JP5609432B2 - Parent machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a master unit.

  2. Description of the Related Art A telephone device provided with a child device and a parent device is known. In such a telephone device, the parent machine may have a facsimile function. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for transmitting data by facsimile to the other party during a call when a user presses a facsimile transmission button provided on the base unit during a call on the slave unit.

JP 2007-89041 A

  However, in the above conventional technique, when the first user is talking on the slave unit and the second user presses the facsimile transmission button on the master unit, the data is transmitted to the other party who is talking. There is a possibility that data is transmitted to an unintended partner for the user. In particular, when the master unit is a multi-function device that can be switched to a plurality of modes such as a facsimile mode, a copy mode, and a scan mode, one start key accepts a facsimile transmission execution instruction, a copy execution instruction, and a scan. It may also serve as an execution instruction. In such a master unit, if a user who desires copying does not switch modes and accidentally presses the start key while in the facsimile mode, another user is busy on the slave unit. Then, there is a possibility that the data that should have been copied is erroneously transmitted by facsimile.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a parent device that can suppress the occurrence of erroneous transmission.

In order to achieve this object, the master unit of the present invention is capable of wireless communication with a slave unit, and includes an operation unit that receives a process execution instruction, and the slave unit via the master unit. A transmission unit that transmits data to the external device when the operation unit receives an instruction to execute the process while a call is being performed with the external device; the slave unit; and the external device A handset position determination means for determining whether the handset is outside a predetermined range of the base unit when the operation unit receives an instruction to execute the process while a call is being performed with And a prohibiting unit for prohibiting transmission of the data by the transmitting unit when the slave unit position determining unit determines that the slave unit is outside the predetermined range of the master unit.
Alternatively, the master unit of the present invention is capable of wireless communication with the slave unit, and reads an original placed at a predetermined position with an operation unit that accepts a process execution instruction, and corresponds to the original A generation unit that generates data, a document determination unit that determines whether a document is placed at the predetermined position, and a call between the slave unit and an external device via the master unit When the operation unit receives an instruction to execute the process, a call is made between the transmission unit that transmits the data generated by the generation unit to the external device, and the slave unit and the external device. A slave unit position determining means for determining whether the slave unit is outside a predetermined range of the master unit while the slave unit is in a predetermined range of the master unit. The document determination if it is determined that the document exists outside The stage, when the document to the predetermined position is determined to have been placed, and a prohibiting means for prohibiting the transmission of the data by the transmitting means.
Alternatively, the master unit of the present invention is capable of wireless communication with the slave unit, and is executed when an operation unit that receives a process execution instruction and the operation unit receives the process execution instruction. Between the slave unit and the external device when the setting unit for setting one of a plurality of modes having different operations from each other and the facsimile mode is set by the setting unit via the master unit When the operation unit receives an instruction to execute the process while a call is being performed, a transmission unit that transmits data to the external device, and a call between the slave unit and the external device The slave unit is determined by the slave unit position determining means for determining whether the slave unit is outside the predetermined range of the master unit and the slave unit position determining unit. Determined to be out of range If, and a prohibiting means for prohibiting the setting of the facsimile mode by transmitting said setting means of said data by said transmission means.

  The slave unit position determining means may determine whether the slave unit is outside a predetermined range of the master unit based on a radio wave intensity between the slave unit and the master unit.

  The present invention includes a telephone device including a parent device and a child device, a control device that controls the parent device, a parent device control program that controls the parent device, a recording medium that records the parent device control program, a parent device control method, and the like. It can be configured in various ways.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when an instruction to execute a process is received by the operation unit while a call is being performed between the slave unit and the external device , the slave unit position determination unit causes the slave unit to determine the slave unit. It is determined whether the machine is outside the predetermined range of the parent machine. As a result, when it is determined that the slave unit is outside the predetermined range of the master unit, data transmission by the transmission unit is prohibited. Therefore, there is an effect that occurrence of erroneous transmission can be suppressed.

