Communication device

The communication device is provided with a confidential data input/output control unit for permitting in S98 operations of either a confidential data input unit or a confidential data output unit based on predetermined operations performed by the user ("yes" in S87) or predetermined data inputted via the communication circuit ("yes" in S88) even when the communication circuit is connected in S84 based on the user's execution of another predetermined operation ("yes" in S83) in response to calling signals inputted via the communication circuit. Hence, even when the user answers the telephone in response to the telephone ring, the caller can still access a message box without having to first hang up and redial.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 1. Field of the Invention
 The present invention relates to a communication device having a
 confidential data storage area for storing confidential data for specific
 individuals transmitted from remote communication devices via a
 communication circuit.
 2. Description of the Related Art
 For example, a storage area used in facsimile devices, which is often
 called a "message box," is provided with a plurality of storage areas for
 storing confidential data for specific individuals. Each of these storage
 areas is allocated to a different specific individual. When the facsimile
 device is set in an answering mode, facsimiles or voice can be transmitted
 via a telephone circuit from remote facsimile devices or similar devices
 having communication functions and recorded in a storage area
 corresponding to a designated message box number. Then, a specific
 individual wishing to know the contents of messages sent to him or her can
 directly operate the facsimile device to extract the contents of this
 message box by performing prescribed operations that include the entering
 of a personal identification number (PIN) or security access code. The
 specific individual can also extract the messages via the telephone
 circuit using remote facsimile devices by also performing the prescribed
 operations. In other words, when the data stored in the storage area
 corresponding to the message box is facsimile data, the data can be
 printed out on recording paper. When the stored data is voice data, the
 data can be played back as voice data from a speaker.
 However, conventional facsimile devices are inconvenient in that messages
 cannot be inputted into the message box via a telephone circuit unless the
 facsimile device has bene set to a specific mode, such as the answering
 mode. Further, the contents of the message box cannot be extracted via a
 telephone circuit unless the facsimile device is in this specific mode.
 Hence, when a person calls the facsimile device not in the answering mode
 to input a message into the message box, that person must wait until
 someone answers, request that the facsimile device be set to the answering
 mode, and then hang up and redial. Moreover, if no one answers the
 telephone when the facsimile device is not set in the answering mode, it
 is completely impossible to input a message into the message box. The very
 same problems occur when the owner of the message box wishes to retrieve
 the contents of his or her message box via the telephone circuit.
 On the other hand, there exist facsimile devices provided with a handset
 capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data between a base unit.
 The handset is capable of calling a remote communication device and
 receiving calls from the remote communication devices even when the
 handset is at a position separated from the base unit. Further, the
 handset is capable of remotely controlling the base unit through the
 execution of prescribed operations and can set the base unit to be able to
 receive a facsimile, which is extremely convenient.
 However, conventional facsimile devices are inconvenient in that the
 handset cannot be used to control the storing of data in a message box for
 a specific individual, which data has been transmitted through the
 telephone wires, nor the outputting through telephone wires of data for a
 specific individual, which data is stored in the message box. Hence, when
 a person calls the facsimile device to input a message into the message
 box, if someone answers on the handset, the caller must request that the
 facsimile device be set in the answering mode, and then hand up and
 redial. The very same problem occurs when the owner of the message box
 wishes to retrieve the contents of his or her message box via a telephone
 circuit.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 In view of the problems described above, an object of the present invention
 is to provide a communication device that allows a message box to be
 accessed without the need to hang up the telephone and redial, even when
 the user answers the telephone in response to the telephone ring.
 Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication
 device that allows a message to be inputted into a message box not only
 when the facsimile device is in the answering mode, but also when the
 facsimile device is in a facsimile/telephone switching mode and a manual
 reception mode.
 Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication
 device which allows the message box to be accessed from a handset.
 In order to attain the above and other objects, the present invention
 provides a communication device capable of transmitting and receiving data
 via a communication circuit, the device comprising: data reception means
 capable of receiving confidential data for at least one specific
 individual via a communication circuit; confidential data storage means
 capable of storing the received confidential data for the at least one
 specific individual; confidential data input means for inputting the
 received confidential data for the at least one specific individual into
 the confidential data storage means; and confidential data input control
 means for controlling the confidential data input means to input the
 received confidential data into the confidential data storage means based
 on either first predetermined information inputted via the communication
 circuit or a first predetermined operation performed by a user.
 According to another aspect, the present invention provides a communication
 system for transmitting and receiving data via a communication circuit,
 the communication system comprising: a base unit capable of transmitting
 and receiving data via a communication circuit; and a handset capable of
 wirelessly transmitting and receiving data with the base unit, the handset
 including detecting means for detecting a user's executed predetermined
 operation and transmission means for transmitting to the base unit
 predetermined information corresponding to the user's executed
 predetermined operation when the detecting means detects the user's
 executed predetermined operation, wherein the base unit includes:
 confidential data reception means capable of receiving confidential data
 for at least one specific individual via the communication circuit;
 confidential data storage means capable of storing the received
 confidential data for the least one specific individual; confidential data
 input means for inputting the received confidential data for the at least
 one specific individual into the confidential data storage means; and
 confidential data input control means for controlling the confidential
 data input means to input the received confidential data into the
 confidential data storage means based on the predetermined information
 transmitted from the handset.
 According to another aspect, the present invention provides a program
 storage medium for storing data of a program indicative of a process for
 controlling a communication device connected to a communication circuit,
 the communication device including a storage area capable of storing
 received confidential data for at least one specific individual, the
 program comprising: a program of receiving confidential data for at least
 one specific individual via a communication circuit; a program of
 inputting the received confidential data for the at least one specific
 individual into the storage area; and a program of controlling the
 confidential data inputting program to input the received confidential
 data into the confidential data storage based on either first
 predetermined information inputted via the communication circuit or a
 first predetermined operation performed by a user.
 According to still another aspect, the present invention provides a program
 storage medium for storing data of a program indicative of a process for
 controlling a communication system including a base unit connected to a
 communication circuit and a handset which wirelessly communicate data with
 the base unit, the base unit including a confidential data storage area
 capable of storing confidential data for at least one specific individual,
 the program comprising: a program of controlling a handset to detect a
 user's executed predetermined operation; a program of controlling a
 handset to transmit to the base unit predetermined information
 corresponding to the user's executed predetermined operation when the
 user's executed predetermined operation is detected; a program of
 controlling a base unit to receive confidential data for at least one
 specific individual via a communication circuit; a program of inputting
 the received confidential data for the at least one specific individual
 into the confidential data storage area; and a program of controlling the
 confidential data input program to input the received confidential data
 into the confidential data storage area based on the predetermined
 information transmitted from the handset.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
 A communication device according to a preferred embodiment of the present
 invention will be described while referring to the accompanying drawings.
 FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing a facsimile device 100 according
 to an embodiment of the present invention. This facsimile device 100
 includes a CPU 1, an NCU (network control unit) 2, a RAM 3, a modem 4, a
 ROM 5, an EEPROM 6, a gate array 7, a codec 8, a DMAC (direct memory
 access controller) 9, a reading unit 11, a recording unit 12, a control
 unit 13, a display unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a cordless
 handset 16. The components 1-9 above are connected together via bus lines,
 which include address bus, data bus, and control signal lines. The
 components 11-15 are all connected to the gate array 7. A telephone
 circuit 21 is connected to the NCU 2 as one example of a communication
 circuit.
 The CPU 1 is for controlling the entire facsimile device 100. The NCU 2 is
 connected to he telephone circuit 21 and performs network control. The RAM
 3 receives power from a backup power supply, now shown, and stores various
 data. The RAM 3 is provided with confidential data storage areas having a
 specific capacity and used to store confidential data for specific
 individuals. In the present embodiment, confidential data storage areas
 for five people are allocated in the RAM 3. The modem 4 is for modulating
 transmission data and for demodulating reception data. The ROM 5 stores
 various programs including programs shown in FIGS. 5 through 8 and FIGS.
 10 through 12. The EEPROM 6 is used to store various entry data or
 registration data and flags. The gate array 7 serves as an input/output
 interface for the CPU 1. The codec 8 is for encoding transmission
 facsimile data and for decoding reception facsimile data, and also for
 converting transmission voice data to voice signals and reception voice
 signals to voice data.
 The DMAC 9 is for reading data from and writing data to both the RAM 3 and
 the EEPROM 6. The reading unit 11 is provided with a light source, a CCD
 sensor unit, a document feeding motor, and the like, for scanning an image
 from a document and outputting image signals. The recording unit 12 is
 provided with a printing device such as an ink-jet printer or a
 thermal-transfer printer and is for recording received image data and the
 like on a recording paper. The control unit 13 includes a group of
 keyswitches and the like and for outputting signals in response to a
 user's operations performed thereto. The display unit 14 is an LCD or the
 like and for showing various displays in response to commands issue from
 the CPU 1. The communication unit 15 is for communicating wirelessly with
 the cordless handset 16. The handset 16 functions both as a cordless
 telephone and as a cordless remote controller for remotely controlling
 base unit 101, which is constructed from a remaining part of the facsimile
 device 100 described above other than the handset 16. That is, the base
 unit 101 is constructed from the parts 1-9 and 11-15 shown in FIG. 1.
 Further, the actual circuit structure of the communication unit 15 and of
 the handset 16 are the same as cordless telephone devices well-known in
 the art, and, therefore, a description of that structure will be
 eliminated here. That is, although not shown in the drawings, the handset
 16 includes: a ROM storing data of the program shown in FIG. 9; a CPU for
 executing the program of FIG. 9; several keys shown in FIG. 3; and a
 wireless communication portion controlled by the CPU to perform a wireless
 communication with the communication unit 15 of the base unit 101. The
 ROM, the several keys, and the wireless communication portion are
 electrically connected to the CPU.
 FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a control panel, which consists of a portion
 of the control unit 13 and the display unit 14. The control panel is
 provided with various control keys including twelve dial keys 22, five box
 designating keys 23, a record key 24, a delete key 25, a playback key 26,
 an answering mode setting key 27, a function key 28, a private key 29, a
 help key 30, a stop key 31, a copy key 32, a start key 33, a reception
 mode key 34, an image quality key 35, a left scroll key 36, a set key 37,
 a right scroll key 38, an extension/call-waiting key 39, a radial/pause
 key 40, a hold key 41, and a speaker phone key 42. The control panel is
 also provided with a display device including an LCD 45 for displaying
 letters, numbers, symbols, and other characters, and a light-emitting
 diode (LED) 46 for emitting red light, for example.
 The dial keys 22 are used to input a dial number, such as a telephone
 number or a facsimile number, to allow the user to specify the calling
 destination. The box designating keys 23 are used to designate a message
 box allocated to a specific individual. In the present embodiment, five
 message boxes can be designated with the box designating keys 23 "A"-"E".
 The record key 24 is used to store in the RAM 3 data inputted via the
 telephone circuit 21 shown in FIG. 1. The delete key 25 is used to delete
 data stored in the RAM 3. The playback key 26 is used to play back data
 stored in the RAM 3. Here, "play back" is used to mean outputting voice
 data stored in the RAM 3 as voice, or printing out facsimile data stored
 in the RAM 3 on recording paper. The answering mode setting key 27 is used
 to set the operating mode of the facsimile device to the answering mode.
 The function key 28 is used to perform various settings and entries. The
 private key 29 is used to access a message box or to use telephone
 directory functions. The help key 30 is used to print out function
 information with the recording unit 12.
