JPH01280955A - Image information communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain remote control of a facsimile equipment and to recognize the result of execution of a set transmission processing by providing a function receiving various commands in voice or a specific tone signal and a pushbutton signal after line connection through the reception of a call and executing various operations according to the command. CONSTITUTION:The operator uses an exclusive command tone generator 11 to switch the mode into the operation mode of a facsimile equipment to apply remote control by various commands in voice. In the case of a request of transmission of picture information to a facsimile equipment by the remote control, the picture information in advance is read by a scanner 1 of the facsimile equipment and stored in a picture information memory 5 and the picture information is able to be designated by using a file number. Thus, the result of execution of the set transmission processing is recognized or various remote control is applied to the facsimile equipment.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field] The present invention relates to a facsimile device.

[Prior Art] Once the image information of the original to be sent is stored in memory and the transmission mode such as the destination, transmission time, and line density at the time of transmission is set, the facsimile machine can automatically send a transmission based on the set conditions. This well-known function is usually called a time-specific transmission function or a program transmission function.

When performing such transmission, the facsimile device generally calls the destination at a set time, and if the line is busy or there is no response, the facsimile device repeats the call operation several times at regular time intervals. If there is no response even after repeating the re-calling operation a certain number of times, the transmission process is stopped. Further, the transmission result of the transmission process is displayed on the operation display section or outputted on recording paper as, for example, a "non-delivery report" or a ``transmission result report.''

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] Therefore, in order to know the execution results of the transmission process that the operator has set, it is necessary for the operator to be near the facsimile machine or go out of his way to see the above-mentioned reports that are output. It was hard not to go to that place.

Therefore, in the past, there was an inconvenience in that if an operator left the facsimile machine after setting the memory storage and transmission on the facsimile machine and left the facsimile machine, the result of the transmission process could not be known.

By the way, for example, a salesman on the go.

There may be cases where you need documents that are in the office while you are away, or there may be cases where you have set up the facsimile machine at the office to send at a specified time, but as a result of a meeting outside the office, the sending is no longer necessary. .

As described above, when a user wants to perform a sending operation and is far away from the facsimile machine, such as when out of the office, there has conventionally been an inconvenience in that it is not possible to perform various operations on the facsimile machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile machine that eliminates the above-mentioned inconvenience, allows the user to know the execution result of a set transmission process, and to remotely control the facsimile machine from a remote location.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides, as a first means, that after receiving a call and connecting to a line, a facsimile machine receives a predetermined remote control signal transmitted from the line. When detected, processing related to transmission image information set in advance in response to the remote control signal is performed, and a response signal indicating affirmation or denial is sent to the line depending on the processing result.

As a second means, after receiving a call and connecting to a line, the facsimile machine receives a command from a terminal device connected via the telephone line network, and then performs a transmission process in which the facsimile machine makes a fixed number of calls and then cancels the transmission process. I'm trying to restart it.

As a third means, the operator temporarily stores the image information of the transmitted document in the facsimile machine, and also selects an identification number for identifying the transmission process, the corresponding destination, the image information to be transmitted, and the transmission mode. While manually programming each transmission process, when you call this facsimile machine from a telephone and input the above identification number by pressing the push button, the facsimile machine will receive the transmitted PB double signal or DTMF ( Dual T
A push button signal called a one MultiFrequency signal is received, and a transmission process corresponding to an identification number determined from this signal is executed.

Furthermore, as a fourth means, when the facsimile device detects a predetermined tone signal from the tone detector after receiving a call and connecting the line, and before receiving the predetermined transmission control procedure signal, the facsimile device detects a predetermined tone signal from the tone detector. sends out a voice message corresponding to the operation procedure, the voice recognition device detects the voice from the other party, and when the command voice in response to the voice message is detected, the predetermined operation procedure of the facsimile machine is sequentially advanced. That's what I do.

[The co-operator can make settings by calling the facsimile machine from a remote location, such as away from home, and sending predetermined commands using a telephone or a dedicated terminal. It becomes possible to know the execution results of the transmission processing that has been done, and to perform various remote operations on the facsimile machine.

[Embodiments] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a facsimile machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, a scanner 1 is for reading a document image at a predetermined resolution, a plotter 2 is for recording and outputting a recorded image at a predetermined resolution, and an operation display section 3 is for reading a document image at a predetermined resolution. It consists of various operation keys and displays necessary to operate the device.

