Remote-controlled copying apparatus having facsimile interface unit

A remote-controlled copying apparatus comprising:

• a scanner unit for reading an image signal;
• an image processor for processing the image signal to produce an output image;
• a printing unit for printing the output image on a copy sheet;
• a storage unit for storing the processed image signal from said image processor;
• facsimile means connected to a first telephone line of an external station for receiving an image signal, and for transmitting the processed image signal stored in said storage unit with a protocol signal to the external station via the first telephone line;
• facsimile control means connected to a second telephone line of the external station for receiving a tone signal after a ringing signal from the external station is received;
• conversion means for converting the tone signal received by said facsimile control means into a control signal, the control signal being supplied to and transmitted by said facsimile control means;
• and
• control means for controlling said facsimile control means in accordance with the control signal to carry out a remote control operation,
• wherein, when the tone signal indicating a request for starting the remote control operation is received during the transmission of the protocol signal, said control means allows said facsimile control means to transmit the control signal to the external station, and
• wherein said facsimile control means transmits the control signal to the external station after said transmission of the protocol signal has been performed.