JP2001265699A - Network facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide network facsimile equipment more quickly notifying a transmission result to a user. SOLUTION: Since the error notification mail of a reception side is transmitted to a mail address corresponding to the user code of a transmission user or the like, the transmission user clearly recognizes that image information transmission specified by himself/herself is erroneously ended and quickly performs the work of retransmission or the like for instance and the service of communication is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus capable of processing a received facsimile apparatus by reading a transmission original and generating predetermined facsimile image information, and connecting to a general public network. The present invention relates to a facsimile communication function for exchanging image information via a local area network, and a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for exchanging image information using an e-mail via a local area network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile apparatus function capable of reading a transmission original to generate predetermined facsimile image information and processing received image information, and a general public network (an analog public network PSTN or a digital public network ISDN). It has a facsimile communication function for connecting and exchanging image information via this general public network, and a network facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network. Network facsimile machines have been put to practical use.

The use of such a network facsimile apparatus is very convenient because image information can be transmitted to a user such as a terminal connected to a local area network or the Internet.

[0004]

By the way, usually, when image information is transmitted using e-mail, it is different from the case where image information is transmitted by directly connecting to a partner terminal using a general public network. Can't tell if it arrived at the destination.

[0005] In order to notify the transmitting side that the image information has been successfully received on the receiving side, a method of creating a notification e-mail and transmitting it to the transmitting side may be considered. Since the transmission destination is a network facsimile machine on the transmission side, it may take a long time for the transmission user to know the transmission result of the image information.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to provide a network facsimile apparatus capable of promptly notifying a user of a transmission result.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a facsimile apparatus function which reads a transmission original to create predetermined facsimile image information and can process received image information.
A facsimile communication function for connecting to a general public network and exchanging image information via the general public network, and a network facsimile for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network In a network facsimile apparatus having a communication function, when transmitting image information using an e-mail, an e-mail address specified by the user is inserted into the header information of the e-mail carrying the image information as a reply e-mail address. It is provided with information transmission means.

A facsimile machine function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, a user code consisting of a predetermined number of digits and a mail registered in the user code A user code table storing addresses associated with each other, and when transmitting image information using an e-mail, a mail address corresponding to a user code specified by a user is extracted from the user code table, and the extracted mail An image information transmitting means for inserting an address as a reply mail address into header information of an electronic mail carrying image information is provided.

Further, a facsimile apparatus capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original and generating predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, when transmitting image information using e-mail, an e-mail address operated and input by a user is used. And image information transmitting means for inserting, as a reply e-mail address, into the header information of an electronic mail carrying image information.

[0010] Further, a facsimile apparatus function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, a user code consisting of a predetermined number of digits and a mail registered in the user code A user code table storing addresses associated with each other, and, when transmitting image information using an electronic mail, extracting a first mail address corresponding to a user code specified by a user from the user code table; Image information transmitting means for allowing a user to input a second mail address, and inserting the first and second mail addresses into the header information of an e-mail carrying the image information as a reply mail address; It is a thing.

Also, a facsimile apparatus function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, a user code consisting of a predetermined number of digits and a mail registered in the user code A user code table storing addresses associated with each other, and, when transmitting image information using an electronic mail, extracting a first mail address corresponding to a user code specified by a user from the user code table; Obtain a mail address registered in the terminal itself as a second mail address, and insert the first mail address and the second mail address as reply mail addresses into the header information of the e-mail carrying the image information. Image information transmitting means .

Also, a facsimile machine function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, when transmitting image information using e-mail, an e-mail address operated and input by a user is used. Acquiring as a first e-mail address, acquiring an e-mail address registered in the terminal itself as a second e-mail address,
The first and second e-mail addresses are
It is provided with an image information transmitting means for inserting, as a reply mail address, into the header information of an electronic mail carrying image information.

A facsimile apparatus function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, when transmitting image information using e-mail, an MDN request information is transmitted to the electronic facsimile device. It is provided with an image information transmitting unit that inserts the mail address into the header information of the mail and sets the mail address specified by the user as the mail address of the MDN destination.

A facsimile apparatus capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, a user code consisting of a predetermined number of digits and a mail registered in the user code A user code table means storing addresses in association with each other, and, when transmitting image information using an e-mail, inserting the MDN request information into header information of the e-mail carrying the image information, and a user code designated by the user Is provided from the user code table means, and the extracted mail address is set as the mail address of the MDN destination.

A facsimile machine function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, when transmitting image information using e-mail, an MDN request information is transmitted to the electronic facsimile device. An image information transmitting means for inserting an e-mail address operated and input by the user as an e-mail address of an MDN destination while inserting it into the header information of the e-mail is provided.

Further, a facsimile apparatus capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, a user code consisting of a predetermined number of digits and a mail registered in the user code User code table means for storing addresses in association with each other, and, when transmitting image information using e-mail, inserting the MDN request information into the header information of the e-mail carrying the image information, while inserting the user code designated by the user Is retrieved from the user code table means, the user inputs and operates a second mail address, and the first and second mail addresses are replaced with the mail address of the MDN destination. Image information transmission means set as It includes those were.

