA41.
[0053]
The “control means” corresponds to the processing of S30 to S60 executed by the CPU 57.
The “storage unit” corresponds to the RAM 51 or the EEPROM 52.
The “printing unit” corresponds to the motor 42, the thermal head 43, the recording circuit 58, and the processing of S 36 and S 40 executed by the CPU 57.
The “printing amount” corresponds to the number of printed pages or the number of printed lines.
The “program” corresponds to the processing of S10 to S60 executed by the CPU 57.
“Recording medium” corresponds to the ROM 50.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system in an L mode provided by NTT.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an external appearance of a main body of an L-mode compatible facsimile in an embodiment embodying the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a main body of an L-mode compatible facsimile.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control processing executed by a CPU provided in the main body.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control processing executed by a CPU provided in the main body.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control processing executed by a CPU provided in the main body.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Communication system in L mode
11. Various communication devices compatible with L mode
15 ... Public telephone line
16 ... L mode gateway
20 ... L-mode compatible facsimile body
22 ... Buttons
41 ... Panel GA
42 ... Motor
43 ... Thermal head
46 ... AFE
50 ... ROM
51 ... RAM
52… EEPROM
54 ... Cross point switch
56 ... NCU
57 ... CPU
58. Recording circuit
60 ... FAX data modem

Claims (5)

Line connection means for performing line connection with a communication line;
A line disconnecting means for disconnecting the line connection with the communication line by the line connecting means;
Operation means for causing the communication device to perform an operation using the communication line;
A determination unit that determines whether the operation performed by the operation unit requires a predetermined time or more;
Setting means for setting the predetermined time;
On the basis of the determination result determining means, wherein a communication apparatus and control means for controlling the operation of the line connection means and the line disconnection means,
The operation means includes
Storage means for storing information transmitted from the communication line;
Printing means for printing the information stored in the storage means on printing paper;
With
The setting means sets the predetermined time by setting a printing amount to be printed on the printing paper by the printing means;
When the printing amount that the printing unit prints on the printing paper is greater than or equal to the predetermined printing amount set by the setting unit, the determination unit may require time longer than the predetermined time for printing by the printing unit. Judgment,
The control means includes
If the determination means determines that the printing means requires more than the predetermined time for printing, the line disconnection means temporarily disconnects the line connection with the communication line,
If the determination means determines that the printing means requires less than the predetermined time, printing is performed on the printing means without disconnecting the line connection with the communication line by the line disconnection means. A communication device characterized in that the communication device is made. Line connection means for performing line connection with a communication line;
  A line disconnecting means for disconnecting the line connection with the communication line by the line connecting means;
  Operation means for causing the communication device to perform an operation using the communication line;
  A determination unit that determines whether the operation performed by the operation unit requires a predetermined time or more;
  Setting means for setting the predetermined time;
  Control means for controlling operations of the line connecting means and the line disconnecting means based on the determination result of the determining means;
A communication device comprising:
  The operation means causes an operation related to email to be executed as the operation,
  The setting means sets the predetermined time by setting at least one operation of new creation, reply, and forwarding of an email,
  The determination unit determines that the operation performed by the operation unit requires more than the predetermined time when the operation performed by the operation unit is an operation set by the setting unit;
  The control means includes
  If the determination means determines that the operation means requires more than the predetermined time, the line disconnection means temporarily disconnects the line connection with the communication line,
  If the determination unit determines that the operation by the operation unit requires less than the predetermined time, the operation unit performs the operation without disconnecting the line connection with the communication line by the line disconnection unit. A communication apparatus characterized by being executed. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2,
  Selection means for selecting whether to execute the operations of the determination means and the control means is provided. A communication device characterized by that. The program for functioning a computer system as said each means in the communication apparatus of any one of Claims 1-3 . The computer-readable recording medium with which the program for functioning a computer system was recorded as said each means in the communication apparatus of any one of Claims 1-3 .

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