JP2004096151A - Fax distribution system and fax distribution program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a FAX distribution system whereby confidentiality of FAX received data is enhanced and the FAX received data can be distributed to a client at a transmission destination without the need for a configuration of automatically specifying a recipient through an F code and OCR recognition in the distribution of the FAX received data. <P>SOLUTION: A FAX distribution server 1 receives and stores FAX data from FAX terminals 3A, 3B, 3C, in the case of receiving a received data list request from any of clients 2A, 2B, 2C, the FAX distribution server 1 creates a received data list and distributes the list to the client, in the case of receiving a data content display request of the FAX received data from any of the clients, the FAX distribution server 1 creates preview display contents being FAX data whose display range is limited and distributes the contents to the client of the request source, and in the case of receiving an acquisition request of the FAX received data from any of the clients, the FAX distribution server 1 distributes the stored FAX received data to the client of the acquisition request source. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a facsimile distribution device and a facsimile distribution program for performing facsimile distribution.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in software for performing FAX reception and its distribution, a method of delivering FAX reception data taken in on a FAX reception server to a recipient of a transmission destination client and distributing the FAX data includes an F code (internal address) ) And OCR (Optical Character Reader: optical character reader) recognition of a cover sheet and a method of automatically specifying a recipient and distributing it.
[0003]
In the above-described method of automatically specifying a recipient, it is necessary to add necessary information at a facsimile transmission source, so that not all data can be automatically specified. In such a case, a method has been adopted in which the administrator checks the data content of the data stored in the FAX receiving server by previewing or the like, and distributes the data to the recipient of the transmission destination.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the specification on the transmitting side is an important factor in automatically specifying the recipient. The F-code cannot be specified by all FAX machines, and most low-cost FAX machines such as home-use FAX machines do not have the F-code function. Also, in order to automatically identify the recipient by OCR recognition, it is necessary for the fax sending side to attach a cover page in a certain fixed format, and when the sender is unspecified, the cover page format is different, and almost Automatic identification was not possible because it could not be recognized.
[0005]
Therefore, a mechanism for manual distribution was always necessary. There are two usual methods for manual distribution. In the first method, a specific administrator monitors the status of undelivered FAX reception data in the FAX reception server, and if there is reception data, confirms the data content by previewing the FAX reception data and the like, and receives the received data. To the person. The second method is a method in which all persons can monitor the status of undelivered FAX reception data, confirm the data contents, and download the data if it is their own data.
[0006]
However, in the first method, since the administrator views the content of the undelivered FAX reception data, the administrator lacks confidentiality compared to the case of automatically receiving the FAX reception data. FAX reception data could not be distributed when the situation of the user could not be monitored.
[0007]
In the second method, a person other than the corresponding recipient can view the contents of the undelivered FAX reception data. Therefore, the second method lacks confidentiality compared to the case of automatically receiving FAX reception data. When a user cannot monitor the status of undelivered FAX reception data, FAX reception data cannot be promptly distributed.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to increase the confidentiality of FAX reception data without requiring a configuration for automatically specifying a recipient by F code or OCR recognition in FAX reception data distribution, and to transmit FAX reception data to a client of a transmission destination. To be delivered to
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives FAX data from a transmission source, and a storage unit that stores the FAX data received by the receiving unit, wherein the storage unit stores the FAX data received by the receiving unit. A facsimile distribution device for distributing facsimile data to a client device connected to a communication network, wherein a display range restriction means for restricting a display range of the facsimile data stored by the storage means to create preview data; A first distribution unit that distributes the preview data created by the unit to the client device on the communication network; and a FAX data acquisition request from the client device to which the preview data has been transmitted by the first distribution unit. Receiving means for receiving via a communication network; The FAX data, characterized by comprising a second distribution means for distributing via the communication network to a client device that originated the acquisition request accepted by the accepting means.
[0010]
According to the present invention, the preview data, which is the FAX data whose display range is restricted, is viewed before the FAX data is distributed, so that the FAX reception data distribution can be performed without a person who is not the distribution destination seeing the entire contents of the FAX data. It is possible to improve the confidentiality of FAX reception data and distribute the FAX reception data to a destination client without requiring a configuration for automatically specifying a recipient by F code or OCR recognition.
[0011]
Also, for example, the preview data may be configured as FAX data whose display range is limited to the upper half of the first page (the invention according to claim 2).
[0012]
Further, for example, the storage unit stores therein circulation information having a receiver name arranged in the order of the circulation route and a client device name to which the receiver belongs, and the first distribution unit is stored in the storage unit. The invention may be configured such that the preview data is distributed to the client device to which the recipient of the circulation destination belongs on the communication network in the order of the circulation route based on the circulation information (the invention according to claim 3).
[0013]
Further, for example, there is provided a circulation information creating means for creating circulation information having a receiver name and a client device name to which the receiver belongs arranged in the order of the circulation route in the descending order of the number of receptions of the past FAX data, The means may be configured to store the circulation information created by the circulation information creation means (the invention according to claim 4).
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a first embodiment, a second embodiment, and a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in order with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015]
(First Embodiment)
This embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the features of the apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of a facsimile distribution system α according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a facsimile server 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating clients 2A, 2B, and 2C. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the device.
[0016]
The facsimile distribution system α of the present embodiment includes a facsimile distribution server 1 that is a server device that receives facsimile data from the facsimile terminals 3A, 3B, and 3C and distributes the received facsimile data to the clients 2A, 2B, and 2C. (Local Area Network) connecting the clients 2A, 2B, and 2C, which are the client devices, the FAX terminals 3A, 3B, and 3C that are the sources of FAX data, and the FAX distribution server 1 and the clients 2A, 2B, and 2C. 4 and a public line 5 connecting the clients 2A, 2B and 2C.
