FR2806859A1 - PROCESS, AUTOMATE, COMPUTER DEVICE AND NETWORK FOR CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION OF DOCUMENTS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for certified transmission of documents over digital network (s) between at least one transmitting station (13, 15) and at least one receiving station (14, 15), characterized in that between at least one of said stations and network transmission means (10, il, 12), a controller (24, 25, 26) adapted to connect the station and the network transmission means ensuring between them the exchange of the data of the documents to be transmitted, and to generate, for each document transmitted, printable data representative of this document and adapted to be able to be printed on microfilm (41). The invention also extends to such an automaton, to a computer device incorporating this automaton and to a network equipped with such automatons.

Description

METHOD, AUTOMATON, COMPUTER DEVICE AND NETWORK

  FOR CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION OF DOCUMENTS

  The invention relates to the certified transmission of documents over one or more digital network (s). Throughout the text, the expression "network

  digital "means any network for transmitting digital data.

  It may for example be a computer network (internet, intranet, etc.) or a telecommunications network capable of transmitting digital data, regardless of the protocols, the hardware devices and the nature of the signals

  used to transmit data over the network.

  A digital network comprises at least one transmitting station (computer, server, terminal, fax machine, etc.) and at least one receiving station (in general, a plurality of transmitting / receiving stations in fixed or variable number, known or not), means of transmission of the wired and / or wireless type (radiofrequency or over the air) ...), called network transmission means, and, associated with each station, means of communication (radiofrequency transmitter and / or receiver, modem, network card, multi-connection server

  networks, ...) with network transmission means.

  Certified document transmission consists of transmitting documents over at least one digital network while being able to create and keep objective proof, which can serve as legal proof, of the act of transmission (date and identification of the sender and recipient receiver ), and at least part of the content of the documents transmitted. A document transmitted over a network is represented by data comprising: data, called common data, common for different documents having the same nature; data, called variable data, specific to each document; and transmission data comprising identification data of at least one transmitting station, identification data of at least one receiving station, and data

  representing at least one date of transmission.

  The certified transmission of documents over digital network (s) is necessary in many applications. Thus, for example, the transmission of accounting documents (invoices), banking documents (transfer orders, etc.) or administrative documents (sending of slips or completed forms, etc.) over digital networks in the context of electronic data interchange (EDI). requires certified transmissions. This is the case, for example, with the processing of invoices sent by industrial suppliers to the purchasing centers of large retailers. Up to now, the certification of transmissions has been ensured on certain networks by a third-party certifier interposed on the network transmission means and which receives the digital data transmitted, keeps a copy, and sends it back to the recipient. In this technology, only variable data and document transmission data are transmitted, and the third party certifier is responsible for reconstructing, at least partially, each document from this variable data, and from the common data which it stores, which are standardized or regularly communicated to it elsewhere. This solution nevertheless has the drawback of being, in fact, relatively unreliable. In particular, the certification disappears in the event of the disappearance or failure of the third party certifier. In addition, certification is not really objective since, often, the most important users (transmitters and / or receivers of data on the network) have financial interests and a certain power over the third party certifier. In addition, this technology generally requires transmitting stations to always dialogue via the same network transmission means according to specific predetermined protocols, and is therefore not universal, in the sense that it

  is not compatible with several different networks.

  The invention therefore aims to overcome these drawbacks by allowing

  the certified transmission of documents, in the absence of a third-party certifier.

  The invention also aims to make it possible to ensure the certification of the transmission of documents regardless of the nature of the network transmission means used, so that the certification can be carried out whatever the network transmission means via which the transmission is done. The invention aims to enable certification to be carried out automatically and passively, without requiring any specific action on transmission or on reception. The invention also aims to guarantee the integrity of the documents transmitted, by preventing any modification of the corresponding data between a

  transmitting station and a receiving station.

  The invention also aims to allow authentication of

  transmitting and receiving stations.

  The invention also aims to guarantee the confidentiality of the content

  documents transmitted and the act of transmission.

  The invention aims to achieve these goals in a simple, economical manner, and without harming the performance of transmitting stations and / or

  nor those of the means of transmission.

  To do this, the invention relates to a method for certified transmission of documents on digital network (s) between at least one transmitting station and at least one receiving station, characterized in that: - at least between one of said stations and data transmission means, called network transmission means, belonging to at least one digital network, an automaton adapted for: connecting the station and the network transmission means ensuring the exchange of data between them documents to be transmitted, 25. generate, for each document transmitted, data, called printable data, representative of this document and adapted to be able to

be printed on microfilm.

  The automaton can itself incorporate means of communication with the network transmission means. As a variant, the automaton is interposed between the station and such communication means, that is to say that it is connected to the network transmission means indirectly, via the

means of communication.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the invention relates to a certified transmission method for documents on digital network (s), between at least one transmitting station and at least one receiving station, in which each document is represented by information. comprising at least information, known as common information, common for different documents having the same nature, information, known as variable information, specific to each document, and transmission information comprising identification information from at least one transmitting station and identification information of at least one receiving station, this information being capable of being recorded in each station in the form of digital data, called station data, in a format compatible with this station, characterized in that, for the transmission from a transmitting station on data transmission means belonging to a u at least one digital network, known as network transmission means, station data of at least one document saved in the transmitting station: - all station data corresponding to each document to be transmitted and duplicated automatically and in real time transmit, on at least one non-removable mass memory of a PLC interposed between said transmitting station and the network transmission means, - this station data is converted into data into data, called converted data, according to a standard transmission format of documents on digital network (s), - data are transmitted over the network transmission means, known as transmitted data, corresponding to the converted data, and then data, called printable, representative data, is printed on at least one microfilm representative information of

each document issued.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the converted data is encrypted in the automaton to form the transmitted data to be transmitted on

  the network transmission means.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, before transmitting the data transmitted over the network transmission means, an authentication protocol of a receiving station to which the document must be transmitted is executed, by exchange and verification of certificates d authentication previously recorded, and an electronic signature is inserted into the converted data for

  training the transmitted data to be transmitted on the network transmission means.

  The invention also relates to a method for certified transmission of documents on digital network (s), between at least one transmitting station and at least one receiving station, in which each document is represented by information comprising at least information, said common information, common for different documents having the same nature, information, said variable information, specific to each document, and transmission information comprising identification information of at least one transmitting station and identification information of '' at least one receiving station, this information being capable of being recorded in each station in the form of digital data, called station data, in a format compatible with this station, characterized in that, for reception on a data receiving station at least one document, called transmitted data, from data transmission means data belonging to at least one digital network, known as network transmission means, in a standard format for transmitting documents over digital network (s): - we convert into an automaton interposed between said receiving station and the transmission means network, the data transmitted as station data in a format compatible with the receiving station, - the station data corresponding to each document received is transmitted and duplicated automatically and in real time on at least one non-removable mass memory of the PLC, - we print on at least one microfilm data, called printable data, representative of the information representative of each

document received.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the data is decrypted

  transmitted before converting them from standard format into station data.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, in the automaton, an electronic signature inserted in the transmitted data is dissociated and analyzed and compared with an electronic signature calculated by the automaton in the same way as that inserted

in the transmitted data.