A facsimile apparatus function capable of processing received image information by reading an original to be transmitted and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, a user code consisting of a predetermined number of digits and a mail registered in the user code A user code table means storing addresses in association with each other, and, when transmitting image information using an e-mail, inserting the MDN request information into header information of the e-mail carrying the image information, and a user code designated by the user The first e-mail address corresponding to the e-mail address is retrieved from the user code table means, and the e-mail address registered in
And an image information transmitting means for setting the first mail address and the second mail address as the mail address of the MDN destination.

Further, a facsimile machine function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, when transmitting image information using e-mail, an MDN request information is transmitted to the electronic facsimile device. While inserting the mail address into the header information of the mail, the mail address operated and input by the user is obtained as the first mail address, and the mail address registered in the own terminal is obtained as the second mail address. And an image information transmitting means for setting the e-mail address and the second e-mail address as the e-mail address of the MDN destination.

[0019]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a local area network LAN includes a plurality of workstations WS1 to WS1.
WSn, the mail server device SM, and the network facsimile device FX are connected.

Here, the mail server apparatus SM collects well-known e-mails for users using the workstation apparatuses WS1 to WSn connected to the local area network LAN and for the network network facsimile apparatus FX. It provides distribution services.

Further, the workstation devices WS1 to WSW
Various programs such as facsimile application software for creating, displaying, and outputting facsimile image information, and various software for exchanging various data via a local area network LAN are installed in Sn. Is used by the user. Here, the specific user is
There may be one or more users.

Further, the network facsimile machine FX
Is an electronic mail processing function for exchanging image information and various reports as electronic mail, and is connected to the analog public network PSTN.
And a group 3 facsimile communication function for transmitting image information according to the group 3 facsimile transmission procedure using the transmission line as a transmission path.

FIG. 2 shows a network facsimile apparatus F
3 shows an example of the configuration of X.

In FIG. 1, a system control unit 1 controls each unit of the network facsimile machine FX.
The system memory 2 stores various control processes such as a facsimile transmission control procedure process. The system memory 2 stores a control process program executed by the system control unit 1 and various data necessary for executing the process program. The parameter memory 3 stores various kinds of information unique to the network facsimile machine FX. The clock circuit 4 stores current time information. Is output.

The scanner 5 is for reading an original image at a predetermined resolution, the plotter 6 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution, and the operation display unit 7 is a network facsimile apparatus. It is used to operate the FX, and includes various operation keys and various display devices.

The encoding / decoding unit 8 encodes and compresses the image signal and decodes the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal.
This is for storing a large number of image information in a coded and compressed state.

The group 3 facsimile modem 10 realizes a group 3 facsimile modem function, and exchanges a transmission procedure signal (a low-speed modem function (V.21 modem)) and mainly exchanges image information. High-speed modem function (V.17 modem,
V. 34 modem, V.34. 29 modem, V.29. 27ter modem etc.).

The network control device 11 is for connecting the network facsimile machine FX to the analog public network PSTN, and has an automatic transmission / reception function.

The local area network interface circuit 12 is connected to the network facsimile machine F
X is connected to the local area network LAN, and the local area network transmission control unit 13
This is for executing communication control processing of various predetermined protocol suites for exchanging various data with other data terminal devices.

The system control unit 1, the system memory 2, the parameter memory 3, the clock circuit 4, the scanner 5, the plotter 6, the operation display unit 7, the encoding / decoding unit 8, the image storage device 9, the group 3 facsimile modem The network controller 10, the network controller 11, and the local area network transmission controller 13 are connected to an internal bus 14. Data exchange between these elements is mainly performed via the internal bus 14. I have.

Data exchange between the network controller 11 and the group 3 facsimile modem 10 is directly performed.

Here, in this embodiment, basically,
Data exchange between terminals connected to the local area network LAN is a so-called TCP / I
This is performed by applying a combination (a so-called protocol suite) of a transmission protocol up to a transport layer called P and a communication protocol of a higher layer than that. For example, in the exchange of e-mail data, SMTP (Simple) is used as the upper layer communication protocol.
A communication protocol called Mail Transfer Protocol is applied.

A protocol applied by each terminal to the mail server device SM for confirming the receipt of an electronic mail addressed to the user or requesting the user to obtain the electronic mail is a so-called POP.
(Post Office Protocol) or the like can be applied.

Communication protocols such as TCP / IP, SMTP, and POP, and the data format and data structure of electronic mail are specified by RFC documents issued by IETF. For example, TCP is RFC793, IP is RFC793, SM
TP is RFC821, E-mail format is RFC82
2, RFC1521, RFC1522 (MIME (Mu
lti PurposeMail Extension
n) format).

