JPH1127407A - Communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] In a system in which an information processing terminal is connected via an interface to a communication device having a voice input unit for a call, audio data to the information processing terminal is not complicated. Can be input. SOLUTION: A control unit 1-1 converts a voice signal input from a handset 1-8 of a communication device into digital voice data by a modem of a communication control unit 1-3 in response to a predetermined key input. The digital audio data is transferred to an information processing terminal (PC) 1-7 connected via the interface unit 1-6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication device which is connected to a computer (PC) such as a personal computer via an interface and has a telephone call function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this type of apparatus, there is a facsimile apparatus which can be connected to a PC via a parallel interface or the like, can operate as a peripheral device of the PC, and can also operate as a stand-alone apparatus. In such a facsimile apparatus, in addition to the normal facsimile communication / copy / telephone functions, image data read by a reading section of the facsimile apparatus is transferred to a PC, and a file on the PC is recorded by a recording section (printer section) of the facsimile apparatus. It can be printed out.

On the other hand, in recent years, PCs have become faster and more multifunctional, and can process various data such as voice data, text data, image data, and moving images. Is becoming possible.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned conventional PC, a microphone and a sound board are used as a configuration for inputting audio data. When such a sound board is mounted on the PC, In addition, it is necessary to open the PC housing, and the mounting operation is troublesome, and the sound board itself is expensive and the cost is high.

Further, in the facsimile apparatus described above, it only functions as an input device for image data to a PC, and the resources of the facsimile apparatus, such as the telephone call function, are effectively used. I couldn't say.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus which can be connected to an external information processing terminal via an interface and has voice input means for telephone calls via a line. Conversion means for converting the converted audio signal into digital audio data, and transfer means for transferring the digital audio data converted by the conversion means to the information processing terminal via the interface, and the communication device is used for communication. The voice input means provided can be used for inputting voice data to the information processing terminal.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the following embodiments, a facsimile apparatus will be described as an example of a communication apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1-1 denotes a control unit for controlling the entire facsimile apparatus. The control unit includes a microcomputer, a ROM storing a control program for the microcomputer, a RAM, a clock IC, a DMA controller, and the like.
It is composed of a timer and the like. The control unit 1-1 controls the operation of the entire facsimile apparatus and manages various data such as one-touch dial information and the name of the sender under software control of the microcomputer.

An operation unit 1-2 includes various keys, a display unit, and the like, and accepts key input by an operator and displays various information.

Reference numeral 1-3 denotes a communication control unit, which is a line 1-1.
0 (analog public telephone line, digital ISDN line, etc.) line interface (modem and NCU for analog line, CCU for digital line),
It is composed of a telephone circuit or the like for a telephone call, and performs transmission and reception of image data and communication control data, and performs outgoing / incoming call control of a telephone.

Reference numeral 1-4 denotes a reading unit, which comprises a CCD (reading element), an A / D (analog / digital) conversion circuit, an image processing circuit, etc., and performs a scent conversion on an optically read image signal. , Which performs image processing such as A / D conversion, image correction, and binarization processing, and outputs digital image data.

Reference numeral 1-5 denotes a printer unit, which comprises a printer such as an electrophotographic laser beam printer or an ink jet printer.

Reference numeral 1-6 denotes an interface unit for computer connection constituted by a serial interface such as a parallel interface of Centronics, SCSI, or RS232C. The interface unit 1-6 connects to the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment. , A computer (PC) 1-7 as an external information terminal is connected.

Reference numeral 1-8 denotes a communication control unit 1-3 and a handset for making a call via a line, and has a built-in microphone and speaker for the call.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the communication control section 1-3.

Reference numeral 4-1 denotes a bus connected to the control unit 1-1 shown in FIG. 1, which comprises data, address, control signal, and input / output signal lines. Used for delivery and input / output of various signals.

