JP4043300B2 - Network communication apparatus and network communication system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention provides a network communication device for receiving an e-mail from a mail server that stores the e-mail transmitted via the network.PlacementIn particular, the network communication device is capable of discriminating between received emails and unreceived emails stored in a mail server and efficiently receiving unreceived emails.PlacementAnd a network communication system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the progress of networking, electronic mail (E-mail) using a server has been actively transmitted and received via a network such as the Internet as disclosed in JP-A-2001-274944. Yes.
In such e-mail transmission / reception, an e-mail posted from a sending terminal device to a sending mail server is sent to a receiving mail server via an e-mail transfer protocol such as SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). Transferred and accumulated.
[0003]
The terminal device on the receiving side accesses the mail server on the receiving side at any time or periodically by using a mail receiving protocol such as POP (Post Office Protocol) 3 protocol and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) and the like. Receive stored email.
A network facsimile apparatus, which is an example of such a network communication apparatus that transmits and receives e-mail, receives an e-mail and records and outputs a received image included in the e-mail as a received document. The email is deleted. This is performed in order to prevent the network facsimile apparatus from re-receiving the already received electronic mail.
[0004]
However, when a network facsimile apparatus is used by connecting to a LAN (Local Area Network), etc., since a plurality of users and a mail server are connected, the received electronic mail is kept as it is, that is, electronic data There is a request such that the user wants other users to refer to the already received electronic mail, or to record and output again, leaving the mail server in a state.
[0005]
As a method of responding to such a request, in the above-mentioned JP-A-2001-274944, when acquiring an e-mail from a mail server, whether to delete the acquired e-mail from the mail server or leave it in the mail server, A network facsimile apparatus that allows a user to select and set is disclosed.
In this network facsimile apparatus, when the received e-mail is set to remain in the mail server, the header information of the last e-mail received is stored, and stored when a new e-mail is received from the mail server. The received header information is compared with the header information of the newly received e-mail. By this comparison, it is determined whether or not the newly received e-mail is the e-mail that was received last when the previous e-mail was received, and the received e-mail and the unreceived e-mail are determined.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the network facsimile apparatus described above, received e-mail and unreceived e-mail are identified using header information of the e-mail.
That is, in this network facsimile apparatus, the contents of the header information cannot be confirmed unless an e-mail is once received from the mail server. In other words, in order to discriminate between received emails and unreceived emails, it is necessary to receive the email for each case, acquire header information, and discriminate them. Therefore, it takes time to discriminate between received emails and unreceived emails, and as a result, the efficiency of email reception processing deteriorates.
[0007]
  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and is a network communication capable of efficiently receiving unreceived e-mail by distinguishing between received e-mail and unreceived e-mail stored in a mail server. Aim to provide equipment.
  Another object of the present invention is to provide a network communication system that allows a network communication device to discriminate between received emails and unreceived emails stored in a mail server and efficiently receive unreceived emails. To do.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The network communication apparatus according to the present invention stores an electronic mail transmitted via a network, adds unique identification information to each stored electronic mail, assigns a serial number, and assigns the serial number each time a connection is disconnected. In a network communication device that receives an e-mail from a mail server to be repaired, storage means for storing identification information and serial numbers of one or more e-mails received from the mail server, and at least the e-mail prior to receiving the e-mail The receiving means for receiving the maximum serial number of the serial numbers assigned to the e-mail stored by the server and the identification information of the electronic mail assigned the maximum serial number, and the serial number stored in the storage means First determining whether there is a serial number that matches the maximum serial number among the serial numbers received by the means A constant section, the identification information which the storage means stores a second determining means for determining whether or not a match with the identification information received by the receiving unit there isA means for identifying an unreceived e-mail when either or both of the first determination means and the second determination means determine that there is no match, the first determination means and the second determination means When both the determination means determine that there is a match, it is determined that there is no newly received e-mail.It is characterized by being.
[0009]
  In this network communication device, an e-mail server that stores e-mails transmitted via a network, adds unique identification information to each stored e-mail, assigns a serial number, and reassigns the serial number each time a connection is disconnected Receive an email from The storage means stores identification information and serial numbers of a plurality of e-mails received from the mail server, and prior to receiving the e-mail, the receiving means is the largest of the serial numbers assigned to the e-mails stored in the mail server. The serial number and identification information of the electronic mail with the maximum serial number are received. The first determination means determines whether there is a serial number stored in the storage means that matches the maximum serial number received by the reception means, and the second determination means identifies the storage stored in the storage means. Determine whether there is information that matches the identification information received by the receiving means,When either or both of the first determination means and the second determination means determine that there is no match, an unreceived e-mail is specified, and both the first determination means and the second determination means match. When it is determined that there is something to do, it is determined that there is no newly received e-mail.
[0010]
The mail server gives a serial number such as a message number displayed sequentially from 1 to an electronic mail that is not deleted, and identification information such as a unique ID indicated by an arbitrary character string within 70 characters. Note that when an e-mail is deleted from the mail server due to user settings or the like, the serial number is reassigned each time, but the identification information is unique information corresponding to each e-mail and remains unchanged. In addition, when the network communication device is connected to the mail server, such as a unique ID, the identification information corresponding to all e-mails stored in the mail server is once sent to the network communication device. Sent to.