[0017]
Each client 2A, 2B, 2C is assigned a client name, and at least one user belongs. Each user is also given a user name. The FAX terminals 3A, 3B, 3C transmit FAX data via the public line 5 to certain users belonging to the clients 2A, 2B, 2C, and the FAX distribution server 1 transmits the FAX data from the FAX terminals 3A, 3B, 3C. Received fax data. Hereinafter, the FAX data received by the FAX distribution server 1 is referred to as FAX reception data. Then, the FAX distribution server 1 transmits the FAX reception data to the client to which the destination user belongs via the LAN 4.
[0018]
In the present embodiment, three clients and three FAX terminals are represented. However, the present invention is not limited to this. At least one client and at least one FAX terminal may be used.
[0019]
Next, an internal configuration of the FAX distribution server 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The facsimile distribution server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1a that performs central control of each unit, an input unit 1b through an input of an administrator, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1c that temporarily stores information, and an A display unit 1d for displaying to an administrator, a storage device 1e for storing information, a data communication unit 1f for controlling transmission and reception of data to and from the clients 2A, 2B and 2C on the LAN 4, and a clock for outputting the current time The FAX modem 1h communicates with the public line 5, and the FAX reception control unit 1i controls communication of the FAX modem 1h and receives FAX data.
[0020]
The CPU 1a develops, in the RAM 1c, an application program designated from among the system program stored in the storage device 1e and the various application programs corresponding to the FAX distribution server 1, in the RAM 1c, various instructions input from the input unit 1b or Various data corresponding thereto are temporarily stored in the RAM 1c, various processes are executed in accordance with the input instructions and the application programs stored in the storage device 1e according to the input data, and the processing results are stored in the RAM 1c. At the same time, it is displayed on the display unit 1d. Then, the processing result stored in the RAM 1c is stored in a storage destination in the storage device 1e designated by the input unit 1b.
[0021]
The CPU 1a executes a first FAX reception data distribution process. When the CPU 1a receives the received data list request from the client by executing the first FAX received data distribution process, the CPU 1a creates a received data list based on the FAX received data stored in the storage device 1e, and generates the received data list request source. When the data is distributed to the client and a data content display request is received from the client, a preview display content that is the upper half of the first page of the FAX reception data is created based on the additional information of the FAX reception data stored in the storage device 1e. When the data content display request is delivered to the client and the FAX reception data acquisition request is received from the client, the FAX reception data stored in the storage device 1e is delivered to the acquisition request source client, and the acquisition user name and the FAX reception are received. A distribution log file E12 is created from the information added to the data and stored in the storage device 1e. Storing (see FIG. 6).
[0022]
The input unit 1b includes a keyboard provided with cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse, and outputs a press signal pressed by the operator on the keyboard and a position signal of the pointing device to the CPU 1a. I do.
[0023]
The RAM 1c is a memory that has a work area for storing various data such as various programs, input data, and processing results in a random access manner, and stores various states.
[0024]
The display unit 1d includes a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and the like, and displays various display data according to display instructions input from the CPU 1a. I do.
[0025]
The storage device 1e has a recording medium (not shown) in which various programs, various data, and the like are stored or writable in advance, and the recording medium is a magnetic, optical recording medium, or a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor. And the like, and a recording medium readable by the CPU 1a. The recording medium includes a fixed medium such as a fixed hard disk, or a removable medium such as a CD-RW, a DVD + RW, a DVD-RAM, a memory card, a portable hard disk, and the like.
[0026]
The RAM 1c and the storage device 1e are configured such that internal data can be read and rewritten under the control of the CPU 1a. In addition, as the recording medium, a configuration that employs a readable / writable flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory may be used. As a recording medium for recording the program, a configuration may be adopted in which a read-only CD-ROM, DVD, ROM, or the like is adopted.
[0027]
In addition, some or all of the programs, data, and the like stored in the storage device 1e are transmitted from an external device via a communication network (including a LAN 4 and a public line 5) such as a LAN and a WAN (Wide Area Network). The storage device 1e may be configured to receive and store the data, and the storage device 1e may be a storage device of an external device built on the communication network. Further, the various programs may be transmitted and installed to an external device via the communication network.
[0028]
The clock section 1g outputs the current time to the CPU 1a, and the CPU 1a can count a timer for a predetermined time based on the current time. The FAX modem device 1h is provided with a physical port, and performs FAX communication with the FAX terminals 3A, 3B, and 3C via a public line 5 connected to the physical port. The facsimile modem device 1h performs facsimile communication according to the communication procedure of the G3 (Group3: corresponding to an analog telephone network) standard or the G4 (Group4: corresponding to a digital telephone network such as an ISDN line) standard. The FAX reception control section 1i controls facsimile communication under the control of the FAX modem apparatus 1h.
In the present embodiment, the facsimile distribution server 1 has a facsimile reception control unit 1i for performing reception control as a configuration. However, instead of the facsimile reception control unit 1i, a facsimile transmission / reception control unit is provided. It may be configured to perform FAX transmission control and FAX reception control.
[0029]
Although the FAX distribution server 1 is represented by one device in the present embodiment, for example, a plurality of devices are installed via the communication network, and various functions are distributed among the devices. It may be configured to execute. In this case, loads for executing various functions are distributed.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 3, each of the clients 2A, 2B, and 2C includes a CPU 2a, an input unit 2b, a RAM 2c, a display unit 2d, a storage device 2e, a data communication unit 2f, a print unit 2g, and a bus 2h. The printing unit 2g prints information such as page-by-page read data, which is image data of FAX reception data, on a recording material such as paper by a method such as a laser type, an ink jet type, or a thermal paper type.