According to the master unit of the second aspect , while a call is being performed between the slave unit and the external device, it is determined by the slave unit position determining means that the slave unit is outside the predetermined range of the master unit. If it is determined that the document has been placed at a predetermined position by the document determination means, that is, if it is highly likely that the document has been placed by a user other than the user who is using the slave unit, Since data transmission is prohibited, there is an effect that occurrence of erroneous transmission can be suppressed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention , in addition to the effect of the second aspect , transmission of data by the transmission means is prohibited until the original is removed from the predetermined position, so that erroneous transmission can be reliably ensured. There is an effect that it can be suppressed.

According to the base unit of claim 4 , during a call between the handset and the external device, it is determined by the handset position determination means that the handset exists outside the predetermined range of the base unit. In this case, since the transmission of data by the transmission unit and the setting of the facsimile mode by the setting unit are prohibited, there is an effect that an erroneous facsimile transmission can be suppressed.

According to the main unit of the fifth aspect , in addition to the effect of the fourth aspect , when it is determined that the sub unit is outside the predetermined range of the main unit, the mode is switched to a mode other than the facsimile mode. Even when the facsimile mode is set before the start of the telephone call, there is an effect that erroneous facsimile transmission can be suppressed.

According to the main unit of the sixth aspect , in addition to the effect of the fourth or fifth aspect , when it is determined that the sub unit is within the predetermined range of the main unit, the mode is switched to the facsimile mode. There is an effect that the mode switching operation can be omitted when the middle user wants to transmit data by facsimile.
According to the base unit of claim 7, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 6, based on the radio field strength between the base unit and the base unit, the slave unit is out of the predetermined range of the base unit Since it is determined whether or not it exists, there is an effect that occurrence of erroneous transmission can be reliably suppressed.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an MFP according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a slave monitoring process executed in the MFP of the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing when a start key is pressed, which is executed in the MFP according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a slave unit monitoring process executed in the MFP of the second embodiment. (A) is a flowchart showing a slave monitoring process executed in the MFP of the third embodiment, and (b) is a flowchart showing a start key pressing process executed in the MFP of the third embodiment. . 10 is a flowchart illustrating a slave monitoring process executed in the MFP of the fourth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”) 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The MFP 1 has a plurality of functions such as a telephone function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a copy function. The MFP 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to suppress the occurrence of erroneous transmission due to the facsimile function.

  The MFP 1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an operation key 15, an LCD 16, a handset 17, a digital cordless communication control circuit 19 (hereinafter referred to as “DCL (Digital Cordless) communication control circuit 19”), a scanner 21, a printer 22, and the Internet. It mainly includes an interface 25 (hereinafter referred to as Internet I / F 25), an NCU 26, and a modem 27.

  The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus line 28. The operation key 15, LCD 16, handset 17, DCL communication control circuit 19, scanner 21, printer 22, Internet I / F 25, NCU 26, modem 27, and bus line 28 are connected to each other via an input / output port 29. Yes.

  The CPU 11 controls various functions of the MFP 1 in accordance with various fixed values and programs stored in the ROM 12 and the RAM 13, or various signals transmitted and received via the DCL communication control circuit 19, the NCU 26, and the Internet I / F 25. And an arithmetic processing unit that controls each unit connected to the input / output port 29.

  The ROM 12 is a non-rewritable nonvolatile memory that stores a control program 12a executed by the CPU 11, a fixed value referred to by the control program 12a, and the like. A program for performing the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3 is included in the control program 12a.

  The RAM 13 is a rewritable volatile memory that temporarily stores various data when each operation of the MFP 1 is executed, and is provided with a selection mode memory 13a and a FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b. The user operates a mode selection key (not shown) included in the operation key 15 to select one of a facsimile mode (hereinafter referred to as FAX mode), a copy mode, and a scan mode, and a selection mode memory 13a. Set to.

  Note that, even during a call between the external apparatus 102 and the MFP 1 or between the external apparatus 102 and the slave unit 40, the selection mode memory 13a is assumed to be set to one of the FAX mode, copy mode, and scan mode. To do. The user can use the mode function set in the selection mode memory 13a, such as copying, even during a call with the external apparatus 102.

  The FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b is a flag indicating whether or not facsimile transmission is permitted. When the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b is on, execution of facsimile transmission is prohibited even if a start key 15a described later is pressed. On the other hand, when the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b is OFF and the start key 15a is pressed, facsimile transmission is executed on the condition that the FAX mode is set in the selection mode memory 13a.