  Advantageously, in a method according to the invention, at the transmission and / or the reception for each transmission of data of a document to or from said network transmission means, at least the

  transmission information of at least one log file in the PLC.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the printable data of several documents as well as the content of at least one are printed on the same microfilm.

PLC log file.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the printable data corresponding to at least one document are printed on a microfilm, between initial data forming an authentication header placed at the start of

  microfilm and final data forming an authentication end.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the authentication header and the end of authentication include in encrypted form data identifying the information printed on the microfilm -in particular the list of documents.

printed on this microfilm-.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the printable data of each document is printed on microfilm in a form directly readable and understandable by man, in particular in the form of a simple

reproduction of the original document.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, in order to print the printable data on microfilm: - the data in the standard format for transmitting documents on digital network (s) is converted into the automatic system (converted data or received transmitted data) , in printable data in a format - notably the IDS format - compatible with a high-speed digital data printer on microfilms - in particular a laser printer -, - the printable data thus converted are transmitted to a

such printer.

  As a printer, it is possible in particular to use a laser printer such as the printers marketed by the company ANACOMP (San Diego, USA) or by the company DATAGRAPHIX (San Diego, USA). Advantageously and according to the invention, the printable data is encrypted before transmitting it to a microfilm printer, and it is decrypted

  printable data before printing on microfilm.

  In a first variant, advantageously and according to the invention, in order to transmit the data to a microfilm printer, the printable data are recorded in the automaton on a removable recording medium, then the recorded printable data is printed on a microfilm on this removable recording medium. In a second variant which can be combined with the previous one, advantageously and according to the invention, the printable data are transmitted in real time to at least one high-speed microfilm printer - in particular a laser printer by a high-speed transmission line which connect to the PLC, and we print the data

  printable on microfilm immediately with such a printer.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, a format chosen from XML format, SGML format and HTML format is used as the standard format for the converted data. These standard formats are well known. In the case of the XML format, the data transmitted representing each document then includes an XML type file, a style sheet, for example an XSL or CSS type file, and where appropriate, a document type definition file, for example a DTD file. Other standard formats may

be used.

  The invention also extends to a certification machine for transmitting documents on digital network (s) intended to be interposed between a station and data transmission means belonging to at least one l5 digital network, known as means network transmission, characterized in that it comprises: - means of connection to the station, - means of connection (directly if it includes means of communication, or, if not, indirectly via such means communication) to network transmission means, - data generation means, called printable data, representative of each document transmitted, and adapted to be able to

be printed on microfilm.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the invention also extends to a certification machine for transmitting documents on digital network (s) intended to be interposed between a transmitting station and data transmission means belonging to the at least one digital network, called network transmission means, each document being represented by information comprising at least information, called common information, common for different documents having the same nature, information, called variable information, specific to each document, and transmission information comprising identification information of at least one transmitting station and identification information of at least one receiving station, this information being capable of being recorded in each station in the form of digital data, called station data, in a format compatible with this station, characterized in that i l comprises - at least one non-removable mass memory, - means of connection to the transmitting station capable of receiving station data from at least one document, means of automatic and real-time duplication on at least one non-removable mass memory of all the station data corresponding to each document to be sent, - means for converting station data into data, known as converted data, according to a standard format for transmitting documents over digital network (s), - means link, said transmission link means, capable of transmitting to the network transmission means, data, said transmitted data, corresponding to the converted data, - data generation means, said printable data, representative of the representative information of each document

  and adapted so that they can be printed on a microfilm.

  Likewise, the invention relates to a machine for certifying the transmission of documents over a digital network (s) intended to be interposed between a receiving station and means for transmitting data belonging to at least one digital network, called means for network transmission, each document being represented by information comprising at least information, called common information, common for different documents having the same nature, information, called variable information, specific to each document, and transmission information comprising information identification of at least one transmitting station and identification information of at least one receiving station, this information being capable of being recorded in each station in the form of digital data, called station data, in a format compatible with this station, characterized in that it comprises: - connecting means, so-called reception link means, capable of receiving data from at least one document, called transmitted data, io from network transmission means in a standard format for transmitting documents over digital network (s), means for converting the data transmitted into station data, in a format compatible with the receiving station, at least one non-removable mass memory, means for automatic and real-time duplication on at least one non-removable mass memory, all the station data corresponding to each document to be received, - data generation means, called printable data, representative of the information representative of each document

  and adapted so that they can be printed on a microfilm.

  An automaton according to the invention is therefore an emission automaton

and / or reception.

  Advantageously, a transmission and reception automaton according to the invention comprises: - means of connection to a transmitting / receiving station, - means of connection to the transmission, - means of connection to the reception, - means for converting station data into converted data, and from data transmitted into station data, - means for automatic and real-time duplication of at least one non-removable mass memory, known as transmission mass memory, transmit and to at least one irremovable mass memory, called reception mass memory, station data to be received, - data generation means, called printable data, representative of the information representative of each document

  and adapted so that they can be printed on a microfilm.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the mass memory

  transmission is distinct from the reception mass memory.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the machine comprises at

  minus a pair of non-removable mass memory modules managed in mirror.

  More particularly, advantageously and according to the invention, each irremovable mass memory is split into two identical memory modules managed in mirror. In addition, advantageously and according to the invention, the automaton comprises electrical supply means comprising two identical supply circuits. In this way, the operational safety of the PLC

is assured.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, said connection means comprise means for encrypting / decrypting the transmitted data. Furthermore, a machine according to the invention is advantageously adapted to associate an electronic signature with the data transmitted on transmission and / or to dissociate and verify an electronic signature inserted in the data transmitted on reception. Advantageously, an automatic device according to the invention comprises a closed box containing all of its components, provided with means of connection to the station, - means of connection to the transmission and / or to the reception, - means of recording of removable recording media, - means of connection to a high speed transmission line (enabling it to be connected to at least one microfilm printer), s - means of connection to a source of electrical energy, - and is free from all other peripheral and connecting means

with the outside.

  Advantageously, a controller according to the invention comprises a dedicated microcomputer architecture comprising at least one internal bus 1o with which are associated: - at least one motherboard with memory (s) and microprocessor (s) programmed (s) to form said said conversion means, said means for automatic and real-time duplication, and said means for generating printable data, S1 - at least one non-removable mass memory, - at least one card for connection to a station, - at least one card for link to transmission and / or reception. Advantageously, the automatic device further comprises, associated with the internal bus, at least one management card for a media recorder.

  removable recording media, including magnetic tape cassettes.