[0031]
The CPU 2a, the input unit 2b, the RAM 2c, the display unit 2d, the storage device 2e, the data communication unit 2f, and the bus 2h of the clients 2A, 2B, and 2C are the CPU 1a, the input unit 1b, the RAM 1c, and the display unit 1d of the FAX distribution server 1, respectively. , The storage device 1e, the data communication unit 1f, and the bus 1j.
[0032]
The CPU 2a centrally controls the input unit 2b, the RAM 2c, the display unit 2d, the storage device 2e, and the data communication unit 2f. The data communication unit 2f connects to the LAN 4 and transmits and receives various data to and from the FAX distribution server 1.
[0033]
Next, a file configuration stored in the storage device 1e of the FAX distribution server 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a file stored in the storage device 1e in the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the distribution log file E12.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the storage device 1e includes a reception data storage file E11 that stores FAX reception data via the FAX modem device 1h, and a distribution log that is log information of FAX reception data. A file E12 and a reception data management information file E13 for storing various information added to the FAX reception data are stored.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 5, the distribution log file E12 includes a reception data system serial number E121 which is a unique serial number of FAX reception data in the FAX distribution system α, and a reception time which is a time when the FAX distribution server 1 receives the FAX reception data. E122, a source FAX telephone number E123, which is a telephone number of the source FAX terminal of the FAX reception data, a source FAX IDE 124 for identifying the source FAX terminal of the FAX reception data, and page-by-page read data of the FAX reception data Of the first page, the total number of pages E126 of the read data for each page of the FAX reception data, and the recipient name E127 which is the user name of the user who is the destination of the FAX reception data. By using the distribution log file E12, it can be checked that a user who is not a valid recipient has acquired FAX reception data.
[0036]
The reception data management information file E13 stores a reception data system serial number E121, a reception time E122, a source FAX telephone number E123, a source FAXIDE 124, a sheet size E125 of the first page, and a total number of pages E126. .
[0037]
Next, the operation of the FAX distribution server 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the first FAX reception data distribution process. With reference to FIG. 6, the first FAX reception data distribution process executed by the FAX distribution server 1 will be described.
[0038]
First, the CPU 1a of the FAX distribution server 1 receives FAX data from the FAX terminals 3A, 3B, 3C via the public line 5 and the FAX modem 1h by the FAX reception control unit 1i as needed. At this time, the CPU 1a creates a unique reception data system serial number corresponding to the received FAX data (FAX reception data), acquires the time at which the FAX reception data was received from the clock unit 1g as the reception time, and obtains the FAX reception data. Of the source FAX telephone number and the source FAX ID included in the FAX reception data, and obtain the sheet size and the total number of pages of the first page in the page-by-page read data which is image data represented by a bit map or the like in the FAX reception data. I do.
[0039]
Then, the CPU 1a adds the created or acquired reception data system serial number, reception time, source FAX telephone number, source FAX ID, page size of the first page, and total number of pages to the received FAX reception data. Then, the FAX reception data to which each information is added is stored in the reception data storage file E11 in the storage device 1e.
[0040]
Further, it is assumed that the FAX reception data stored in the reception data storage file E11 is distinguished based on whether or not the FAX reception data has been distributed to the user at the distribution destination of the client. For example, a distribution flag is added to each FAX reception data, and when the distribution flag is 1, it indicates that the FAX reception data has been distributed, and when it is 0, it indicates that the FAX reception data has not been distributed.
[0041]
Then, in the facsimile distribution server 1, for example, triggered by input of an instruction to start execution of the first facsimile reception data distribution process by the administrator via the input unit 1b, the CPU 1a stores the data in the storage device 1e. The program for the first FAX reception data distribution process is read, expanded in the RAM 1c, and the first FAX reception data distribution process is executed.
[0042]
The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is for explaining a program for causing a computer constituting the FAX distribution server 1 to realize each function. This program will be described with an example in which the program is stored in the storage device 1e in the form of a program code that can be read by the CPU 1a. However, it is not necessary to store all the functions in the storage device 1e. All the information may be received and realized via a communication network including the LAN 4. This description applies to other processes.
[0043]
First, the CPU 1a determines whether a received data list request has been received from any of the clients 2A, 2B, and 2C via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 1f (step S11). The received data list request is a request for receiving list information on FAX received data transmitted from the client user and stored in the storage device 1e.
[0044]
When the client 2A, 2B, 2C makes a request for a received data list, the CPU 2a, when a request for a received data list is input from the belonging user via the input unit 2b, the CPU 2a informs the user of the input received data list request. The data is transmitted to the FAX distribution server 1 via the data communication unit 2f and the LAN 4. If the received data list request has not been received (step S11; NO), the process returns to step S11.
[0045]
When the received data list request is received (step S11; YES), the CPU 1a creates the received data management information file E13 from the undelivered received FAX data stored in the received data storage file E11 in the storage device 1e. The received data management information file E13 stored in the storage device 1e is created as a received data list (step S12).
[0046]
In step S12, specifically, the reception data system serial number, reception time, transmission source FAX telephone number, transmission source FAX ID, page size of the first page, and total number of FAX pages added to the undelivered reception FAX reception data Each information is stored in the reception data management information file E13 as the reception data system serial number E121, the reception time E122, the transmission source FAX telephone number E123, the transmission source FAXIDE 124, the sheet size E125 of the first page, and the total number of pages E126, A reception data list including the information is created.