  The operation key 15 is provided with various buttons such as a numeric button for inputting a telephone number when using a telephone function or a facsimile function, and a power button for turning on / off the MFP 1. In addition, the operation key 15 is provided with a start key 15a for accepting a process execution instruction. When the start key 15a is pressed, the MFP 1 performs different operations depending on the mode being set. When the start key 15a is pressed when the copy mode or the scan mode is set, the MFP 1 executes copying or scanning, respectively.

  On the other hand, when the start key 15 a is pressed when the FAX mode is set, the MFP 1 transmits the data to the external apparatus 102 via the telephone line network 100 by facsimile. When the FAX mode is set and the start key 15a is pressed while a call is being performed between the MFP 1 or the slave unit 40 and the external device 102, the MFP 1 The call with 102 is terminated, and data is transmitted by facsimile to the external device 102 that was the other party. Here, the “call” means that a signal based on the voice input to the handset 40 or the handset 17 is transmitted to the external device 102 or the voice input from the microphone (not shown) of the external device 102. This means that the MFP 1 receives the base signal and outputs it from the handset 40 or the handset 17.

  The LCD 16 displays the operation procedure and the status of the process being executed. The handset 17 is used when the user uses the telephone function to make a call with the external device 102 connected via the telephone line network 100 (see FIG. 2).

  The DCL communication control circuit 19 has the DCL antenna 20 and is generated based on the voice of the call while performing the wireless communication 300 by the digital cordless system with the slave unit 40 having the DCL antenna 38. It is a circuit for transmitting and receiving signals. The slave unit 40 implements a telephone function for making a call with the external apparatus 102 via the telephone line network 100 by performing wireless communication 300 with the main body of the MFP 1 via the DCL communication control circuit 19.

  The scanner 21 reads a document placed at a predetermined position and generates data corresponding to the document. The printer 22 prints out the image data. The Internet I / F 25 is an interface for connecting the MFP 1 to the Internet (not shown), and transmits / receives data to / from an external device (not shown) connected to the Internet.

  The NCU 26 is connected to the telephone line network 100 and controls the transmission of a dial signal to the telephone line network 100 and the response of a calling signal from the telephone line network 100. When the telephone function of the MFP 1 is operated, a signal input from the telephone line network 100 is transmitted to the handset 17 via the NCU 26 or to the handset 40 via the NCU 26 and the DCL communication control circuit 19 and provided to each. Sound corresponding to the signal is output from a speaker (not shown). In addition, the voice input to the microphone (not shown) provided in the handset 17 or the handset 40 is converted into a digital signal, and via the NCU 26 (in the case of the handset 40, the DCL communication control device 19 and the NCU 26). It is output to the telephone line network 100.

  The modem 27 modulates data instructed to be transmitted by the facsimile function into a signal that can be transmitted to the telephone line network 100 and transmits the signal via the NCU 26, or receives a signal input from the telephone line network 100 via the NCU 26. The image data is received and displayed on the LCD 16 or demodulated into image data that can be printed out by the printer 22.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the slave monitoring process of the first embodiment executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 1. In this process, during a call between the slave unit 40 and the external device 102, the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b is turned on / off depending on whether the slave unit 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1. This is a process of switching. This process is executed after the MFP 1 is turned on.

  First, in step S202 (hereinafter, step is omitted), the CPU 11 turns off the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b (S202). Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a call is being performed between the slave device 40 and the external device 102 (S204). When S204 is denied (S204: No), the CPU 11 waits for processing.

  When it is determined that a call is being made between the slave unit 40 and the external device 102 while the processing is repeated in this manner (S204: Yes), the CPU 11 then receives an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). ) Is acquired (S206). The value of the RSSI indicates the radio wave intensity between the MFP 1 and the slave unit 40. When the MFP 1 transmits a radio wave from the DCL communication control circuit 19, the slave unit 40 transmits the received radio wave intensity to the MFP 1 as an RSSI value. Therefore, the larger the RSSI value acquired by the CPU 11, the higher the radio field intensity of the wireless communication 300 (FIG. 1) between the MFP 1 and the slave unit 40, and thus the closer the distance between the MFP 1 and the slave unit 40. I understand. In the present embodiment, the RSSI is a value in the range of −20 to 60.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the slave unit 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1 based on the RSSI value (S208). Specifically, when the RSSI value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 50), it is determined that the slave unit 40 is within a predetermined range of the MFP 1. On the other hand, when the RSSI value is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that the handset 40 in communication with the external apparatus 102 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1.