 The stop key 31 is used to stop facsimile transmissions and the like. The
 copy key 32 is used to start a copy operation. The start key 33 is used to
 start facsimile transmissions and the like. The reception mode key 34 is
 used to select the reception mode. The image quality key 35 is used to
 select the precision of image quality. The left scroll key 36 is used to
 move the cursor on the display screen of the LCD 45 in a leftward
 direction in the figure. The set key 37 is used to verify settings or
 entries displayed on the display screen of the LCD 45. The right scroll
 key 38 is used to move the cursor on the display screen of the LCD 45 in a
 rightward direction in the figure. The extension/call-waiting key 39 is
 used for providing an extension and call-waiting function. The
 redial/pause key 40 is used for providing radial and pause function. The
 hold key 41 is used to place an external line on hold. The speaker phone
 key 42 is used to switch from a call state using a telephone receiver, not
 shown, to a call state not using the handset. The LCD 45 is used to
 display the contents of entries or settings, operating conditions, and the
 like. The light-emitting diode (LED) 46 is used to notify the user by
 blinking, for example, when a voice message or facsimile message is stored
 in the RAM 3 at either the message box for a specific individual or a
 general mailbox not intended for a specific individual.
 FIG. 3 is a front view of the cordless handset 16. The front of the handset
 16 is provided with various control keys including twelve dial keys 51, an
 external line key 52, a hand-up key 53, an internal line key 54, a
 call-waiting key 55, a playback/stop key 56, a speed dial key 57, a
 redial/pause key 58, a hold key 59, and a facsimile reception key 60. The
 front of the handset 16 is further provided with a microphone 65 and a
 speaker 66.
 The dial keys 51 are used to input a dial number, such as a telephone
 number or a facsimile number, to allow the user to specify the calling
 destination. The external line key 52 is used to access an external line.
 The hang-up key 53 is used to end a call. The internal line key 54 is used
 to access an internal line. The call-waiting key 55 is used as a
 call-waiting function to received another call during a call in progress.
 The playback/stop key 56 is used to play back or to stop the playback of
 voice data stored in a message box or a general mail box. The speed dial
 key 57 is used to perform preset speed dial operations. The redial/pause
 key 58 is used for providing redial function and a pause function. The
 hold key 59 is used to place an external line on hold. The facsimile
 reception key 60 is used to receive an incoming facsimile. The microphone
 65 and speaker 66 are used for conducting conversation.
 FIG. 4 is a conceptual explanatory diagram for the storage areas in the RAM
 3. The RAM 3 is provided with confidential data storage areas, a
 non-confidential data storage area, and an answering message storage area.
 Of course, in addition to the above storage areas, any number of storage
 areas can be set in the RAM 3 to store voice data and facsimile data
 capable of freely being extracted from other communication terminals. For
 example, voice data and facsimile data for giving out various information
 can be stored in these storage areas in advance.
 In the present embodiment, five confidential data storage areas are
 provided. Each of these confidential data storage areas is provided with a
 voice data storage area and a facsimile data storage area, both of a
 predetermined capacity. The memory capacities of these confidential data
 storage areas, including their voice data storage areas and facsimile data
 storage areas, are not determined individually. Instead, a flexible memory
 management system is employed in which storage capacity is freely
 allocated on a first-come first served basis. Only the overall storage
 space is limited to a specific capacity. Of course, it is also possible to
 fix storage capacities individually.
 These confidential data storage areas are allocated to specific individuals
 to be used as their own message boxes. In other words, voice and facsimile
 data transmitted from another communication terminal while designating a
 message box number are stored in a corresponding confidential data storage
 area. This voice and facsimile data can only be extracted by inputting a
 personal identification number (PIN) or security access code equivalent to
 a password known only by the specific individual, that is, the owner of
 the confidential data storage area.
 The non-confidential data storage area is provided with a predetermined
 number of voice data storage areas and a predetermined number of facsimile
 data storage areas. When the facsimile device 100 is in the answering
 mode, voice and facsimile data can be freely inputted from remote
 communication devices into this non-confidential data storage area without
 designating any message box number. Moreover, the stored data can be
 extracted without entering any security code data. Further, when a memory
 reception setting is set to the facsimile device 100, facsimile data can
 also be freely inputted from remote communication terminals. In the
 present embodiment, this form of non-confidential data storage area will
 be referred to as a general mailbox.
 The answering message storage area is for storing therein voice data for
 outputting various voice answering messages.
 Thus, the confidential data storage areas of the RAM 3 serve for storing
 confidential data for specific individuals, which data can be inputted
 from remote communication terminals via the telephone circuit 21. The CPU
 1 serves as several devices according to operations performed based on
 programs stored in the ROM 5. That is, the CPU 1 serves as a confidential
 data input device for inputting confidential data for specific
 individuals, which data has been received from the telephone circuit 21,
 into the confidential data storage areas of the RAM 3. The CPU 1 also
 serves as a confidential data output device for reading confidential data
 for a specific individual from the confidential data storage areas, and
 outputting the data via the telephone circuit 21. The CPU 1 further serves
 as a confidential data input/output control device for permitting
 operations of the confidential data input device or the confidential data
 output device based on predetermined operations performed by the user onto
 the facsimile device 100 or predetermined information inputted via the
 telephone circuit 21 even when the telephone circuit 21 is connected
 according to the user's execution of a predetermined operation in response
 to calling signals inputted via the telephone circuit 21 regardless of
 whether the facsimile device is set in the voice/image switching mode, the
 manual reception mode, or the answering mode. The confidential data
 input/output control device permits operations of the confidential data
 input device or the confidential data output device also based on
 predetermined information transmitted to the base unit 101 from the
 cordless handset 16 in response to predetermined operations performed by
 the user onto the handset 16.
 The ROM 5 serves as a storage medium for storing; a confidential data input
 program for inputting confidential data for specific individuals, which
 data has been received via the telephone circuit 21, in the confidential
 data storage areas of the RAM 3; a confidential data output program for
 reading confidential data for a specific individual from the confidential
 data storage areas of the RAM 3, and outputting the data via the telephone
 circuit 21; and a confidential data input/output control program for
 permitting operations according to the confidential data input program or
 the confidential data output program, based on the predetermined
 operations performed by the user on the facsimile device 100 or on the
 predetermined information received via the telephone circuit 21 even when
 the telephone circuit 21 is connected according to the user's execution of
 predetermined operation in response to calling signals inputted via the
 telephone circuit 21 regardless of whether the facsimile device is set in
 the voice/image switching mode, the manual reception mode, and the
 answering mode.
 The ROM 5 also serves as a storage medium for storing: a program that
 operates the communication device 100 having the base unit 101 and the
 cordless handset 16; and a program for serving as the confidential data
 input device, the confidential data output device, and the confidential
 data input/output control device for permitting operations of the
 confidential data input device or the confidential data output device
 based on predetermined information transmitted to the base unit 101 from
 the handset 16 in response to the predetermined operations performed by
 the user on the handset 16.
 Next, the operations of the facsimile device 100 configured as described
 above will be described in summary.
 Obviously, it is possible to access the message boxes when this facsimile
 device is in the answering mode. However, even when the facsimile device
 is set in the manual reception mode, and the user responds to the
 telephone ring by lifting a telephone receiver (not shown) off the hook or
 pushing down the speaker phone key 42, voice and facsimile data received
 via the telephone circuit 21 can still be inputted in the confidential
 data storage areas of the RAM 3 and voice and facsimile data can still be
 extracted from the confidential data storage areas of the RAM 3 via the
 telephone circuit 21 when the user performs predetermined operations on
 the control unit 13 of the base unit 101 or the handset 16 or when the
 caller performs predetermined operations onto the caller's communication
 device to input DTMF signals to the communication device 100 via the
 telephone circuit 21. It is noted that extracting voice and facsimile data
 from the confidential data storage areas of the RAM 3 via the telephone
 circuit 21 requires that a password be inputted as DTMF signals. Passwords
 are previously determined for each confidential data storage area to
 prevent fraudulent accessing of data.
 If, for example, Mr. A calls, from a remote communication device, the
 present facsimile device 100 to input a message in Mr. B's message box but
 the facsimile device 100 is not set in the answering mode, Mr. A can store
 the desired message in Mr. B's message box even if Mr. C answers the
 telephone by the base unit 101 or the handset 16 and without having to
 first hang up the telephone and redial. Mr. A can accomplish this by
 requesting Mr. C to perform predetermined operations onto the base unit
 101 or the handset 16 to store his message into Mr. B's message box, or by
 operating a facsimile device of Mr. A's own to transmit predetermined DTMF
 signals via the telephone circuit 21. Of course, the message can be a
 voice, or text or other type of image data.
 The operations that Mr. C must perform on the control unit 13 of the base
 unit 101 include first pushing the private key 29, then pushing the "B"
 key of the box designating keys 23 to designate Mr. B's message box, and
 finally pushing the record key 24. These operations will turn off the
 speaker in the telephone receiver and any other related speakers, and Mr.
 C can place the telephone receiver on the hook without disconnecting the
 connection in the telephone circuit 21. Then, facsimile signals or voice
 signals inputted from Mr. A's facsimile device via the telephone circuit
 21 will be stored as facsimile or voice data in the confidential data
 storage area of the RAM 3. corresponding to Mr. B's message box.
 The operations that Mr. C must perform on the handset 16 include pushing
 the "0," "2," and "*" dial keys 51, among which the "2" corresponds to Mr.
 B's message box. These operations will not only turn off the speaker 66,
 but also the speaker in the telephone receiver of the base unit 101, and
 Mr. C can push the hang-up key 53 without disconnecting the connection in
 the telephone circuit 21. Then, facsimile signals or voice signals
 inputted from Mr. A's facsimile device via the telephone circuit 21 will
 be stored as facsimile or voice data in the confidential data storage area
 of the RAM 3 for Mr. B's message box.
 Instead of Mr. C performing the above-described operations, however, Mr. A
 can also operate the calling facsimile device. That is, Mr. A can press
 the "0," "2," "*" dial keys 51, among which sequence the "2" corresponds
 to Mr. B's message box, which will input corresponding DTMF signals via
 the telephone circuit 21 to the present facsimile device 100 and create
 the same results as if Mr. C had executed the above-described operations.
 Hence, if Mr. C does not know the above-described operations, Mr. A
 himself can perform the operations to store his message in Mr. B's message
 box.
 If Mr. D calls the present facsimile device 100 from outside to extract
 messages from his own message box but the facsimile device 100 is not set
 in the answering mode, Mr. D can still extract the data from his message
 box even if Mr. E answers the telephone by the base unit 101 or the
 handset 16 and without having to hang up the telephone and redial. Mr. D
 can accomplish this by requesting Mr. E to perform predetermined
 operations onto the base unit 101 or the handset 16 to output the messages
 from Mr. D's message box, or Mr. D can operate a facsimile device from
 which he is placing the call and transmit specified DTMF signals via the
 telephone circuit 21 to the present facsimile device 100. Of course, if
 the message is a voice message, Mr. D can listen to the message from the
 telephone receiver on the facsimile device from which he is calling. If
 the message is image data, Mr. D can have the message printed out or
 displayed on the facsimile device from which he is calling or displayed on
 a display screen.
 The operations that Mr. E must perform on the control unit 13 of the base
 unit 101 include first pushing the private key 29, then pushing the "D"
 key of the box designating keys 23 to designate Mr. D's message box, and
 finally pushing the playback key 26. These operations will turn off the
 speaker in the telephone receiver and any other related speakers, and Mr.
 E can place the telephone receiver on the hook without disconnecting the
 connection in the telephone circuit 21. Then, if Mr. D inputs his own PIN
 by operating the dial keys on the facsimile device from which he is
 calling, facsimile data or voice data stored in the confidential data
 storage area of the RAM 3 corresponding to Mr. D's message box will be
 outputted as facsimile signals or voice signals via the telephone circuit
 21. It is noted that Mr. D's PIN will of course be transmitted as DTMF
 signals from the facsimile device from which he is calling to the present
 facsimile device 100 via the telephone circuit 21.