[0047]
Then, the CPU 1a distributes the received data list created in step S12 to the client that has transmitted the received data list request in step S11 via the data communication unit 1f and the LAN 4 (step S13). The CPU 2a of the client to which the received data list has been distributed in step S13 receives the received data list via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 2f, and causes the display unit 2d to display the received data list. When the user requests the content of the page-by-page read data of the FAX reception data corresponding to the reception data list, the user inputs a data content display request through the input unit 2b, and the CPU 2a transmits the input data content display request to the data. The data is transmitted to the FAX distribution server 1 via the communication unit 2f and the LAN 4.
[0048]
Then, the CPU 1a determines whether or not a data content display request has been received from the client that has distributed the received data list via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 1f (step S14). If the data content display request has not been received (step S14; NO), the process returns to step S14.
[0049]
When the data content display request is received (step S14; YES), the CPU 1a creates a preview display content in which the display range of the content is limited from the page-read data of the FAX reception data stored in the reception data storage file E11. (Step S15).
[0050]
The preview display content is the content of the portion where the user name of the destination is described and has a high probability of being specified. Here, it is assumed that the content is only the upper half of the first page. Generally, when transmitting a FAX document, an A5 size cover sheet is attached as the first page, and when transmitting a F4 document of A4 size or larger, a destination or the like is generally placed on the upper half of the first page. Because there is. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the CPU 1a refers to the sheet size E125 of the first page of the reception data management information file E13, and if the sheet size E125 of the first page is equal to or larger than the A4 size, reads the FAX reception data for each page. The upper half of the first page of the data is used as the preview display content, and when the data is smaller than A4 size, the entire first page is used as the preview display content. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper half of the first page may be used as the preview display content regardless of the paper size.
[0051]
Then, the CPU 1a distributes the preview display content created in step S15 to the client that transmitted the data content display request via the data communication unit 1f and the LAN 4 (step S16). The CPU 2a of the client to which the preview display content has been distributed in step S16 receives the preview display content via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 2f, and causes the display unit 2d to display the preview display content. When the user requests acquisition of FAX reception data corresponding to the content of the preview display, the user inputs a request for acquisition of FAX reception data via the input unit 2b, and the CPU 2a transmits the input acquisition request to the data communication unit 2f and the LAN 4 To the FAX distribution server 1 via the
[0052]
Then, the CPU 1a determines, via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 1f, whether or not a request to acquire FAX reception data has been received from a client that has delivered the preview display content (step S17). If an acquisition request has been received (step S17; YES), the CPU 1a determines via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 1f whether a request to acquire FAX reception data has been received from a client that has delivered preview display contents. If the acquisition request has not been received (step S17; NO), the process returns to step S17.
[0053]
When the acquisition request is received (step S17; YES), the CPU 1a belongs to the client that has issued the acquisition request, and stores the fax reception data in the reception data storage file E11 addressed to the user folder of the user who has requested the acquisition. The FAX reception data corresponding to the acquisition request is distributed via the data communication unit 1f and the LAN 4, and the user name of the distribution destination user is acquired (step S18).
[0054]
The CPU 2a of the distribution destination client receives the FAX reception data via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 2f, and stores the received FAX reception data in the user folder of the user who has requested the acquisition in the storage device 2e. After that, the CPU 1a causes the print unit 2g to print the FAX reception data in the storage device 2e in response to an instruction input via the input unit 1b by the user who has made the acquisition request.
[0055]
Then, the CPU 1a stores the user name acquired in step S18 and the information added to the FAX reception data in the distribution log file E12 in the storage device 1e (step S19), and executes the first FAX reception data distribution processing. finish. In step S19, the reception data system serial number E121, reception time E122, transmission source FAX telephone number E123, transmission source FAXIDE 124, and one page stored in the reception data management information file E24 as information on the FAX reception data. The eye sheet size E125 and the total number of pages E126 are stored in the distribution log file E12, and the user name acquired in step S18 is stored in the recipient name E127 of the distribution log file E12.
[0056]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, before distribution of FAX reception data, the user belonging to the client is allowed to view the preview display contents whose display range is restricted. Without increasing the confidentiality of FAX reception data without requiring a configuration to automatically identify the recipient by F code or OCR recognition in FAX reception data distribution, and transmitting the FAX reception data to the destination client. Can be delivered to
[0057]
Further, by setting the display range of the preview display content to the upper half of the first page, the user name of the distribution destination can be specified, and the capacity of the preview display content can be reduced.
[0058]
(Second embodiment)
This embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a file configuration stored in the storage device 1e in the present embodiment, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the distribution log file E22, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an internal configuration, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second FAX reception data distribution process.
[0059]
The features of the apparatus according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the facsimile distribution system α according to the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0060]
The CPU 1a of the FAX distribution server 1 executes a second FAX reception data distribution process according to the second embodiment. By executing the second FAX reception data distribution process, the CPU 1a creates a reception data list and preview display contents, and determines whether a dialog can be displayed in the circulation order to the client user of the circulation route information file E23 stored in the storage device 1e in advance. If a dialog can be displayed, the received data list, preview display contents, and dialog information are delivered to the user, and the fax reception data is delivered to the user based on the answer of the user, and the delivery log file is stored. It is stored in the device 1e or circulated in the same manner to the next circulation destination user (see FIG. 10).
[0061]
Next, information stored in the storage device 1e of the FAX distribution server 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the storage device 1e includes a reception data storage file E21 that stores FAX reception data via the FAX modem device 1h, and a distribution log that is log information of FAX reception data. A file E22, a circulation route information file E23 indicating a circulation route composed of a user of the circulation destination client, and a reception data management information file E24 for storing various information added to the FAX reception data are stored.
