JP2002077509A - Internet facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To freely transmit and receive the information of the Internet as individual clients by providing respective addresses in the respective pieces of the terminal equipment of I-FAX equipment. SOLUTION: This I-FAX equipment connectable to an Internet channel network together with a common public line such as PSTN and ISDN for transmitting and receiving the information of images and texts, etc., by E mail or the like in addition to conventional facsimile image communication is provided with one or more slave units connectable without a cord or the like and is capable of communicating with the outside from a facsimile equipment master unit and also the slave units. Then, Internet addresses are allocated to the respective terminals including the master unit and the slave units of the I-FAX equipment, the plural pieces of the terminal equipment can access one Internet address and the setting and elimination of maintaining security are freely performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a so-called Internet facsimile apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "I-FA") capable of connecting to the Internet and transmitting / receiving information by e-mail or the like.
X ". Regarding (1), in an I-FAX having one or a plurality of slave units, the master unit and each slave unit can freely connect to the Internet, and furthermore, the confidentiality of each slave unit and, conversely, good openness A device that can have an address.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A facsimile apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving Internet information and E-mail information by connecting to the Internet has already been put on the market and is a known technique. JP 2
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 000-69199 discloses a facsimile apparatus with a cordless telephone handset that receives a service function (α5 system) that converts WWW information and the like into a facsimile image and outputs the facsimile image. A method is disclosed in which the user can specify whether the data is stored in a memory capable of maintaining necessary secrecy or in a general memory that does not require a password.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-78309 discloses a cordless parent-child telephone with a mail receiving function, which includes a mailbox common to the parent device and each child device, and a dedicated mailbox for each of the plural child devices. A technique for distributing a mail to a common or corresponding individual mailbox according to a destination specified for a received mail is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-117192 discloses that audio data and image data are temporarily stored in an individual (confidential) box, and a password, audio data and image data already set for the individual box are output. A communication device that outputs audio data and image data stored in a confidential box specified by a password based on a match with a password that has been input at a time, particularly when setting a password, from among a plurality of password setting modes. A communication device technology capable of selecting one desired setting mode to achieve both privacy protection and ease of password change as necessary is disclosed.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 10-117250, a personal information input / output permitting means is provided based on predetermined information transmitted from a slave unit to a master unit by a user's predetermined operation on the slave unit. Therefore, the operation of the personal information input control means or the personal information output control means is permitted, so that information for a specific individual input via the communication line can be stored in the message box by operating the slave unit, and The information for a specific individual stored in the box is
A communication device technology capable of outputting via a communication line is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-257194 discloses a method of transmitting and receiving data between a master unit that receives e-mail and FAX data via a telephone line and a slave unit that wirelessly exchanges data with the master unit. In the information processing device that performs display and allows predetermined input, and furthermore, in a portable information processing device, a symbol is associated with each of a plurality of users, and a predetermined one of the plurality of symbols is used. When selected, from among the stored information, the one corresponding to the selected symbol is read out and output, so that a plurality of users receive the information while securing mutual privacy. A technology that enables information to be confirmed is disclosed.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As described above, I-
The technology of receiving data of Internet communication by facsimile is already known technology, but the technology of giving each slave unit and master unit a unique address and accessing the Internet and e-mail as individual clients is, Not established. Therefore, each terminal including the master unit has a limit in free data transmission / reception as an individual client.

The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem. Each of the I-FAX terminals has its own address, and as an individual client, freely transmits and receives Internet information. By I
-FAX allows each terminal to exchange data more freely and more complicatedly than when having one address.
The purpose of the I-FAX is to treat the I-FAX as an entire system including each terminal, thereby enabling free transmission and reception of data and sharing of a file of transmission and reception data from an individual communication terminal.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus connected to the Internet and capable of transmitting and receiving information on the Internet and e-mail. A device can be connected, and one or a plurality of Internet and e-mail addresses such as DNS can be designated to the parent device and the respective child devices or terminals.

Further, the present invention provides the Internet facsimile apparatus, wherein:
One or a plurality of slave units, a terminal unit, or the master unit can be made to correspond.