  The printable data can thus be stored on such removable recording media which can later be used for printing the printable data on an external microfilm printer at a site remote from the station. As a variant or in combination, the automatic device according to the invention further comprises, associated with the internal bus, at least one card for connection to a high speed transmission line allowing the

  immediate transfer of printable data to a microfilm printer.

  Furthermore, according to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the automatic device according to the invention incorporates communication management means, in particular a modem - with the network transmission means. It thus forms an assembly which can be connected, on the one hand to a transmitting and / or receiving station, and, on the other, directly to network transmission means such as a communication line. In another variant of the invention, the automaton does not itself incorporate the communication management means but is connected to such communication management means external to the automaton. These means can take the form in particular of a server for optimizing network transmission means (automatic routing server) such as a so-called PROXY server (cf. http // securite.web-france.com) which can also be associated with a

  anti-intrusion barrier protection device (called "firewall").

  The invention also extends to a computer device comprising a transmitting and / or receiving station adapted to be able to be connected to at least one digital network for exchanging data with means of transmission of this network, characterized in that it comprises at least one automatic device according to the invention. The computer device according to the invention may comprise a transmission automaton and / or a reception automaton, or a transmission / reception automaton. Advantageously and according to the invention, the device comprises an automaton which is an internal peripheral incorporated in a central unit of the

  device. Alternatively, the controller can be an external device.

  The invention also extends to a digital network comprising means for transmitting digital data, called network transmission means, at least one transmitting station, and at least one receiving station, characterized in that it comprises, interposed between at least one transmitting station and the network transmission means and / or between at least one receiving station and the means

  network transmission, at least one controller according to the invention.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, it comprises an automaton between each transmitting and / or receiving station and the network transmission means. In this way, the transmitted data are printed on

  microfilm for both transmission and reception, which offers a double guarantee.

  The invention also relates to a method, an automaton, a computing device, a network characterized in combination by all or part of the

  features mentioned above or below.

  It should be noted that the automatic printing of data transmitted on microfilm makes it possible to certify the content of the documents exchanged on io the digital network (s), to ensure the traceability of these documents in complete and structured form. , while preserving the integrity and confidentiality of these

documents and their transmission.

  In addition, printing on microfilm of printable data representative of documents can be performed at high speed and provides

  very secure archiving.

  The method and the automaton according to the invention are of the passive type, that is to say do not interfere with the content of the documents which is not and cannot

not be changed.

  Other objects, advantages and characteristics of the invention

  will appear on reading the following description which refers to the appended figures

  in which: - Figure 1 is a general diagram of digital networks according to the invention, - Figure 2 is a general functional diagram of a computer device according to the invention comprising a transmitter / receiver station and a transmitter / reception according to the invention, - Figure 3 is a simplified diagram illustrating an embodiment of an automaton according to the invention, - Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method according to the invention during transmission a document between a station

  transmitter and a receiver station of a network according to the invention.

  FIG. 1 represents an example of digital networks according to the invention. In modern interconnected networks, the transmitting and / or receiving stations can exchange digital data by means of transmission, known as network transmission means, which can be of different types, for example so-called wired network transmission means (electrical or optical cables), wireless network, radio frequency or radio transmission means, etc. The network according to the invention can be an internal network specific to a series of users (of the intranet type) and / or a network. public

  interconnected world accessible to all (internet). In Figure 1, schematically shown as examples of

  means 10 of wired network transmission for access to the internet network, means 11 of wireless network transmission for access to the internet network, and means 12 of wired network transmission forming a specific internal network. Is also shown, for these networks, transmitting stations 13, receiving stations 14, and transmitting / receiving stations 15. Each station 13, 14, 15 is a microcomputer or a computer workstation and is provided with at least one irremovable mass memory (hard disk) and means

  digital processing with microprocessor (s) (central unit, pointer, screen ...).

  It is connected to the network transmission means 10, 11, 12 by means of communication means 16 to 23. These means 16 to 23 of communication are, depending on the nature of the station considered, unidirectional on transmission (modulator 16, radiofrequency transmitter 19), or unidirectional on reception (demodulator 17, radiofrequency receiver 20), or bidirectional (modem 18 ; transmitter / receiver 21; network card 22; communication server 23 in connection with several types of network transmission means and able to optimize the choice of network transmission means on transmission, and to be compatible on reception with the type

  network transmission means to which it is connected ...).

  The communication means 16 to 23 can also incorporate, in a manner known per se, automatic routing and / or anti-intrusion protection devices (called fire barriers or "firewalls"). According to the invention, an automaton 24, 25, 26 for document transmission certification is interposed between each station 13, 14, 15 intended for transmitting and / or receiving documents to be certified, and the means 10, 11, 12 for transmission . In the variant shown in FIG. 1, each automaton 24, 25, 26 is 0o interposed between the station 13, 14, 15 and the corresponding communication means 16 to 23, that is to say does not itself incorporate these means 16 to 23 of communication. In other variants, the automatic device according to the invention can incorporate all or part of the communication means itself. In the example shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2, the controller thus incorporates a communication modem 18

  with the switched telephone network.

  Depending on the nature of the station 13, 14, 15, that is to say according to its needs, the automaton 24, 25, 26 according to the invention is a transmitting automaton, or a

  receiving automaton 25, or a transmitting / receiving automaton 26.

  Each document to be transmitted is represented by information comprising at least information, known as common information, common for different documents having the same nature, information, known as variable information, specific to each document, and transmission information comprising information identification of at least one station

  transmitter and identification information of at least one receiving station.

  Variable information is information specific to each document, and can be alphanumeric and / or graphic. In the case, for example, of an invoice, it may notably be the amount excluding tax, the amount of VAT, the total amount, the wording, the invoice date, the recipient of the invoice, etc. common can in particular include information relating to the structure of the document, and can be of alphanumeric type (in particular common information or mentions making it possible to identify each field incorporating variable data) and / or graphics (framings, grids of forms. ..) and / or print formatting (margins,

  sizes and fonts, ...).

  In the case of a document constituting an invoice, it may

  this particularly concerns the presentation of the invoice, generally pre-

  printed in traditional invoices: "INVOICE N", "ARTICLES",

  "UNIT PRICE", "QUANTITY", "PRICE PER ARTICLE", "TOTAL EXCLUDING

  TAX "," VAT "," TOTAL TTC "... and lines, borders and presentation frames.

  The transmission information is that which identifies the act of transmission proper, between the sender (transmitting station) and the recipient (receiving station). This information is similar to that found

found on a postal envelope.

  This various information can be recorded in each station 13, 14, 15 in the form of digital data, called station data, in a format compatible with this station, that is to say compatible with the operating system of the station and with at least one application software allowing this information to be processed (database management software and / or spreadsheet software and / or word processing software, etc.). It should be noted in this respect that most commercial database management, spreadsheet and word processing software packages are compatible with each other, in particular thanks to the interconnectivity modules they incorporate, known as ODBC pilots ( "open database connectivity") and which allow the extraction or incorporation of data with a

  same data management software module, for example Microsoft QUERY.