 The operations that Mr. E must perform on the handset 16 including pushing
 the "0," "4," and "*" dial keys 51, among which the "4" corresponds to Mr.
 D's message box. These operations will not only turn off the speaker 66,
 but also the speaker in the telephone receiver of the base unit 101, and
 Mr. E can push the hang-up key 53 without disconnecting the connection in
 the telephone circuit 21. Then, if Mr. D inputs his own PIN by operating
 the dial keys on the facsimile device from which he is calling, facsimile
 data or voice data stored in the confidential data storage area of the RAM
 3 corresponding to Mr. D's message box will be outputted as facsimile
 signals or voice signals via the telephone circuit 21.
 Instead of Mr. E performing the above-described operations, however, Mr. D
 can also operate the calling facsimile device. That is, Mr. D can press
 the "0," "4," "*" dial keys 51, among which sequence the "4" corresponds
 to Mr. D's message box, which will input corresponding DTMF signals via
 the telephone circuit 21 to the present facsimile device 100 and create
 the same results as if Mr. E had executed the above-described operations.
 Here as well, Mr. D himself has to input his own PIN.
 It is possible to access the general mailbox when the present facsimile
 device 100 is in the answering mode. However, when the facsimile device
 100 is set in the manual reception mode, and the user responds to the
 telephone ring by lifting the telephone receiver off the hook or pushing
 down the speaker phone key 42, voice or facsimile data inputted via the
 telephone circuit 21 can still be saved in the non-confidential data
 storage area of the RAM 3 and voice or facsimile data can still be
 extracted from the non-confidential data storage area of the RAM 3 via the
 telephone circuit 21 if the user performs predetermined operations on the
 base unit 101 or the handset 16 or if the caller performs predetermined
 operations to input DTMF signals via the telephone circuit 21.
 If, for example, Mr. A calls the present facsimile device 100 to input a
 message in the general mailbox but the facsimile device 100 is not set in
 the answering mode, Mr. A can store the desired message in the general
 mailbox even if Mr. C answers the telephone by the base unit 101 or the
 handset 16 and without having to first hang up the telephone and redial.
 Mr. A can accomplish this by requesting Mr. C to perform predetermined
 operations onto the base unit 101 or the handset 16 to transmit his
 message into the general mailbox, or by operating a facsimile device of
 Mr. A's own to transmit predetermined DTMF signals via the telephone
 circuit 21. Of course, the message can be a voice, or text or other type
 of image data.
 The operations that Mr. C must perform on the control unit 13 of the base
 unit 101 include, for example, first pushing the private key 29, then
 pushing the record key 24. These operations will allow Mr. C to place the
 telephone receiver on the hook without disconnecting the connection in the
 telephone circuit 21. Then, facsimile signals or voice signals inputted
 from Mr. A's facsimile device via the telephone circuit 21 will be stored
 as facsimile or voice data in the non-confidential data storage area of
 the RAM 3 corresponding to the general mailbox.
 The operations that Mr. C must perform on the handset 16 include, for
 example, pushing the "0" and "*" dial keys 51. These operations will allow
 Mr. C to push the hang-up key 53 without disconnecting the connection in
 the telephone circuit 21. Then, facsimile signals or voice signals
 inputted from Mr. A's facsimile device via the telephone circuit 21 will
 be stored as facsimile or voice data in the non-confidential data storage
 area of the RAM 3 corresponding to the general mailbox.
 Instead of Mr. C performing the above-described operations, however, Mr. A
 can also operate the calling facsimile device. That is, Mr. A can press
 the "0" and the "*" dial keys 51, which will input corresponding DTMF
 signals via the telephone circuit 21 to the present facsimile device 100
 and create the same results as if Mr. C had executed the above-described
 operations.
 If Mr. D calls the present facsimile device 100 from outside to extract
 messages from the general mailbox but the facsimile device 100 is not set
 in the answering mode, Mr. D can still extract the data from his message
 box even if Mr. E answers the telephone by the base unit 101 or the
 handset 16 and without having to hang up the telephone and redial. Mr. D
 can accomplish this by requesting Mr. E to perform predetermined
 operations onto the base unit 101 or the handset 16 to output the messages
 from the general mailbox, or Mr. D can operate a facsimile device from
 which he is placing the call and transmit specified DTMF signals via the
 telephone circuit 21. Of course, if the message is a voice message, Mr. D
 can listen to the message from the telephone receiver on the facsimile
 device from which he is calling. If the message is image data, Mr. D can
 have the message printed out or displayed on the facsimile device from
 which he is calling or displayed on a display screen.
 The operations that Mr. E. must perform on the control unit 13 of the base
 unit 101 include, for example, pushing the private key 29 and then pushing
 the playback key 26. These operations will allow Mr. E to place the
 telephone receiver on the hook without disconnecting the connection in the
 telephone circuit 21. Then, facsimile data or voice data stored in the
 non-confidential data storage area of the RAM 3 corresponding to the
 general mailbox will be outputted as facsimile signals or voice signals
 via the telephone circuit 21.
 The operations that Mr. E must perform on the handset 16 include, for
 example, pushing the "0" and "*" dial keys 51. These operations will allow
 Mr. E to push the hang-up key 53 without disconnecting the connection in
 the telephone circuit 21. Then, facsimile data or voice data stored in the
 non-confidential data storage area of the RAM 3 corresponding to the
 general mailbox will be outputted as facsimile signals or voice signals
 via the telephone circuit 21.
 Instead of Mr. E performing the above-described operations, however, Mr. D
 can also operate the calling facsimile device. That is, Mr. D can press
 the "0" and "*" dial keys 51, which will input corresponding DTMF signals
 via the telephone circuit 21 to the present facsimile device 100 and
 create the same results as if Mr. E had executed the above-described
 operations.
 Hence, other than not performing an operation to designate the message box
 number, the general mailbox can be accessed using exactly the same
 operations as those used for accessing a specific individual's message
 box.
 Next, the sequence of processes for incoming transmissions will be
 described in greater detail for the various operating modes with reference
 to the flowcharts in FIGS. 5-10.
 At the beginning of the processes in the answering mode, as shown in FIG.
 5, the CPU 1 determines the existence of an incoming call in S1. When an
 incoming call exists ("yes" in S1), the CPU 1 controls the NCU 2 to
 connect the circuit 21 and receive the incoming call in S2. When a message
 box setting is set to ON at this time, the incoming call is received
 silently without ringing a telephone bell, regardless of the number of
 rings set for the ball. When the message box setting is set to OFF, on the
 other hand, the incoming call is received audibly by ringing the telephone
 bell according to the number of rings set for the bell. The sound of the
 bell ring is outputted also from the speaker 66 of the handset 16. It is
 noted that when the message box setting is set to OFF, the message box
 cannot be accessed at all. Next, the CPU 1 starts the timer in S3. This
 timer establishes the time, such as four seconds, for attempting to detect
 CNG signals from the originating terminal. Accordingly, the CPU 1
 determines whether CNG signals have been detected in S4. In other words,
 the CPU 1 attempts to determine whether CNG signals have been inputted via
 the telephone circuit 21.
 When CNG signals are not detected ("no" in S4), the CPU 1 determines in S5
 whether the time set by the timer in S3 has elapsed. When the time has
 elapsed ("yes" in S5), indicating that CNG signals were not inputted
 during the prescribed time and, therefore, that signals are not being
 received from a facsimile device, the CPU 1 begins in S6 playing an
 outgoing message (OGM) recorded for the answering mode. The OGM is a guide
 message for informing the caller that the present facsimile device 100 is
 now in the answering mode. More specifically, voice data corresponding to
 the answering mode OGM is read from the answering message storage area in
 the RAM 3, converted into voice signals by the codec 8, and sent by the
 NCU 2 via the telephone circuit 21. Then, the CPU 1 attempts again in S7
 to detect the existence of CNG signals.
 When no CNG signals are detected ("no" in S7), the CPU 1 determines in S8
 whether a message box number is designated. In other words, if dial keys
 were pressed on the originating communication device in order to designate
 a message box number, DTMF (dual tone multiple frequency) signals
 corresponding to those dial keys would be transmitted to the present
 facsimile device 100 via the telephone circuit 21. Therefore, the CPU 1
 determines whether such DTMF signals have been inputted. The A-E box
 designating keys 23 of the present facsimile device 100 each correspond to
 one of the message boxes. Further, each of the message boxes correspond to
 one of the dial keys, such as 1-5, on the originating communication
 device. Therefore, instead of pushing one of the A-E box designating keys
 23 on the present facsimile device 100, the caller can designate a desired
 message box by pressing one of the dial keys 1-5 on the originating
 terminal. For example, instead of pressing the A box designating key 23,
 the caller can press the "0", "1," and "*" dial key sequence on the
 originating terminal.
 When no box number has been designated ("no" in S8), the CPU 1 determines
 in S9 whether the answering mode OGM started in S6 has ended. When the
 answering mode OGM has ended ("yes" in S9), then it is determined that no
 CNG signals have been detected during the period of the OGM playback and,
 moreover, no message box numbers have been designated. This is because
 detection of CNG signals and of DTMF signals for designating message box
 numbers is always performed during playback of the answering mode OGM.
 That is, the period of the OGM playback is always constructed of the time
 for sending out the answering mode OGM, followed by a period of silence.
 During this time, attempts are made to detect CNG and DTMF signals. In
 this case, no signals have been detected, and therefore it is determined
 that the caller wishes to input a voice message to or output a voice
 message from a general mail box. Therefore, the CPU 1 performs in S10 a
 general incoming message (ICM) record operation for storing incoming
 message as non-confidential data. More specifically, voice signals
 inputted via the telephone circuit 21 are converted to digital voice data
 by the codec 8, and that voice data is stored in the voice data storage
 areas within the non-confidential data storage area of the RAM 3.
 During the record operation, the CPU 1 periodically determines whether the
 recording has been completed in S11. When the general ICM record has been
 completed ("yes" in S11), the CPU 1 disconnects the circuit 21 in S12, and
 the current routine ends. However, when the general ICM record has not
 been completed ("no" in S11), this process in S10 is continued.
 In S9, if playback of the OGM for the answering mode has not yet been
 completed ("no" in S9), the processes are repeated beginning from S6,
 where playback of the OGM is continued.
 In S8, if a message box number is designated ("yes" in S8), indicating that
 the caller wishes to input a message into or output a message from a
 message box for a specific individual, then a message box process in S14
 is executed and the current routine ends. The message box process of S14
 will be described later.
 In S7, if CNG signals are detected ("yes" in S7), indicating that a
 facsimile not intended for any specific individual is being received, the
 CPU 1 performs in S15 a general facsimile reception for receiving incoming
 facsimile as non-confidential data. Specifically, facsimile data is
 received via the telephone circuit 21 and stored in the facsimile data
 storage areas within the non-confidential data storage area of the RAM 3.
 Then, the CPU 1 determines in S16 whether reception of the general
 facsimile has been completed. If the reception has been completed ("yes"
 in S16), the CPU 1 disconnects the circuit in S17 and determines in S18
 whether a facsimile transfer setting is set to ON. When the transfer
 setting is set to ON ("yes" in S18), the CPU 1 issues in S19 a call to a
 communication terminal to which facsimile data should be transferred, and
 transmits in S20 the facsimile data received in S15. In other words, the
 facsimile device 100, which is set in the answering mode, stores the
 received facsimile data in the facsimile data storage areas within the
 non-confidential data storage area of the RAM 3, and then transfers that
 facsimile data to the communication terminal at a previously set telephone
 number. Next, the CPU 1 determines whether the transfer operation has been
 completed in S21. If the transfer has completed ("yes" in S21), the
 circuit is disconnected in S12, and the current routine ends.