  Here, the RSSI value may vary depending not only on the distance between the slave unit 40 and the MFP 1 but also on the surrounding environment such as the presence or absence of an obstacle. Therefore, the RSSI value does not indicate a strict distance between the slave unit 40 and the MFP 1. However, in the present embodiment, “determining whether or not the slave unit 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1” means that the user who is using the slave unit 40 cannot operate the operation key 15 of the MFP 1. As long as it is possible to determine whether or not the child device 40 is separated from the MFP 1, it is determined whether or not the child device 40 exists outside a circle with a certain radius (for example, 5 m) centered on the MFP 1. Not asking for anything to do. Therefore, in this embodiment, based on the RSSI value, it is determined whether or not the handset 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1. However, if the MFP 1 is provided with a measuring device that can measure the distance between the child device 40 and the MFP 1, whether the child device 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1 based on the distance measured by the measuring device. It may be determined whether or not.

  Next, if it is determined in S208 that the RSSI value is less than the predetermined value (S208: No), that is, if it is determined that the slave unit 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1, the CPU 11 The FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b is turned on (S211). In this way, even if the user presses the start key 15a, the facsimile transmission of data can be prohibited. On the other hand, if it is determined in S208 that the RSSI value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (S208: Yes), that is, if it is determined that the handset 40 is within the predetermined range of the MFP 1, the CPU 11 The transmission prohibition flag 13b is turned off (S210). That is, the facsimile transmission of data is permitted.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the call has ended (S212). While the determination in S212 is negative (S212: No), the CPU 11 returns to S206 and repeats the process. If the determination in S212 is affirmed while the process is repeated in this manner (S212: Yes), the CPU 11 executes a known process such as line disconnection, and ends the slave monitor process.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a start key pressing process executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment. This process is executed independently of the slave monitor process (FIG. 2), and is periodically executed after the MFP 1 is turned on.

  First, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the start key 15a has been pressed (S302). When the start key 15a is not pressed (S302: No), the CPU 11 ends this process.

  On the other hand, when the start key 15a is pressed (S302: Yes), the CPU 11 next determines which mode is set in the selection mode memory 13a (S304). When the scan mode is set in the selection mode memory 13a (S304: SCAN), the CPU 11 causes the scanner 21 to read a document placed at a predetermined position to generate data, and the data is stored in a predetermined external memory. A scan to be output to the apparatus is executed (S306), and this process ends.

  When the copy mode is set in the selection mode memory 13a (S304: COPY), the CPU 11 causes the scanner 21 to read a document placed at a predetermined position, generates data, and prints the data to the printer 22 The copy to be executed is executed (S308), and the process is terminated.

  When the FAX mode is set in the selection mode memory 13a (S304: FAX), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b is on (S310). When the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b is on (S310: Yes), the CPU 11 ends the process. That is, the facsimile transmission of the data is not executed regardless of pressing of the start key 15a.

  On the other hand, when the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b is off (S310: No), the CPU 11 determines whether or not a call is being made by the handset 17 or the slave unit 40 of the MFP 1 (S312). That is, it is determined whether or not the start key 15a is pressed during a call with the external device 102. When it is determined that a call is being made by the handset 17 or the handset 40 of the MFP 1 (S312: Yes), the CPU 11 ends the call (S314). Next, the CPU 11 causes the scanner 21 to read a document placed at a predetermined position to generate data, and the data generated by the scanner 21 is transmitted to the external device 102 that has been the other party until the telephone line network. Facsimile transmission to be transmitted through 100 is executed (S318). Then, the CPU 11 disconnects the line (S320) and ends the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the call is not in progress (S312: No), the CPU 11 connects the line and transmits to the external device 102 of the facsimile number input prior to pressing the start key 15a (S316). Then, the CPU 11 performs facsimile transmission to the external device 102 that has responded to the call (S318), disconnects the line (S320), and ends the process.