  FIG. 2 shows the functional organization of a transmitting / receiving automaton 26 according to an embodiment of the invention. A sending automaton 24 according to the invention can be similar, but without the functionalities necessary for reception. Likewise, a reception automaton 25 according to the invention can be similar, but without the functionalities necessary for transmission. The transmitting / receiving station 15 comprises for example a BDS database in which the document station data are recorded, a transmission RE directory, and a reception RR directory formed on a non-removable mass memory (hard disk) of this station 15. Station 15 is adapted to allow the recording of the station data of each document to be transmitted in the transmission RE directory, and this recording triggers the transmission process via the controller 26. The station data in reception is recorded in the receiving RR directory, then transmitted to the BDS database for updating by the station 15. The protocols used for exchanges between the BDS database and the RE, RR directories can be standardized protocols, in particular such as the known protocols TCP / IP (FTP,

HTTP ...).

  On transmission, the automaton 26 is adapted to continuously scan the transmission directory RE of station 15 and to trigger the transmission process as soon as the station data of a new document to be transmitted

  is filed (saved) in this RE directory.

  The controller 26 also includes a transmission database BDE in which the station data of the documents to be transmitted are duplicated automatically and in real time, and a module 27 for converting this station data into data, known as converted data, according to a standard format for transmitting documents over digital network (s), in particular chosen from standard formats, known per se, XML ("extensible mark-up language"), SGML ("Standard generalized mark-up language" ), HTML ("Hypertext mark-up language"). Preferably, the station data is recorded in the transmission database BDE in encrypted form according to any suitable known encryption method, but with a key not known to the station 15, and so that the station data thus recorded in the transmission database BDE of the controller 26 can be read by station 15, but cannot be accessed by

  writing, i.e. not modifiable by station 15.

  In the case, for example, of using the standard XML format, the conversion module 27 is suitable for generating from station data, an XML type file (encoding the variable information of the document), an XSL style sheet. or CSS (coding the common information of the document) and, if applicable, a document type definition file, for example a DTD type file, when the document type is not defined in the XML file. The definitions and standards relating to these files for the standard formats XML, SGML, HTML, etc. are well known (cf. for example the websites http://www.xml.com; http: //www.webdeveloper. com; http://msdn.microsoft.com/xml; http: // www. allhtml.com;

  http://www.htmlgoodies.com and ISO standard 8879).

  The module 27 for converting the controller 26 is adapted according to

  the format of station data, to convert to said standard format.

  The converted data are transformed into data, called transmitted data, by an encryption and authentication module 28. The transmitted data are directly supplied to the communication means 18 for their

  transmission on the corresponding network transmission means 10, 11, 12.

  The transmission encryption and authentication module 28 performs data encryption according to any suitable known cryptography (encryption) method. Preferably, a key encryption method is used

  public and secret keys coded on 128 bits.

  The transmission encryption and authentication module 28 is further adapted to allow reciprocal identification and authentication of the transmitting station and the receiving station before the transmitted data is actually communicated to the communication means 18 and network transmission means. For identification, the module 28 calculates, encrypts and inserts an electronic signature into the transmitted data to be sent. For authentication, the transmitting and receiving stations exchange and verify their authentication certificate. Such a method of identification and authentication between transmitting and receiving stations on a digital network is known per se and need not be described in detail. The transmission encryption and authentication module 28 is associated with a file 29 in the directory of the automaton 26 in which the data necessary for encryption of the data transmitted for the documents transmitted (keys) and authentication are recorded beforehand. (authentication certificates of receiving stations that can receive documents sent by station 15), and identification (calculation method and encryption data (keys) of the electronic signature). The controller 26 also incorporates a module 30 for managing log files. The transmission information of the documents transmitted is recorded in the controller 26 by this module 30 in a LOGE transmission log file each time the corresponding transmitted data is transmitted. This information can be the corresponding station data from the BDE transmission database. In addition, to the recording of this information in the LOGE transmission log file, the date and time of transmission, taken from an internal clock of the controller 26 and the references of the style sheet. (for example XSL) if it is already known at the receiving station and stored in the PLC of the receiving station and therefore does not have to be integrated into the transmitted data. The log file management module 30 also records in the LOGE transmission log file the failed transmission attempts (unknown recipient of the transmission automaton 26, non-acceptance of authentication or electronic signature by the PLC of the receiving station or that of the transmitting station, ...), and all the events taking place during a transmission (end of preparation of the data transmitted from a document to

  send, end of authentication of sending and receiving machines ,. ..).

  As seen in Figure 2, similar functions are

  provided upon receipt of a document.

  s The data transmitted from the network transmission means 10, 11, 12 arrive at the connection means 18 and are decrypted by a decryption and authentication module 31 on reception which is also associated with the directory file 29 in which are previously recorded the data necessary for decrypting the data transmitted for the documents received (keys), for l0 authentication (authentication certificates of the automats of the transmitting stations which can transmit documents received by the station 15), and for identification (mode calculation and encryption data (keys) of the electronic signatures of the transmitting station automata). After authentication of the transmitting station, acceptance of its electronic signature (decrypted and recalculated by the decryption and authentication module 31 at reception as the encryption and authentication module at the emission of the automaton from which the transmitted data come from) and decryption of the data transmitted, these then available in said standard format for transmitting documents over digital network (s), for example in XML format. They are then processed by a conversion module 32 which converts them into

  station data compatible with station 15.

  The controller 26 also includes a BDR reception database in which the station data from the conversion module 32 are automatically duplicated in real time, after encryption so that this data from the BDR reception database of the controller 26 can be accessed in reading by the station 15, but inaccessible in writing, that is to say

cannot be modified by station 15.

  The log file management module 30 records in the controller 26, in a reception log file LOGR, the transmission information of the documents received when the corresponding station data is recorded in the reception database BDR of the controller 26 This transmission information can be recorded in the log file in the form of corresponding station data as recorded in the BDR reception database. In addition to the recording of this information in the reception log file LOGR, the date and time of transmission from an internal clock of the controller 26, and, where appropriate, the

  XSL style sheet references associated with station data.

  LOGE and LOGR log files are files

  sequentials presenting successive recordings, for example in text format.

  The controller 26 transmits the station data of the received document (as duplicated in the reception database BDR) in the reception RR directory of the station 15 which is adapted to retrieve this station data and save it in its database BDS. In doing so, the station 15 sends an acknowledgment signal to the module 30 for managing the log files of its automaton 26 which records in its reception log file LOGR a record mentioning that the document has been received. This automaton 26 then sends an acknowledgment signal to the transmitting station via the communication means 18, and the automaton of this transmitting station records in its LOGE transmission log file the fact that the document has been received by station 15 which

acts as a receiving station.

