JPH0479506B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] <Technical Field> The present invention relates to a facsimile device equipped with an automatic dialing device, in which, when image transmission with a called station is not possible, the facsimile device is equipped with an automatic dialing device. This invention relates to a facsimile device that can automatically transmit images to one called station.

<Prior Art> In a conventional facsimile device equipped with an automatic dialing device, if a connection with a called station cannot be established, redialing is automatically performed multiple times at predetermined time intervals.

However, if a connection with the called station still cannot be established, the only option is to abandon the image transmission and wait for the right time to start transmitting again from the beginning.

<Purpose> In view of the above-mentioned points, the present invention has been developed, in particular, in a facsimile device equipped with an automatic dialing device, when image transmission with the called station is not possible, the facsimile device is installed in a department near the called station and acts as a substitute. To provide a facsimile device that can reduce retransmission operations by a sender by automatically dialing and transmitting an image to another called station in a receiving relationship.

In addition, the called station's busy tone signal (busy signal)
As soon as a predetermined number of detection signals are detected, the proxy receiver automatically dials the called station, thereby reducing the waiting time for transmission. By determining whether it is registered or not,
Depending on the determination result, the system automatically dials the called station in the proxy relationship or the original called station, even if the dial number data of the called station in the proxy relationship is not registered. To provide a facsimile device that can automatically make a dial call to an original called station without requiring a person to perform a retransmission operation.

The present invention provides a facsimile device equipped with an automatic dialing device, including a first storage means for storing dial number data of a first called station, and a second destination in a proxy relationship for the first called station. a second storage means for storing dial number data of a calling station; and a busy tone signal (busy signal) of the first called station dialed based on the dial number data stored in the first storage means. a first counting means for detecting and counting a predetermined number of said signals;
a second counting means for detecting a busy tone signal (busy signal) of the second called station dialed based on the dial number data stored in the storage means and counting a predetermined number of the signals; determining means for determining whether or not the dial number data to be stored in the second storage means is registered in response to the first counting means; and the determination means registering the dial number data in the second storage means by the determination means. proxy destination dialing means for reading dial number data stored in the second storage means and immediately automatically dialing when it is determined that the dial number data is stored in the second storage means; When it is determined that the second called station is not registered, or when the second counting means counts a predetermined number of busy tone signals (busy signals) of the second called station, the first memory A facsimile apparatus equipped with an automatic dialing device, characterized in that the facsimile apparatus further comprises redialing means for reading dial number data stored in the means and automatically dialing the first called station again.

<Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows a configuration block of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, and 1 is a main control unit that performs system control of the entire facsimile apparatus.

This main control unit 1 includes an operation unit 2 that operates the facsimile machine, a reading unit 3 that reads image information of a transmitted document, a recording unit 4 that records received image information, and a A transmission processing unit 5 performs transmission processing according to the transmission procedure, a dial number generator 9 sends out a corresponding dial tone based on the dial number data supplied from the main control unit 1, and a dial number generator 9 reads the data by the reading unit 3. The transmission processing unit 5 or the recording unit 4 stores the image information received via the transmission processing unit 5 or the image information received via the transmission processing unit 5.
A line memory unit 11 for supplying the image information is connected via a bus line. A modem 6 is connected to the transmission processing unit 5, and this modem 6 is further connected to a network control unit (NCU).
7 to a telephone line connected to an exchange.

When this NCU 7 dials and opens a line with the called station, the response of the called station is confirmed by reversing the polarity of the line performed by the exchange, and the call is sent to the main control unit 1 via the control bus l2. and supply a response signal.

Each of the configurations described above is a known configuration in the field of facsimile machines.

8 is sent from the exchange when the called station is busy.
This is a busy tone detector that detects a 400 Hz busy tone (busy signal) supplied via the NCU 7, and outputs a busy tone detection signal via the control bus 11 to the main control unit 1 that detects this busy tone.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a dial memory for storing dial number data of a plurality of called stations allocated in correspondence with speed dial numbers, and is constructed of a RAM backed up by a battery.

As shown in FIG. 3, this dial memory 10 is allocated with a plurality of storage areas for storing dial number data of called stations corresponding to two-digit speed dial numbers (01, 02,...XX), and each The storage areas include first storage areas 411, 412, ... 41X (referred to as main dialing areas) that store the dial number data of the main called station, and another storage area that performs interception reception for the main called station. Second storage areas 421, 422, . . . for storing dialed number data of called stations.
42X (called the sub-dial area) is assigned.

Address data from the main control unit 1 generated by inputting a speed dial number accesses any one of the storage areas and reads out the dial number data and supplies it to the main control unit 1.