  According to the MFP 1 of the first embodiment, when it is determined that the handset 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1 during a call between the handset 40 and the external device 102, that is, If there is a high possibility that the user who is making a call using the device 40 and the person who pressed the start key 15a of the MFP 1 are different, the facsimile transmission of the data is prohibited, so that the occurrence of erroneous transmission can be suppressed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the handset 40 is within the predetermined range of the MFP 1 even during a call between the handset 40 and the external device 102, that is, using the handset 40. When there is a high possibility that the user who is talking and the person who pressed the start key 15a of the MFP 1 are the same person, facsimile transmission to the external device 102 of the other party is executed on the condition that the start key 15a is pressed. Therefore, it is convenient for the user.

  Further, according to the MFP 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the slave unit 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1 based on the RSSI value indicating the radio field strength between the slave unit 40 and the MFP 1. Therefore, it is possible to reliably suppress the occurrence of erroneous transmission while suppressing the complexity of processing.

  A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The electrical configuration of the MFP 1 according to the second embodiment will be described assuming that it is the same as that of the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment. Further, the slave monitoring process executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 1 in the second embodiment is partially different from the slave monitoring process in the first embodiment. In the following, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and differences from the first embodiment will be described. In addition, the MFP 1 of the second embodiment executes the same process as the start key press process described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the slave monitoring process executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 1 according to the second embodiment. When it is determined that a call is being made between the slave unit 40 and the external device 102 (S204: Yes), the CPU 11 determines whether the document is placed (set) at a predetermined position (S402). ). Here, the predetermined position is a position on which a document to be read by the scanner 21 is placed. For example, when the scanner 21 is a flat bed type that reads a document fixed on a glass table, a glass is used. The platform corresponds to the predetermined position. When the MFP 1 includes an automatic document feeder, and the scanner 21 is configured to read documents fed one by one from the placement table of the automatic document feeder, the placement table of the automatic document feeder is a predetermined number. Corresponds to position.

  When it is determined that the document is not placed at the predetermined position (S402: No), the CPU 11 repeats the process from S204. On the other hand, when it is determined that the document is placed at a predetermined position (S402: Yes), the CPU 11 acquires RSSI (S206) and determines whether the RSSI value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S208). . When it is determined that the RSSI value is less than the predetermined value (S208: No), that is, when it is determined that the document is placed at a predetermined position while the slave unit 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP1. There is a high possibility that the manuscript is placed by a user other than the user who is talking on handset 40. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the determination in S208 is negative (S208: No), the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b is turned on (S211), and the facsimile transmission of data is prohibited.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the document remains set at a predetermined position (S404). If the determination in S404 is affirmative (S404: Yes), the CPU 11 repeats the process from S206. Even when the RSSI value becomes equal to or larger than the predetermined value while the processing is repeated in this manner (S208: Yes), that is, the user who is talking on the slave unit 40 approaches the MFP 1, and the predetermined range of the MFP 1 is reached. Even if the slave unit 40 is contained, the CPU 11 keeps the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b on.

  In other words, when it is determined that the document is placed at a predetermined position while the handset 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1, the handset 40 is placed by a user other than the user who is talking on the handset 40. Therefore, even if the handset 40 approaches the MFP 1 after placing the document, data transmission is prohibited.

  If the document placed at the predetermined position is removed while the processing is repeated in this manner (S404: No), the CPU 11 turns off the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b (S202). This is because a document that is highly likely to be placed by a user other than the user who is talking on the handset 40 has been removed from the predetermined position.

  On the other hand, when the document is placed at a predetermined position (S402: Yes) and it is determined that the RSSI values acquired while the document is set are all equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S208: Yes), There is a high possibility that the user who placed the document at a predetermined position and the user who is talking on the handset 40 are the same person. Further, even when a document is placed by a user other than the user who is talking on the slave unit 40, another user places the document after knowing the user who is talking on the slave unit 40. It is highly possible.