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 8, the distribution log file E22 includes a reception data system serial number E221, a reception time E222, a source FAX telephone number E223, a source FAXIDE 224, a sheet size E225 of the first page, and a total number of pages. E226, circulation status information E227 indicating the circulation status of the client, and a recipient name E228 are stored.
[0063]
In the present embodiment, the reception data system serial number E221, reception time E222, transmission source FAX telephone number E223, transmission source FAXIDE 224, page size E225 of the first page, total number of pages E226, and receiver name E228 are the first embodiment. Are the same as the reception data system serial number E121, reception time E122, transmission source FAX telephone number E123, transmission source FAXIDE 124, the page size E125 of the first page, the total number of pages E126, and the recipient name E127.
[0064]
The circulation status information E227 includes a number E227a, which is a route order number of the user to be circulated, a dialog display presence / absence E227b indicating whether or not the dialog delivered to the client is displayed on the client to which the user belongs, and a delivery to the client. A circulation response E227c indicating what response the user of the client has input to the dialog is stored.
[0065]
The reception data management information file E24 stores the reception data system serial number E221, the reception time E222, the transmission source FAX telephone number E223, the transmission source FAXIDE 224, the sheet size E225 of the first page, and the total number of pages E226. .
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 9, the circulation route information file E23 stored in the storage device 1e is a file created in advance, and includes a route order E231 indicating a circulation route order of a circulation destination user and a route order E231. The user name E232 of the corresponding user and the client name E233 of the client to which the user of the user name 232 belongs are stored. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the circulation route information file E23 is set in advance by an administrator, sets item data, is created in advance by the input of the administrator, and is stored in the storage device 1e.
[0067]
Next, as an operation of the FAX distribution server 1, a second FAX reception data distribution process executed by the FAX distribution server 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In advance, as in the first embodiment, the CPU 1a of the FAX distribution server 1 receives the FAX data and converts the page-specific read data as the FAX reception data into its reception data system serial number, reception time, transmission source FAX. Information such as a telephone number, a transmission source FAXID, the page size of the first page, and the total number of pages is added, and the FAX reception data to which each information is added is stored in the reception data storage file E21 in the storage device 1e. .
[0068]
Further, dialog information, which is data for displaying a dialog for allowing the user of the client of the circulation destination to acquire the FAX reception data or to circulate to the next user, is stored in the storage device 1e in advance. deep.
[0069]
Then, in the FAX distribution server 1, triggered by input of an instruction to start execution of the second FAX reception data distribution process by the administrator via the input unit 1 b, the CPU 1 a stores the second FAX reception data stored in the storage device 1 e. The FAX reception data distribution program is read and expanded in the RAM 1c to execute the second FAX reception data distribution process.
[0070]
First, the CPU 1a creates a reception data display list and preview display contents from the FAX reception data stored in the reception data storage file E21 in the storage device 1e and stores them in the RAM 1c. A data management information file E24 is created and stored in the storage device 1e (step S21). In step S1, a reception data list including the reception data system serial number, reception time, transmission source FAX telephone number, transmission source FAX ID, page size of the first page, and total number of pages added to the FAX reception data is specifically described. The content is created and stored in the RAM 1c, and preview display contents with a limited display range are created from the page-by-page read data of the FAX reception data. As in the first embodiment, the preview display content is the upper half of the first page when the paper size E225 of the first page is equal to or larger than the A4 size, and otherwise the entire first page.
[0071]
Further, from the information added to the FAX reception data, the reception data system serial number E221, reception time E222, transmission source FAX telephone number E223, transmission source FAXIDE 224, page size E225 of the first page, total page number E226, E227 is initialized and set, and a reception data management information file E24 is created and stored in the storage device 1e.
[0072]
Then, the CPU 1a selects the user name E232 and the client name E233 corresponding to the next route order E231 according to the circulation route information file E23 in the storage device 1e, and corresponds to the selected user name E232 and client name E233. An inquiry is made to the client user as to whether a dialog can be displayed via the data communication unit 1f and the LAN 4 (step S22).
[0073]
When step S22 is executed first, the user name E232 and the client name E233 whose route order E231 is 1 are selected, and when executed after that, the user name E232 and the client name E233 next to the previously selected route order E231 are selected. Is selected, and an inquiry is made to the user having the selected user name. The inquiry is, for example, whether communication with the selected client is established, the user with the selected user name logs in, and an inquiry is made as to whether or not a dialog can be displayed on the client.
[0074]
The client at the inquiry destination as to whether or not the dialog can be displayed receives the inquiry from the FAX distribution server 1 via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 2f, and the CPU 2a creates an answer as to whether or not the inquiry can be made, and The data is transmitted to the FAX distribution server 1 via the communication unit 2f and the LAN 4. It is assumed that the creation of the answer is automatically performed based on whether communication is established and a dialog can be displayed to the user.
[0075]
Then, the CPU 1a receives a response to the effect that the dialog display is possible or impossible (or no response) via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 1f, and the CPU 1a determines whether the client to which the user selected in step S22 belongs is included. It is determined whether a dialog can be displayed (step S23).
[0076]
If the dialog display is not possible (step S23; NO), the CPU 1a determines whether or not a certain time has elapsed from the start of the state where the dialog display is not possible (step S24). In step S24, specifically, when step S24 is first executed after a new client name and user name are selected in step S22, the CPU 2a acquires the current time from the clock unit 1g and starts counting for a certain time. Then, when it is executed thereafter, the current time is acquired from the clock unit 1g, and it is determined whether a certain time has elapsed from the first time.
