JP3727526B2 - Communication apparatus and facsimile apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication apparatus and a facsimile apparatus that perform communication by specifying a communication partner.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 10-200655 and 11-32114 disclose a facsimile apparatus having a one-touch key that can designate a destination of facsimile transmission by pressing one button. In addition to the destination, various information such as the name of the other party can be assigned and registered to the one-touch key. Conventionally, the one-touch key is generally a hard key and can register tens of destinations.
[0003]
On the other hand, in recent years, an operation display unit of a facsimile apparatus using a touch panel has been used. If the one-touch key is a hard key, the number of keys is limited. However, if a touch panel is used for the one-touch key, the display of the one-touch key can be performed by software. can do.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if the touch panel is used as a one-touch key and the number of destinations that can be registered in the one-touch key becomes very large, it will be difficult to find a destination to be facsimile-transmitted from among the many one-touch keys, resulting in poor operability. There is a bug.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to improve operability by allowing easy transmission to a communication partner even when a large number of keys for selecting the communication partner are provided on the touch panel.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to improve operability by making it possible to easily make a call to a communication partner by a desired key operation in this case.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily know the fact that a desired key operation registration is already registered in this case.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily make a call to a communication partner and to automatically register a key operation for improving operability.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a communication device that performs communication by specifying a communication partner, a touch panel that can display a plurality of first keys, and destination information for specifying and calling the communication partner A first storage device that is stored in association with the first key, and when any one of the first keys is pressed, the first storage device is stored in the first storage device in association with the first key. The first reading means for reading the destination information that has been read, the first communication means for sending to the communication partner indicated by the read destination information, a plurality of second keys, and 1 by the second key Alternatively, a second storage device that stores key operations of a plurality of patterns in association with any one of the first keys, and any one stored in the second storage device by the second key. When a key operation is performed, the key operation The second reading means for reading the destination information corresponding to the first key associated with the first key from the first storage device, and the second communication for sending to the communication partner indicated by the read destination information And a communication device.
[0010]
Therefore, by performing a specific key operation with the second key, the communication partner can be specified in the same manner as when the first key is pressed on the touch panel, so even if there are many first keys, it is easy. It can be sent to the other party of communication, and operability is high.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the first aspect, a designation unit that accepts designation of the first key, an input unit that accepts a key operation of a desired pattern by the second key, Storage means for storing the key operation in the second storage device in association with the designated first key.
[0012]
Therefore, a desired key operation can be selected and registered as a specific key operation performed with the second key.
[0013]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the second aspect of the present invention, determination means for determining whether the key operation accepted by the input means is already stored in the second storage device, and thereby And a notifying means for notifying that when it is determined that the information is already stored in the second storage device.
[0014]
Therefore, when a desired key operation is selected and registered as a specific key operation performed with the second key, if the one to be registered is already registered, the fact can be easily known.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication apparatus according to the first aspect, a designation unit that accepts the designation of the first key, an input unit that accepts the input of the destination information, and the destination information is the designation unit. Storage means for storing in the first storage device in association with the first key, and the second storage device stores the key operation in advance in association with the first key. It is characterized by that.
[0016]
Therefore, by registering the destination information in association with the first key, it is possible to automatically register a specific key operation with the second key in association with the first key.
[0017]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading device that reads an image of a document, a transmission / reception device that transmits image data of the read image to a communication partner, and receives image data from the communication partner, and the received 5. A facsimile apparatus as a communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data.
[0018]
Therefore, there can exist an effect | action similar to the invention as described in any one of Claims 1-4, and an effect.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a facsimile apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The facsimile apparatus 1 implements the communication apparatus and the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the main controller 2 includes a CPU 3 that centrally controls the entire facsimile apparatus 1 and the facsimile apparatus 1. ROM 4 storing various control programs, a RAM 5 serving as a work area of the CPU 3, and a nonvolatile memory 6.
[0021]
The operation unit 12 receives various operations from the user and displays various messages to the user. A reading unit 11 serving as an image reading device reads an image of a transmission original. The encoder 13 compresses and encodes the image data of the transmission document output from the reading unit 11. The image data compression-encoded by the encoder 13 is stored in the image memory 15. A communication control unit 17, a modem 18, and an NCU (Network Control Unit) 19 that constitute a transmission / reception apparatus are configured to transmit image data encoded by an encoder 13 and stored in an image memory 15 to a transmission destination apparatus via a line. In addition, transmission data is received from the transmission destination device. The decoder 16 converts the compression-encoded image data included in the transmission data received from the transmission partner apparatus into the original image data. The recording unit 14 as an image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet by a predetermined printing method such as an electrophotographic process based on the image data received from the transmission partner apparatus.