  The automaton 26 also includes a generation module 33, from the converted data (on transmission) or the transmitted data (on reception) which are in said standard format for transmitting documents over digital network (s), of data, called printable data, representative of the information representative of each document and adapted so that it can be printed on microfilm. This module 33 for generating printable data therefore converts the data converted from the conversion module 27 or the data transmitted from the decryption and authentication module upon reception to printable data. This module 33 provides printable data in a format -in particular the standard format called IDS of laser printers

  marketed by the company ANACOMP or the company DATAGRAPHIX-

  compatible with a high-speed digital data printer on microfilm - in particular a laser microfilm printer such as those sold by the company ANACOMP (San Diego, USA) or by the company DATAGRAPHIX

(San Diego, USA) -.

  For example, the printable data generation module 33 converts the data in standard XML format into printable data in standard IDS format, which is the known input format of laser printers.

ANACOMP or DATAGRAPHIX.

  The controller 26 also includes a module 34 for converting LOGE and LOGR log files, in text format into data printable on

  microfilm -especially in IDS format-.

  The printable data in IDS format is then processed in a concatenation module 35 which brings together the printable data in groups capable of each forming a microfilm, their initial data assistant forming an authentication header intended to be placed at the start of the microfilm. , and

  final data forming an end of authentication. Description data

  Group content printed on each microfilm can be inserted in the

  head and / or end of authentication. The concatenation module 35 can also be adapted to encrypt the printable data which is then decrypted before

printing on microfilm 41.

  The printable data coming from the module 35 are recorded by a recorder 36 of the automaton 26 on a removable recording medium 37 such as a magnetic tape cassette which can later be read back in a reader 38 connected to a system. computer 42 which is connected

a microfilm printer 39.

  In this first variant, the printing of the microfilms 41 takes place offline, for example when the volume of information to be printed becomes sufficient to fill a microfilm 41. The printing decision may result from the fact that the removable recording medium 37, regularly supplied at the rate of the transmissions is full and must be changed, and / or on the initiative of the station 15 which can regularly trigger the recording of the printable data on removable recording medium 37 (on manual or automatic command by a programming software), and / or on command from the controller 26 which triggers automatically, periodically or according to the volume of the data

  printable, recording printable data.

  As a variant or in combination, the printable data is supplied directly to the printer 39 by a dedicated high-speed transmission line 40 connecting the automaton 26 and the computer system 42 for managing the printer 39. In this latter variant, the printable data can thus be sent to the computer system 42 for managing the microfilm printer 39 in real time, that is to say simultaneously with the transmission or reception i of the corresponding documents by the machine 26. The printing of microfilm 41 then takes place almost simultaneously (taking into account the time required for this

  more important impression than that of data transmission over the network).

  This variant is advantageous, in particular in applications where the stations 15 continuously transmit and / or receive a large number of successive documents, justifying the use of a specialized transmission line 40 and / or the installation of a

  or several microfilm printer (s) 39 at each transmitting / receiving site.

  When a microfilm 41 is printed, it is archived and the corresponding data can be deleted from the BDE and / or BDR databases and from the LOGE and / or LOGR log files of the controller 26. In fact, if the capacities in memory of the irremovable mass of the controller 26 can be extremely important with regard to the volume of the data transmitted, they are

necessarily limited.

  Consequently, it is necessary to be able to automatically automatically purge the irremovable mass memories of the automaton 26 regularly. According to the invention, this purging is carried out by feedback of validation information from the computer system 42 managing the printer 39, the automaton 26 making it possible to identify the information and documents printed on microfilm 41 and to validate

that impression.

  This validation information can be provided by recording on a removable recording medium 43 - in particular a writable optical disc - on a recorder 44 - in particular a disc burner - of the computer system 42 for managing the printer 39. The storage medium the record 43 is then returned to the controller 26 to be read in a reader 45 of this controller 26 providing the information to a module 46 for automatic purging of this controller 26 adapted to update the BDE and / or BDR databases and LOGE and / or LOGR log files according to the corresponding printed data

validation information.

  As a variant or in combination, the validation information is transmitted via the specialized transmission line 40, supplying it directly to the

purge module 46.

  The machine 26 also advantageously comprises a module 47 for direct entry of the data of a document to be sent into a non-removable mass memory of the machine 26 from station 15. This direct entry

  allows in particular to save the data in the form of converted data, that is to say

  that is to say directly to said standard format for transmitting documents over digital network (s) - in particular in XML format -, so that the conversion of this data by the module 27 will not be necessary. The controller 26 can thus be

  adapted to supply station 15 with one or more pre-entry forms

  registered. For example, such a form can be provided for editing purchase orders and / or invoices and / or delivery notes ... directly in standard format. Once the form has been filled in with data from station 15 (manually by a human user via the input interface (keyboard, screen, etc.) of station 15 and / or automatically by software from station 15 providing the data), the whole is recorded on a non-removable mass memory of the controller 26, in particular in an XML file, as well as in a

  non-removable mass memory of station 15.

  The automaton 26 also comprises a configuration module 48 making it possible to configure it from station 15, in particular for identifying the station 15 which is connected to it; add and / or delete and / or modify the identification and authentication data of a transmitting and / or receiving station with

  which it can exchange documents via the transmission means 10, 11, 12.

  FIG. 4 represents a schematic flow diagram of the various steps for transmitting a document between a transmitting station and a receiving station. In step 50, the document is prepared for transmission by the transmitting station and placed, from its BDS database in its transmission directory RE, or sent by this database to the module 47 for inputting its automaton 26. In doing so, the controller 26 retrieves the document in the form of station data.

  in its BDE emission database during step 51.

  In FIG. 4, the reference E indicates the actions executed by the automaton of the station which transmits the document, and the reference R indicates the actions

  executed by the PLC of the station receiving the document.

  During step 52, the sending automaton searches whether the recipient of the document, as identified in the station data, is present in its directory file 29. If this is not the case, the process is interrupted during step 53 and a corresponding message is recorded in the LOGE transmission log file during step 54. If this is the case, the station data are converted to XML format by the conversion module 27 during the step 55. The data thus converted are subsequently again converted into IDS format, by the module 33, during step 76, then recorded in a magnetic tape cassette 37 in the form of printable data, or transmitted to the computer system 42 for managing the microfilm printer 39 via the dedicated link, so that it can be printed on microfilm 41. As indicated above, the printable data corresponding to the document to be sent can be printed on ur microfilm in real time (that is to say simultaneously with the transmission of the data transmitted from the document), or delayed, and after addition during step 77 of concatenation of the data corresponding to the log file

LOGE.

  The converted data are encrypted with a public key of the receiving station, prerecorded in the directory file 29 of the sending machine, during the encryption step 56. The sending machine then calculates the

  electronic signature and encrypts this signature with a private key during step 57.