 In S21, if the transfer has not yet been completed ("no" in S21), then the
 transfer is continued in S20. In S18, if the transfer setting is not set
 to ON ("no" in S18), then there is no need to transfer data, and the
 current routine ends. In S16, if the general facsimile reception has not
 yet been completed ("no" in S16), then the reception is continued in S15.
 In S5, if the time for the timer started in S3 has not yet been elapsed
 ("no" in S5), then another attempt is made to detect CNG signals in S4. In
 S4, if CNG signals are detected ("yes" in S4). indicating that the
 originating terminal is performing an automatic facsimile transmission,
 the general facsimile reception process beginning from S15 is executed. In
 S1, if the CPU 1 determines that no incoming calls exist ("no" in S1),
 then the current routine ends.
 Next, the message box process in S14 will be described.
 A the beginning of the message box process, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 1
 starts in S31 playing an OGM for the message box indicated by the DTMF
 signals. The OGM for the message box is a guide message informing the
 caller that the message box process will be performed thereafter for the
 caller's designated message box. More specifically, voice data
 corresponding to the OGM for the designated message box is read from the
 answering message storage area of the RAM 3, converted into voice signals
 by the codec 8, and sent as voice signals via the telephone circuit 21 to
 the originating terminal. At this time, sound output is discontinued from
 all speakers, including the speaker in the telephone receiver of the base
 unit 101, all other speakers related to the base unit 101, and the speaker
 65 in the handset 16.
 Then, the CPU 1 determines in S32 whether CNG signals are detected. That
 is, the CPU 1 checks whether CNG signals are received via the telephone
 circuit 21. When CNG signals are not detected ("no" in S32), then the CPU
 1 determines in S33 whether a password is designated, that is, whether a
 PIN corresponding to the designated message box is correctly entered as
 DTMF signals. This precaution is provided to prevent someone who does not
 know the PIN from fraudulently accessing data in the message box. If any
 password is not designated ("no" in S33), then the CPU 1 determines in S34
 whether playback of the OGM for the message box designated by the DTMF
 signals has been completed.
 When playback of the OGM is ended ("yes" in S34), it is determined that no
 CNG signals and no DTMF signals corresponding to a password have been
 detected during the period of the OGM playback. Hence, it is determined
 that the caller wishes to input a voice message for input into the
 designated message box. Therefore, the CPU 1 starts in ICM record
 operation for recording the caller's messages into the designated message
 box in S35. More specifically, voice signals inputted via the telephone
 circuit 21 is converted to digital voice data by the codec 8, and that
 voice data is stored in the voice data storage area within the
 confidential data storage area corresponding to the designated message
 box.
 The CPU 1 determines in S36 whether the ICM record operation has been
 completed. When the ICM record operation is completed ("yes" in S36), the
 CPU 1 determines in S37 whether facsimile data has been received. When
 facsimile data has been received ("yes" in S347), the CPU 1 stores the
 received facsimile data in the designated message box in S38. More
 specifically, the received facsimile data is demodulated by the modem 4,
 and the demodulated data is stored in the facsimile data storage area of
 the confidential data storage area corresponding to the designated message
 box.
 Then, the CPU 1 determines in S39 whether reception of the facsimile data
 is completed. When reception of the data is completed ("yes" in S39), the
 CPU 1 disconnects the circuit in S40. Then, when a personal paging setting
 is set to ON, then a call is issued to the number for at least one
 personal communication terminal (such as a paper) corresponding to the
 designated mail box in S41, and the current routine ends. However, when
 the personal paging setting is set to OFF, then no call is issued.
 It is noted that the personal paging number is a telephone number of a
 communication terminal owned by a specific individual for the designated
 mail box. A call is issued to this number via the telephone circuit 21 to
 notify the owner (specific individual) of the message box that a message
 has just been inputted into his/her message box. Each message box is
 stored with data of one or more personal paging numbers corresponding to
 one or more communication terminals owned by the specific individual.
 Accordingly, when a message is inputted into a message box, a call is
 issued to the paging phone numbers corresponding to that message box to
 automatically notify the owner. The method of notification can be, for
 example, to display characters or symbols on a display screen of the
 communication terminal, such as a pager, a facsimile device, or a
 telephone device, indicating that a message has been received in the
 message box. It is also possible to not simply indicate that a message has
 been received, but transmit the actual message itself. Of course, if the
 latter method is used, the communication terminal at the transmission
 destination must be capable of receiving such a message. For example, a
 facsimile message cannot be transmitted when the communication terminal at
 the transmission destination is a pager or a telephone device having no
 facsimile reception functions.
 In S39, if reception of the facsimile data has not yet been completed ("no"
 in S39), then facsimile data continues to be received in S38. In S37, if
 facsimile data is not received ("no" in S37), then there is no need to
 store facsimile data in the message box, and the processes beginning from
 S40 are executed. In S36, if the ICM record has not yet been completed
 ("no" in S36), the ICM record operation is continued in S35. In S34, if
 playback of the OGM for the message box designated by the DTMF signals has
 not yet been completed ("no" in S34), then playback of the OGM is
 continued in S31.
 In S33, if a password has been designated ("yes" in S33), that is, if DTMF
 signals corresponding to the PIN for the designated message box has been
 inputted, then the CPU 1 performs in S42 an ICM playback for the
 designated message box. More specifically, voice data (incoming messages)
 stored in the confidential data storage area for the designated message
 box is read out, converted into analog voice signals by the codec 8, and
 sent by the NCU 2 via the telephone circuit 21.
 The CPU 1 then judges in S43 whether the ICM playback for the designated
 message box has been completed. When the ICM playback has been completed
 ("yes" in S43), the CPU 1 performs in S44 a playback of an outgoing
 message (OGM) for general retrieval. More specifically, voice data
 corresponding to the OGM for general retrieval is read from the answering
 message storage area in the RAM 3, converted into analog voice signals by
 the codec 8, and sent by the NCU 2 via the telephone circuit 21. This
 message is used for confirming whether the caller wishes to perform a
 general retrieval for retrieving messages from the general mailbox, as
 well as from the caller's message box.
 Then, the CPU 1 determines in S45 whether DTMF signals predetermined to
 signify a request for general retrieval is inputted. When such DTMF
 signals have been inputted within a predetermined time period after the
 start of the playback of the general retrieval OGM ("yes" in S45), then
 the CPU 1 sets a flag F to 1 in S46 and starts a general ICM playback in
 S47. More specifically, voice data stored in the voice data storage areas
 within the non-confidential data storage area of the RAM 3 is read,
 converted into analog voice signals by the codec 8, and sent by the NCU 2
 via the telephone circuit 21.
 Next, the CPU 1 determines the S48 whether the general ICM playback has
 been completed. When the general ICM playback has been completed ("yes" in
 S48), then the CPU 1 outputs a facsimile message notification sound in
 S49. More specifically, the CPU 1 reads out, from the answering message
 storage area of the RAM 3, voice data equivalent to a message notifying
 the caller that facsimile data will be transmitted. The voice data is then
 converted to analog voice signals by the codec 8, and sent by the NCU 2
 via the telephone circuit 21. This message informs the caller at the
 originating terminal to start facsimile reception by pressing a start key
 on the terminal.
 Next, the CPU starts transmitting facsimile data from the designated
 message box in S50. More specifically, facsimile data stored in the
 facsimile data storage area in the confidential data storage area
 corresponding to the designated message box is modulated by the modem 4
 and sent by the NCU 2 via the telephone circuit 21.
 Then, the CPU 1 determines in S51 whether transmission of the facsimile
 data has been completed. When transmission of facsimile data has been
 completed ("yes" in S51), then the CPU 1 determines in S52 whether the
 flag F is set to 1. When the flag F is set to 1 ("yes" in S52), indicating
 that a request for retrieving the contents of the general mailbox has been
 received from the originating terminal, then the CPU 1 begins transmitting
 general facsimile data in S53. More specifically, facsimile data stored in
 the facsimile data storage areas in the non-confidential data storage area
 is read, modulated by the modem 4, and sent by the NCU 2 via the telephone
 circuit 21.
 Next, the CPU 1 determines in S54 whether transmission of the
 non-confidential facsimile data has been completed. When the transmission
 has been completed ("yes" in S54), then the CPU 1 sets the flag F to 0 in
 S55 and disconnects the circuit in S56, and the current routine ends.
 In S54, if transmission of the non-confidential facsimile data has not been
 completed ("no" in S54), then transmission of data is continued in S53. In
 S52, if the flag F is not 1 ("no" in S52), indicating that a request for
 the contents of the general mailbox has not been issued by the originating
 terminal, then transmission of the non-confidential facsimile data is
 skipped, and the circuit is disconnected in S56. In S51 if transmission of
 facsimile data from the designated message box has not been completed
 ("no" in S51), then transmission of the facsimile data is continued in
 S50. In S48, if the general ICM playback has not been completed ("no" in
 S48), then the general ICM playback is continued in S47. In S45, if DTMF
 signals predetermined to signify a general retrieval request are not
 inputted within the predetermined amount of time beginning from the start
 of the answer message for general retrieval ("no" in S45), then the CPU 1
 sets the flag F to 0 in S57, skips the general ICM playback, and executes
 the processes beginning from S49. In S43, if the ICM playback for the
 designated message box has not been completed ("no" in S43), then the ICM
 playback is continued in S42. In S32, if CNG signals have been detected
 ("yes" in S32), indicating that the caller wishes only to leave a
 facsimile message in the designated message box, then the ICM record
 process is skipped, and the processes beginning from S38 are executed.
 Next, the sequence of processes for dealing with incoming transmissions in
 the automatic facsimile/telephone switching mode (hereinafter referred to
 as the "F/T mode") will be described with reference to the flowchart in
 FIG. 7.
 At the beginning of the processes in the F/T mode, the CPU 1 judges the
 existence of an incoming call in S61. When an incoming call exists ("yes"
 in S61), the CPU 1 controls the NCU 2 to close the connection circuit 21
 and receive the call in S62. If the message box setting is set to ON at
 this time, the incoming call is received silently without ringing the
 telephone bell, regardless of the number of rings set for the bell. If the
 message box setting is set to OFF, on the other hand, the incoming call is
 received audibly by ringing the telephone bell according to the number of
 rings set for the bell. The sound of the bell ring is outputted also from
 the speaker 66 of the handset 16. Next, the CPU 1 starts the timer in S63.
 This timer establishes the time, such as four seconds, for attempting to
 detect CNG signals from the originating terminal. Then, the CPU 1
 determines whether CNG signals are detected in S64. In other words, the
 CPU 1 attempts to determine whether CNG signals have been inputted via the
 telephone circuit 21.
 If CNG signals are not detected ("no" in S64), the CPU 1 determines in S64
 whether the time set by the timer in S63 has elapsed. When the time has
 elapsed ("yes" in S64), indicating that CNG signals have not been inputted
 during the predetermined time and, therefore, it is determined that
 signals are not being received from a facsimile device, the CPU 1 starts
 in S66 playing an outgoing message (F/T-OGM) recorded for the F/T mode.
 The F/T-OGM is a guide message for informing the caller that the present
 facsimile machine 100 is in the F/T mode. More specifically, voice data
 corresponding to the F/T-OGM is read from the answering message storage
 area in the RAM 3, converted into voice signals by the codec 8, and sent
 by the NCU 2 via the telephone circuit 21.
 Then, the CPU 1 attempts again in S67 to detect the existence of CNG
 signals. If no CNG signals are detected ("no" in S67), the CPU 1
 determines in S68 whether a message box number is designated. In other
 words, when dial keys were pressed on the originating terminal in order to
 designate a message box number, DTMF signals corresponding to those dial
 keys would be inputted via the telephone circuit 21. Therefore, the CPU 1
 determines whether such DTMF signals have been inputted.