The system control section 4 is for performing internal processing of this facsimile machine and control processing for each element.

The image information memory 5 is for storing encoded and compressed image information, and the encoding/decoding unit 6 encodes and compresses the image signal and converts the encoded and compressed image information into the original image information. This is for decoding into an image signal.

The communication control unit 7 is for executing a predetermined facsimile transmission control procedure, the modem 8 is for carrying out predetermined modulation/demodulation processing for data transmission, and the network control device 9 is for executing a predetermined facsimile transmission control procedure. It is used to connect the device to a telephone line.

This network control device 9 also has an automatic call/receive function.

The DTMF detector 10 is for detecting push button signals, and the tone signal generator 11 is for generating two types of tone signals: an acknowledgment tone signal and a negative response tone signal.

Furthermore, the system control unit 4 stores identification information for each user to confirm the operator who performs the remote control, which will be described later.

As shown in Figure 2, this identification information includes user identification information for identifying the user, user name, department information indicating the user's affiliation, and restrictions on operations on stored files. Consists of usage restriction information.

The user identification information is, for example, r#2648J,
A predetermined number of digits (in this example, 5
digit) code string. Usage restriction information.

Remote control of your registered files (e.g. deletion,
This is information that sets whether or not re-calling (recall designation, etc.) is allowed or not, and whether remote control of registered files of the same department is possible or not.

This identification information is input through the operation display section 3 and stored in the system control section 4.

With the above configuration, when specifying time-specific transmission, the operator sets the original to be sent on the scanner 1, and uses the operation display unit 3 to specify that the time-specific transmission function is to be used and inputs the destination. Furthermore, after inputting the user's own user identification information, the user turns on the start key to start reading the transmitted document.

Thereby, the system control unit 4 causes the image information read by the scanner 1 to be encoded and compressed by the encoding/decoding unit 6, and then stored in the image information memory 5.

When the storage of this image information is finished, the system control unit 4
Forms an accumulation report indicating the time-specific transmission destination, specified time, file number, etc. set for the image information, displays it on the operation display section 3, and records it in a predetermined format from the plotter 2. Output.

Thereby, the operator can confirm the time specified transmission set by the operator and know the file number set in the image information.

After this, the system control unit 4 proceeds to a predetermined time designated transmission process, and at the designated time, transmits the accumulated image information to the designated destination.

Then, a transmission result report is formed based on the transmission result, and is recorded and outputted from the plotter 2 in a predetermined format. Also,
If the image information cannot be transmitted to the destination by the time specified transmission, the image information and setting information for the time specified transmission are retained without being deleted. Note that the image information that has been successfully transmitted is deleted from the image information memory 5.

In parallel with such a transmission operation, the system control unit 4
A reception process as shown in FIG. 3 is performed. However, in the following explanation, it is assumed that usage restrictions are set for each user so that he or she can access only time-specific transmission information set by the user.

That is, first, the system control unit 4 monitors the incoming call (determination 100), and when the result of determination 100 is YES, the called station identification signal CED is processed responsively (101).
, check whether the DTMF detector 10 detects a push button signal within a predetermined time from the response (decision 10
2).

When the result of determination 103 is NO, it is determined that the call is from a facsimile machine, and a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure (at the time of reception) is executed (process 103).

When the result of judgment 102 is YES, it is assumed that the user has inputted his own user identification signal from the pushbutton dial for remote control, and all continuously inputted pushbutton signals are received. (Judgment 104 Y
ES loop).

When the result of decision 104 is No, the same combination of push button signals received at that time.

It is checked whether it is included in the user identification information registered in advance (determination 105).

When the result of the determination 105 is YIES, it is determined that the user is a registered user, and an acknowledgment tone signal is sent from the tone signal generator 11 to permit remote operation (processing 106).

and within a predetermined time after the user who has heard the acknowledgment tone signal transmits the acknowledgment tone signal.

It is monitored whether a preset command code indicating the work content of the remote control is input from the button dial (No loop of judgments 107 and 108).

If the user inputs a command code from the button dial within the time, it is determined that all the codes are received.10
9), the process specified by the command code is performed (process 110).

For example, "transmission result notification processing" of command code r#oIJ
When commanded, the transmission result of the image information file corresponding to the user identification information input at that time is checked.