Then, the network facsimile apparatus F
X transmits the read document image to another group 3 facsimile machine via the analog public network PSTN, or the workstation devices WS1 to WS via the local area network LAN (further, the Internet).
n and other network facsimile machines FX, and image information received from another group 3 facsimile machine via the analog public network PSTN.
The image information transferred to the user corresponding to the sub-address specified at that time by e-mail or received from the workstation WS of the local area network LAN (by e-mail) is converted to the specified analog address. It has a transfer service function for transferring to a group 3 facsimile apparatus of the public network PSTN.

For an electronic mail received at the terminal itself, image information arranged in the body information is extracted and recorded and output.

In this embodiment, a user code is set for a user using the network facsimile machine FX, and a transfer destination address corresponding to the above-described transfer service is registered for each user code. You. These pieces of information are registered and stored in a user code table as shown in FIG.

Since the facsimile image information is binary data and the electronic mail cannot directly include the binary data, the readable information (7) is applied by applying a predetermined conversion method (for example, a Base64 encoding method).
(E.g., bit character code) is included in the e-mail. Such a format of the body information of the electronic mail is called a MIME format.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an electronic mail used when transmitting facsimile image information.

This e-mail is a multi-part MIME-format e-mail having a plurality of body parts (however, only one body part is shown in the figure), the transmission date of the e-mail (“Date” field), the destination E-mail address (“To” field), source e-mail address (“From” field), reply destination e-mail address (“Reply-to” field) indicating the destination of reply information to this e-mail, and message identification Information ("Message-ID" field)
And a binary part for carrying facsimile image information. The binary part includes a MIME part for converting facsimile image information to MIME. The obtained MIME encoded data is arranged.

The facsimile image information carried by e-mail is obtained by compressing the original image data by MH coding and converting it to a TIFF-F format.
Mime-converted IFF-F data is arranged.

Here, in the TIFF-F format,
Since image data of a plurality of pages can be collected as one file, data of one transmission image information file including a plurality of pages can be arranged in one binary part.

With the above configuration, the user code "1234"
Is trying to transmit image information to a user of a terminal connected to a local area network LAN or the Internet by e-mail,
The original to be transmitted is set on the scanner 5, and then the destination mail address and the user's own code are sequentially input.

When a document to be transmitted is set on the scanner 5, the network facsimile machine FX displays guidance for the user to input a destination telephone number or mail address and a user code of the user.

In this case, the network facsimile machine FX receives the mail address of the destination and the user code from the user, and recognizes that image information is to be transmitted using electronic mail, and stores the user code. Then, it prompts the user to press the start key to instruct the start of image information transmission.

When the user presses the start key to instruct the start of image information transmission, the network facsimile machine FX reads the transmission original set on the scanner 5 and stores the obtained image data in a code for storage. The image data is encoded and compressed by the encoding / decoding unit 8 using the encoding method, and is stored in the image storage device 9.

Next, the network facsimile apparatus F
X acquires the mail address corresponding to the user code stored at that time from the user code table,
Set that value in the reply email address,
The header information is created by setting appropriate information to the values of the necessary fields of the other header information.

Next, the network facsimile machine FX
Converts the image information stored in the image storage device 9 into image data in TIFF-F format, and MIME-converts the image data in TIFF-F format to create body information of an e-mail carrying transmission image information.

Then, the SMTP of the mail server device SM
It connects to the server, transmits an e-mail composed of the created header information and body information, and terminates the connection with the SMTP server when the transmission of the e-mail is completed.

On the other hand, the network facsimile machine FX
Creates an error notification e-mail to notify the occurrence of an error when a reception error occurs when receiving an e-mail,
The error notification mail is transmitted to the reply mail address of the e-mail in which the reception error occurred at that time.

As described above, in this embodiment, the error notification mail on the receiving side is transmitted to the mail address corresponding to the user code of the transmitting user.
It is possible to clearly know that the image information transmission designated by the user has ended with an error, and for example, work such as retransmission can be performed quickly, and the serviceability of communication is improved.

FIG. 5 shows an example of processing executed by the network facsimile machine FX when transmitting image information using an electronic mail.

When the transmission original is set on the scanner 5,
First, the user inputs a destination mail address (process 101) and a user code (process 102).

Next, the user presses the start key (not shown).
And waits until a transmission start command is issued (NO loop in decision 103). If the result of decision 103 is YES, the transmission original set on the scanner 5 is read (process 104), and the image obtained thereby is obtained. The data is encoded and compressed by the encoding / decoding unit 8 by applying an encoding method for accumulation, and is accumulated in the image accumulation device 9 (process 105).

Next, the transfer destination address corresponding to the user code stored at that time is obtained from the user code table (step 106), and the value is set in the return destination mail address. The header information is created by setting appropriate information to the necessary field values (step 107).

Next, the image information stored in the image storage device 9 is converted into image data in TIFF-F format (Step 10).
8) MIME conversion of the image data in the TIFF-F format is performed to create body information of an electronic mail carrying transmission image information (process 109).