 If no box number is designated ("no" in S68), the CPU 1 determines in S69
 whether playback of the F/T-OGM started in S66 has been ended. When
 playback of the F/T mode message has ended ("yes" in S69), then the CPU 1
 starts a timer in S70 and determines whether the time set for that timer
 has elapsed in S71. Contrary to the timer started in S63, this timer
 provides the caller with time to designate a message box number after
 playback of the F/T mode message has been completed. The timer is set for
 about 2 seconds, for example.
 If the time for the timer set in S70 has elapsed ("yes" in S71), the CPU 1
 sounds the telephone bell in S72. A call is achieved in S73 if the user
 responds to the telephone bell by taking the telephone receiver of the
 base unit 101 off hook, by pushing the speaker phone key 42, or by pushing
 the external line key 52 on the handset 16. After the call has been
 completed, the CPU 1 disconnects the circuit in S74, and the current
 routine ends.
 In S71, if the time set for the timer in S70 has not elapsed ("no" in S71),
 then the CPU 1 determines whether a box number has been designated in S78.
 If a box number has been designated ("yes" in S78), then the message box
 process of FIG. 6 is executed in S75. If a box number has not been
 designated ("no" in S78), then the processes beginning from S71 are
 repeated until either the time elapses or a box number is designated. In
 S69, if playback of the F/T mode message has not been completed ("no" in
 S69), then playback of the message is continued in S66. In S68, if a box
 number has been designated ("yes" in S68), indicating that the caller
 wishes to input a message to or output a message from a message box for a
 specific individual, then the message box process of FIG. 6 is executed in
 S75, and the current routine ends.
 In S67, if CNG signals are detected ("yes" in S67), indicating that a
 facsimile not intended for any specific individual is being received, the
 CPU 1 performs a general facsimile reception in S76 to receive facsimile
 data as non-confidential data. Specifically, when a memory reception
 setting has been set, facsimile data is received via the telephone circuit
 21 and stored in the facsimile data storage areas within the
 non-confidential data storage area of the RAM 3. When memory reception
 setting has not been set, the facsimile data received via the telephone
 circuit 21 is recorded by the recording unit 12 onto recording paper.
 Then, the CPU 1 determines in S77 whether reception of the non-confidential
 facsimile data has been completed. When reception of the facsimile has
 been completed ("yes" ins" in S77), then the CPU 1 disconnects the circuit
 in S74, and the current routine ends. In S77, if reception of the
 facsimile has not been completed ("no" in S77), then reception is
 continued in S76. In S65, if the time set for the timer in S63 has not
 been elapsed ("no" in S65), then attempts to detect CNG signals are
 continued in S64. In S64, if CNG signals have been detected ("yes" in
 S64), indicating that the facsimile device at the originating terminal is
 performing an automatic facsimile transmission, then the general facsimile
 reception process for receiving non-confidential facsimile data is
 executed beginning from S76. In S61, if the CPU 1 does not detect an
 incoming call ("no" in S61), then the current routine ends.
 It is noted that during the call process of S73 in both the F/T mode and
 the manual reception mode described later, the message box process can be
 executed when the user operates the box designating keys 23 and when the
 caller operates dial keys at the originating terminal.
 Next, the sequence of processes performed to handle and incoming call in
 the manual reception mode will be described with reference to FIG. 8.
 At the beginning of the manual reception mode, the CPU 1 determines the
 existence of an incoming call in S81. When an incoming call exists ("yes"
 in S81), then the CPU 1 sounds the telephone bell in S82. Next, the CPU 1
 determines in S83 whether a telephone has been taken off hook, that is,
 whether the user has taken the telephone receiver for the base unit 101
 off the hook or has pushed the speaker phone key 42. If the telephone has
 been taken off hook ("yes" in S83), then the CPU 1 controls the NCU 2 to
 connect the circuit to accept the incoming call in S84.
 When the caller merely wishes to transmit a facsimile and has no desire to
 use the message boxes or general mailbox, the caller informs the user at
 the present facsimile device 100 that the caller wishes the only transmit
 facsimile data. In this case, the user of the present facsimile device 100
 would press the start key 33 on the base unit 101. Accordingly, the CPU 1
 determines in S85 whether the start key 33 has been pressed.
 If the start key 33 has not been pressed ("no" in S85), then the CPU 1
 determines whether the record key 24 has been pressed in S86, indicating
 that the user of the present facsimile device 100 wishes to record a call.
 When the record key 24 has not been pressed ("no" in S86), the CPU 1
 determines in S87 whether key operations have been performed to designate
 a message box number. In other words, if the caller informs the user of
 the present facsimile device 100 that the caller wishes to enter a message
 in a message box during a call, the user of the present facsimile device
 100 responds by performing operations required to input the caller's
 message into one of the message boxes A-E. Therefore, the CPU 1 determines
 whether these operations have been made. More specifically, the CPU 1
 checks whether the private key 29, one of the box designating keys 23, and
 the record key 24 have been pressed in this sequence. Of course, this
 sequence is not limited to this order and can be in another predetermined
 order.
 When the key operations designating a message box number have not been
 performed ("no" in S87), then the CPU 1 determines in S88 whether DTMF
 signals designating a box number have been detected. In other words, when
 the caller wishes to enter a message in a message box, the caller can push
 dial keys on the originating terminal to designate the message box number
 without requesting the user of the present facsimile 100 to perform the
 above-described operations. This dial key operation is the same as that
 performed by the caller to designate the message box when the present
 device 100 is in the answering mode and in the F/T mode. When the caller
 performs this dial key operation, DTMF signals corresponding to the dial
 keys are inputted via the telephone circuit 21. The CPU 1 therefore checks
 for these DTMF signals.
 When DTMF signals designating a box number are not detected ("no" in S88),
 then the CPU 1 determines in S89 whether key operations for requesting a
 general retrieval have been performed. In other words, when the caller
 wishes to insert a message into the general mailbox rather than into the
 message box of a specific individual, the caller informs the user of the
 present facsimile device 100 this desire during the call. In this case,
 the user of the present facsimile device 100 performs key operations
 required to input the caller's message into the general mailbox. Hence,
 the CPU 1 checks for these operations performed by the user. More
 specifically, the CPU 1 checks whether the private key 29 and the record
 key 24, in this sequence, have been pressed. Of course, the key sequence
 is not limited to this order, but can be in any predetermined order.
 When key operations for requesting the general retrieval have not been
 performed ("no" in S89), then the CPU 1 determines in S90 whether DTMF
 signals for requesting the general retrieval have been detected. In other
 words, when the caller wishes to insert a message into the general
 mailbox, without requesting the user of the present facsimile device to
 perform the above-described operation, the caller pushes dial keys on the
 originating terminal, causing DTMF signals corresponding to these dial
 keys to be inputted via the telephone circuit 21. Hence, the CPU 1
 determines whether such DTMF signals have been inputted. The dial keys
 pressed to perform this operation must be predetermined to be
 distinguishable from dial keys for designating a message box number.
 When DTMF signals for requesting the general retrieval have not been
 detected ("no" in S90), then the CPU 1 determines in S91 whether the
 user's telephone has been placed on hook, that is, whether the user has
 placed the telephone receiver of the base unit 101 on the hook, has pushed
 the speaker phone key 42, or has pushed the external line key 52 of the
 handler 16. When the telephone has been placed on hook ("yes" in S91),
 then the CPU 1 controls the NCU 2 to disconnect the circuit in S92, and
 the current routine ends. However, when in S91 the telephone has not been
 placed on hook ("no" in S91), then the call is continued from S85.
 In S90, if DTMF signals for requesting the general retrieval have been
 detected ("yes" in S90), then the CPU 1 starts a general ICM playback in
 S93. More specifically, voice data stored in the voice data storage areas
 within the non-confidential data storage area of the RAM 3 is read,
 converted into analog voice signals by the codec 8, and sent by the NCU 2
 via the telephone circuit 21.
 Next, the CPU 1 determines in S94 whether the general ICM playback has been
 completed. When the general ICM playback has been completed ("yes" in
 S94), then the CPU 1 outputs a facsimile message notification sound in
 S95. More specifically, the CPU 1 reads, from the answering message
 storage area of the RAM 3, voice data equivalent to a message notifying
 the caller that facsimile data will be transmitted. The voice data is then
 converted to analog voice signals by the codec 8, and sent by the NCU 2
 via the telephone circuit 21. This message informs the caller at the
 originating terminal to begin facsimile reception by pressing the start
 key on the terminal.
 Next, the CPU 1 begins transmitting facsimile data from the general mailbox
 in S96. More specifically, facsimile data stored in the facsimile data
 storage areas of the non-confidential data storage area (general mailbox)
 is read, modulated by the modem 4, and sent by the NCU 2 via the telephone
 circuit 21.
 Then, the CPU 1 determines in S97 whether transmission of the facsimile
 data of the general mailbox has been completed. When transmission of the
 data has been completed ("yes" in S97), then the circuit is disconnected
 in S92, and the current routine ends.
 In S97, if transmission of the non-confidential facsimile data has not been
 completed ("no" in S97), then transmission of the facsimile data continues
 in S96. In S94, if playback of the general ICM has not been completed
 ("no" in S94), then playback of the general ICM continues in S93. In S89,
 if the key operations requesting the general retrieval have been detected
 ("yes" in S89), then the processes beginning with the general ICM playback
 in S93 are executed. In S88, if DTMF signals designating a box number have
 been detected ("yes" in S88), indicating a request to access the message
 box of a specific individual, then the CPU 1 executes the message box
 process of S98 as shown in FIG. 6, and the current routine ends. In S87,
 if key operations designating a message box number have been performed
 ("yes" in S87), indicating a request to access the message box of a
 specific individual, then the CPU 1 executes the message box process of
 S98 as shown in FIG. 6.
 In S86, if the record key 24 has been pressed ("yes" in S86), then the CPU
 1 performs a general conversation record in S99. In other words, voice
 signals inputted from the originating terminal via the telephone circuit
 21 and voice signals from a microphone in the user's telephone receiver
 are converted into digital voice data by the codec 8 and stored in the RAM
 3. This voice data is not a message and, therefore, is not stored in a
 confidential data storage area or the non-confidential data storage area,
 but is stored in an additional specified area in the RAM 3.
 Next, the CPU 1 determines whether the user's telephone is on hook in S100,
 that is, whether the user has placed the telephone receiver of the base
 unit 101 on the hook, has pressed the speaker phone key 42, or has pressed
 the external line key 52 of the handset 16. When the telephone is on hook
 ("yes" in S100), then the circuit is disconnected in S92, and the current
 routine ends. However, if in S100 the telephone is not on hook ("no" in
 S100), then the general conversation record is continued in S99.
 In S85, if the start key has been pressed ("yes" in S85), indicating that a
 facsimile not intended for a specific individual is being received, the
 CPU 1 performs in S101 a general facsimile reception for receiving
 facsimile data as non-confidential data. Specifically, when the memory
 reception setting has been set, facsimile data is received via the
 telephone circuit 21 and stored in the facsimile data storage areas within
 the non-confidential data storage area of the RAM 3. When the memory
 reception setting has not been set, then facsimile data received via the
 telephone circuit 21 is recorded by the recording unit 12 onto recording
 paper. Then, the CPU 1 determines in S102 whether the general reception of
 facsimile has been completed. When the reception has been completed ("yes"
 in S102), the CPU 1 disconnects the circuit in S92, and the current
 process ends. However, when the general facsimile reception has not been
 completed ("no" in S102), then the general facsimile reception is
 continued in S101.
 In S83, if the telephone has not been taken off the hook ("no" in S83),
 then the CPU 1 continues to sound the telephone bell in S82. In S81, if
 the CPU 1 determines that an incoming cell does not exist ("no") in S81),
 then the current process ends.