  Therefore, in such a case, the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b is kept off in the slave unit monitoring process of the second embodiment. In this way, when the start key 15a is pressed, facsimile transmission to the external device 102 of the call partner is executed, which is convenient.

  In addition, the document is placed at a predetermined position (S402), and it is determined that the RSSI value acquired first is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S208: Yes). When it becomes less than the predetermined value (S208: No), the CPU 11 turns on the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b (S211). That is, even if it is highly likely that the user who placed the document at a predetermined position and the user who is talking on the slave unit 40 are the same person, the user who is talking on the slave unit 40 goes out of the predetermined range of the MFP 1. If this happens, facsimile transmission is prohibited. In this way, even if the user who is talking on the slave unit 40 leaves the MFP 1 with the document placed at a predetermined position and another user accidentally presses the start key 15a, The occurrence of erroneous transmission can be suppressed.

  According to the MFP 1 of the second embodiment, when a document is placed at a predetermined position while the slave unit 40 exists outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1, that is, when a user who uses the slave unit 40 is placed at a predetermined position. When there is a high possibility that the user is different from the user who placed the document, the transmission of data is prohibited, so that the occurrence of erroneous transmission can be suppressed. Further, since transmission of data is prohibited until the original is removed from the predetermined position, occurrence of erroneous transmission can be reliably suppressed.

  A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The MFP 1 according to the third embodiment is different from the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b is not provided. Is omitted. Further, the slave unit monitoring process executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 1 in the third embodiment is partially different from the slave unit monitoring process in the first embodiment. In the following, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating a slave monitoring process executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 1 according to the third embodiment. First, when it is determined that a call is being made by the slave unit 40 (S204: Yes), the CPU 11 acquires RSSI (S206), and the slave unit 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1 based on the RSSI value. It is determined whether or not to perform (S208). When it is determined that the RSSI value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S208: Yes), the CPU 11 determines whether the FAX mode is set in the selection mode memory 13a (S502).

  When a mode other than the FAX mode is set (S502: No), the CPU 11 switches the mode set by the selection mode memory 13a to the FAX mode (S504). In this way, when the handset 40 is within the predetermined range of the MFP 1, the FAX mode is automatically set in the selection mode memory 13a. When transmitting, the mode switching work can be omitted.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the RSSI value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S208: Yes), when it is determined that the FAX mode is set (S502: Yes), the CPU 11 skips the process of S504. . Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the call has ended (S212). If the call has not ended (S212: No), the processing is repeated from S206.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the RSSI value is less than the predetermined value (S208: No), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the FAX mode is set in the selection mode memory 13a (S506).

  If it is determined that the FAX mode is set (S506: Yes), the CPU 11 switches the mode set in the selection mode memory 13a to either the scan mode or the copy mode (S508). In other words, the MFP 1 prohibits the setting of the FAX mode when it is determined that the handset 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1 during a call between the handset 40 and the external device 102. To do. Therefore, even when the FAX mode is set before the start of a call on the slave unit 40, it is possible to suppress erroneous facsimile transmission.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the RSSI value is less than the predetermined value (S208: No), when it is determined that a mode other than the FAX mode is set (S506: No), the CPU 11 performs the process of S508. To skip. Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the call has ended (S212). If the call has not ended (S212: No), the processing is repeated from S206.

  According to the MFP 1 of the third embodiment, when it is determined that the slave unit 40 exists outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1, setting of the FAX mode is prohibited, so that erroneous facsimile transmission can be suppressed. .

  FIG. 5B shows a start key pressing process executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 1 according to the third embodiment. This process is periodically executed independently of the slave monitor process, similar to the process when the start key is pressed in the first embodiment. The processing at the time of pressing the start key of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5B does not have the determination “Is the FAX transmission prohibition flag on?” Of S310, the pressing of the start key of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Although different from the time processing, the other points are the same as the processing when the start key is pressed in the first embodiment.

  A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The electrical configuration of the MFP 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described assuming that it is the same as that of the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment. Further, the slave monitoring process executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 1 in the fourth embodiment is partially different from the slave monitoring process in the first embodiment. In the following, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a slave monitoring process executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 1 according to the fourth embodiment. First, when it is determined that a telephone call is being performed between the child device 40 and the external device 102 (S204: Yes), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the start key 15a is pressed (S602). If the start key 15a is not pressed (S602: No), the CPU 11 repeats the process from S204.