Then, the SMTP of the mail server device SM
It connects to the server (Step 110), sends an e-mail composed of the header information and body information created in Steps 107 and 109 (Step 111), and ends the connection with the SMTP server when the transmission of the e-mail ends. (Process 11
2).

FIG. 6 shows a network facsimile apparatus F
X shows an example of a process executed when an e-mail is received. This e-mail receiving operation is started at regular time intervals (for example, 10 minutes).

First, a connection is made to the POP server of the mail server device SM (process 201), and an inquiry is made as to whether an unread mail addressed to the terminal is received (process 202).
If no unread mail has been received and the result of determination 203 is NO, the connection with the POP server is terminated (process 204), and this process is terminated.

If an unread mail has been received and the result of determination 203 is YES, one unread mail is received and acquired (process 205), and the connection with the POP server is terminated (process 205). 206).

Next, it is checked whether or not a reception error has occurred when receiving the unread mail (decision 207). If the reception was successful without any reception error, the
If the result is NO, the body information of the received e-mail is extracted, MIME-encoded and TIFF-
The image data in the F format is created, the image data is converted into facsimile image data and transferred to the plotter 6, whereby the received document is recorded and output (process 208). The e-mail whose recording and output has been completed is sent to the image storage device 9
(Step 209). Next, the process returns to the process 201, connects to the POP server again, and executes a process for unread mail.

If a reception error has occurred and the result of determination 207 is YES, an error notification mail having a predetermined text is created (process 210). As the destination mail address of the error notification mail, the mail address set as the reply destination mail address for the e-mail having the reception error is applied.

Next, the SMTP of the mail server device SM
The connection to the server is made (process 211), the error notification mail created in process 210 is sent (process 212), and when the transmission of the e-mail is finished, the connection with the SMTP server is finished (process 213). Next, the process returns to the process 201, connects to the POP server again, and executes a process for unread mail.

In the above-described embodiment, the user inputs a user code, and the transfer destination address registered in the user code is applied as the reply mail address. May be directly input by the user.

In this case, since the user can arbitrarily specify a mail address at which reply information such as an error notification mail can be received, the flexibility becomes extremely high.

As the value of the reply mail address input by the user, for example, a mail address registered in the network facsimile machine FX to be used can be applied. In this case, the reply information is recorded and output from the network facsimile machine FX.
The sending user can check the contents of the reply information. In such a case, the input by the user can be omitted.

FIG. 7 shows another example of the processing executed by the network facsimile machine FX when transmitting image information using electronic mail.

When the transmission original is set on the scanner 5,
First, the user inputs a destination mail address (process 301), inputs an error notification destination mail address (process 301), and stores the input error notification destination mail address.

Next, the user presses the start key (not shown).
And waits until a transmission start command is issued (NO loop of decision 303). If the result of decision 303 is YES, the transmission original set on the scanner 5 is read (process 304), and the image obtained thereby is obtained. The data is encoded and compressed by the encoding / decoding unit 8 by applying the encoding method for accumulation, and is accumulated in the image accumulation device 9 (process 305).

Next, the error notification destination mail address stored at that time is set to the reply destination mail address, and appropriate information is set to the values of other necessary fields of the header information to set the header information. Is created (process 306).

Next, the image information stored in the image storage device 9 is converted into image data in the TIFF-F format (step 30).
7) The TIFF-F format image data is MIME-converted to create body information of an e-mail carrying transmission image information (process 308).

Then, the SMTP of the mail server device SM
It connects to the server (Step 309), sends an e-mail composed of the header information and body information created in Steps 306 and 308 (Step 310), and when the transmission of the e-mail ends, ends the connection with the SMTP server. (Process 31
1).

By the way, a plurality of reply mail addresses can be set. For example, two mail addresses can be arranged as shown in FIG. Here, the contents used as the reply e-mail address are the transfer e-mail address registered corresponding to the user code and the error notification e-mail address operated and input by the user.

As described above, by applying a plurality of reply e-mail addresses, the sending user and other appropriate destinations can be addressed.
Reply information such as an error notification mail is transmitted, and for example, the reliability of the error notification is improved.

FIG. 9 shows still another example of the processing executed by the network facsimile machine FX when transmitting image information using electronic mail.

When the transmission original is set on the scanner 5,
First, the user inputs a destination mail address (process 401), a user code (process 402), and an error notification destination mail address (process 403). The notification destination mail address is stored.

Next, the user presses the start key (not shown).
And waits until a transmission start command is issued (NO loop of decision 404). If the result of decision 404 is YES, the transmission original set on the scanner 5 is read (process 405), and the image obtained thereby is obtained. The data is coded and compressed by the coding / decoding unit 8 by applying a coding method for storage, and is stored in the image storage device 9 (process 406).

Next, the mail address corresponding to the user code stored at that time is obtained from the user code table (process 407), and the value and the stored mail address for error notification are obtained. Is set in the reply-to mail address, and appropriate information is set in the values of the other necessary fields of the header information to create header information (process 40).
8).