Then, when the transmission is completed normally, an acknowledgment tone signal is sent out, and when the transmission cannot be completed, a negative acknowledgment tone signal is sent out.

In addition, when "file deletion" of command code r#02J is commanded, the content of the usage restriction information of the user is checked, and if the deletion operation is permitted, the image information is deleted and an affirmative response is given. A tone signal is sent out, and if the deletion operation is not permitted, a negative response tone signal is sent out without deleting the image information.

In addition, when the "recall setting" command code r#03J is commanded, the content of the usage restriction information for that user is checked, and if the recall setting operation is permitted, a predetermined period of time from the time of the operation is determined. A time-specific transmission is set in which the time after the elapsed time is set as the specified time, and an acknowledgment tone signal is sent.

If the re-call setting operation is not permitted, a negative response tone signal is sent.

From then on, until the user inputs a command code (for example, r#99J) corresponding to "end of work", judgment 1 is executed.
Return to step 07 and execute the specified tasks in sequence (judgment 11
1 No loop).

When the result of determination 111 is YES, an acknowledgment tone signal is sent (process 112), and this process ends.

Further, when the result of judgment 105 is No, and when the result of judgment 108 is YES, a negative response tone signal is sent (process 113), and this process ends.

The user of this facsimile device can know the result of the time-specified transmission by the above-mentioned remote control. Further, if the specified time transmission cannot be executed, a re-call can be set and the image information for which the specified time transmission has been set can be deleted from the image information memory 5.

This allows the user to know the result of sending an important image information file, and if the image information file has not been sent, the user can repeat the call again until the same image information file can be reliably sent. .

By the way, in the above-mentioned embodiment, due to the usage restriction information,
We have explained the case where usage restrictions are set for users so that they can only access the time-specific transmission information that they have set. Similar processing can be performed even when usage restrictions are set.

Further, if the user who has accessed the site has set two or more time-designated transmissions, the user may perform an operation to designate any one of the time-designated transmissions.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the image information is temporarily stored in the image memory and sent is explained, but even when the sending document is sent while being read by a scanner,
You can also check the transmission results and make re-call settings in the same way. Furthermore, although a telephone is used to transmit various commands to the facsimile machine, a known device that is attached to a rotary dial telephone and transmits PB double signals may also be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the tone signal generator is provided separately from the modem, etc., but a procedure signal sent by the modem may also be used as the tone signal. Furthermore, by connecting a dedicated terminal device to the telephone using an acoustic coupler, etc.
A modulated signal may be used instead of the PB multiple signal.

Now, in the above embodiment, the response is made using two types of tone signals, an acknowledgment tone signal and a negative response tone signal, but it is also possible to use a voice response device instead of this tone signal generator. can.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a facsimile machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is constructed using such a voice response device. In the figure.

The same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 indicate the same blocks;
The difference is that a voice response device 12 is provided instead of the tone signal generator 11.

This voice response device 12 sends various preset voice messages to the line.

With this configuration, in this embodiment, when using the facsimile machine, the operator operates the operation display section 3 in advance to
An ID code corresponding to the user identification information in the above embodiment is input. Thereby, the system control unit 4 stores the input ID code in the built-in nonvolatile memory.

Next, when performing a one-time specified transmission, set the original to be sent on the scanner 1 and select the destination on the operation display section 3.

The user sets the sending time, etc., and performs a predetermined sending operation.

As a result, the facsimile machine is activated, reads the transmitted document, and stores the obtained image information in the image information memory 5. Next, the plotter 2 outputs an accumulation result report, which indicates the file number FN of the set transmission process.
OOther information is shown.

Thereafter, at the set time, a call is made to the set destination. Then, if the other party's line is busy or there is no response after calling for a certain period of time, for example 20 seconds, the call is made again after a certain period of time, for example 3 minutes has elapsed. Further, if such re-calling is repeated a certain number of times, for example three times, and there is no call from the other party, the transmission process is stopped.

On the other hand, when the other party receives a call, the image information stored in the image information memory 5 is read out and predetermined transmission processing is executed.

In this way, the conventional known time-specific transmission is performed.

Incidentally, after the above-mentioned sending operation, the operator may go out of the office or the like where the facsimile machine I is installed. In this embodiment, in such a case, the user can check the execution result of the set transmission process and instruct retransmission from outside the home.