  At this stage, we obtain the data, called transmitted data, representing the document to be sent and ready to be transmitted on the network transmission means. The transmission automaton then records in step 58 a message in its LOGE transmission log indicating that the document is ready for transmission. During the subsequent step 59, the sending automaton is authenticated

  by the receiving machine and vice versa.

  This authentication step 59 can be carried out as follows. The sending machine sends its authentication certificate encrypted with its private key, as well as the reference of the XSL stylesheet used in the

  document, to the receiving machine, via the network transmission means.

  The reception automat decrypts the authentication certificate of the emission automaton with a public key of the emission automaton which was supplied to it beforehand, and compares it with that which was prerecorded in its directory file 29 ( in the record corresponding to this sending machine). If the authentication certificates thus compared are identical, the receiving machine is certain of the identity of the sending machine and then sends its own authentication certificate, encrypted with its private key, to the machine 'program. At the same time, it can send a request to the sending machine if the file reference of the XSL style sheet is not known in its database, so that the sending machine can associate the sheet. XSL style to transmitted data

of the document to be issued.

  The sending machine decrypts the authentication certificate of the receiving machine with a public key of the latter which was supplied to it beforehand, and compares it with the one which was pre-recorded in the record identifying this machine. of reception as a potential receiver in the directory file 29 of the sending automaton. If the authentication certificates are

  identical, the sending machine is sure of the identity of the receiving machine.

  In the case where the reception automaton and / or the emission automaton does not validate the authentication, the process is interrupted by an end step 53 and, during step 65, a corresponding recording. is added to the log file of the PLC which detects this authentication defect and commands the interruption. If the previously described authentication is validated, the sending machine sends to the receiving machine, during step 60, the encrypted document, possibly associated with the XSL style sheet, and with the electronic signature. It records a corresponding message in its LOGE transmission log file, according to which the document has been transmitted, during step 61. During the subsequent step 62, the reception automat decrypts the document with a private key. During step 63, the reception automat decrypts the electronic signature associated with the document with a public key of the emission automaton, then it recalculates the electronic signature of the document in the same way as the sending automaton, in step 63. In subsequent step 64, the receiving automaton compares the two signatures. If they are not identical, the process is interrupted during step 53 and a corresponding message is recorded in the reception log file of the reception machine during step 66. If the two signatures are identical, the the receiving machine is certain that the document received is the same as that which was sent by the sending machine. The reception automaton then sends an acknowledgment message to the emission automaton during step 67, then the emission automaton records a good reception message in its LOGE emission log file during the step 68. The execution of this last step 68 of modification of the LOGE transmission log file can then trigger step 76 of concatenation of the data of the LOGE transmission log file with the data of the document, with a view to generation and the recording and / or transmission of printable data

in the sending machine.

  Furthermore, the reception automaton converts the data transmitted from the decryption which are in XML format, into station data, during step 69 (module 32 of conversion). It then saves the data in the format of the station data in its reception database BDR and transmits this same data in the reception directory RR of the receiving station intended to receive the document, during step 70. Once these steps executed he records

  a message of good reception in its log file of LOGR during step 71.

  Simultaneously, the references of the XSL style sheet associated with the document can be recorded in the reception log file LOGR. When the receiving station reads the document from its reception directory RR to store it in its database BDS station in step 72, the reception automaton records a complete reception message in its reception log

LOGR during step 73.

  Furthermore, if the two electronic signatures calculated by the reception machine during step 64 are identical, the reception machine converts the data in XML format into printable data in IDS format during step 74. During in the concatenation step 75, the data from the reception log file LOGR are concatenated with those representing the document received, to provide the printable data intended to be printed on microfilm. This concatenation step 75 can be triggered after execution of the last step 73 modifying the reception log file LOGR. The printable data can be recorded on cassette 37 or transmitted via the link 40 for the purpose of

  printing of the microfilm 41 controlled by the reception machine.

  As can be seen, this method guarantees the authenticity of the stations exchanging the document due to the authentication step 59, and the fact that each of the transmitting and receiving stations capable of exchanging documents between them has previously registered as such by exchanging their certificates of authentication. To do this, each station having to exchange documents with another address at the latter a removable recording medium (such as an optical disc or a floppy disk), and this, by means other than 1o network transmission means , -especially by post-, on which is registered its authentication certificate, and which allows the recording (thanks to the configuration module 48) of this authentication certificate in the directory file 29 of the controller of this other station. This authentication certificate is recorded in this directory 29 in encrypted form with a private key of the station.

  corresponding to the authentication certificate.

  The confidentiality of the documents transmitted over the network transmission means 10, 11, 12 is ensured by the fact that the data transmitted

are encrypted.

  The integrity of the data transmitted and the document during the transmission is guaranteed by the use of the electronic signature by the content of the log files, and, ultimately, by the corresponding data which will be

  printed on microfilm 41, both on transmission and on reception.

  The invention thus makes it possible to provide irrefutable legal proof of the act of transmission and of the content of the document transmitted. This evidence is at least as good as the paper trail which is the only traditionally accepted evidence. This proof can be obtained regardless of the

  nature of the network transmission means 10, 11, 12 used by the transmission.

  FIG. 3 represents a schematic example of structural architecture of an automaton 26 according to the invention. As can be seen, this automaton 26 comprises an electrical supply cord 90 connected to two parallel supply circuits 88, 89. These two circuits 88, 89 ensure the electrical supply of the automaton in all circumstances. In the event of a failure on one of the two

  circuits, an alarm message can be delivered to the station which is connected to the PLC.

  The controller 26 is in the general form of a central microcomputer unit, comprising at least one backplane bus 78 on which the various functional cards of the controller 26 are connected. A card 79 allows the connection at the corresponding station 13, 14, 15. A motherboard with microprocessors (s) manages the general operation of the controller 26. Traditionally, each microprocessor of the motherboard 80 is associated with these

  RAM and read only memory and other related ancillary components.

  The automaton 26 furthermore comprises at least two separate hard disks 81, 82 managed in mirror, that is to say that they are strictly identical at all times. On each of these hard drives, the PLC's BDE and BDR databases are saved. Preferably, each of the hard disks 81, 82 is also separated into two separate logical units, one for the DDE transmission comprising in particular the BDE transmission database, and the other for the

  DDR reception including in particular the BDR reception database.

  Furthermore, a card 83 allows connection to the communication means 16 to 23 via a connection port 84. This port 84 must allow a

  high speed data transmission and can be for example a USB serial link.

* As previously indicated, in a variant not shown, the means 16 to 23 of communication can be integrated into the housing of the controller 26 and directly connected to the bus 78. For example, the controller 26 may include a modem

  internal 18 directly connected to bus 78.