Next, the image information stored in the image storage device 9 is converted into image data in TIFF-F format (Step 40).
9), the TIFF-F format image data is MIME-converted to create body information of an e-mail carrying transmission image information (process 410).

Then, the SMTP of the mail server device SM
It connects to the server (process 411), sends an e-mail composed of the header information and body information created in processes 408 and 410 (process 412), and ends the connection with the SMTP server when the transmission of the e-mail ends. (Process 41
3).

By the way, the e-mail system on the Internet has a mechanism for confirming that the transmitted e-mail has been processed by the partner user.
MDN (Message Dispositoin N)
authorization) is defined.

This MDN is used for confirming delivery to the receiving terminal. Therefore, the function of the MDN is mounted on the network facsimile machine FX which is a terminal. For details of this MDN, refer to RF
Specified in C2298.

When the delivery confirmation by the MDN is to be received, as shown in FIG. 10, the header information of the e-mail for transmitting the image information includes “Disposition”.
An "n-Notification-To" field is provided. In addition, this “Disposition-Noti
The value of the “fication-To” field sets the mail address of the destination of the delivery confirmation mail of the MDN. In this embodiment, a transfer destination mail address registered corresponding to the user code is set.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the delivery confirmation mail.

The delivery confirmation mail of this MDN is a multi-part MIME format e-mail. In this case, the second text part (MIME part) “Dispo”
site: manual-action / MDN
-Sent-manually; displayed
(Or processed) "
It has been notified that the transmission result was a normal end.

When the transmission result is an error end,
For example, "Disposition: manual-
action / MDN-sent-manually;
A character string “failed” is arranged to notify that the transmission result is abnormal termination.

As described above, in this embodiment, at the time of transmitting image information, the information of the MDN request is set in the e-mail carrying the image information, and the MDN is registered in the user code as the mail address of the destination of the MDN. Since the transfer destination mail address is set, the delivery confirmation mail of the MDN is sent to the transmission user, and as a result, the transmission user can appropriately know the result of the image information transmission performed by the transmission user.

FIG. 12 shows still another example of the processing executed by the network facsimile machine FX when transmitting image information using electronic mail.

When the original to be transmitted is set on the scanner 5,
First, the user inputs a destination mail address (process 501) and a user code (process 502).

Next, the user presses the start key (not shown).
And waits until a transmission start command is issued (NO loop of decision 503). If the result of decision 503 is YES, the transmission document set on the scanner 5 is read (process 504), and the image obtained thereby is obtained. The data is encoded and compressed by the encoding / decoding unit 8 by applying the encoding method for accumulation, and is accumulated in the image accumulation device 9 (process 505).

Next, the transfer destination address corresponding to the user code stored at that time is obtained from the user code table (step 506), and a field for the MDN request as described above is provided. The transfer destination address acquired in the process 506 is set as a value, and appropriate information is set to values of other necessary fields of the header information to create header information (process 507).

Next, the image information stored in the image storage device 9 is converted into TIFF-F format image data (step 50).
8) The image data in the TIFF-F format is MIME-converted to create the body information of the e-mail carrying the transmission image information (process 509).

Then, the SMTP of the mail server device SM
It connects to the server (step 510), sends an e-mail composed of the header information and body information created in steps 507 and 509 (step 511), and ends the connection with the SMTP server when the transmission of the e-mail is ended. (Process 51
2).

FIG. 13 shows still another example of the processing executed by the network facsimile machine FX when receiving an electronic mail. This e-mail receiving operation is started at regular time intervals (for example, 10 minutes).

First, a connection is made to the POP server of the mail server device SM (process 601), and an inquiry is made as to whether an unread mail addressed to the terminal itself has been received (process 602).
If no unread mail has been received and the result of determination 603 is NO, the connection with the POP server is terminated (process 604), and this process is terminated.

If the unread mail has been received and the result of determination 603 is YES, one unread mail is received and acquired (processing 605), and the connection with the POP server is terminated (processing 605). 606).

Next, it is checked whether or not a reception error has occurred when receiving the unread mail (decision 607). In the case where normal reception was possible without occurrence of a reception error, judgment 607
If the result is NO, the body information of the received e-mail is extracted, MIME-encoded and TIFF-
The image data in the F format is created, the image data is converted into facsimile image data and transferred to the plotter 6, whereby the received document is recorded and output (process 208). The e-mail whose recording and output has been completed is sent to the image storage device 9.
(Step 209).

Then, a delivery confirmation mail upon normal termination of the MDN as described above is created (step 610), and the mail is connected to the SMTP server of the mail server SM (step 61).
1) Send the delivery confirmation mail created in process 610 (process 612), and complete the transmission of the email,
The connection with the SMTP server is terminated (process 613). Next, the process returns to the process 201, connects to the POP server again, and executes a process for unread mail.

If a reception error has occurred and the result of determination 607 is YES, a delivery confirmation mail at the end of the MDN error as described above is created (process 614), and the SMTP of the mail server SM is created. It connects to the server (process 615), transmits the delivery confirmation mail created in process 614 (process 616), and ends the connection with the SMTP server when the transmission of the e-mail ends (process 617). Next, the process returns to the process 601 to connect to the POP server again and execute a process for unread mail.