  On the other hand, when the determination in S602 is affirmative (S602: Yes), that is, when an instruction to execute processing is received by the start key 15a while a call is being performed between the slave unit 40 and the external device 102. The CPU 11 determines the mode set in the selection mode memory 13a (S604). When the scan mode or the copy mode is set in the selection mode memory 13a (S604: SCANorCOPY), the CPU 11 executes each process corresponding to the set mode (S606). Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the call is finished (S212). When the call is not finished (S212: No), the process is repeated from S602.

  On the other hand, when the process execution instruction is received by the start key 15a (S602: Yes) and it is determined that the FAX mode is set in the selection mode memory 13a (S604: FAX), the CPU 11 performs the RSSI. (S206), and based on whether or not the RSSI value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined whether or not the handset 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP1.

  When it is determined that the RSSI value is less than the predetermined value (S208: No), the CPU 11 does not execute facsimile transmission. This is because there is a high possibility that the user who is talking on the handset 40 and the user who presses the start key 15a are different people. Next, the CPU 11 displays a message notifying the prohibition of facsimile transmission on the LCD 16 (S608). As a result, the user who presses the start key 15a is notified of the prohibition of facsimile transmission. Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the call has ended (S212). When the call has not ended (S212: No), the processing is repeated from S602.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the RSSI value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S208: Yes), the CPU 11 ends the call between the slave unit 40 and the external device 102 (S610). Then, the CPU 11 causes the scanner 21 to read the document placed at a predetermined position, and transmits the data generated by the scanner 21 to the external device 102 that was the other party until the previous call (S612). Then, a known process such as line disconnection is executed, and the slave monitor process is terminated.

  According to the MFP 1 of the fourth embodiment, the occurrence of erroneous transmission can be suppressed even when the start key 15a is pressed in the MFP 1 while the slave unit 40 is being used outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1. .

  In the above embodiment, the MFP 1 corresponds to an example of a parent device. The selection mode memory 13a corresponds to an example of setting means. The start key 15a corresponds to an example of an operation unit. Pressing the start key 15a corresponds to an example of a process execution instruction. The scanner 21 corresponds to an example of a generation unit. The CPU 11 that executes S208 corresponds to an example of the slave unit position determination unit. The CPU 11 that executes S318 and S612 corresponds to an example of a transmission unit. The CPU 11 that executes S211, S508, and S608 corresponds to an example of a prohibiting unit. The CPU 11 that executes S402 corresponds to an example of a document determination unit. The CPU 11 that executes S504 corresponds to an example of a mode switching unit.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, it is determined whether or not the child device 40 is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1 based on the RSSI value, but the same determination may be performed by other methods. For example, when the sound collected by the microphone of the child device is also collected by the microphone of the parent device, it is determined that the child device exists within a predetermined range of the parent device, while the microphone of the child device is When the sound collected by the microphone is not collected by the microphone of the parent device, it may be determined that the child device exists outside the predetermined range of the parent device.

  Further, when the speaker of the voice collected by the microphone of the slave unit and the speaker of the voice collected by the microphone of the master unit are recognized and determined to be the same person, the predetermined number of the master unit is determined. You may judge that the subunit | mobile_unit exists in the range.

  Further, it may be determined whether or not there is a slave unit outside a predetermined range of the master unit by using both the voice collected by the microphone and the RSSI value.

  Moreover, you may combine suitably the characteristic of the said 1st Embodiment to 4th Embodiment. For example, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when the RSSI value is less than the predetermined value (S208: No), the FAX transmission prohibition flag 13b is turned on. Instead, when the RSSI value is less than the predetermined value (S208: No), the slave unit monitoring process of the first embodiment and the second embodiment is modified so as to automatically select a mode other than the FAX mode. You may do it.

  For “prohibiting data transmission”, setting of a mode for prohibiting data transmission, prohibiting setting of a mode for transmitting data to an external device (for example, a FAX mode), or transmitting a data to an external device is set. However, various modifications may be considered, such as prohibiting the execution of all functions in the mode and invalidating a key for accepting a data transmission instruction.