Reference numeral 4-2 denotes a modem, which is constituted by a DSP (digital signal processor, A / D converter, D / A converter, etc.) and has a PCM codec function (speech data analog / digital conversion function). And modulates and demodulates facsimile data and control signals.

Reference numerals 4-3 and 4-4 denote amplifiers that amplify transmission signals and reception signals.

Reference numeral 4-5 denotes a two-wire / four-wire conversion unit, which is composed of a transformer, various relays, etc.
Control of call processing to -10 (transmission of tone signal or output of dial pulse, etc.).

Reference numeral 4-6 denotes a switch composed of a relay or the like, which includes a handset 1-8 and a line 1-10, a handset 1-8 and a 2-wire to 4-wire converter 4-5, and a line 1-10 and a 2-wire. The switching control of the four-wire converter 4-5 is performed.

Reference numeral 4-8 denotes an off-hook detection circuit for outputting an off-hook detection signal of the handset 1-8. The control unit 1-1 controls the off-hook detection signal 4-7 output from the off-hook detection circuit 4-8. Based on this, detection of the off-hook / on-hook of the handset 1-8 is determined.
The off-hook detection circuit 4-8 includes a current sensor or the like, a photocoupler, or the like, and detects a current change due to the off-hook of the handset 1-8.

According to the above configuration, after detecting the off-hook of the handset 1-8, the audio signal input from the microphone of the handset 1-8 is switched to the switch 4-6, the 2-wire 4
The signal is input to the modem 4-2 via the line conversion unit 4-5 and the amplifier 4-4, A / D converted using the PCM codec function of the modem 4-2, and converted into digital audio data.
-1 to output digital audio data to the control unit 1-1. Also, the audio data is input to the modem 4-2 from the bus 4-1 and D / A converted into an analog audio signal using the PCM codec function of the modem 4-2.
The loudspeaker of the handset 1-8 can be output as audible sound via the two-wire / four-wire conversion unit 4-5 and the switch 4-6.

The above is the schematic configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A control operation of the control unit 1-1 of the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. A control program (a control program executed by the microcomputer) for executing the control operation shown in the flowchart of FIG.
It is stored in the OM.

In this embodiment, an example of an operation control of the facsimile apparatus (voice data processing control and transmission control) for a transmission operation by a user and an example of image data processing control in a PC will be described.

In step S1 of FIG. 2, the control unit 1-
1 performs detection determination of a voice input operation. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a specific key for voice input provided on the operation unit 1-2 has been input. Also, instead of providing the above-mentioned specific key, the mode of voice data input to the PC can be registered in the one-touch dial key or speed dial key, and the key of the one-touch dial key or speed dial key set in the voice data input mode is set. The input may be determined.

When detecting a voice input operation in step S1, the control section 1-1 determines in step S2 whether an off-hook of the handset 1-8 has been detected via the communication control section 1-3.

In the flow of FIG. 2, the off-hook detection is determined after the voice input operation is detected. However, the off-hook detection is determined and the handset 1-8 is detected.
When off-hook is detected, the detection of voice input may be determined.

In step S2, handset 1-8
When the off-hook is detected, in step S3, the control unit 1-1 causes the modem of the communication control unit 1-3 to convert the audio data input from the handset 1-8 into digital audio data (such as PCM data). Then, the process of storing the voice data output from the modem in the RAM is started, and in step S4, a request for uploading the voice data to the PC 1-7 via the interface unit 1-6 (the voice to be transferred to the PC). Notification that there is data). Then, in step S5, it is determined whether or not a response signal (a response signal indicating acceptance of the upload request) from the PC 1-7 is received via the interface unit 1-6 within a predetermined time after the upload request is transmitted. If the response signal from the PC is not received within the predetermined time, the voice input process ends, and if the response signal from the PC is received within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S6.
, The output (transfer) process of voice data input from the handset 1-8 stored in the RAM via the interface unit 1-6 to the PC 1-7 is started. In this way, the audio signal input from the handset 1-8 is converted into digital audio data by the modem and transferred to the PC 1-7 while temporarily storing it in the RAM.