By the way, a plurality of mail addresses can be specified at the time of MDN request. FIG. 14 shows an example of the MDN request mail in that case. in this case,
"Wsa@abc.co.jp" and "ifaxa @ a
bc. co. jp ”are designated as destinations of the delivery confirmation mail.

FIG. 15 shows an example of the delivery confirmation mail responding to the MDN request mail. In this case, two “wsa1@abc.co.jp” and “ifaxa@abc.co.jp” are set as the destination mail addresses.

Therefore, in this case, since the delivery confirmation mail of the MDN is transmitted to a plurality of destinations, the reliability of the image information transmission result is greatly improved. For example, if one of them is set in the network facsimile machine FX, the received original of the delivery confirmation mail will be recorded and output,
The possibility that the transmission user can visually recognize the transmission user increases.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a process executed by the network facsimile machine FX when transmitting image information using electronic mail in this case.

When the transmission original is set on the scanner 5,
First, the user inputs a destination mail address (step 701), a user code (step 702), and an error notification destination mail address (step 703). The notification destination mail address is stored.

Next, the user presses the start key (not shown).
And waits until a transmission start command is issued (NO loop of decision 704). If the result of decision 704 is YES, the transmission document set on the scanner 5 is read (process 705), and the image obtained thereby is obtained. The data is encoded and compressed by the encoding / decoding unit 8 by applying the encoding method for accumulation, and is accumulated in the image accumulation device 9 (process 706).

Next, a mail address corresponding to the user code stored at that time is obtained from the user code table (process 707), and a field for the MDN request as described above is provided, and the value of the field is set. As the transfer destination address acquired in the process 707,
And 2 of the memorized error notification e-mail addresses
One e-mail address is set, and appropriate information is set to values of other necessary fields of the header information to create header information (process 70).
8).

Next, the image information stored in the image storage device 9 is converted into image data in TIFF-F format (processing 70).
9), the TIFF-F format image data is MIME-converted to create text information of an electronic mail carrying transmission image information (process 710).

Then, the SMTP of the mail server device SM
It connects to the server (process 711), sends an e-mail composed of the header information and body information created in processes 708 and 710 (process 712), and ends the connection with the SMTP server when the transmission of the e-mail ends. (Process 71
3).

[0111]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A facsimile device function capable of reading a transmission original to create predetermined facsimile image information, processing received image information, and a facsimile communication function of connecting to a general public network and exchanging image information via the general public network. In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, when transmitting image information using e-mail, Image information transmitting means for inserting the e-mail address specified by as a reply e-mail address into the header information of the e-mail carrying the image information, so that reply information such as error notification e-mail etc. can be sent to the e-mail address specified by the user Is sent, the image information transmission results faster Such an effect that it is possible to obtain.

Further, a facsimile apparatus capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, a user code consisting of a predetermined number of digits and a mail registered in the user code A user code table storing addresses associated with each other, and when transmitting image information using an e-mail, a mail address corresponding to a user code specified by a user is extracted from the user code table, and the extracted mail Equipped with an image information transmission unit that inserts the address as a reply e-mail address into the header information of the e-mail carrying the image information, so that reply information such as an error notification e-mail is sent to the e-mail address registered in the user code The image information transmission result Ri also obtained an effect that it is possible to obtain quickly.

Further, a facsimile apparatus capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, when transmitting image information using e-mail, an e-mail address operated and input by a user is used. As a reply mail address, image information transmitting means is inserted into the header information of the e-mail carrying the image information, so that reply information such as an error notification mail is transmitted to the mail address input by the user, and the image information is transmitted. Also, the transmission result can be obtained more quickly.

Further, a facsimile machine function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, a user code consisting of a predetermined number of digits and a mail registered in the user code A user code table storing addresses associated with each other, and, when transmitting image information using an electronic mail, extracting a first mail address corresponding to a user code specified by a user from the user code table; Image information transmitting means for allowing a user to input a second mail address, and inserting the first and second mail addresses into the header information of an e-mail carrying the image information as a reply mail address; Registered in the user code And email address, the email address that the user operation input is transmitted return information such as error notification mail, also obtained an effect that it is possible to obtain a transmission result of the image information more quickly.

Further, a facsimile apparatus capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to create predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, a user code consisting of a predetermined number of digits and a mail registered in the user code A user code table storing addresses associated with each other, and, when transmitting image information using an electronic mail, extracting a first mail address corresponding to a user code specified by a user from the user code table; Obtain a mail address registered in the terminal itself as a second mail address, and insert the first mail address and the second mail address as reply mail addresses into the header information of the e-mail carrying the image information. Image information transmission means, The reply information such as an error notification mail is transmitted to the mail address designated by the user and the mail address registered in the user code, and the effect that the transmission result of the image information can be obtained more quickly is obtained. .