[0077]
If the fixed time has not elapsed (step S24; NO), the process returns to step S23. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S24; YES), the CPU 1a creates a message to the effect that the selected user calls the FAX receiving server 1 after the dialog can be displayed, and transmits the message to the selected user. The data is distributed to the client of the user selected in step S22 via the data communication unit 1f and the LAN 4, and the circulation status information E227 stored in the received data management information file E24 of the storage device 1e is rewritten (step S25). Proceed to.
[0078]
The CPU 2a of the distribution destination client receives, via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 2f, a message indicating that the facsimile reception server 1 is to be called after the dialog can be displayed. When a call instruction of the FAX reception server 1 is input by the user corresponding to the message via the input unit 1b, the call instruction of the FAX reception server 1 is transmitted to the FAX distribution server 1 via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 2f. . Then, when receiving the call instruction via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 1f, the FAX distribution server 1 executes steps S26 to S32 for the client user who has issued the call instruction.
[0079]
The rewriting of the circulation status information E227 in step S25 is specifically performed by the CPU 1a disabling the dialog display presence / absence E227b of the number E227a corresponding to the user name selected in step S22 in the circulation status information E227. Rewriting is performed with the circulation answer E227c left blank.
[0080]
When the dialog display is possible (step S23; YES), the CPU 1a acquires the dialog information previously stored in the storage device 1e, and displays the acquired dialog information in the received data list and the preview stored in the RAM 1c in step S21. Along with the display contents, the data is distributed to the client of the user selected in step S22 via the data communication unit 1f and the LAN 4 (step S26).
[0081]
The CPU 2a of the client to which the received data list, the preview display content, and the dialog information have been distributed displays the received data list, the preview display content, and the dialog information received via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 2f on the display unit 1d. 2b, an instruction to acquire FAX reception data from the user of the client that displayed the dialog or an instruction to circulate to the next user is accepted, and when an answer to each instruction is input, the instruction is input via the data communication unit 2f and the LAN 4. The received answer is transmitted to the FAX distribution server 1.
[0082]
Here, on the client side, the received data list and the preview display content are displayed, but as in the first embodiment, after the received data list is displayed, the user is prompted to input a preview display content acquisition request. A configuration may be such that a dialog is displayed after the preview display content is displayed.
[0083]
Then, the CPU 1a determines what the answer received from the client selected in step S22 via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 2f is (step S27). If the received answer is a circulation (step S27; circulation), the CPU 1a rewrites the circulation status information E227 stored in the reception data management information file E24 of the storage device 1e (step S28), and proceeds to step S22. In step S28, specifically, the CPU 1a sets the presence or absence of the dialogue display of the number E227a corresponding to the user name selected in step S22 in the circulation status information E227, and similarly, circulates and rewrites the circulation response E227c. You.
[0084]
If there is no answer received (step S27; no), the CPU 1a determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the state with no answer (step S29). In step S29, specifically, when step S29 is first executed, the CPU 2a acquires the current time from the clock unit 1g, starts counting a predetermined time, and thereafter, when step S29 is executed, the CPU 2a obtains the current time. , The current time is obtained, and it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the first time.
[0085]
The CPU 2a of the client of the distribution destination receives a message to call the FAX receiving server 1 via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 2f after the reply is available, and responds to the message after the reply is available. When the user inputs a call instruction of the FAX reception server 1 via the input unit 1b, the call instruction of the FAX reception server 1 is transmitted to the FAX distribution server 1 via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 2f. Then, when receiving the call instruction via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 1f, the FAX distribution server 1 executes steps S27 to S32 for the client user who has issued the call instruction.
[0086]
If the fixed time has not elapsed (step S29; NO), the process returns to step S27. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S29; YES), the CPU 1a creates a message to the effect that the selected user calls the facsimile reception server 1 after the answer is available, and transmits the message to the step S22. Is distributed via the data communication unit 1f and the LAN 4 to the client of the user selected in (1), the circulation status information E227 stored in the received data management information file E24 of the storage device 1e is rewritten (step S30), and the process proceeds to step S22. .
[0087]
Specifically, the rewriting of the circulation status information E227 in step S30 includes the presence or absence of the dialog display of the number E227a corresponding to the user name selected in step S22 in the circulation status information E227. The rewriting is performed without the answer E227c.
[0088]
When the received answer is acquisition (step S27; acquisition), the CPU 1a reads the acquisition-instructed FAX reception data from the reception data storage file E21 in the storage device 1e, and selects the FAX reception data in step S22. The data is distributed to the user folder of the client corresponding to the user via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 1f (step S31).
[0089]
The CPU 2a of the distribution destination client receives the FAX reception data via the LAN 4 and the data communication unit 2f, and stores the received FAX reception data in the user folder of the user who has requested the acquisition in the storage device 2e. After that, the CPU 1a causes the print unit 2g to print the received fax data in the storage device 2e in response to the instruction input from the user via the input unit 1b.
[0090]
Then, the CPU 1a creates a distribution log file E22 by adding the user name of the user to whom the FAX reception data has been distributed in step S31 as a recipient name E228 to each piece of information in the reception data management information file E13, and creating a distribution log file E22. 1e (step S32), and terminates the second FAX reception data distribution process.
[0091]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the preview display content of the FAX reception data is circulated to the user of the specific circulation destination, the confidentiality of the FAX reception data can be improved without distributing to the users other than the circulation destination. FAX reception data can be promptly distributed.
[0092]
When all the users on the circulation route are set as persons who can see the entire contents of the FAX reception data, the preview display contents need not limit the display range. Even in such a case, since users other than the circulation route cannot read the FAX reception data whose distribution destination is unknown, the confidentiality is enhanced.