  A connection card 85 is also provided in FIG. 40 for specific transmission with the computer system 42 to which the printer 39

  of microfilm is connected. This card 85 also controls a connection port 86.

  A card 87 makes it possible to manage the recorder 36 of the removable recording media 37 (magnetic tape cassettes) on which the printable data are recorded. A card 88 makes it possible to manage the reader 45 of

  removable recording media 43 (optical discs CD-ROM).

  As can be seen, an automaton 26 according to the invention has no human interface and, in particular, does not include a keyboard or screen. In any event, it is programmed so that it is not possible to modify the data stored on its hard disks 81, 82 from the outside, except by

  through the input module 47 specifically provided for this purpose.

  The recording of the data of the documents to be sent and received on the send and receive databases of each automaton makes it possible to secure the printing on microfilm of these data by preventing their loss between the moment when they are recorded in the broadcast directory or the

  reception directory of the station, and that of the microfilm printing.

  In a network according to the invention, an automaton can be provided only for transmission or only for reception or, preferably,

  simultaneously with transmission and reception.

  The various functions mentioned above can be carried out by simple programming, in the traditional way. Furthermore, the invention can be the subject of numerous variants with respect to the embodiments

  preferential described above and shown in the figures.

Claims (28)

  1 / - Process for the certified transmission of documents on digital network (s) between at least one transmitting station (13, 15) and at least one receiving station (14, 15), characterized in that: - between at least one of said stations (13, 14,) and means (10, 11, 12) of data transmission, said means (10, 11, 12) of network transmission, belonging to at least one digital network, an automaton (24, 25, 26) adapted for: connecting the station (13, 14, 15) and the means (10, 11, 12) of network transmission by ensuring between them the exchange of data of the documents to be transmitted, generate, for each document transmitted, data, called printable data, representative of this document and adapted to be able to   be printed on microfilm (41).   2 / - Method for certified transmission of documents on digital network (s), between at least one transmitting station (13, 15) and at least one receiving station (14, 15), in which each document is represented by information comprising at least information, known as common information, common for different documents having the same nature, information, known as variable information, specific to each document, and transmission information comprising identification information from at least one transmitting station (13, 15) and identification information of at least one receiving station (14, 15), this information being capable of being recorded in each station (13, 14, 15) in the form of digital data, called data station, in a format compatible with this station, characterized in that, for transmission from a transmitting station (13, 15) on data transmission means belonging to the m oins a digital network, known as network transmission means (10, 11, 12), station data of at least one document saved in the transmitting station (13, 15): - it transmits and duplicates automatically and in real time all of the station data corresponding to each document to be transmitted, on at least one non-removable mass memory (81, 82, DDE) of a PLC (24, 26) interposed between said transmitting station (13, 15) and the means (10, 11, 12) of network transmission, - this station data is converted into data (24, 26) into data, known as converted data, according to a standard format for transmitting documents over digital network (s) ), - data, said transmitted data, corresponding to the converted data, are transmitted to the means (10, 11, 12) for transmission of the network, then data, said printable data, are printed on at least one microfilm (41) , representative of the information   representative of each document issued.   3 / - Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the converted data is encrypted in the automaton (24, 26) to form the data   transmitted to be transmitted on the network transmission means (10, 11, 12).   4 / - Method according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized   in that before transmitting the data transmitted on the network transmission means (10, 11, 12), an authentication protocol of a receiving station (14, 15) to which the document is to be transmitted is executed , by exchange and verification of previously registered authentication certificates and insertion of an electronic signature to the converted data to form the data   transmitted to be transmitted on the network transmission means (10, 11, 12).   5 / - Method for certified transmission of documents over digital network (s), between at least one transmitting station (13, 15) and at least one receiving station (14, 15), in which each document is represented by information comprising at least information, known as common information, common for different documents having the same nature, information, known as variable information, specific to each document, and transmission information comprising identification information from at least one transmitting station (13, 15), and identification information of at least one receiving station (14, 15), this information being capable of being recorded in each station (13, 14, 15) in the form of digital data, called station data, in a format compatible with this station, characterized in that, for the reception on a receiving station (14, 15) of data from at least one document, called transmitted data, iss means of data transmission (10, 11, 12) belonging to at least one digital network, known as network transmission means (10, 11, 12), in a standard format for document transmission over network (x) digital (s): - in a PLC (25, 26) interposed between said receiving station (14, 15) and the means (10, 11, 12) of network transmission, the data transmitted into station data is converted into a compatible format with the receiving station (14, 15), - the station data corresponding to each document received on at least one non-removable mass memory (51, 82, DDR) of the automatic machine is transmitted and duplicated automatically and in real time , 26), - we print on at least one microfilm (41) data, called printable data, representative of the information representative of each document received.   6 / - Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the data transmitted is decrypted before converting it from the standard format into station data.   7 / - Method according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized   in that in the automaton, an electronic signature inserted in the transmitted data is dissociated and analyzed and compared with an electronic signature calculated by the automaton (25, 26) in the same way as that inserted in the transmitted data .   8 / - Method according to one of claims i to 7, characterized in   that for each data transmission of a document to or from said network transmission means (10, 11, 12), at least the transmission information of at least one log file (LOGE, LOGR) is recorded in the '' automaton (24, 25, 26). 9 / - Method according to claim 8, characterized in that one prints on the same microfilm (41) the printable data of several documents as well as the content of at least one log file (LOGE, LOGR) of the machine (24, 25, 26).   IO / - Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized   in that the printable data of at least one document is printed on a microfilm (41), between initial data forming an authentication header placed at the start of the microfilm (41) and final data forming an end of 'authentication. 11 / - Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the authentication header and the end of authentication include in encrypted form data identifying the information printed on the microfilm (41) -in particular the   list of documents printed on this microfilm.   12 / - Method according to one of claims 1 to 1i1, characterized   in that we print on microfilm (41) the printable data of each   document in a form directly readable and understandable by humans.   13 / - Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized   in that in order to print the printable data on microfilm: - the data in the standard format for transmission of documents over digital network (s) is converted into the printable data (24, 25, 26) into printable data according to a format compatible with a high-speed printer (39) on digital data microfilm - in particular a laser printer -, the printable data thus converted are transmitted to a such printer (39).   14 / - Process according to claim 13, characterized in that the printable data is encrypted before transmitting it to a printer (39) of microfilm, and in that the printable data is decrypted before being printed on microfilm (41).   / - Method according to one of claims 11 to 14,   characterized in that, in order to transmit the data to a microfilm printer (39), the printable data are recorded in the machine (24, 25, 26) on 1o a removable recording medium (37), then prints offline on microfilm 41) the printable data recorded on this removable recording medium (37).   