Further, a facsimile machine function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, when transmitting image information using e-mail, an e-mail address operated and input by a user is used. Acquiring as a first e-mail address, acquiring an e-mail address registered in the terminal itself as a second e-mail address,
The first and second e-mail addresses are
As a reply e-mail address, there is an image information transmission means that is inserted into the header information of the e-mail carrying the image information,
To the e-mail address entered by the user and the e-mail address registered in the network facsimile machine,
Reply information such as an error notification mail is transmitted, and the effect of being able to obtain the transmission result of image information more quickly is also obtained.

Further, a facsimile apparatus capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to create predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, when transmitting image information using e-mail, an MDN request information is transmitted to the electronic facsimile device. An image information transmitting means for setting the mail address specified by the user as the mail address of the MDN destination to be inserted into the header information of the mail, so that the delivery confirmation mail of the MDN is transmitted to the mail address specified by the user. Is transmitted, so that the transmission result of the image information can be obtained more quickly.

Further, a facsimile machine function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, a user code consisting of a predetermined number of digits and a mail registered in the user code A user code table means storing addresses in association with each other, and, when transmitting image information using an e-mail, inserting the MDN request information into header information of the e-mail carrying the image information, and a user code designated by the user Is provided from the user code table means, and the image information transmitting means for setting the retrieved mail address as the mail address of the MDN destination is provided. MDN
Is transmitted, and the transmission result of the image information can be obtained more quickly.

Further, a facsimile device information capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, and connecting to a general public network to exchange image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, when transmitting image information using e-mail, an MDN request information is transmitted to the electronic facsimile device. An image information transmitting means for setting the mail address input by the user as the mail address of the MDN destination while inserting the mail address into the header information of the mail is provided. Therefore, the delivery confirmation of the MDN to the mail address input by the user is provided. An effect is also obtained that the mail is transmitted and the transmission result of the image information can be obtained more quickly.

Further, a facsimile apparatus function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, a user code consisting of a predetermined number of digits and a mail registered in the user code User code table means for storing addresses in association with each other, and, when transmitting image information using e-mail, inserting the MDN request information into the header information of the e-mail carrying the image information, while inserting the user code designated by the user Is retrieved from the user code table means, the user inputs and operates a second mail address, and the first and second mail addresses are replaced with the mail address of the MDN destination. Image information transmission means set as With this arrangement, an MDN delivery confirmation e-mail is transmitted to the e-mail address registered in the user code and the e-mail address operated and input by the user, and the transmission result of the image information can be obtained more quickly and reliably. It also has the effect of being able to do so.

Further, a facsimile machine function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function of exchanging image information using e-mail via this local area network, a user code consisting of a predetermined number of digits and a mail registered in the user code A user code table means storing addresses in association with each other, and, when transmitting image information using an e-mail, inserting the MDN request information into header information of the e-mail carrying the image information, and a user code designated by the user The first e-mail address corresponding to the e-mail address is retrieved from the user code table means, and the e-mail address registered in
And an image information transmitting means for setting the first and second e-mail addresses as the e-mail address of the MDN destination, so that the e-mail address registered in the user code,
An MDN delivery confirmation e-mail is transmitted to the e-mail address registered in the network facsimile apparatus, so that the effect of being able to obtain the transmission result of image information more quickly and more is also obtained.

Further, a facsimile apparatus function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information is connected to a general public network, and image information is exchanged via the general public network. Facsimile communication function and connect to the local area network,
In a network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, when transmitting image information using e-mail, an MDN request information is transmitted to the electronic facsimile device. While inserting the mail address into the header information of the mail, the mail address operated and input by the user is obtained as the first mail address, and the mail address registered in the own terminal is obtained as the second mail address. Image information transmitting means for setting the e-mail address and the second e-mail address as the e-mail address of the MDN destination, the e-mail address entered by the user and the e-mail address registered in the network facsimile apparatus MDN delivery confirmation email sent It is, the transmission result of the image information more quickly, and also obtains an effect that it is possible to obtain.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a network system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network facsimile machine FX.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user code table.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electronic mail (with a return destination mail address) used when transmitting facsimile image information.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the network facsimile machine FX when transmitting image information using an electronic mail.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the network facsimile machine FX when receiving an e-mail.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of a process executed by the network facsimile machine FX when transmitting image information using electronic mail.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electronic mail (with two return mail addresses) used when transmitting facsimile image information.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing still another example of a process executed by the network facsimile machine FX when transmitting image information using electronic mail.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an e-mail with an MDN request.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delivery confirmation mail.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing still another example of the processing executed by the network facsimile apparatus FX when transmitting image information using an electronic mail.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing still another example of the processing executed by the network facsimile machine FX when receiving an e-mail.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an e-mail with an MDN request.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the delivery confirmation mail.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing still another example of a process executed by the network facsimile machine FX when transmitting image information using an electronic mail.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 System control unit 2 System memory