[0093]
(Third embodiment)
This embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a file configuration stored in the storage device 1e in the present embodiment, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the FAX distribution destination history information file E35, and FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a circulation route creation file C1 and a circulation route C2. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a circulation route creation process.
[0094]
This embodiment dynamically creates a circulation route in an order that can be circulated earlier by a distribution destination user, instead of the circulation route whose content is fixed in advance in the second embodiment. Circulation is performed based on the circulation route. The features of the apparatus according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the FAX distribution system α according to the first embodiment, and a duplicate description will be omitted.
[0095]
The CPU 1a of the FAX distribution server 1 executes a circulation route creation process according to the third embodiment. By executing the circulation route creation processing, the CPU 1a reads the FAX distribution destination history information file E35 stored in the storage device 1e, acquires the transmission source FAX ID of the FAX reception data stored in the storage device 1e, and obtains the FAX distribution destination history information. When the sender FAXID is received for each recipient name E353 of the file E35, the count C12 of the circulation route creation file C1 is incremented by 1, and the final reception time C13 is updated, and the created circulation route creation is performed. A circulation route information file E31 is created based on the file C1 and stored in the storage device 1e (see FIG. 14).
[0096]
Next, information stored in the storage device 1e and the RAM 1c of the FAX distribution server 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, the storage device 1e includes a reception data storage file E31 that stores FAX reception data via the FAX modem device 1h, and a distribution log that is log information of FAX reception data. A file E32, a circulation route information file E33 indicating a circulation route to the client, a reception data management information file E34 storing various information obtained from information added to the FAX reception data, and a history of the FAX reception data distribution destination A fax distribution destination history information file E35, which is information, is stored.
[0097]
The reception data storage file E31, the distribution log file E32, the circulation route information file E33, and the reception data management information file E34 in the present embodiment are the reception data storage file E21, the distribution log file E22, and the circulation route in the second embodiment. The configuration is the same as that of the information file E23 and the reception data management information file E24.
[0098]
As shown in FIG. 12, the FAX distribution destination history information file E35 includes a reception time E351 at which the FAX distribution server 1 has received FAX reception data, a transmission source FAXIDE 352 of the transmission source FAX terminals 3A, 3B, and 3C, and FAX reception. The receiver name E353 of the receiver (user) to whom the data was distributed is stored. The facsimile distribution destination history information file E35 is history information in which facsimile reception data is additionally stored for each distribution to the user. For example, a distribution log file during the second facsimile reception data distribution processing in the second embodiment And a FAX distribution destination history information file E35 is created and stored in the storage device 1e. In the FAX distribution destination history information file E35, for example, each data is arranged in ascending order of the reception time E351 using the reception time E351 as a key.
[0099]
Here, the circulation route creation file C1 stored in the RAM 1c during execution of the circulation route change processing executed in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The circulation route creation file C1 includes a recipient name E11 of the recipient (user) to whom the FAX reception data has been distributed, a count C12 of the number of times the recipient having the recipient name E11 has distributed the FAX reception data, Last reception time C13, which is the last reception time of the receiver having the name E11.
[0100]
Next, as an operation of the FAX distribution server 1, a circulation route creation process executed by the FAX distribution server 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a process performed every time immediately before the execution of the second FAX reception data distribution process in the second embodiment. It is assumed that a facsimile distribution destination history information file E35 regarding facsimile reception data distribution executed so far is stored in the storage device 1e in advance, and the facsimile reception data includes a reception data system serial number, a reception time, and a transmission time. It is assumed that information of the original FAX telephone number, the source FAX ID, the page size of the first page, and the total number of pages are added and stored in the received data storage file E31 in the storage device 1e.
[0101]
Therefore, for example, in the facsimile distribution server 1, the CPU 1a triggers the circulation route creation processing stored in the storage device 1e, triggered by input of an instruction to start execution of the circulation route creation processing by the administrator via the input unit 1b. Is read and expanded in the RAM 1c to execute a circulation route creation process.
[0102]
First, the CPU 1a reads the FAX distribution destination history information file E35 stored in the storage device 1e (Step S41). Then, the CPU 1a acquires the transmission source FAXID added to the FAX reception data stored in the reception data storage file E21 in the storage device 1e (Step S42).
[0103]
First, the CPU 1a selects the recipient name E353 from the facsimile distribution destination history information file E35 read in step S41, and stores the selected recipient name E353 in the recipient name C11 of the circulation route creation file C1 in the RAM 1c. It is additionally stored (step S43). Step S43, when executed first, selects a recipient name with the earliest reception time, and thereafter selects an unselected recipient name with the earliest reception time, and there is no unselected recipient name. Do not select in case.
[0104]
Then, the CPU 1a determines whether or not the recipient name E353 is selected in Step S43 (Step S44). When the recipient name E353 is not selected (Step S44; YES), there is no unselected recipient name E353, and the CPU 1a refers to the transmission source FAXIDE 352 corresponding to the recipient name E353 selected in Step S43, It is determined whether or not it matches the transmission source FAXID acquired in step S42 (step S45).
[0105]
When it does not match the transmission source FAXID acquired in step S42 (step S45; NO), the process proceeds to step S43. When the received fax ID matches the transmission fax ID acquired in step S42 (step S45; YES), the CPU 1a increments the count C12 of the circulation route creation file C1 in the RAM 1c corresponding to the recipient name C11 selected in step S43 by +1. (Step S46).
[0106]
Then, the CPU 1a calculates the final reception time C13 corresponding to the recipient name C11 selected in step S43 of the circulation route creation file C1 in the RAM 1c by the reception time E351 corresponding to the recipient name E353 selected in step S43. (Step S47), and the process proceeds to step S43.