That is, FIG. 5 shows this transmission result confirmation process.
Make a call to this facsimile device (processing 2)
01). When the facsimile machine 1 receives a call, the facsimile machine 1
In accordance with the transmission control procedure in the G3 standard of Recommendation T, a CHD signal, which is a 2100 Hz tone signal, is transmitted as shown in FIG.

When the operator confirms this CHD signal (process 20
2 Y), by operating the push button, for example, II
A specific command code CMC1 for commanding the remote control mode, such as OO71, and the ID code IDC set in the facsimile machine are input (process 203).

The above command code CMC and ID code IDC are DT
The MF signal is transmitted to the facsimile machine.

The facsimile machine side receives the DTMF signal.

Then, the system control unit 4 identifies that it is a remote control command using the command code CMC, cancels the transmission control procedure according to the G3 standard, and starts the following remote control procedure defined in this embodiment. Execute.

That is, the content of the received ID code IDC is compared with the content of the ID code stored in the system control unit 4. If the two match, the voice response device 12 sends a voice message MSG, for example, "Remote control mode. Please enter the file number." to notify the execution of the remote control procedure.
Send I.

The operator asks for the voice message MSGI,
Next, input the file number FNO (process 205)
.

The facsimile device 1 receives the file number FNO,
Check the execution result of the transmission process corresponding to the file number FNO. For example, when the sending process is completed, you may receive a voice message saying "Sending has been completed," or if the other party does not receive a call even after making a certain number of calls, and the sending process is executed. If there is no message, it will say "Unable to send.

” and, when waiting for retransmission, a voice message “Waiting.” as the transmission result message MSG2.

The operator listens to the transmission result message MSG2 and inputs the next command code side C in accordance with the transmission result (process 207). That is, if the other party does not receive a call, for example, 201'' is input as the command code CMC.

When the facsimile machine receives this command code CMC (y in process 208), it is reset to the same state as when the transmission process was first set (process 209).

In this case, the facsimile machine ends the remote operation procedure and temporarily disconnects the line, and then restarts the predetermined transmission process again. As a result, when the other party receives a call, image information is transmitted.

In the above, if the transmission process has been completed, for example, '02'' is input as the command code CMC. When the facsimile machine 1 receives this command code CMC (Y in process 210), the facsimile machine 1 stores the command code in the image memory 5. The accumulated image information of the file number is deleted and the setting of the transmission process is canceled (process 211), and the remote control procedure is ended and one line is disconnected.

In addition, in the above, if the transmission process is waiting,
For example, input II 99 II as the command code CMC. The facsimile machine 1 uses this command code CMC.
(Y in process 212), the remote control procedure is immediately terminated and the line is disconnected.

As described above, in this embodiment, in response to various commands by the operator's push button operations, the facsimile machine uses the voice response device to notify the execution results of the transmission process by voice message.

This allows the operator to know the execution result of the set transmission process from a location far from the facsimile machine, as well as to restart the transmission process that was stopped. It becomes possible to remotely control the device.

Now, FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a facsimile apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 indicate the same blocks, and the difference from FIG. The main point is that the system memory 14 is provided. The tone signal generator 13 generates a specific single tone signal, and the system memory 14 stores a control program for the system control unit 4, various data necessary for its execution, and an information table showing set transmission conditions. It is something to remember.

Currently, the facsimile machine configured in this way is
Assume that it is installed in office X in the figure. and,
For example, assume that office X has drawings A and B as drawings to be sent to another office Y, and drawings A and 6 as drawings to be sent to office Z. However, let us assume that employee X of office X is going to go out of the office, and depending on the results of the meeting at the office, it may not be necessary to send the drawings to office Y or office 2.

The facsimile machine of this embodiment temporarily stores the image information of the original to be sent, and also specifies the destination and other information.

It has a function to program transmission contents and transmission conditions.

Therefore, in the above-mentioned situation, as shown in FIG. 9, first, a transmission document to be sent to the scanner 1, for example, Figure A, is set (process 301) and a reading operation is performed (process 30).
2). As a result, the scanner 1 is activated and the image information of the transmitted document is read out, the image information is encoded by the encoding/decoding section 6, and then stored in the image information memory 5 (
Processing 3o3).