The main control unit 1 described above has a built-in ROM 21 that stores a system program for system control of the entire facsimile apparatus and an address conversion table for generating access data for accessing the dial memory 10. The fourth system program related to the invention
Shown in Figures A and B. Furthermore, various buffers IN, MA, SA, counter C, flag F indicating control status, etc. used for system control were assigned.
Built-in RAM20.

The above IN is entered using the numeric keys (10
MA and SA are buffers that temporarily store the dial number data input using the keys), and MA and SA temporarily store the address data of the main dial area and the sub dial area generated by the address conversion table. It's a battle. Further, the F is composed of a main flag and a sub flag.

Next, the above-mentioned operating unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. Note that this figure shows only a portion of the operation panel related to the present invention.

32 is a numeric key (10 key) for inputting the speed dial number of the called station or the dialed number of the called station, and the signal of the operated numeric key is converted into the corresponding binary code and used for main control. The signal is supplied to the unit 1 and displayed on the display 30. The registration key 33 is a control key that instructs to operate a speed dial number, and the dial key 34 is a control key that instructs to start dialing. The FAX key 31 is a control key for starting the transmission process when the dial number instruction of the called station is completed. 30 is a liquid crystal display;
Displays numbers entered using the 10 keys or messages generated in the ROM of the main control unit 1. Lamps 35 and 36 indicate whether the facsimile device is operating as a transmitter or a receiver.

Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Prior to the explanation, we will explain how to register a dial number in the dial memory 10. First, when a two-digit speed dial number is input using the 10 key 32 after operating the registration key 33, the storage area corresponding to this number is addressed. , followed by the 9-digit dial number of the called station.
By inputting 10 digits (not limited to this number) using the 10 key and operating the registration key 33 again, dial number data consisting of a binary code is stored in the corresponding main dial area 41i. Subsequently, by similarly inputting the dial number of the called station that will serve as a substitute receiver, the binary code dial number data is stored in the corresponding sub-dial area 42i.
Therefore, both data are registered as a pair corresponding to the previously input speed dial number. In the sub-dial area 42i of the called station where there is no substitute receiver, all 1's of a binary code are stored without storing dial number data.

(1) In the case of manual dialing.

In Fig. 4A, when the dial key 34 of the operation unit 2 is operated to make a dial call,
Steps S100 and subsequent steps are executed, and when the dial number of the called station is directly input using the 10 key 32, the dial number data is stored in the buffer IN and displayed on the display 30. When the input of the dial number is completed, the user operates the fax key 31. By this operation, the dial number data of the buffer IN is read out and supplied to the dial signal generator 9. This dial signal generator 9
generates a dial tone corresponding to the dial number data, and sends the dial tone signal to the line via the NCU 7. (S101 to S105, S117) Next, the process proceeds to S130 in FIG.

After that, the called station's response from the exchange is NCU
7 (S130), or whether the called station is busy and there is a busy tone detection signal from the busy tone detector 8 (S131). When there is a response from the NCU 7, that is, when the line with the called station is opened, the reading unit 3 reads the transmission document according to a predetermined transmission procedure, stores it in the line memory unit 11, and then transmits this image information. It is transmitted to the called station via the processing unit 5, modem 6, and NCU 7 (S140). When the transmission of all the image information is completed, the line is disconnected and the main control unit 1 is placed in the initial state to complete the transmission. Further, when there is no response and the busy tone detection signal is supplied and the number of tones is counted (S133, S134), the process proceeds to S150.
In this example, since flag F remains reset in the initial state, both S150 and S160 become inconsistent, and the flag and counter are reset.
Further, the line is disconnected and the above-mentioned operation is repeated after a redial process, that is, after a predetermined period of time.

(2) In the case of automatic dialing using speed dialing.

In FIG. 4A, in this case, after operating the dial key 34, the registration key 33 is operated, and when a two-digit speed dial number is input using the 10 key 32, the speed dial number data is stored in the buffer IN. Display 3
Displayed as 0. If you operate the fax key 31 after entering this speed dial number, S112 will appear.
The following will be executed.

The speed dial number data (binary code) stored in the buffer IN is converted into address data for the main and sub dial areas of the dial memory 10 by the address exchange table in the ROM 21 (S112), and both address data are transferred to the buffer MA. and latches to buffer SA (S113).

Next, turn on the main flag and turn on the buffer.
The corresponding main dial area 41i is accessed based on the address data latched to the MA, and dialing is performed in the same manner as described above by reading out the dial number data of the called station registered in advance and supplying it to the dial signal generator 9. Send a tone. Then, proceed to Figure 4 (b).

Although not shown, if dial number data is not stored in the corresponding main dial area, it is assumed that an operation error has occurred and the system returns to the initial state.