Further, according to the present invention, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, an ID code is assigned to each of the accessible addresses and each of the combination of each of the slave units and the master unit, and the respective ID codes correspond to the respective addresses. It enables reading and transmission of transmission / reception data, and enables confidentiality.

Further, in the present invention, the Internet facsimile apparatus is set so that the input of the ID code is not required, thereby making it possible to improve the openness.

Further, according to the present invention, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, the slave unit has a display device,
E-mail and the like can be transmitted and received by the slave unit.

Further, the present invention provides the Internet facsimile apparatus, wherein the parent machine or the child machine performs the setting of the ID code for maintaining confidentiality, the change of the ID code, and the setting so that the ID code is not required. This makes it possible to limit the number of machines.

Further, in the present invention, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, when the condition enabling access is satisfied, such as when the ID code can be confirmed from the slave unit or the terminal device, further, the received data is When an image includes an image, a master device having a printing function can issue a print instruction for an image stored in the storage device or for which reception is to be started.

Further, according to the present invention, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, an instruction can be given to automatically transfer received data to a separately designated facsimile apparatus, instead of printing the image on a parent machine.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention relates to a conventional PSTN, IS
An Internet facsimile (I-FAX) device that can be connected to an Internet network together with a public line such as a DN and transmits and receives information such as images and texts by e-mail in addition to conventional facsimile image communication. The present invention relates to an I-FAX which has one or a plurality of cordless handsets which can be connected cordlessly or the like, and which can communicate with the outside from the cordless handset together with the facsimile apparatus master.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an I-FAX apparatus according to the present invention. The I-FAX device is connected to a telephone network (11) via a network control device (12). The network control device (12) monitors the status of the telephone line network (11) and switches the line to a modem (1).
3) Switch to the handset (111) side.

The modem (13) modulates the digital image signal into an analog signal suitable for the telephone network (11) and demodulates the analog signal of the telephone network (11) into a digital signal for printing. The printing device (16) is a unit that prints information such as a received or read image, and a thermal system, an electrophotographic system, an inkjet system, or the like is often used.

The image reading device (17) is a device for reading an original for transmission and copying, and employs a reduction reading system using a combination of a lens and a CCD line sensor, a contact sensor system using a rod lens array, and the like.
The image storage device (15) is a unit for storing the read image and the received image. By including this unit, many complicated functions such as transfer of the received image,
Broadcasting, proxy reception when paper is exhausted, memory transmission, and the like can be performed.

The control device (14) operates the operation keys (1) in conjunction with the program stored in the storage device (18).
9), input information from a dial key (110), information indicating a state from each unit of the apparatus, a telephone network (11)
Based on information such as signals from the device, determine the operation of the entire device,
A command is given to the entire apparatus, and a display instruction is issued to the display device (112). Also, it is in charge of compression processing for reducing transmission time of image information and decompression processing for returning a compressed image signal to original pixel string information.

Operation keys (19) and dial keys (11)
0) is a unit for the user to input information and instructions into the device. The display device (112) is a unit in which the facsimile device displays information and provides guidance to the user.

FIG. 1 illustrates three types of interfaces that allow communication between the facsimile machine and the Internet. A communication path with the telephone line network (11), an interface to the personal computer (PC) (116) (in the figure, a parallel I / F (113) is used, but it is not necessarily a parallel interface), L
There are three types of LAN I / F (114) to the AN network (115).

In the figure, three types of interfaces between such a facsimile apparatus and the outside of the apparatus are provided. Normally, normal facsimile transmission / reception via an interface with a telephone line network (11) and one of other interfaces are provided. To communicate with the Internet via a telephone network (11), or to communicate with a normal facsimile transmission / reception and a LAN or Internet server computer. In other words, all communications are performed via the telephone network (1).
It may be performed through 1). The three types of interfaces are illustrated as a possible connection method with the Internet, and it is not necessary to provide all of the interfaces.

Further, the facsimile apparatus can be connected to one or a plurality of slave units, and the cordless control circuit (117) is a device for controlling the cordless slave unit. Search for communication path, establish connection,
It includes a tuner for transmitting and receiving radio waves. The antenna (118) transmits and receives radio waves for transmitting and receiving to and from the slave unit.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a cordless handset that can be connected to the I-FAX apparatus according to the present invention. Structurally, it is almost the same as the I-FAX main unit which is the parent machine shown in FIG. 1, and the interface of the signal with the outside is limited to communication by radio waves from the antenna (28) and the tuner (27). The difference is that there is no image input / output device.