When this storage is completed, the image information is stored in the system control unit 4.
A file number is assigned, and the file number is stored in the system memo January 4 and displayed on the display section of the operation display section 3 (processing 3o4).

The operator remembers the correspondence between the file number displayed here and the transmitted original.

Next, similar operations are repeated for other transmission documents, Figures B and 6, to accumulate image information (from N in process 305 to process 301).

When all transmission documents have been stored (Y in process 305)
, operate the operation display section 3 to set the program mode (process 306). The next series of operations is to program the contents and conditions of the assumed transmission process to office Y and office 2, and input each item according to the guidance displayed on the display section.

For example, if you are setting a transmission process for office Y, enter the ID code ID corresponding to the transmission process. This ID code IC becomes a code to be recited when executing the programmed transmission process, for example 1
Input an arbitrary 0-digit number (process 307).

Next, in this example, the destination phone number TN, which is office Y,
is input (process 308), and the file number #FN corresponding to diagram A to be transmitted to the destination is input (process 309). Next, when there are multiple manuscripts to send, such as entering the file number in Figure B,
A plurality of corresponding file numbers FN to FNn are input in sequence.

Next, the transmission mode MO such as linear density and recording density is specified as necessary (process 310). With this, one program of the transmission process ends.

Next, the same operation is repeated for all possible transmission processes, such as setting the transmission process for office Z (from Y in process 311 to process 307).

When the setting is completed (N in process 311), the program mode is canceled (process 312).

ID code IC set in this way, destination phone number TN, file number FN1 to FNn, transmission mode MD
is stored in the information table Tn formed in the system memory 12, as shown in FIG.

Suppose that after this operation, the office staff member leaves office

At this time, office worker X calls the facsimile machine of the present embodiment at office X from his or her mobile phone.

When this facsimile machine receives an incoming call, as shown in Fig. 11, it first sends the CE to control the transmission of the facsimile communication.
Send D signal and DIS signal (processing 401, 402)
. If the calling party is a facsimile machine, a DO3 signal is sent back, so it is detected whether or not the DO3 signal is sent (process 403). At the same time, it is detected whether a DTMF signal is transmitted from the telephone (process 404).

These detection states are held for a certain period of time (N in process 403).
(from N in process 404 to process 403).

Staff member X uses the ID code IC1 corresponding to the transmission process here.
In other words, in the current example, the ID code I entered when setting the sending process for office Z in the above
Enter C using the dial button on the phone. When the dial button is pressed, the predetermined 2
A DTMF signal, which is a tone signal with mixed frequencies, is sent out.

The DTMF detection unit 8 receives this DTMF signal and determines the input number (processing 405). In this example, I
Since the D code IC has 10 digits, when the 10-digit number is determined (Y in process 406), a specific tone signal is sent out from the reception tone sending section 9. This tone signal outputs a constant signal sound from the handset of the telephone to notify staff member X that the ID code IC has been placed on the receiver (process 407). A staff member or staff member hears this signal tone and puts down the handset.

Here, the facsimile device restores the line (process 408). Next, Tn is searched from the information tables T1 in the system memory 12, and the ID code IC in the information table Ti that matches the ID code IC input above,
Read destination telephone number TN, file numbers FN1 to FNn, and transmission mode MD.

Next, the network control device 5 acquires the line again and executes a predetermined call processing to the destination telephone number TN. Then, when the other party responds, the file number FN-FN
Each piece of image information specified by n is sequentially read out from the image memory 4 and transmitted to the other party in the specified transmission mode (process 410). As a result, in the example of FIG. 8, Figures A and 6 will be transmitted to office Z as set above.

By the way, when the calling party is a facsimile machine, the DC3 signal is detected in the process 403. In this case, normal reception processing is executed (process 411
).

As described above, according to this embodiment, the ID
While a code IC is assigned and the transmission contents and transmission conditions are programmed in advance, when a call is made via a telephone and an ID code IC is input, the corresponding transmission process is executed.

As a result, if you set up a program for each transmission process that is expected to need to be sent in advance, you can make a phone call from the go, specify the ID code IC, select the document to send and the destination, and use the facsimile machine. can be easily transmitted by remote control.

In this case, unless the person knows the ID code IC, the above transmission instruction cannot be given, so
The ID code IC has the meaning of a recited code and can be prevented from being manipulated by others.