[0022]
The operation unit 12 includes a touch panel type large-screen LCD. Therefore, when configuring a one-touch key that can specify a partner by pressing a single button, it is possible to prepare a larger number of keys compared to a conventional configuration using hard keys. It becomes possible.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the touch panel portion of the operation unit 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 12 includes a designation button 22 for designating a destination registered in the one-touch key by a number of specific digits, a numeric keypad 23 capable of inputting the number, Headings 24, 24,... And a message display field 25 for displaying various messages are prepared.
[0024]
The headings 24, 24,... Serve as headings for displaying the one-touch key. By selecting any one of the headings 24, 24,..., The one-touch key 26 registered in the selected heading 24 is displayed. , 26,... Are displayed. In the example of FIG. 2, there are six types of headings 24, and 20 one-touch keys 26, 26,... Can be displayed on each heading 24, 24,.
[0025]
Next, processing performed by the facsimile apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0026]
First, the non-volatile memory 6 stores a one-touch key table 31 as a first storage device as shown in FIG. It is a table that stores one-touch number 32 and destination information 33 in association with each other. The one touch numbers 32, 32,... Are associated with the one touch keys 26, 26,. In other words, by pressing each one-touch key 26, 26,..., A signal specifying any one touch number 32, 32,. The destination information 33 includes information such as the facsimile number of the destination of the facsimile transmission and the name of the destination. The user can register the destination information 33 in the one-touch key table 31 in association with each one-touch key 26, 26,.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 4, when any one touch key 26 is pressed (Y in step S1), the CPU 3 displays the destination information 33 registered in the one touch number 32 corresponding to the one touch key 26. Reading from the one-touch key table 31 (step S2), this is displayed in the message display field 25 of the touch panel 21 (step S3). The first reading means is realized by step S2. If the destination is correct, the operator then performs an operation for performing facsimile transmission as it is (pressing a transmission button (not shown), etc.) (Y in step S4), and the displayed destination information. Is transmitted to the other party's transmission apparatus, performs protocol communication with the other party's apparatus, and starts facsimile transmission (step S5). The first communication means is realized by step S5. If there is no pressing of a transmission button (not shown) (N in step S4) and a clear button (not shown) is pressed or a certain time has elapsed (Y in step S6), the display of the message display field 25 is cleared ( Step S7) and the process is terminated.
[0028]
The nonvolatile memory 6 also stores a specific number table 34 which is a second storage device as shown in FIG. In the specific number table 34, specific numbers 35, 35,... Can be stored in association with the one touch numbers 32, 32,.
[0029]
Registration in the specific number table 34 is performed as follows. That is, the specific number is constituted by a three-digit value using, for example, a number from 0 to 9, “#”, or “*”. In addition, when the alphabet can be input, the alphabet can be specified. As shown in FIG. 6, when the operator depresses the designation button 22 (Y in Step S11) and depresses one of the one-touch keys 26 (Y in Step S12), it corresponds to the pressed one-touch key 26. The specific number 35 can be registered. The specifying means is realized by step S12. That is, after that, when a three-digit value is input with the numeric keypad 23 (Y in Step S14) within a certain time (Y in Step S13), the CPU 3 already has the same 3 as the specific number 35 in the specific number table 34. It is determined whether a digit value is registered (step S15). An input unit is realized by step S14 and a determination unit is realized by step S15.
[0030]
If the same three-digit value is not registered in the specific number table 34 (N in step S15), the three-digit value is specified in association with the one-touch number 32 corresponding to the one-touch key 26 pressed in step S12. The number 35 is registered in the specific number table 34 (step S16). The storage means is realized by step S16.
[0031]
When the same three-digit value is registered in the specific number table 34 (Y in step S15), a message indicating that the three-digit value has already been registered is displayed in the message display field 25 (step S17). Returning to the determination in step S14, when a new three-digit value is input (Y in step S14), the processing from step S15 is performed. Informing means is realized by step S17.
[0032]
If there is no input of a three-digit value with the numeric keypad 23 within a predetermined time (N in step S13), the process is terminated.
[0033]
An operator who wants to designate a partner who is going to send a document by facsimile operates the operation unit 12 to designate the partner. As the means for specifying the other party, there are one-touch designation by pressing the one-touch key 26 as described above, and means for directly inputting the facsimile number of the other party by pressing the numeric key 23.
[0034]
When the destination registered in the one-touch key 26 is designated, if the number of registered one-touch keys 26, 26,... Is very large, it becomes difficult to find the one-touch key 26 corresponding to the destination to be transmitted. End up. Therefore, in the facsimile apparatus 1, the transmission destination can be designated by the specific number 35.
[0035]
That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the operator presses the designation button 22 (Y in step S21), and then the operator inputs a 3-digit value with the numeric keypad 23 within a certain time (Y in step S22) ( In step S23 Y), the process proceeds to step S24. If no three-digit value is input within a certain time (N in step S22), the process is terminated.