In step S7, the control unit 1-1
It is determined whether the voice input processing is completed. This end determination is made by determining whether or not the handset 1-8 is on-hook. When the handset 1-8 is on-hook, it is determined that the voice input processing is completed, and the conversion into digital voice data by the modem is performed. At the same time, the process of storing the audio data in the RAM ends, and in step S8,
It is determined whether all the audio data in the RAM has been transferred to the PC 1-7 (end of the audio data transfer process). When the audio data transfer process is completed, the RAM
The transfer process of the audio data to C1-7 ends, and PC1-
7 is notified of the end of the audio data transfer process, and returns to the standby state.

In the above steps S3 and S4, first, an audio data upload request is sent to the PC 1-7, and when a response signal is received from the PC 1-7, the audio signal from the handset 1-8 is transmitted. The data may be converted into digital voice data by a modem and stored in the RAM.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3, a description will be given of a process of controlling the reception of audio data by the PC 1-7 in the present embodiment. Note that a control program (an application program executed by a computer of the PC) for executing the flow of FIG. 3 is stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk or a nonvolatile memory in the PC 1-7.

In step M1 of FIG. 3, PC1-7
Microprocessor determines whether or not a voice data upload request has been received from the facsimile apparatus via the interface, and upon receiving the voice data upload request, activates an application program for voice recognition processing. When the voice recognition application program is started, the microprocessor of the PC 1-7 executes the started application program in step M2 to request the facsimile apparatus to transfer voice data (upload voice data) via the interface in step M2. (A response signal indicating that the request has been accepted). Then, in step M3, the microprocessor determines whether or not voice data is received from the facsimile apparatus via the interface. When the voice data is received, in step M4, the microprocessor converts the received voice data into voice data such as a DRAM. The storage process is started in the memory for the recognition process, and in step M5,
The end of the audio data receiving process (transfer process) is determined.
This end determination is made based on whether or not the end notification of the transfer processing of the voice data transferred from the facsimile apparatus via the interface has been received.

In step M6, the microprocessor determines whether or not all the voice data received from the facsimile apparatus has been stored in the memory (completion of data storage). When the data storage is completed, in step M7,
The voice recognition processing of the voice data stored in the memory is started.

At step M8, the microprocessor determines whether or not the speech recognition processing has been completed. When the speech recognition processing has been completed, at step M9, based on the speech recognition result, whether an executable command has been input or not. Determine whether or not. If an executable instruction has been input, execution of the input instruction is started in step M10.
Commands that can be input by this voice recognition include PC1-
7 includes starting various application programs, inputting document data, setting computer environment, editing data, authenticating a computer operator, registering a voice message, and the like.

In step M11, the microprocessor determines whether or not the execution of the input instruction has been completed. When the execution of the instruction has been completed, the microprocessor returns to the standby state.

In the flow of FIG. 3, PC1-7
After receiving the voice data from the facsimile machine,
Although the voice data stored in the memory is recognized, the voice data received from the facsimile apparatus and stored in the memory, and the voice data stored in the memory are recognized in parallel. The voice data from the device may be recognized in real time. When an interface capable of uploading and downloading data in parallel is used as an interface with the facsimile apparatus, the result of voice recognition in real time is notified to the facsimile apparatus, and the operation unit 1-2 of the facsimile apparatus is used. It is possible to display the speech recognition result on a display device. In this case, the control unit 1-1 of the facsimile apparatus determines whether or not the information of the speech recognition result has been received from the PC 1-7 via the interface unit 1-6 in steps S6 to S8 of the flow of FIG. When the speech recognition result information is received,
A process for displaying the information on the display is executed.