For example, in Fig. 8, office worker If communication charges are cheaper when sending to office Z, communication charges can be saved.

In the above embodiment, the reception tone was a single tone, but the voice response device used in the case of FIG.
A voice message may also be sent.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that the program settings made in advance may also be set for other processes such as polling reception and broadcast transmission.

Now, FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of a facsimile apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, the same symbols as in FIG. 1 indicate the same blocks, and the difference from FIG. 1 is that the tone signal generator 11 is removed and the DT
The difference is that a tone detector 15 is provided in place of the MF detector 10, while a response message storage section 16, a speech synthesizer W17, and a speech recognition device 18 are newly provided.

Tone detector 15 detects a command tone signal sent by an operator who wishes to remotely control this facsimile machine. This command tone signal is a tone signal of a predetermined frequency, and it is assumed that the operator has a command tone signal generator that generates the command tone signal.

The response message storage section 16 stores response message data for causing the operator to execute each step of the operation procedure of the facsimile machine.

The voice synthesizer 17 is for generating a voice signal corresponding to the response message data stored in the response message storage section 16, and the voice signal is sent to the telephone line via the network control device 9. .

The speech recognition device 18 recognizes the speech uttered by the operator and generates code data for producing the corresponding words.

Each block in the figure, that is, system control section 4, scanner 1, plotter 2, operation display section 3, encoding/decoding section 6
, image information memory 5 , communication control section 7 , response message storage section 16 , speech synthesis device 17 , tone detector 15 , and speech recognition device 18 exchange data among each other via a system bus 19 .

When remotely controlling this facsimile machine with the above configuration, the operator first calls the facsimile machine using a telephone. When a line is established with the facsimile machine, the user brings his own command tone signal generator close to the transmitter and causes the command tone signal generator to generate a command tone signal.

FIG. 13 shows the operation of the facsimile machine at this time. That is, when the facsimile device detects an incoming call by the network control device 9, the system control section 4
Until one timer overflows, it is checked whether the tone detector 15 detects a command tone signal or receives a facsimile transmission control procedure signal (loop of decisions 501, 502, and 503).

In this case, since the tone detector 15 detects the command tone signal transmitted by the operator, the result of the first determination 501 becomes YES.

Thereby, the system control unit 4 shifts to remote control mode.

From this point on, the system control unit 4 reads predetermined response message data from the response message storage unit 16 and transfers it to the voice synthesis device 17 according to the progress of each step of the operation procedure, and the system control unit 4 reads the predetermined response message data from the response message storage unit 16, transfers it to the voice synthesis device 17, and transmits the voice signal (audio signal) corresponding to the response message. message) to the operator (processing 504).

The response message includes content indicating the item to be selected by the remote operator, and the system control unit 4 monitors whether a command has been input from the remote operator (determination 505).

When the operator inputs a voice command (YES in judgment 505), the voice recognition device 18 outputs code data corresponding to the input command content, and the system control unit 4 temporarily stores the code data. Remember.

Then, in order to confirm the command input by the operator, a voice message indicating that the command will be confirmed,
A voice message corresponding to the code data, and
The voice synthesis device 17 sequentially generates voice messages for confirmation operations, and waits for voice input from the operator for confirmation operations. As a result, if the command recognized on the facsimile machine side is correct, it is definitely stored (processing 506).

Then, it is checked whether all messages for a series of remote operations have been completed (decision 507), and if the result of determination 507 is NO, the next response message is selected (process 508), and process 504 Return to

If the result of determination 507 is YES, facsimile transmission control is executed with the contents set so far (process 509).

Further, if the result of determination 502 is YES, normal facsimile reception processing (processing 510) is executed.

Further, if the result of determination 503 is YES, this process is immediately ended.

As described above, in this embodiment, the operator switches to the operating mode of the facsimile machine using a dedicated command tone generator, and remotely operates the facsimile machine by issuing various commands by voice.

Here, for example, when requesting the facsimile device to send image information through this remote control, the image information is read by the scanner 1 of the facsimile device and stored in the image information memory 5, and the image information is stored in the image information memory 5 using the file number. Make it possible to specify.

Furthermore, when entering the destination's telephone number, it is also possible to use a speed dial or one-touch dial that is preset in the facsimile machine.