Further, since the dial keys (21), operation keys (22), display device (23), speakers (25), microphone (26), etc. are entirely portable, they are suitable for them. It has a small shape. The child device control device (24) controls the operation of the whole child device and has a function of setting a wireless communication path necessary for communication with the parent device. As a means for communicating with the master unit, any of a digital and an analog system may be used. Further, the slave unit has a display device (23), and has almost the same configuration as the main unit of the I-FAX, and can transmit and receive e-mails and the like from the slave unit.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a method of connecting a facsimile machine connected to the Internet. This figure shows a method of connecting to the Internet (311) from a LAN network (38) using a corporate LAN often used for business use, and an Internet service provider ("ISP") generally used when an individual connects to the Internet. , Or "provider") through the Internet (311) through (316).
The way in which they are connected to is shown.

In the case of a LAN, the LAN network (3
8), a computer 1 (36), a computer 2 (37), etc., which are client terminal devices, are connected to
From the AN network (38) via the router (35),
Connected to the Internet (311).

At the same time, a server computer (34) is connected to the LAN network (38), and receives the received text data, facsimile image, voice, etc.
Communication data to the client managed by the server computer (34) is temporarily stored. This circuit configuration is an example of a configuration in which a facsimile device is connected to the Internet, and the connection of the I-FAX device according to the present invention to a data line is not limited to this diagram.

The facsimile 1 (31) in FIG.
Directly connected to the server computer (34) and cable (3
9) is an example of a method for connecting an I-FAX device according to the present invention. In this case, the parallel I / F (1
13) is connected directly to the PC by a cable (116).

The facsimile 2 (32) is an example connected to a server computer (34) through a telephone line or an ISDN network (310), and the facsimile device 2 (32) is connected to the server computer (34) and the network. Ability to understand protocols such as TCP / IP, etc., and to create signals that can be communicated through is required. The telephone call is made via the telephone network (1) via the network control device (12) shown in FIG.
1) Connected to (including ISDN network).

The facsimile 3 (33) is an example connected through a LAN network (38). In this case, the facsimile 3 (33) is connected via a LAN I / F (114) shown in FIG.
(115). Whichever connection method is used,
Implementation of the present invention is possible.

The facsimile 4 (314) is a connection method usually used when an individual connects to the Internet. The user contracts with the provider (316), which is an Internet connection company, and connects to the provider (316) through a public line network (315) such as a telephone line network or an ISDN line network. The provider (316) is a server computer (31) managed by the provider (316).
2), a client (for example, facsimile 4 (31
4) The information of transmission / reception is stored and connected to the Internet (311) through the router (313) to transmit information to the Internet or to receive information from the Internet.

When the received data includes an image, the printing of the image received from each terminal device including the master unit may be performed by using the printing device of the master unit, or the received data may be designated by a shortcut key or the like. May be transferred to a facsimile machine for printing an image.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the contents of an e-mail (including the Internet) address management file stored in the I-FAX apparatus according to the present invention. This e-mail address management file is an extract of a part related to the present invention from the files stored in the storage device (28) of the I-FAX device which is the parent device.

In the E-mail address management file, the address column (42) and the terminal (including the parent device) column (4)
3), ID code column (44), ID omission column (45)
There is. In the example shown in the figure, the column (43) representing each terminal of the I-FAX apparatus indicates that the I-FAX apparatus is equipped with a master unit and four slave units.

Although the ID code of the Internet is used as it is for maintaining confidentiality, it is also possible to use a method of providing a separate password and managing the secret with the password. In this example, the row of No. 1 has an initial setting terminal mark on the parent device, which indicates that the address and the like have been set from this terminal. In addition, this default master unit
It is possible to set an ID code, change an ID code, and make settings for enabling connection without inputting an ID code.