If the voice recognition is successful, the PC
From 1-7, the confirmation sound data is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus via the interface, and the confirmation sound data is converted into an analog voice signal by a modem, and is converted into an audible sound from the speaker of the handset 1-8. You may make it output. In this case,
The control unit 1-1 of the facsimile apparatus determines whether or not the data of the confirmation sound has been received via the interface unit 1-6. And convert it to an analog audio signal,
The audible sound is output from the handset 1-8. or,
Instead of transmitting the actual confirmation sound data to the facsimile apparatus, the PC 1-7 sequentially transmits a status indicating whether or not the recognition has been normally performed to the facsimile apparatus,
The control unit 1-1 of the facsimile apparatus generates signal sound data indicating whether or not the back is normally recognized from the status information, and outputs it as an audible sound via the modem and the handset 1-8. Is also good.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified.

[0042]

As described above, according to the present invention, the voice input means provided for communication in the communication device can be used for inputting voice data to an external information processing terminal. Can be used more effectively, and the functions of the entire system can be utilized efficiently.

Further, the voice recognition processing program of the information processing terminal is automatically started and executed in response to a voice data transfer request from the communication device, so that the operator only has to operate the communication device, and the operability as a system is sufficient. Can be improved.

In addition, since it is only necessary to operate the speed dial key or the speed dial key provided on the communication device to input voice data from the voice input means for telephone communication, the same operation as in the conventional communication device can be performed. In addition, the operability of the communication device is not complicated.

Also, since the voice signal input from the voice input means is converted into digital voice data using a modem provided in the communication device, the configuration of the communication device is not complicated, and the data is transmitted to the information processing terminal. Input of voice data can be realized.

Further, since the information indicating the result of the voice recognition processing by the information processing terminal is notified from the information processing terminal to the communication device, it is possible for the communication device to grasp the voice recognition result at the information processing terminal.

Further, the operator can know information on the result of voice recognition by the information processing terminal from the display means of the communication device or the voice output means for telephone conversation, thereby improving the operability of the device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus of the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control operation of a control unit 1-1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process of a PC 1-7.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication control unit 1-3.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1-1 control section 1-2 operation section 1-3 communication control section 1-4 reading section 1-5 recording section 1-6 interface section for computer 1-7 information processing terminal (PC) 1-8 handset 1-10 Line

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification symbol FI H04N 1/21 H04N 1/21 1/32 1/32 Z // G06F 3/16 340 G06F 3/16 340A

