Modem device for communication of facsimile or file data

A modem device for communication of facsimile or file data, said device being responsive to "AT" commands received from a computer and comprising:

• control means for controlling the communication of said data, said control means including a microprocessor,
• first termination means for local connection to a facsimile transceiver,
• second termination means for local connection to the computer,
• third termination means for connection to a remote telephone exchange, and
• communications means having modem means for modulating and demodulating signals between the second termination means and the first or third termination means;
• wherein the device has operating modes selectable by the microprocessor in response to particular said "AT" commands received from the computer via the second termination means, the operating modes comprising
• i) a first operating mode enabling communication of said data to occur to and from the computer via the remote telephone exchange;
• ii) a second operating mode enabling communication of said data to occur to and from the facsimile transceiver via the remote telephone exchange;
• iii) a third operating mode enabling communication of said data to occur between the computer and the facsimile transceiver enabling the facsimile transceiver to act as a printer or scanner for the computer
• and wherein said control means further comprises:
• (i) a facsimile connection switch switchable by the microprocessor which when in a direct communication state allows direct communication of data between the first termination means and the third termination means and when in a non-direct connection state prevents said direct communication,
• (ii) a modem routing switch switchable by the microprocessor and which enables said modem means to be connected in a first switch state for permitting communication between the facsimile transceiver and the microprocessor through the first termination means and in a second switch state for permitting communication between the remote telephone exchange and the microprocessor through the third termination means, and wherein
• a) when the device is in the first operating mode the facsimile connection switch is in the non-direct state and the modem routing switch is in the second switch state;
• b) when the device is in the third operating mode the facsimile connection switch is in the non-direct state and the modem routing switch is set to the first switch state;
• c) when the device is in either the first or the third operating mode, the data is communicated via the microprocessor.