  In the above-described embodiment, facsimile transmission is prohibited. However, even when data is transmitted to an external apparatus by a communication method other than facsimile, such as when an e-mail is transmitted via the Internet, The invention can be applied.

  Further, when a touch panel (not shown) is provided on the display surface of the LCD 16 of the MFP 1 of the above-described embodiment, and data transmission is performed when a button displayed on the LCD 16 is touched. In addition, the present invention is applicable. In this case, the button displayed on the LCD 16 corresponds to an example of an operation unit.

  Further, the MFP 1 of the above embodiment executes the wireless communication 300 with one slave unit 40, but executes the wireless communication 300 with a plurality of slave units 40. May be. In that case, when the slave unit 40 that is making a call with the external device 102 among the plurality of slave units 40 (that is, the slave unit 40 being used for the call) is outside the predetermined range of the MFP 1. The transmission of data may be prohibited.

1 MFP
13a Selection mode memory 15a Start key 21 Scanner 40 Slave unit 102 External device

Claims (7)

A master unit capable of wireless communication with a slave unit,
An operation unit for receiving processing execution instructions;
Transmission that transmits data to the external device when the operation unit receives an instruction to execute the process while a call is being performed between the slave device and the external device via the master device Means,
If an instruction to execute the process is received by the operation unit while a call is being performed between the slave unit and the external device, whether the slave unit is outside a predetermined range of the master unit. A handset position judging means for judging;
A master unit comprising: a prohibiting unit that prohibits transmission of the data by the transmitting unit when the slave unit position determining unit determines that the slave unit is outside a predetermined range of the master unit. A master unit capable of wireless communication with a slave unit,
An operation unit for receiving processing execution instructions;
Generating means for reading a document placed at a predetermined position and generating data corresponding to the document;
Document determination means for determining whether a document is placed at the predetermined position;
When an instruction to execute the process is received by the operation unit while a call is being performed between the slave and an external device via the master, the data generated by the generator is A transmission means for transmitting to an external device;
Slave unit position determining means for determining whether the slave unit is outside a predetermined range of the master unit while a call is being performed between the slave unit and the external device;
When the slave unit position determining means determines that the slave unit is outside the predetermined range of the master unit, and when the document determining unit determines that a document is placed at the predetermined position And a prohibiting unit that prohibits transmission of the data by the transmitting unit. The prohibition means is
While the slave unit is outside the predetermined range of the master unit, when the document determining unit determines that the document is placed at the predetermined position, the document is removed from the predetermined position. 3. The master unit according to claim 2 , wherein transmission of the data by the transmission unit is prohibited. A master unit capable of wireless communication with a slave unit,
An operation unit for receiving processing execution instructions;
A setting means for setting one of a plurality of types of modes that are different from each other when an operation instruction is received by the operation unit;
When the facsimile mode is set by the setting means via the master unit, the operation unit accepts an instruction to execute the process while a call is being performed between the slave unit and the external device. A transmission means for transmitting data to the external device;
Slave unit position determining means for determining whether the slave unit is outside a predetermined range of the master unit while a call is being performed between the slave unit and the external device;
Prohibiting means for prohibiting transmission of the data by the transmitting means and setting of a facsimile mode by the setting means when the slave position is determined by the slave position determining means to be outside the predetermined range of the master unit And a parent machine. In the case where the facsimile mode is set by the setting unit, the prohibiting unit is configured to set the setting unit when the slave unit determining unit determines that the slave unit is outside a predetermined range of the master unit. 5. The master unit according to claim 4 , wherein the mode set by the step is switched to a mode other than the facsimile mode. When a mode other than the facsimile mode is set by the setting means, the setting means sets if the slave position determining means determines that the slave is within a predetermined range of the master. parent machine according to claim 4 or 5 comprising a mode switching means for switching the mode to be the facsimile mode. Slave machine position determining means, based on the radio wave strength between the handset and the base unit, from claim 1 wherein the child device is to determine whether there outside a predetermined range of the base unit 6. The master unit according to any one of 6 .

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