[0036]
When a 3-digit value is input (Y in step S23), the CPU 3 determines whether or not the same value is registered as the specific number 35 in the specific number table 34 (step S24). If the 3-digit value is not registered in the specific number table 34 (N in step S24), a message indicating that the specified specific number 35 is not registered is displayed in the message display field 25 of the operation unit 12, Further, a message for requesting a new input to the operator is displayed (step S25), and the process is terminated.
[0037]
When the same specific number 35 as the three-digit value is registered in the specific number table 34 (Y in step S24), the one-touch number 32 registered in the specific number table 34 in association with the specific number 35. (Step S26), the destination information 33 registered in the one-touch key table 31 in association with the one-touch number 32 is read (step S27), and the read destination information 33 is displayed in the message display field 25 (step S27). S28). Step S27 implements a second reading unit. This destination information 33 includes the facsimile number and name of the other party. If the destination is correct, the operator then performs an operation for performing facsimile transmission as it is (depressing a transmission button (not shown), etc.) (Y in step S29), and the displayed destination information. It is possible to initiate a facsimile transmission by sending a call to the other party's transmission apparatus and performing protocol communication with the other apparatus (step S30). The second communication means is realized by step S30.
[0038]
As described above, even if a large number of one-touch destinations are registered, the specific destination information registered in the one-touch keys 26, 26,... There is no need to search for the one-touch key of the destination to be attempted, and it is possible to provide the facsimile apparatus 1 with good operability.
[0039]
The registration process of the destination information 33 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0040]
That is, when a predetermined key operation is performed on the operation unit 12 (Y in step S31) and the desired one-touch key 26 is pressed (Y in step S32), the destination information 33 can be input, and the destination information 33 is input. When finished (confirm that the input operation has been performed by the operation unit 12 and confirm the end of input) (Y in step S33), the input information is one-touch corresponding to the one-touch key 26 pressed in step S32. The destination information 33 corresponding to the number 32 is registered in the one-touch key table 31 (step S34). A designation unit is realized in step S32, an input unit is realized in step S33, and a storage unit is realized in step S34.
[0041]
6, when the specific number 35 is registered in advance corresponding to each one-touch number 32, 32,... In the specific number table 34 and the destination information 33 is input to the one-touch key 26. In addition, a single specific number 35 may automatically correspond to the one-touch key 26 uniquely.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the specific key operation is performed with the second key, the communication partner can be designated in the same manner as when the first key is pressed on the touch panel. Even if there are many, it can be easily transmitted to the communication partner, and the operability is high.
[0043]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the first aspect, a desired key operation can be selected and registered as a specific key operation performed with the second key.
[0044]
The invention described in claim 3 is the communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the communication device according to claim 2 is already registered when a desired key operation is selected and registered as the specific key operation performed by the second key. If you have already registered, you can easily know the fact.
[0045]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the first aspect, by registering the destination information in association with the first key, the second key is automatically used with respect to the first key. Specific key operations can be registered in association with each other.
[0046]
The invention according to claim 5 can exhibit the same operations and effects as the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing electrical connection of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a touch panel of the facsimile apparatus.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a one-touch key table of the facsimile apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the facsimile apparatus.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a specific number table of the facsimile apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the facsimile apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the same.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the same.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile device, communication apparatus 11 Image reading apparatus 14 Image forming apparatus 21 Touch panel 23 Second key 26 First key 33 Destination information

Claims (5)

In a communication device that performs communication by specifying a communication partner,
A touch panel capable of displaying a plurality of first keys;
A first storage device for storing destination information for specifying and calling the communication partner in association with each first key;
First reading means for reading destination information stored in the first storage device in association with the first key when any one of the first keys is pressed;
A first communication means for calling a communication partner indicated by the read destination information;
A plurality of second keys;
A second storage device storing key operations of one or more patterns by the second key in association with any one of the first keys;
When any of the key operations stored in the second storage device is performed by the second key, the destination information corresponding to the first key associated with the key operation is stored in the first key. Second reading means for reading from the storage device;
A second communication means for transmitting to the communication partner indicated by the read destination information;
A communication apparatus comprising: Designation means for accepting designation of the first key;
An input means for accepting a key operation of a desired pattern by the second key;
Storage means for storing this key operation in the second storage device in association with the designated first key;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Determining means for determining whether or not the key operation accepted by the input means is already stored in the second storage device;
When it is determined that it is already stored in the second storage device, notification means for notifying that effect,
The communication apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: Designation means for accepting designation of the first key;
Input means for receiving input of the destination information;
Storage means for storing the destination information in the first storage device in association with the designated first key;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second storage device stores the key operation in association with the first key in advance. An image reading device for reading an image of a document;
A transmission / reception device that transmits image data of the read image to a communication partner and receives image data from the communication partner;
An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on the received image data;
A facsimile apparatus which is a communication apparatus according to claim 1.

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