 Next, the operations of a handset manual reception mode for the handset 16
 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The handset 16 performs this
 operation when the handset 16 is used to receive a call in the manual
 reception mode.
 At the beginning of the processes in this handset manual reception mode,
 the CPU (not shown) provided in the handset 16 determines whether the
 facsimile reception key 60 has been processed in S111. In other words,
 when the caller wishes to transfer a facsimile not intended for a specific
 individual, the caller informs his or her request to the user of the
 handset 16 during the call, and the user pushes the facsimile reception
 key 60 on the handset 16. Hence, the CPU of the handset 16 checks whether
 this facsimile reception key 60 has been pressed.
 When the facsimile reception key 60 has not been pressed ("no" in S111),
 then the CPU of the handset 16 determines in S112 whether key operations
 designating a message box number have been performed. In other words, if
 the caller wishes to insert a message for a specific individual into a
 message box, the caller informs this request to the user of the handset
 16, who presses the dial keys 51 for designating the message box number.
 The CPU checks whether such dial keys 51 have been pressed. This key
 operation is the same as that performed by the caller on the originating
 terminal to designate the message box number.
 When key operations designating a message box number have not been
 performed ("no" in S112), then the CPU of the handset 16 determines in
 S113 whether key operations requesting a general retrieval have been
 performed. In other words, if the caller wishes to retrieve messages
 stored in the general mailbox not intended for a specific individual, the
 caller informs this request during the call to the user of the handset 16,
 who therefore presses predetermined dial keys 51. Hence the CPU checks for
 these dial keys 51. The key operation is the same as that performed by the
 caller on the originating terminal to request for the general retrieval by
 DTMF signals.
 When key operations requesting the general retrieval have not been
 performed ("no" in S113), then the CPU of the handset 16 determines
 whether the hand-up key 53 has been pushed in S114. In other words, the
 CPU determines whether the user of the handset 16 has pressed the hang-up
 key 53 in order to end the call. When the hang-up key 53 has been pressed
 ("yes" in S114), then the CPU of the handset 16 transmits a disconnect
 command code to the communication unit 15 of the base unit 101 in S115,
 and the current routine ends. Accordingly, the base unit 101 disconnects
 the circuit.
 In S114, if the hang-up key 53 has not been pressed ("no" in S114), then
 the above procedure is repeated from S111.
 In S113, if key operations to request the general retrieval have been
 performed ("yes" in S113), then the CPU of the handset 16 transmits DTMF
 signals to the communication unit 15 of the base unit 101 to request a
 general retrieval in S116, and the current routine ends. Accordingly, the
 base unit 101 performs the same operation as when DTMF signals are
 inputted via the telephone circuit 21 from the originating terminal to
 request the general retrieval.
 In S112, if key operations designating a message box number have been
 performed ("yes" in S112), then the CPU of the handset 16 transmits DTMF
 signals to the communication unit 15 of the base unit 101 to designate the
 message box number in S117, and the current routine ends. Accordingly, the
 base unit 101 performs the same operation as when DTMF signals are
 inputted via the telephone circuit 21 from the originating terminal to
 designate the message box number.
 In S111, if the facsimile reception key 60 has been pressed ("yes" in
 S111), then the CPU of the handset 16 transmits to the communication unit
 15 of the base unit 101 a command code for a general facsimile reception
 in S118, and the current routine ends. Accordingly, the base unit 101
 performs the general facsimile reception process.
 The base unit 101 performs a circuit monitor mode when the handset 16 is in
 the handset manual reception mode. The circuit monitor mode will be
 described below with reference to FIG. 10.
 At the beginning of this circuit monitor mode, the CPU 1 determines in S121
 whether a facsimile reception command code has been detected. In other
 words, the CPU 1 determines whether a facsimile reception command code has
 been received at the communication unit 15 from the handset 16. When a
 facsimile reception command code has not been received ("no" in S121),
 then the CPU 1 determines whether DTMF signals designating a message box
 number have been received, that is, whether the communication unit 15 of
 the base unit 101 has received such DTMF signals from the handset 16 or
 whether such DTMF signals have been entered via the telephone circuit 21.
 When DTMF signals designating a message box number have not been detected
 ("no" in S122), then the CPU 1 determines whether DTMF signals requesting
 a general retrieval have been received in S123, that is, whether the
 communication unit 15 of the base unit 191 has received such DTMF signals
 from the handset 16 or whether such DTMF signals have been entered via the
 telephone circuit 21.
 When DTMF signal requesting the general retrieval have not been detected
 ("no" in S123), then the CPU 1 determines whether the call has ended in
 S124, that is, whether the communication unit 15 has received a disconnect
 command code from the handset 16. When the call has been ended ("yes" in
 S124), then the CPU 1 controls the NCU 2 to disconnect the circuit in
 S125, and the current routine ends. However, when the call has not yet
 been ended ("no" in S124), then the processes described above beginning
 from S121 are repeated.
 In S123, if DTMF signals for requesting the general retrieval have been
 detected ("yes" in S123), then the CPU 1 starts a general ICM playback in
 S126. More specifically, voice data stored in the voice data storage areas
 within the non-confidential data storage area of the RAM 3 is read,
 converted into analog voice signals by the codec 8, and sent by the NCU 2
 via the telephone circuit 21.
 Next, the CPU 1 determines in S127 whether the general ICM playback has
 been completed. When the general ICM playback has been completed ("yes" in
 S127), then the CPU 1 outputs a facsimile message notification sound in
 S128. More specifically, the CPU 1 reads out, from the answering message
 storage area of the RAM 3, voice data equivalent to a message notifying
 the caller that facsimile data will be transmitted. The voice data is then
 converted to analog voice signals by the codec 8, and sent by the NCU 2
 via the telephone circuit 21. This message informs the caller at the
 originating terminal to begin facsimile reception by pressing the start
 key on the terminal.
 Next, the CPU 1 begins transmitting facsimile data from the general mailbox
 in S129. More specifically, the facsimile data stored in the facsimile
 data storage areas of the non-confidential data storage area is read,
 modulated by the modem 4, and sent by the NCU 2 via the telephone circuit
 21.
 Then, the CPU 1 determines in S130 whether transmission of the facsimile
 data has been completed. When transmission of the data has been completed
 ("yes" in S97), then the circuit is disconnected in S125, and the current
 routine ends.
 In S130, if transmission of the non-confidential facsimile data has not
 been completed ("no" in S130), then transmission of the facsimile data
 continues in S129. In S127, if playback of the general ICM has not been
 completed ("no" in S127), then playback of the general ICM continues in
 S126. In S122, if DTMF signals designating a box number have been detected
 ("yes" in S122), then the CPU 1 executes the message box process of S131
 as shown in FIG. 6, and the current routine ends.
 In S121, if a facsimile reception command code has been detected ("yes" in
 S121), then the CPU 1 performs a general facsimile reception in S132.
 Specifically, when the memory reception setting has been set, facsimile
 data is received via the telephone circuit 21 and stored in the facsimile
 data storage areas within the non-confidential data storage area of the
 RAM 3. When the memory reception setting has not been set, then the
 facsimile data received via the telephone circuit 21 is recorded by the
 recording unit 12 onto recording paper. Then, the CPU 1 determines in S133
 whether reception of the non-confidential facsimile has been completed.
 When the reception has been completed ("yes" in S133), the CPU 1
 disconnects the circuit in S125, and the current process ends. However,
 when the general facsimile reception has not been completed ("no" in
 S133), then the general facsimile reception is continued in S132.
 The base unit 101 is in a sleep mode when transmission, reception, and copy
 operations are not being performed. The operations performed by the base
 unit 101 during the sleep mode according to key operations will be
 described below with reference to FIG. 11.
 At the beginning of the sleep mode, the CPU 1 determines whether the
 function key 28 has been pressed in S140. In other words, the CPU 1 checks
 whether the user has pressed the function key 28 for storing a setting or
 entry in the RAM 3 or the EEPROM 6 of the present facsimile device 100,
 which setting or entry is unrelated to the message boxes.
 When the function key 28 has not been pressed ("no" in S140), then the CPU
 1 determines whether the box designating keys 23 have been pressed in
 S141. The box designating keys 23 not only designate message boxes, but
 are used to perform a one-touch dialing. Hence, the CPU 1 determines
 whether the user wishes to perform one-touch dialing.
 When the box designating keys 23 have not been pressed ("no" in S141), then
 the CPU 1 determines whether the private key 29 has been pressed in S142.
 That is, the CPU 1 determines whether the user wishes to perform a message
 box-related entry, to control the display 45 to display a telephone
 directory, or to access a message box. When the private key 29 has not
 been pressed ("no" in S142), then the current routine ends. Therefore, in
 the sleep mode, the CPU 1 constantly checks for the user to press the
 function key 28, the box designating keys 23, or the private key 29 until
 one of those keys has been pressed.
 In S142, if the private key 29 has been pressed ("yes" in S142), then the
 CPU 1 determines whether the dial keys 22 have been pressed in S143. In
 other words, the CPU 1 determines whether the user wishes to search the
 entire telephone directory rather than a portion of the directory
 classified for the message box of a specific individual. In the present
 embodiment, a telephone director represents a set of telephone numbers
 stored in the EEPROM 6 according to entry operations performed by the
 user. Stored along with each telephone number in the EEPROM 6 is such
 related data as the name of the person at that telephone number and a
 number representing the position of the entry in the telephone directory.
 Further, a group name can be entered for each telephone number in the
 telephone directory, allowing the creation of a private directory in which
 are compiled only the telephone numbers attached to the name of the same
 group. These group names correspond to the specific individuals assigned
 message boxes and have the same effect as creating a telephone directory
 for each message box. In other words, the telephone numbers only in a
 specific group can be used as a private telephone directory.
 In S143, if the dial keys 22 have not been pressed ("no" in S143), then the
 CPU 1 determines whether the function key 28 has been pressed in S144. In
 other words, the CPU 1 determines whether the user has pressed the private
 key 29 followed by the function key 28 in order to perform a setting or
 entry related to a message box. When the function key 28 has not been
 pressed ("no" in S144), then the CPU 1 determines whether the box
 designating keys 23 have been pressed in S145. In other words, the CPU 1
 determines whether the user has pressed the private key 29 followed by box
 designating keys 23 in order to use the private telephone directory or to
 access a message box.
 When the box specifying keys 23 have not been pressed in S145 ("no" in
 S145), then the current routine ends. In other words, when none of the box
 designating keys 23, the function key 28, or the box designating keys 23
 are pressed within a specified time after the private key 29 is pressed,
 the process which the user wishes to execute cannot be determined, and the
 current routine ends.
 However, when a box designating key 23 has been pressed ("yes" in S145), a
 private process such as dialing using a private directory or accessing a
 message box is executed in S146, and the current routine ends. The private
 processes will be described later in more detail.
 In S144, if the function key 28 has been pressed ("yes" in S144), then the
 CPU 1 determines whether any box designating key 23 has been pressed in
 S147. In other words, the CPU 1 determines whether the private key 29, the
 function key 28, and the box designating key 23 have been pressed in this
 sequence, indicating the user's desire to perform an entry in the message
 box designated by the box designating key 23.
 When some box designating key 23 has been pressed ("yes" in S147), then
 various entries are performed in S148 based on the entry operations
 performed by the user, and the current routine ends. In other words, a
 group name, OGM, or the like are stored in either the RAM 3 or the EEPROM
 6 in response to various key operations performed by the user. However, if
 any box designating key 23 has not been pressed ("no" in S147), then the
 current routine ends. In other words, when any box designating key 23 is
 not pressed within a predetermined time after the function key 28 is
 pressed, it is assumed that the user no longer wishes to perform a message
 box-related entry, and the current routine ends.