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) H04N 1/32 H04N 1/32 F

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. A network facsimile apparatus having a facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network. A network facsimile apparatus comprising: an image information transmitting unit that inserts a mail address specified by a user as a reply mail address into header information of an electronic mail carrying image information when transmitting the image information. 2. A facsimile machine function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. A network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, comprising a predetermined number of digits. A user code table means for storing a user code and a mail address registered in the user code in association with each other; and a mail address corresponding to a user code specified by a user when transmitting image information using an electronic mail. From the user code table However, the retrieved e-mail address, as the reply e-mail address,
A network facsimile apparatus comprising image information transmitting means for inserting image information into header information of an electronic mail carrying image information. 3. A facsimile machine function capable of processing received facsimile image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. A network facsimile apparatus having a facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network. A network facsimile apparatus comprising: an image information transmitting unit that inserts an e-mail address operated and input by a user as a return e-mail address into header information of an e-mail carrying image information when transmitting. 4. A facsimile apparatus function capable of processing received facsimile image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. A network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, comprising a predetermined number of digits. A user code table means for storing a user code and a mail address registered in the user code in association with each other; and a first code corresponding to a user code specified by a user when transmitting image information using an electronic mail. The user code table means Image information to be inserted into the header information of the electronic mail carrying the image information as a reply mail address using the first mail address and the second mail address as a reply mail address. A network facsimile machine comprising transmission means. 5. A facsimile apparatus capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original to prepare predetermined facsimile image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. A network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, comprising a predetermined number of digits. A user code table means for storing a user code and a mail address registered in the user code in association with each other; and a first code corresponding to a user code specified by a user when transmitting image information using an electronic mail. The user code table means And retrieves the mail address registered in the terminal as a second mail address, and uses the first mail address and the second mail address as reply mail addresses to send an e-mail carrying image information. A network facsimile apparatus comprising image information transmitting means for inserting the image information into header information. 6. A facsimile machine function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. A network facsimile apparatus having a facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network. At the time of transmission, the e-mail address operated and input by the user is acquired as the first e-mail address, and the e-mail address registered in the terminal itself is acquired as the second e-mail address. 2 reply e-mail address, reply e-mail address And, the network facsimile apparatus comprising the image information transmitting means for inserting the header information of the electronic mail carrying the image information. 7. A facsimile apparatus capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. A network facsimile apparatus having a facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network. When transmitting, MDN request information is inserted into header information of an electronic mail carrying image information, and image information transmitting means for setting a mail address designated by a user as a mail address of the MDN destination is provided. Characteristic network facsimile machine. 8. A facsimile apparatus function capable of processing received facsimile image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. A network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, comprising a predetermined number of digits. A user code table means for storing a user code and a mail address registered in the user code in association with each other; and, when transmitting image information using an e-mail, an MDN request information and an e-mail header carrying the image information. User specified by the user while inserting into the information The email address corresponding to the over-de taken out from the user code table means, the network facsimile device that the retrieved mail address, comprising the image information transmitting means for setting a mail address of MDN destination. 9. A facsimile apparatus capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. A network facsimile apparatus having a facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network. At the time of transmission, the MDN request information is inserted into the header information of the e-mail carrying the image information, while the e-mail address operated and input by the user is
A network facsimile apparatus comprising image information transmitting means for setting a mail address of a DN destination. 10. A facsimile machine function capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. A network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, comprising a predetermined number of digits. A user code table means for storing a user code and a mail address registered in the user code in association with each other; and, when transmitting image information using an electronic mail, a header of an electronic mail carrying the MDN request information and the image information. While inserting into the information, the user specified The first e-mail address is taken out from the user code table means corresponding to Zakodo, the second mail address is an operation input by the user, the first e-mail address and a second
A network facsimile apparatus comprising image information transmitting means for setting an e-mail address of the user as an e-mail address of an MDN destination. 11. A facsimile apparatus capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. A network facsimile apparatus having a network facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network, comprising a predetermined number of digits. A user code table means for storing a user code and a mail address registered in the user code in association with each other; and, when transmitting image information using an e-mail, an MDN request information and an e-mail header carrying the image information. While inserting the information into the information specified by the user. The first mail address corresponding to the code is taken out from the user code table means, to get the e-mail address registered in the own terminal as the second mail address, the first
A network facsimile apparatus comprising image information transmitting means for setting the e-mail address and the second e-mail address as e-mail addresses of MDN destinations. 12. A facsimile apparatus capable of processing received image information by reading a transmission original and processing received image information, connecting to a general public network, and exchanging image information via the general public network. A network facsimile apparatus having a facsimile communication function for connecting to a local area network and exchanging image information using e-mail via the local area network. At the time of transmission, the MDN request information is inserted into the header information of the e-mail carrying the image information, while the e-mail address operated and input by the user is stored in the first
And the mail address registered in the terminal itself is obtained as the second mail address, and the first mail address and the second mail address are set as the mail address of the MDN destination. A network facsimile device comprising image information transmitting means.