[0107]
Then, the CPU 1a refers to the circulation route creation file C1 in the RAM 1c, creates the circulation route C2 by arranging the recipient names C11 in descending order of the count C12, and creates a circulation route C2 with a user name corresponding to each recipient name of the circulation route. Then, a circulation route information file E33 is created by adding the route order (number) and the client name corresponding thereto, and stored in the storage device 1e (step S48), and the circulation route creation processing ends.
[0108]
After the circulation route creation processing, the CPU 1a executes the second FAX reception data distribution processing using the circulation route information file E31 stored in the storage device 1e. Here, a specific example of creating the circulation route C2 in the circulation route creation processing will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0109]
For example, when the circulation route creation file E35 as shown in FIG. 12 is stored in the storage device 1e, and the FAX distribution server 1 receives the FAX reception data with the transmission source FAXID of 81425111234, the execution of the circulation route creation processing As shown in FIG. 13, the receiving time E351 is selected first, and sasaki, nakata, and ando, whose recipients C11 whose count C12 of the circulation route creation file C1 is 4, 1, 1 are arranged. Recipient names with a count of 0 are not counted. In addition, since nakata and ando have the same number of times, nakata with the latest reception time is arranged first. Then, the circulation route C2 is created according to the arrangement order.
[0110]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the circulation route information file is dynamically created for each circulation based on the FAX reception data, and the transmission probability of the transmission source FAXID corresponding to the FAX reception data to be distributed is large. , The FAX reception data can be distributed more quickly while enhancing the confidentiality of the FAX reception data without distributing the FAX reception data to users other than the circulation destination.
[0111]
As a modified example of the second or third embodiment, when the OCR program is installed in the FAX distribution server 1 and the FAX reception data is received, the OCR program executes the FAX reception data to read the FAX reception data for each page. OCR recognition recognizes the recipient name, and even when the recipient name is not accurately recognized, a plurality of recipient candidates that are likely to be transmission destinations are listed based on the OCR recognition result. A configuration is also possible in which a circulation route information file is created from the recipient candidates and the second FAX reception data distribution process is performed. In this case, since the circulation destination users can be narrowed down, confidentiality can be enhanced and FAX reception data can be promptly distributed.
[0112]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described means and methods, but may achieve the object of the present invention and have the effects of the present invention. Can be appropriately changed and implemented.
[0113]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the preview data, which is the FAX data whose display range is restricted, is viewed before the FAX data is distributed, so that the FAX reception data distribution can be performed without a person who is not the distribution destination seeing the entire contents of the FAX data. It is possible to improve the confidentiality of FAX reception data and distribute the FAX reception data to a destination client without requiring a configuration for automatically specifying a recipient by F code or OCR recognition.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of a facsimile distribution system α according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the FAX server 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of clients 2A, 2B, and 2C.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a file stored in a storage device 1e according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a distribution log file E12.
FIG. 6 illustrates a first FAX reception data distribution process.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a file stored in a storage device 1e according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a distribution log file E22.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a circulation route information file E23.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second FAX reception data distribution process.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a file configuration stored in a storage device 1e according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a FAX distribution destination history information file E35.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a circulation route creation file C1 and a circulation route C2 stored in a RAM 1c.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a circulation route creation process.
[Explanation of symbols]
α ... FAX distribution system
1. Fax distribution server
2A, 2B, 2C… Client
1a, 2a ... CPU
1b, 2b ... input unit
1c, 2c ... RAM
1d, 2d ... display unit
1e, 2e ... storage device
1f, 2f ... data communication unit
1g ... clock section
1h: FAX modem device
1i: FAX reception control unit
1j, 2h ... bus
2g… Print section
3A, 3B, 3C ... FAX terminal
4: LAN
5. Public line

Claims (5)

Receiving means for receiving facsimile data from a transmission source, and storage means for storing the facsimile data received by the receiving means, and distributing the facsimile data stored by the storage means to a client device connected to a communication network FAX delivery device
Display range limiting means for creating preview data by limiting the display range of FAX data stored by the storage means;
First delivery means for delivering the preview data created by the display range limiting means to a client device on the communication network;
Receiving means for receiving, via the communication network, a FAX data acquisition request from a client device to which preview data has been transmitted by the first distribution means;
A second distribution unit that distributes the FAX data stored in the storage unit to the client device that has transmitted the acquisition request received by the reception unit via the communication network;
A facsimile distribution device comprising: 2. The FAX distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the preview data is FAX data whose display range is limited to an upper half of a first page. The storage unit stores circulation information having recipient names arranged in the circulation route order and client device names to which the recipients belong,
The first distribution unit distributes the preview data to the client device to which the recipient of the circulation destination belongs on the communication network in the order of the circulation route based on the circulation information stored in the storage unit. The facsimile distribution device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Circulation information creating means for creating circulation information having a receiver name and a client device name to which the receiver belongs arranged in the order of the circulation route in descending order of the number of receptions of the past FAX data;
4. The FAX distribution device according to claim 3, wherein the storage unit stores the circulation information created by the circulation information creation unit. On the computer,
A function of receiving fax data from a transmission source,
A function of storing the received FAX data;
A function of creating preview data by limiting a display range of the stored FAX data;
A function of delivering the preview data to a client device connected to a communication network;
A function of receiving a FAX data acquisition request from the client device to which the preview data has been transmitted, via the communication network;
A function of distributing the stored FAX data to the client device which has transmitted the received acquisition request via the communication network;
FAX distribution program for realizing

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