 In S143, if dial keys 22 have been pressed ("yes" in S143), then the CPU 1
 determines whether the start key 33 has been pressed in S149. Pressing the
 start key 33 after the private key 29 and the dial keys 22 indicates that
 the user wishes to dial the number specified by the dial keys 22. When the
 start key 33 has been pressed ("yes" in S149), then the specified
 telephone number is dialed in S150, and the current routine ends. That is,
 when the user inputs a desired two-digit sequence number listed in the
 telephone directory using the dial keys 22, the name or telephone number
 corresponding to that sequence number will be displayed on the screen of
 the LCD 45. The user confirms that this is the desired information by
 pressing the start key 33, causing the number displayed on the screen to
 be dialed automatically.
 In S149, if the start key 33 has not been pressed ("no" in S149), then the
 current routine ends. In other words, when the start key 33 is not pressed
 within a specified amount of time after the dial keys 22 were pressed, it
 is assumed that the user no longer wishes to make a telephone call using
 the speed dial function of the private telephone directory, and the
 current routine ends.
 In S141, if a box designating key 23 is pressed ("yes" in S141), indicating
 that the user wishes to dial the one-touch dial telephone number
 corresponding to the box designating key 23, then the CPU 1 determines
 whether the telephone receiver is on hook in S151. When the telephone
 receiver is on hook ("yes" in S151), then the CPU 1 determines whether the
 start key 33 has been pressed in S152. That is, when the user presses the
 box designating key 23 at this time, the name corresponding to the
 one-touch dial number corresponding to the box designating key 23 will be
 displayed on the screen of the LCD 45. The user confirms that this is the
 desired information by pressing the start key 33.
 When the start key 33 has been pressed ("yes" in S152), then the CPU 1
 dials the telephone number designated by the box designating key 23 in
 S153, and the current routine ends. However, when the start key 33 has not
 been pressed ("no" in S152), then the telephone number is not dialed, and
 the current process ends. In other words, when the start key 33 has not
 been pressed within a specified time after the box designating key 23 has
 bee pressed, it is assumed that the user no longer wishes to perform the
 one-touch dial, and the current routine ends.
 In S151, if the telephone receiver is not on hook ("no" in S151),
 indicating that a circuit is already connected, then the telephone number
 is dialed in S153 without waiting for the start key 33 to be pressed.
 In S140, if the function key 28 has been pressed ("yes" in S140),
 indicating that the user wishes to perform a setting or entry unrelated to
 the message boxes, then the setting or entry operation is performed in
 S154 according to key operations by the user, and the current routine
 ends.
 Next, the private process of S146 will be described in more detail with
 reference to FIG. 12.
 At the beginning of this process, the CPU 1 determines whether the correct
 PIN has been inputted in S160. More specifically, the CPU 1 checks whether
 the PIN corresponding to the message box designated by the box designating
 key 23 has been inputted by the dial keys 22. In other words, the PIN is
 verified to prevent fraudulent use of the private telephone directory and
 access of the message box by a person having no knowledge of the PIN for
 the message box.
 When the correct PIN has been inputted ("yes" in S160), then the CPU 1
 determines whether the delete key 25 has been pressed in S161. Pressing
 the delete key 25 indicates that the user wishes to delete a message
 stored in the message box. When the delete key 25 has not been pressed
 ("no" in S161), then the CPU 1 determines whether the playback key 26 has
 been pressed in S162. Pressing the playback key 26 indicates that the user
 wishes to playback a message stored in the message box. When the playback
 key 26 has not been pressed ("no" in S162), the CPU 1 determines whether
 the record key 24 has been pressed in S163. Pressing the record key 24
 indicates that the user wishes to store a message in the message box. When
 the record key 24 has not been pressed ("no" in S163), then the CPU 1
 determines whether the dial keys 22 have been pressed in S164. Pressing
 the dial keys 22 indicates that the user wishes to use the private
 telephone directory to call a number with speed dial.
 When the dial keys 22 have not been pressed ("no" in S164), then the CPU 1
 determines whether any box designating key 23 has been pressed in S165. To
 indicate a desire to retrieve a telephone number from the private
 telephone directory and call that number, the user either presses the box
 designating key 23 or the scroll keys 36 and 38. Hence, the CPU 1 first
 checks for the box specifying keys 23.
 When any box designating key 23 has not been pressed ("no" in S165), then
 the CPU 1 determines whether any of the left and right scroll keys 36 and
 38 have been pressed in S166, indicating that the user wishes to retrieve
 a telephone number from the private telephone directory and call that
 number, as described above.
 When the left and right scroll keys 36 and 38 have not been pressed ("no"
 in S166), then the current routine ends. In other words, when no key
 operations are made within a specific amount of time after the correct PIN
 has been inputted, it is assumed that the user no longer wishes to use the
 private telephone directory or access the message box, and the current
 routine ends.
 In S166, if either the left scroll key 36 or the right scroll key 38 have
 been pressed ("yes" in S166), then the CPU 1 determines whether the start
 key 33 has been pressed in S167. That is, when the user presses the left
 scroll key 36 or the right scroll key 38, the names of remote
 communication terminals stored in the private telephone directory
 displayed on the screen of the LCD 45 change in order. The user then
 presses the start key 33 when the desired name is displayed on the LCD 45.
 When the start key 33 has been pressed ("yes" in S167), then the CPU 1
 dials the telephone number corresponding to the name displayed on the LCD
 45 in S168, and the current routine ends. However, when the start key 33
 has not been pressed ("no" in S167), then the telephone number is not
 dialed, and the current process ends. In other words, if the start key 33
 has not been pressed within a specified amount of time after either the
 left scroll key 36 or the right scroll key 38 was pressed, it is assumed
 that the user no longer wishes to dial the telephone number indexed in the
 private telephone directory, and the current process ends.
 In S165, if some box designating key 23 has been pressed ("yes" in S165),
 then the processes beginning from S167 are executed to determine whether
 the start key 33 has been pressed. In other words, similar to when the
 scroll keys 36 and 38 are pressed, each time the user presses one box
 designating key 23, the screen of the LCD 45 changes to display the
 transmission destination name in the personal telephone directory
 corresponding to the inputted box designating key 23. The user then
 presses the start key 33 when the desired name is displayed on the LCD 45.
 In S164, if the dial keys 22 have been pressed ("yes" in S164), then the
 CPU 1 determines whether the telephone receiver is on hook in S169. When
 the telephone is on hook ("yes" in S169), then the processes beginning
 from S167 are executed. However, when the telephone is not on hook ("no"
 in S169), then the start key 33 need not be pressed, and the telephone
 number is dialed in S168.
 In S163, if the record key 24 has been pressed ("yes" in S163), then the
 CPU 1 determines whether the telephone receiver is on hook in S170. When
 the telephone is on hook ("yes" in S170), then a box memo is recorded to
 the message box in S171, and the current process ends. However, if the
 telephone is not on hook ("no" in S170), then a box conversation is
 recorded to the message box in S172, and the current process ends. Here,
 box memo refers to storing voice data in the message box, which data is
 created from the voice of the user inputted via a microphone provided
 separately from the telephone receiver. Box conversation refers to storing
 voice data in the message box, which data is created from both the voice
 of the user and of the person on the other end of the telephone line
 inputted via the telephone circuit 21.
 In S162, if the playback key 26 has been pressed ("yes" in S162), then the
 CPU 1 plays back the voice messages stored in the message box in S173 and
 reproduces facsimile messages stored in the message box in S174, and the
 current routine ends. Voice messages are played back via the speaker in
 the telephone receiver, if the receiver is off hook, and played back via a
 separately provided speaker, if the telephone receiver is on hook.
 Facsimile messages are printed onto recording paper by the recording unit
 12, based on the facsimile data stored in the message box.
 In S161, if the delete key 25 has been pressed ("yes" in S161), then the
 CPU 1 deletes the messages stored in the message box in S175, and the
 current routine ends. In S160, if the correct PIN has not been inputted
 ("no" in S160), then the current routine ends.
 It is noted that although the simple description "message box" is used in
 the above-description for the process of FIG. 12, message box obviously
 refers to the message box that the user has designated using the box
 designating key 23.
 As described above, according to the present embodiment, the communication
 device is provided with a confidential data input/output control unit for
 permitting in S98 operations of either a confidential data input unit or a
 confidential data output unit based on predetermined operations performed
 by the user ("yes" in S87) or predetermined data inputted via the
 communication circuit ("yes" in S88) even when the communication circuit
 is connected in S84 based on the user's execution of predetermined
 operation ("yes" in S83) in response to calling signals inputted via the
 communication circuit. Hence, even when the user answers the telephone in
 response to the telephone ring, the caller can still access a message box
 without having to first hang up and redial.
 The confidential data input control unit permits operations of the
 confidential data input unit in S14, S75, or S98 based on the
 predetermined operations performed by the user ("yes" in S87) or the
 predetermined data inputted via the communication circuit ("yes" in S8,
 S68, or S88) even when the communication device is set in the voice/image
 switching mode (F/T mode), the manual reception mode, or the answering
 mode. The voice/image switching mode (F/T mode) is for determining whether
 data inputted via the communication circuit is voice data or image data
 and automatically switching the reception operations accordingly. The
 manual reception mode is for switching the reception mode according to
 specific operations performed by the user when the data inputted via the
 communication device is image data. The answering mode is for
 automatically storing data inputted via the communication device.
 The confidential data input/output control unit permits operations of
 either the confidential data input unit or the confidential data output
 unit in S131 also based on predetermined data transmitted from a handset
 ("yes" in S122) according to predetermined operations performed on the
 handset by the user.
 As described above, according to the communication device of the present
 embodiment, the confidential data storage unit (message box) is designed
 to be capable of storing confidential data for specific individuals, which
 data is inputted via a communication circuit. The confidential data input
 unit is designed for inputting, into the confidential data storage unit,
 confidential data for the specific individuals, which data has been
 inputted via the communication circuit. The confidential data input/output
 control unit permits operations of the confidential data input unit based
 on the predetermined information inputted via the communication circuit or
 on the predetermined operation performed by the user on the communication
 device even when the communication circuit is connected according to the
 user's execution of a predetermined circuit connecting operation in
 response to calling signals inputted via the communication circuit. With
 this structure, the communication device is extremely convenient in that,
 even if the user responds to the call from the caller and answers the
 telephone, the caller can input his/her message into the message box
 without first disconnecting the circuit and redialing.
 According to the present embodiment, the confidential data output unit is
 designed to read confidential data for a specific individual, which
 confidential data is stored in the confidential data storage unit, and
 outputs the confidential data via the communication circuit. The
 confidential data input/output control unit permits operations of the
 confidential data input unit or the confidential data output unit based on
 the predetermined information inputted via the communication circuit or
 the predetermined operation performed by the user onto the communication
 device even when the communication circuit is connected according to the
 user's execution of the predetermined circuit connecting operation in
 response to calling signals inputted via the communication circuit. With
 this structure, the communication device is extremely convenient in that,
 even if the user responds to the call from the caller and answers the
 telephone, the caller can obtain message from his/her message box without
 first disconnecting the circuit and redialing.
 Additionally, according to the present embodiment, the confidential data
 input/output control unit permits operations of the confidential data
 input unit or the confidential data output unit based on the predetermined
 information inputted via the communication circuit or on the predetermined
 operation performed by the user on the communication device regardless of
 whether the communication device is in the voice/image switching mode, the
 manual reception mode, or the answering mode. Accordingly, the
 communication device is very convenient in that the caller can reliably
 leave his/her message in a message box and can obtain message from his/her
 own message box at any time of convenience, since it is possible to input
 message in and extract message from a message box not only when the
 communication device is set in the answering mode, but also when the
 communication device is set in the voice/image switching mode
 (facsimile/telephone switching mode) and in the manual reception mode.