This No. 1 indicates that each slave unit has a mark that allows access, transmission and reception can be performed from all terminals, and further, the receiving tray and the transmitted tray can be accessed. If the ID omission mark (45) is marked with an ID omission mark and the ID code is not input, the ID code is automatically added by the base unit and the ID code is automatically transmitted to the provider. In addition, in order to enable transmission / reception and to freely access the receiving tray, the transmitted tray, and the like, it is not necessary to input an ID code when viewing the tray.

In No. 2, the child device 1 initially set this address, and the terminal having an ID code accessible terminal mark of the parent device has the ID code from the parent device as well as the child device 1.
This indicates that it is possible to input a code, change an ID code, and change to be able to transmit and receive without an ID code (put an ID omission mark in an ID omission column). Furthermore, in the slave unit 2,
The presence of the accessible terminal mark indicates that the slave unit 2 can access the transmission / reception, the reception tray, and the transmitted tray with respect to this address.

Nos. 3 to 6 indicate addresses dedicated to the respective terminals. In this case, access from other terminals, as well as modification of the ID code, etc., cannot be performed. From each terminal, for example, in response to the display of the question "accessible terminal", by inputting such as selecting the parent device, by sequentially proceeding the procedure,
By making settings interactively with the display device, an e-mail address management file can be input and completed.

[0042]

According to the present invention, an Internet address is assigned to each terminal including a parent device and a child device of an I-FAX device, and a plurality of terminal devices can be accessed to one Internet address, thereby enabling free access. Confidentiality can be set and deleted in
Even publicly available information can be handled flexibly.

Further, since a terminal capable of setting based on confidentiality can be designated, confidentiality can be set freely and a sufficient confidentiality system can be constructed.
With these functions, transmission and reception with the Internet can be freely and safely performed, and a system that satisfies the user's requirements can be configured.

Further, according to the present invention, the information of the Internet can be handled by the child device by using the display device provided in the child device.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, not only can the outline of the received image be viewed on the display device, but also the master device or another facsimile device can print the image and output an accurate image. Becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an I-FAX device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a cordless handset that can be connected to the I-FAX device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection method of a facsimile apparatus connected to the Internet.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the contents of an e-mail address management file stored in the I-FAX device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 telephone network, 12 network controller, 13 modem
14 ... Control device, 15 ... Image storage device, 16 ... Printing device, 17 ... Image reading device, 18, 29 ... Storage device, 1
9, 22 ... operation keys, 21, 110 ... dial keys, 2
3, 112 display device, 24 slave device control device, 25 speaker, 26 microphone, 28, 118 antenna, 11
1: handset, 113: parallel I / F, 114: LA
N I / F, 115: LAN circuit network, 116: Personal computer (PC), 117: Cordless control circuit.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus connected to the Internet and capable of transmitting and receiving information on the Internet and e-mail, wherein one or a plurality of slave units or terminals can be connected to a facsimile apparatus as a master unit. One each for the master unit and each slave unit or terminal.
An Internet facsimile apparatus capable of designating one or a plurality of Internet and e-mail addresses such as DNS. 2. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one address corresponds to said one address.
An Internet facsimile machine capable of associating one or a plurality of slave units, terminals, or the master unit. 3. An Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of an accessible address and a combination of each of the slave units and the master unit is assigned an ID.
An Internet facsimile apparatus, wherein a code is assigned, and the ID code enables reading and transmitting of transmission / reception data corresponding to each address, thereby maintaining confidentiality. 4. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the setting is made so that the input of the ID code is not required, and the openness can be improved. 5. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slave unit has a display device, and the slave unit can transmit and receive e-mail and the like. Internet facsimile machine. 6. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the setting of the ID code for maintaining confidentiality, the change of the ID code,
An Internet facsimile apparatus wherein the setting of the master unit or the slave unit so as not to require the ID code is enabled. 7. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said slave unit,
Alternatively, if the conditions enabling access are satisfied, such as when the ID code can be confirmed from the terminal device, and further, when the received data includes an image, the received data is stored in the storage device by the master device having a printing function. An internet facsimile apparatus capable of giving an instruction to print an image for which reception is to be started. 8. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image is not printed by the parent machine,
An Internet facsimile machine capable of giving an instruction to automatically transfer received data to a separately designated facsimile machine.