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. A communication device which can be connected to an external information processing terminal via an interface and has voice input means for telephone communication via a line, wherein a voice signal input from said voice input means is converted into digital voice data. A communication device, comprising: conversion means for converting the digital voice data converted by the conversion means; and transfer means for transferring the digital voice data converted by the conversion means to the information processing terminal via the interface. 2. The transmission device according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that transmits a request for uploading audio data to the information processing terminal; and a unit that receives a response signal to the audio data upload request from the information processing terminal. The communication device transfers the digital audio data in response to receiving the response signal. 3. The digital audio data according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing the digital audio data converted by the conversion means, wherein the transfer means stores the digital audio data stored in the storage means in the information processing. A communication device for transferring to a terminal. 4. The voice input device according to claim 1, further comprising a key for inputting an instruction to transfer voice data to said information processing terminal, wherein said voice is input by said voice input means in response to a key input of said key. A communication device, wherein a signal is converted into digital voice data by the conversion means, and the digital voice data is transferred to the information processing terminal by the transfer means. 5. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the key is a speed dial key that can be set as an instruction key for a voice data transfer mode. 6. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the key is a one-touch dial key that can be set as an instruction key for an audio data transfer mode. 7. The modem according to claim 1, wherein the conversion means has an analog / digital conversion function of an audio signal, modulates / demodulates image data, and inputs an audio signal from the audio signal input means to the modem. And a means for converting the audio signal from the audio signal input means into digital audio data by the modem. 8. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: means for receiving information on a result of the voice recognition from the information processing terminal; and display means for displaying the received information on the result of the voice recognition. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: a voice signal output unit for a call via the line; a unit for receiving information indicating a voice recognition result from the information processing terminal; And a means for generating an audible sound from the audio signal output means. 10. A storage medium storing a computer program to be executed by a computer of an information processing terminal connected to a communication device having a call function via an interface, wherein: A transfer request receiving process for receiving a transfer request; and, in response to the voice data transfer request, transmitting a response signal indicating reception of the transfer request to the communication device, and transmitting the voice data from the communication device via the interface. Receiving voice data, voice recognition processing for performing voice recognition processing of the received voice data, and voice recognition result for transmitting information indicating a voice recognition result by the voice recognition processing to the communication device via the interface. Note that a computer program with notification processing is stored. And the storage medium. 11. The storage medium according to claim 10, wherein said speech recognition result notifying process stores a computer program for notifying information indicating said speech recognition result as sound data. 12. The storage medium according to claim 10, wherein a computer program having a process for executing a process corresponding to an input command obtained as a result of the speech recognition is stored. 13. A data processing system comprising a communication device having voice input means for a telephone call via a line and an information processing terminal connected to the communication device via an interface, wherein the communication device comprises: Conversion means for converting the audio signal input from the means into digital audio data, and transfer means for transferring the digital audio data converted by the conversion means to the information processing terminal via the interface, The information processing terminal includes: a receiving unit that receives voice data from the communication device; a voice recognition unit that performs voice recognition processing of the received voice data; and an input command corresponding to a voice recognition result obtained by the voice recognition unit. A data processing system comprising: means for executing a process of performing 14. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the communication device has a key for inputting an instruction to transfer voice data to the information processing terminal, and the voice input means responds to a key input of the key. A data processing system comprising: converting an audio signal input by the conversion means into digital audio data by the conversion means; and transferring the digital audio data to the information processing terminal by the transfer means. 15. A modem according to claim 13, wherein said conversion means has a function of converting an audio signal into an analog signal, and modulates / demodulates image data. A data processing system comprising means for causing the modem to convert an audio signal from the audio signal input means into digital audio data. 16. A data processing method for a communication apparatus which can be connected to an external information processing terminal via an interface and has a voice input means for a telephone call via a line, wherein the voice signal input from the voice input means is A data processing method comprising: converting digital audio data into digital audio data; and transferring the converted digital audio data to the information processing terminal via the interface. 17. The information processing terminal according to claim 16, further comprising: transmitting an audio data upload request to the information processing terminal; receiving a response signal to the audio data upload request from the information processing terminal; A data processing method characterized by transferring digital voice data. 18. The data processing method according to claim 16, wherein the converted digital audio data is stored in a storage unit, and the digital audio data stored in the storage unit is transferred to the information processing terminal. . 19. The digital audio data according to claim 16, wherein the audio signal input by the audio input means is converted into digital audio data in response to a key input of a key for inputting an instruction to transfer audio data to the information processing terminal. Converting the digital audio data to the information processing terminal. 20. The data processing method according to claim 19, wherein the key is a speed dial key that can be set as an instruction key for an audio data transfer mode. 21. The data processing method according to claim 19, wherein the key is a one-touch dial key that can be set as an instruction key for an audio data transfer mode. 22. The modem according to claim 16, wherein a modem having an analog / digital conversion function of an audio signal and modulating / demodulating image data is input with the audio signal from the audio signal input means, and A data processing method comprising converting an audio signal from an audio signal input unit into digital audio data. 23. The data processing method according to claim 16, further comprising: receiving information on a speech recognition result from the information processing terminal, and displaying the received speech recognition result information. 24. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein information indicating a voice recognition result from the information processing terminal is received, and the voice signal output means for a call via the line is used in accordance with the information indicating the voice recognition result. A data processing method for generating a hearing sound. 25. The information processing terminal according to claim 16, wherein the information processing terminal receives voice data from the communication device, executes voice recognition processing of the received voice data, and responds to an input command obtained by the voice recognition processing. A data processing method comprising: 26. The data processing method according to claim 25, wherein the information processing terminal transmits information indicating the speech recognition result to the communication device.