 The confidential data input/output control unit permits operations of the
 confidential data input unit or the confidential data output unit based on
 the predetermined information transmitted from the handset according to
 the predetermined operations performed by the user onto the handset. With
 this structure, the communication device is extremely convenient in that
 based on the predetermined information transmitted from the handset, data
 received from the communication circuit can be inputted into the message
 box and data can be outputted from the message box and transmitted via the
 communication circuit.
 For example, if Mr. A calls Mr. B's facsimile device of the present
 embodiment to input a message into Mr. B's message box but the facsimile
 device is not set in the answering mode, Mr. A can store his message in
 Mr. B's message box even if Mr. C answers the telephone and without having
 to first hang up the telephone and redial. Mr. A can accomplish this by
 requesting Mr. C to perform the predetermined operations to store his
 message into Mr. B's message box, or by operating a facsimile device of
 Mr. A's own to transmit predetermined DTMF signals. Of course, the message
 can be a voice, or text or other type of image data.
 It is therefore possible to eliminate the problem of having to hang up and
 redial after requesting Mr. C, who answers the telephone, to change the
 telephone mode setting. Further, the communication device is very
 convenient in that Mr. C can perform the predetermined operations on a
 handset at any location, regardless of the location of the base unit, and
 even while moving about the room. Further, if Mr. A calls Mr. B's
 facsimile device to input a message into Mr. B's message box, even if the
 facsimile device is set in the facsimile/telephone switching mode, Mr. A
 can store his message in Mr. B's message box by operating the facsimile
 device of Mr. A's own to transmit the predetermined DTMF signals.
 If Mr. D calls the facsimile device from outside to extract messages from
 his own message box but the facsimile device is not set in the answering
 mode, Mr. D can still extract the data from his message box even if Mr. E
 answers the telephone and without having to hang up the telephone and
 redial. Mr. D can accomplish this by requesting Mr. E to perform the
 predetermined operations to output the messages from Mr. D's message box,
 or Mr. D can operate a facsimile device from which he is placing the call
 and transmit the predetermined DTMF signals. Of course, if the message is
 a voice message, Mr. D can listen to the message from the telephone
 receiver on the facsimile device form which he is calling. If the message
 is image data, Mr. D can have the message printed out on the facsimile
 device from which he is calling or displayed on a display screen.
 It is therefore possible to eliminate the problem of having to hang up and
 redial after requesting Mr. E, who answers the telephone, to change the
 telephone mode setting. Further, the communication device is very
 convenient in that Mr. E can perform the predetermined operations on a
 handset at any location, regardless of the location of the base unit, and
 even while moving about the room.
 Of course, it is possible for operations of the confidential data input
 unit or the confidential data output unit to be permitted by the
 confidential data input/output control unit only when the predetermined
 operations are performed by the user, only when the predetermined data is
 inputted via the communication circuit, or when either the predetermined
 operations are performed by the user or the predetermined data is inputted
 via the communication circuit.
 The communication circuit can be a public or private circuit and can be
 wired or wireless. Wireless transmission between the base unit and the
 handset can be performed using radio waves or light.
 A volatile memory such as a RAM and a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as
 an EEPROM, or even a hard disk drive, can be used for the confidential
 data storage areas. When using a nonvolatile memory, it is suitable to
 provide the communication device with a battery for use as a backup power
 source.
 The number of the confidential data storage areas is arbitrary, but when a
 plurality of confidential data storage areas are provided, it is necessary
 to input indication data to indicate with which confidential data storage
 areas an input/output operation will be performed.
 The communication device can be a facsimile device or a telephone device,
 but is not limited to these. In addition, the communication device can be
 a personal computer, a word processor, or an electronic photocopying
 device which is provided with telephone communication function and
 facsimile transmission and reception functions.
 The confidential data input unit, the confidential data output unit, and
 the confidential data input/output control unit are constructed from
 operations of a CPU or a microprocessor based on a predetermined program.
 From the viewpoint of preserving the security of confidential data stored
 in the confidential data storage areas, it is desirable to previously
 register security data for each confidential data storage area, and to
 require the caller to correctly enter the security data as a PIN in order
 to obtain data from the confidential data storage area.
 When the operating mode of the communication device is set to the answering
 mode, operations of the confidential data input unit and the confidential
 data output unit are permitted according to the user's execution of the
 predetermined operations or the inputting of the predetermined data from
 the caller even when the user does not perform predetermined operations to
 connect the telephone circuit.
 The predetermined operation performed by the user to connect the
 communication circuit are not limited to lifting the telephone receiver
 off the hook, but can also be key operations for switching on the speaker
 and the microphone in place of the telephone receiver.
 The predetermined operations performed by the user to allow the
 confidential data input/output control unit to permit operations of the
 confidential data input unit or the confidential data output unit can be
 pushing a plurality of operating keys in a predetermined sequence.
 However, the operations are not limited to the operating keys, but can
 include operations using a mouse device.
 Similarly, the predetermined operations performed by the user on the
 handset can consist of pushing a plurality of dial keys in a predetermined
 order. However, the predetermined operation is not limited to the dial
 keys.
 The predetermined data for allowing the confidential data input/output
 control unit to permit operations of the confidential data input unit or
 the confidential data output unit can be predetermined DTMF signal data
 inputted via the communication circuit according to predetermined dial key
 operations performed by the caller.
 Additionally, according to the present embodiment, the plurality of the
 confidential data storage areas are provided in correspondence with a
 plurality of specific individuals. The confidential data input control
 unit inputs received data for a specific individual into one confidential
 data storage area indicated by indication data inputted via the
 communication circuit or by indication operation performed by the user
 onto the communication device. The confidential data output unit reads
 from one confidential data storage area, and outputs the confidential data
 via the communication circuit, the confidential data storage area being
 indicated by indication data inputted via the communication circuit or by
 indication operation performed by the user onto the communication device.
 Because the communication device is provided with a plurality of
 confidential data storage areas, confidential data for a plurality of
 individuals can be stored separately by indicating one of the confidential
 data storage areas with the indication operations or the indication data.
 Further, the confidential data storage areas can be selectively accessed.
 Here, the indication operations can consist of pushing alphanumeric keys or
 performing operations using a mouse device.
 The indication data can be DTMF signal data inputted via the communication
 circuit according to specific dial key operations performed by the caller.
 According to the present embodiment, the terminal identification data
 storage unit is designed for storing terminal identification data
 indicative of at least one terminal in correspondence with each of the
 plurality of confidential data storage areas. The confidential data input
 notification unit is provided for, when the confidential data input unit
 inputs confidential data into one confidential data storage area, reading
 the terminal identification data corresponding to the confidential data
 storage area from the terminal identification data storage unit and
 transmitting, to the at least one terminal of a specific individual
 corresponding to the confidential data storage area, data notifying that
 the confidential data storage area is stored with confidential data.
 With this structure, the communication device is extremely convenient in
 that each confidential data storage area is set with terminal
 identification data for an arbitrary number of communication terminals and
 can, therefore, notify these communication terminals when confidential
 data has been inputted. In other words, even if a specific individual to
 whom confidential data is sent is away from the communication device, that
 individual can be promptly notified that confidential data has been
 inputted into the communication device if the individual is in possession
 of a communication terminal corresponding to the set terminal
 identification data or is near the location of that communication
 terminal.
 Since it is not always necessary to perform this function, it may be
 desirable to allow the function to be selectively turned on and off.
 Further, it is possible to only perform this function when the
 communication device of the present embodiment is set in the answering
 mode. Although not limited to the following, the communication terminal
 can be a wired or wireless telephone device, a facsimile device, a pager
 device, or the like.
 The confidential data input notification unit also informs the specific
 individual the confidential data itself in addition to notifying the
 individual that confidential data is stored in the confidential data
 storage area. With this structure, the communication device is very
 convenient in that even the contents of the confidential data can be
 transmitted to the communication terminal when the communication terminal
 is notified that the confidential data is stored in the confidential data
 storage area. In other words, even if the specific individual to whom
 confidential data is sent is away from the communication device, that
 individual can promptly receive the contents of the confidential data
 rather than simply being notified that the confidential data has been
 inputted, if the individual is in possession of a communication terminal
 corresponding to the set terminal identification data or is near the
 location of that communication terminal. In this case, it is possible to
 eliminate the process of operating the communication terminal to remotely
 control the communication device of the present embodiment to transfer the
 confidential data to the communication terminal.
 The confidential data input/output control unit requires that, in addition
 to the predetermined operations performed by the user or the predetermined
 information inputted via the communication circuit, security access data
 established for the confidential data storage unit be inputted via the
 communication circuit, in order to permit operations of the confidential
 data output unit. With this structure, the communication device can
 satisfactorily prevent fraudulent access of confidential data because the
 contents of the confidential data storage areas is outputted only when the
 caller correctly enters the PIN. It is noted that the PIN can be DTMF
 signal data inputted via the communication circuit according to a specific
 dial key operation sequence performed by the caller.
 According to the present embodiment, the non-confidential data storage unit
 is provided for storing non-confidential data not intended especially for
 any specific individuals, which non-confidential data is inputted via the
 communication circuit. The non-confidential data output unit is provided
 for outputting non-confidential data via the communication circuit from
 the non-confidential data storage unit. The non-confidential data
 input/output control unit is provided for permitting operations of the
 non-confidential data input unit or the non-confidential data output unit
 based on the predetermined information inputted via the communication
 circuit or on the predetermined operations performed by the user onto the
 communication device.
 With this structure, the communication device is even more convenient in
 that the non-confidential data input/output control unit permits
 operations of the non-confidential data output unit or the
 non-confidential data input unit based on the predetermined information
 inputted via the communication circuit or on the predetermined operations
 performed by the user onto the communication device.
 According to the present embodiment, the above-described functions of the
 communication device are stored as a program in the program storage medium
 (ROM) 5.
 That is, the program storage medium stores a program of controlling the
 communication device provided with the confidential data storage unit
 (message box) and capable of receiving confidential data for specific
 individuals via a communication circuit. The program includes: a program
 of inputting, into the confidential data storage unit, confidential data
 for the specific individuals, which data has been inputted via the
 communication circuit; and a program of permitting execution of the
 confidential data input program based on the predetermined information
 inputted via the communication circuit or on the predetermined operation
 performed by the user on the communication device even when the
 communication circuit is connected according to the user's execution of a
 predetermined circuit connecting operation in response to calling signals
 inputted via the communication circuit.
 The program further includes a program of reading the confidential data for
 a specific individual from the confidential data storage unit and outputs
 the confidential data via the communication circuit. The confidential data
 input/output control program is designed to permit execution of the
 confidential data input unit or the confidential data output unit based on
 the predetermined information inputted via the communication circuit or
 the predetermined operation performed by the user onto the communication
 device even when the communication circuit is connected according to the
 user's execution of the predetermined circuit connecting operation in
 response to calling signals inputted via the communication circuit.
 Additionally, the confidential data input/output control program is
 designed to permit execution of the confidential data input program or the
 confidential data output program based on the predetermined information
 inputted via the communication circuit or on the predetermined operation
 performed by the user on the communication device regardless of whether
 the communication device is in the voice/image switching mode, the manual
 reception mode, or the answering mode.
 The confidential data input/output control program is designed to permit
 execution of the confidential data input program or the confidential data
 output program based on the predetermined information transmitted from the
 handset according to the predetermined operations performed by the user
 onto the handset.
 Thus, the operations of the communication device can be achieved by
 operating the CPU and the like based on the programs stored in the storage
 medium.
 While the invention has been described in detail with reference to the
 specific embodiment thereof, it would be apparent to those skilled in the
 art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without
 departing from the spirit of the invention.