In FIG. 4B, when a response is received from the NCU 7, steps S130, S140 and subsequent steps are executed in the same manner as described above, and image information is transmitted to the called station (main dial).

(A) When a busy tone signal (busy) is detected.

When a busy tone is detected, the number of tones is counted, and when a predetermined number is reached, steps from S150 onwards are executed.

Here, the main flag is ON, and the counter C (initial state "0") is determined to match the predetermined counter value m (for example, "3"), but since they do not match, it is latched to the buffer SA. The sub dial area 42i is accessed based on the address data (S150 to S152). The dial number data of the called station of the substitute receiver is read from the area 42i and it is determined whether the dial number data is registered. If the data is not registered, that is, if the binary code is all 1, the above-described steps from S161 onward are executed, and redial processing is performed.

If the data is stored, the main flag is turned OFF, the secondary flag is turned ON, the counter C is counted up, and the line is disconnected (S154~
S156) Proceed to step S116 in Figure 4. Then, the dial number data of the called station of the proxy receiver read out from the sub-dial area 42i is supplied to the dial signal generator 9 to make a dial call (S116 to S118). As a result, when there is a response from the called station, steps S140 and subsequent steps in FIG. 4 are executed to transmit the image information. When the transmission is complete, the display will show 30
The message “Send to proxy destination” is displayed on the screen.

As described above, when it is detected that the called station to which transmission is to be made is busy, a dial is immediately made to the called station of the proxy receiver in the vicinity of the station.

If the called station of the substitute receiving station is busy, a busy tone detection signal is supplied from the busy tone detector 8, and the process proceeds to S131, S133, S134, and S150 again. In this case, since the secondary flag is ON as described above, the process proceeds from S160 to S170, where the main flag is turned ON and the secondary flag is OFF. As a result, since transmission cannot be made to the called station of the substitute receiver, the dialing process is performed again to transmit to the original called station to which transmission could not be made previously.
Further, if both called stations cannot transmit together, the above-described operation is repeated and dialing of both stations is performed alternately. Then, in S151 and S155 of FIG. 4B, this alternating call is repeated up to m times (for example, 3 times), and in S151, the counter C matches the m value, and after dialing the main dial area 41i, the above-mentioned alternate call is made. is interrupted and redial processing is executed. Due to this redial process, the above-described dialing process is performed again after a predetermined period of time.

In addition, when dialing a called station that could not transmit again, it is necessary to wait for at least 60 seconds, which is the protection period of the exchange.

<Effects> As described above, according to the present invention, even if transmission to a called station is not possible, the substitute receiver of the called station can automatically dial another called station. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the transmission waiting time of the sender, and by determining whether the data of the called station in the proxy relationship is registered in the storage means, the data of the called station in the proxy relationship is This function automatically dials the station or the original called station, and even if the dial number data of the called station in the proxy relationship is not registered, the call is automatically made without the sender having to perform a retransmission operation. It has the feature of being able to dial the original called station.

Furthermore, by increasing the called station storage area of the proxy receiver of the dial memory, it is possible to expand the number of alternate reception destinations, and the above-mentioned effect is more noticeable.

Furthermore, the capacity of the dial memory can be reduced by limiting the called station of the substitute receiver to a specific speed dial number, or by assigning the called station and the called station of the substitute receiver to different specific keys. It is also possible to decrease.

Furthermore, the functions of the present invention can also be applied even when image transmission is not possible due to a failure that occurs during image transmission.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration block of a facsimile machine equipped with the automatic dialing device of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the operating unit of the same machine, and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the specific structure of the dial memory of the same machine. diagram showing,
Figures 4A and 4B are flowcharts showing the operation of the device. 1: Main control unit of facsimile machine, 2:
Operation unit, 3: Reading unit, 4: Recording unit, 5: Transmission processing unit, 6: Modem, 7:
Network control unit (NCU), 8: Busy tone detector,
9: Dial signal generator, 10: Dial memory, 11: Line memory unit, 20:
RAM, 21: ROM.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A facsimile device equipped with an automatic dialing device, comprising: a first storage means for storing dial number data of a first called station; a second storage means for storing dial number data of the second called station; and a busy tone signal (busy tone signal) of the first called station dialed based on the dial number data stored in the first storage means a first counting means for detecting a predetermined number of signals) and counting a predetermined number of said signals; a second counting means for detecting a medium signal) and counting a predetermined number of said signals; a determining means for determining, and when the determining means determines that dial number data is registered in the second storing means, reading the dialing number data stored in the second storing means and immediately dialing automatically; an alternate destination dialing means for making a call; Redialing means for reading dial number data stored in the first storage means and automatically dialing the first called station again when a predetermined number of station busy tone signals (busy signals) are counted. , A facsimile device equipped with an automatic dialing device.