In addition, this remote control allows communication operations other than transmission operations,
For example, polling reception, turnaround transmission, etc. can also be executed. The selection of these communication operations may be incorporated in advance into a series of operating procedures so that it can be handled using a response message.

Further, immediately after shifting to the remote control mode, a message asking whether to continue the remote control may be sent to confirm that the remote control will be performed.

Further, when confirming the command, a message asking whether to interrupt the remote operation may be inserted so that the remote operation can be interrupted. Further, this interruption can be forcibly performed, for example, when a command input is scheduled and the command input cannot be detected for a predetermined period of time. However, in that case, it is preferable to respond with a message to forcefully interrupt the remote control.

Also, i'! on the facsimile machine side. The command was m.

When the remote operator points out that the information is different from what was input by the remote operator, the same response message may be repeatedly sent as a response.

Note that in the embodiments described above, a specific frequency signal was used as the command tone signal, but as in the embodiments described above, a DTMF signal may also be used.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, the facsimile device has the following functions.
After receiving an incoming call and connecting to the line, the operator can receive specific tone signals, push-button signals, or voice commands, and perform various operations in accordance with those commands. For example, by calling the facsimile machine from a location far away from the facsimile machine and sending commands using a telephone or a dedicated terminal device, you can know the execution results of the set transmission process, It becomes possible to perform various remote operations on the facsimile machine.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a facsimile device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of identification information,
FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart when a call is received, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a facsimile machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart showing transmission result confirmation processing in that embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of signals transmitted and received between a telephone and a facsimile machine in this embodiment, FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a facsimile machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the facsimile machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the case in which it is used, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the program setting operation of the transmission process in the embodiment, and FIG. 10 is an explanation showing an information table for the transmission process in the embodiment. 11 is a flowchart of the operation at the time of receiving a call in this embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a facsimile apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an operational flowchart when a call is received in this embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Scanner, 2... Plotter, 3... Operation display section, 4... System control section, 5... Image memory,
6... Encoding/decoding section, 7... Communication control section, 8...
- Modem, 9...Network control device, 10...DTMF detector, 11.13...Tone signal generator, 12...
Voice response device, 14... system memory. 15...Tone detector, 16...Response message storage unit, 17...Speech synthesis device, 18...Speech recognition bag ja. -N Fig. 2 Fig. 3 C plane D = (N (r> Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9 Fig. 10 Fig. 11 Fig. 12

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) In a facsimile machine that stores transmission image information in its memory and transmits it according to set conditions, a remote control signal detection means detects a predetermined remote control signal sent from the line after receiving a call and connecting to the line. and an image information processing means that performs processing regarding transmitted image information corresponding to the remote control signal when the remote control signal is detected, and sends a response signal indicating affirmation or denial to the line according to the result of the processing. 1. A facsimile device comprising: response signal sending means for sending a response signal. (2) A calling means that automatically calls the destination via a telephone line network, and a transmission that repeats the calling operation a certain number of times and stops the calling operation if the destination does not respond. In a facsimile machine equipped with a processing canceling unit and an image information transmitting unit that executes image information transmitting processing when the transmission destination responds, after the transmission process canceling unit cancels the calling operation, After a call is made and a line is connected, the telephone line is provided with a receiving means for receiving a command from a terminal device connected via the telephone line network, and a re-calling control means for executing a calling operation again in response to the received command. A facsimile device featuring: (3) an image information storage means for storing image information of the transmitted original;
A program means for setting each transmission process by specifying an identification number for identifying the transmission process, a corresponding destination, image information to be transmitted, and a transmission mode; 1. A facsimile apparatus comprising: a number receiving means for receiving a number transmitted by a push button signal; and a transmitting means for executing a transmission process corresponding to the identification number that matches the received number. (4) In a facsimile machine equipped with an automatic call originating/receiving function, a response message storage means storing response message data for responding with a voice message corresponding to an operation procedure, and a transmission control procedure after a call is received and a line is connected. a tone detector that detects a predetermined tone signal sent before the signal; a voice synthesizer that outputs a voice message corresponding to the response message data to a telephone line when the tone signal is detected; and the telephone line. The present invention is characterized by comprising a voice recognition device that recognizes voice transmitted via a line, and operation procedure execution means that sequentially advances the operation procedure when the voice is a command voice in response to the voice message. facsimile machine.