16 / - Method according to one of claims 12 to 15,   characterized in that the printable data is transmitted in real time to at least one high-speed microfilm printer (39) by a high-speed transmission line (40) which connects it to the automaton (24, 25, 26 ), and we print the data   printable on microfilm immediately with such a printer (39).   17 / - Method according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized   in that we use as standard format the converted data, a format   chosen from XML format, SGML format and HTML format.   18 / - Automated document transmission certification system on digital network (s) intended to be interposed between a station (13, 14, 15) and means (10, 11, 12) for transmitting data belonging to the at least one digital network, known as network transmission means (10, 11, 12), characterized in that it comprises: - means (79) for linking to the station, - means (28, 31, 83, 84 , 16 to 23) for connection to the network transmission means (10, 11,12), - data generation means (33), called printable data, representative of each document transmitted, and adapted to be able to   be printed on microfilm (41).   19 / - Automated document transmission certification system on digital network (s) intended to be interposed between a transmitting station (13,) and means (10, 11, 12) for transmitting data belonging to at least one digital network, so-called network transmission means (10, 11, 12), each document being represented by information comprising at least information, called common information, common for different documents having the same nature, information, called variable information, specific to each document, and transmission information comprising identification information of at least one transmitting station and identification information of at least one receiving station, this information being capable of being recorded in each station in the form digital data, called station data, in a format compatible with this station, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one memo non-removable mass ire (81, 82), - means (79) for connection to the transmitting station (13, 15) capable of receiving station data from at least one document, means (BDE, 80, 81, 82 ) automatic and real-time duplication on at least one non-removable mass memory (81, 82, DDE) of all the station data corresponding to each document to be sent, - means (27) for converting station data into data , said converted data, according to a standard format for transmitting documents over digital network (s), - linking means (28, 83, 84, 16 to 23), known as transmission linking means, suitable to transmit to the means (10, 11, 12) of network transmission, data, said transmitted data, corresponding to the converted data, - means (33) of data generation, said printable data, representative of the information representative of each document   and adapted to be able to be printed on a microfilm (41).   / - Automated document transmission certification system on digital network (s) intended to be interposed between a receiving station (14,) and data transmission means belonging to at least one digital network, known as means (10, 11, 12) of network transmission, each document being represented by information comprising at least information, called common information, common for different documents having the same nature, information, said variable information, specific to each document, and transmission information comprising identification information of at least one transmitting station and identification information of at least one receiving station, this information being capable of being recorded in each station in the form of digital data, called station data , in a format compatible with this station, characterized in that it comprises - means (31, 83, 84, 16 to 23) of connection, known as reception connection means, capable of receiving data from at least one document, called transmitted data, coming from network transmission means (10, 11, 12) in a standard format for transmission of documents on digital network (s), - means (32) for converting the transmitted data into station data, in a format compatible with the receiving station (14, 15), - at least one non-removable mass memory (81 , 82), - means (BDR, 80, 81, 82) for automatic and real-time duplication on at least one non-removable mass memory (81, 82, DDR), of all the station data corresponding to each document to receive, - means (33) for generating data, called printable data, representative of the information representative of each document   and adapted to be able to be printed on a microfilm (41).   21 / - Automatic device according to claims 19 and 20, characterized   in that it comprises: - means (79) for connection to a transmitting / receiving station, - means (28, 83, 84, 16 to 23) for connection to the transmission, - means (31, 82 , 84, 16 to 23) for connection to reception, - means (27, 33) for converting station data into converted data, and of data transmitted into station data, - means (BDE, BDR, 80, 81, 82) of automatic duplication in real time on at least one non-removable mass memory (81, 82), called transmission mass memory (DDE), of the station data to be transmitted, and on at least one non-removable mass memory ( 81, 82), called reception mass memory (DDR), of station data to be received, - means (33) of generating data, said printable data, representative of the information representative of each document   and adapted to be able to be printed on a microfilm (41).   22 / - A machine according to claim 21, characterized in that the transmission mass memory (DDE) is distinct from the mass memory of reception (DDR).   23 / - Automate according to one of claims 19 to 22,   characterized in that each non-removable mass memory (BDE, DDR) is   split into two identical memory modules (81, 82) managed in mirror.   24 / - Automate according to one of claims 19 to 23,   characterized in that the connecting means (28, 31, 83, 84, 16 to 23) comprise   means (28, 31) for encrypting / decrypting the transmitted data.   25 / - Automate according to one of claims 18 to 24,   characterized in that it is suitable for associating an electronic signature with the data transmitted on the broadcast and / or for dissociating and verifying a signature   electronic inserted in the data transmitted to the reception.   26 / - Automate according to one of claims 18 to 25,   characterized in that it comprises a closed box containing all of its components, provided with: - means (79) for connection to the station, - means (28, 31, 83, 84, 16 to 23) for connection on transmission and / or on reception, - means (36) for recording removable recording media (37), - means (40) for connection to a transmission line at 0o high speed, - means (89a, 89b, 90) for connection to a source of electrical energy,   and is free from any other peripheral and means of connection with the outside.   27 / - Automate according to one of claims 18 to 26,   characterized in that it comprises a dedicated microcomputer architecture comprising at least one internal bus (78) with which are associated: - at least one motherboard (80) with memory (s) and microprocessor (s) programmed (s) to form said conversion means, said automatic and real-time duplication means, and said means for generating printable data, - at least one non-removable mass memory (81, 82, DDE, DDR), - at least one card for link (79) to a station, - at least one link card (83) for transmission and / or reception.   28 / - A machine according to claim 27, characterized in that it further comprises, associated with the internal bus (78), at least one card (87) of   management of a recorder (36) of removable recording media (37).   29 / - Automate according to one of claims 27 or 28,   characterized in that it further comprises, associated with the internal bus (78), at least one   card (85) for connection to a high speed transmission line (40).   / - Automate according to one of claims 18 to 29,   characterized in that it comprises means (89a, 89b) of electrical supply   comprising two identical supply circuits (89a, 89b).   31 / - Automate according to one of claims 18 to 30,   characterized in that it incorporates means (16 to 23) of communication management - in particular a modem (18) - with the means (10, 11, 12) for transmitting network.   32 / - IT device comprising a transmitting (13, 15) and / or receiving station (14, 15) adapted to be able to be connected to at least one digital network for exchanging data with means (10, 11, 12) of transmission of this network, characterized in that it comprises at least one automaton   24, 25, 26) according to one of claims 18 to 31.   33 / - Device according to claim 32, characterized in that the automaton (24, 25, 26) is an internal peripheral incorporated in a central unit of the device.   34 / - Digital network comprising means (10, 11, 12) for transmitting digital data, said means (10, 11, 12) for network transmission, at least one transmitting station (13, 15) and at least one station receiver (14, 15), characterized in that it comprises at least one automaton (24, 25, 26) according to one of claims 18 to 31.   / - Network according to claim 34, characterized in that it comprises an automaton (24, 25, 26) between each transmitting station (13, 15) and / or   receiver (14, 15) and the means (10, 11, 12) of network transmission.