[0011]
This network communication device stores at least the maximum serial number and the identification information of the electronic mail among the serial numbers added to the received electronic mail. Thus, when a new connection is made to the mail server, the maximum serial number and identification information, and the maximum serial number among the serial numbers added to all electronic mail stored in the mail server and the identification information of the electronic mail. Whether or not there is an unreceived e-mail in the mail server.
[0012]
As a result, it is possible to realize a network communication device that can discriminate between received emails and unreceived emails stored in the mail server and efficiently receive unreceived emails.
On the other hand, if they do not match, that is, even if a part of the e-mail stored by the mail server is deleted, if there is other serial number identification information stored in the storage means, the serial number identification information And the identification information of the serial number received from the mail server are determined, and it is possible to recognize whether the email received before the other serial number is an already received email or an unreceived email.
[0013]
  The network communication apparatus according to the present invention stores an electronic mail transmitted via a network, adds unique identification information to each stored electronic mail, assigns a serial number, and assigns the serial number each time a connection is disconnected. In a network communication device that receives an e-mail from a mail server to be corrected, storage means for storing identification information and serial numbers of a plurality of e-mails received from the mail server, and the mail server stores the e-mail prior to receiving the e-mail Receiving means for receiving the serial number assigned to the electronic mail to be sent, and the list information of the identification information of the electronic mail assigned the serial number, the serial number stored in the storage means, and the list information received by the receiving means First determination means for determining whether there is a serial number included in the storage number, and the storage means And a second determination unit that determines whether there is an identification information that matches the identification information included in the list information received by the reception unit, the first determination unit and the second determination unit MeansWhen there is an e-mail that is determined to match both, an e-mail that has a serial number greater than that of the e-mail is received from the mail server, and both the first determination means and the second determination means Configure to receive all emails stored by the mail server when there is no email determined to matchIt is characterized by being.
[0014]
  In this network communication device, an e-mail server that stores e-mails transmitted via a network, adds unique identification information to each stored e-mail, assigns a serial number, and reassigns the serial number each time a connection is disconnected Receive an email from The storage means stores identification information and serial numbers of a plurality of e-mails received from the mail server, and prior to receiving the e-mail, the receiving means assigns serial numbers assigned to the e-mails stored in the mail server, and the serial numbers. The list information of the identification information of the e-mail to which is sent is received. The first determination means determines whether there is a serial number stored in the storage means and the serial number included in the list information received by the reception means, and the second determination means stores the storage means. Determining whether there is anything that matches the identification information included in the received list and the identification information included in the list information received by the receiving means, and the first determining means and the second determining meansWhen there is an e-mail that is determined to match both, an e-mail that has a serial number greater than that of the e-mail is received from the mail server, and both the first determination means and the second determination means match. When there is no judged email, receive all emails stored by the mail server.
[0015]
By determining whether the identification information and serial number stored in the storage means match the identification information and serial number added to the email stored in the mail server, the email is the same as the previous reception. It can be confirmed whether or not it is stored in a place, and only unreceived e-mail can be easily identified and received.
Specifically, when the identification information and the serial number corresponding to the identification information match the one received from the mail server and the one stored in the storage means, it can be recognized that the electronic mail has already been received. Furthermore, since it is possible to recognize that an e-mail to which a serial number larger than the matching serial number is added is an unreceived e-mail, it can be received as an unreceived e-mail.
[0016]
On the other hand, if they do not match, that is, if a part of the e-mail stored by the mail server has been deleted, the identification information of the other serial number stored in the storage means and the identification of the serial number received from the mail server It is determined whether or not the information matches, and it is possible to recognize whether the electronic mail received before the other serial number is an already received electronic mail or an unreceived electronic mail.
As a result, it is possible to realize a network communication device that can discriminate between received emails and unreceived emails stored in the mail server and efficiently receive unreceived emails.
[0017]
The network communication apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the storage means stores the identification information corresponding to a predetermined number of serial numbers.
[0018]
In this network communication apparatus, since the storage means stores identification information corresponding to a predetermined number of serial numbers, the storage capacity of the storage means can be reduced.
[0019]
The network communication apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the identification information is a unique ID.
[0020]
In this network communication device, since the identification information is a unique ID, the unique ID as the identification information acquired by the network communication device is added to the e-mail by a conventional mail server, and the e-mail is received / not received as it is. By using this, it is possible to easily discriminate between received emails and unreceived emails stored in the mail server and realize a network communication apparatus that can efficiently receive unreceived emails.
[0021]
The network communication apparatus according to the present invention further includes means for storing management information for each electronic mail about whether or not the electronic mail is normally received from the mail server.
[0022]
In this network communication apparatus, since the storing means stores management information for each e-mail about whether or not the e-mail is normally received from the mail server, the network communication is performed when the e-mail is received from the mail server. Even if there is an e-mail that could not be received despite issuing a reception instruction due to a lack of available memory in the device, the e-mail has not been received based on the management information. Until the e-mail is successfully received, it is possible to try to receive the next connection.
[0023]
The network communication apparatus according to the present invention further comprises means for determining whether or not the total capacity of the memory for storing the received e-mail is larger than the capacity of the e-mail to be newly received. If it is determined that the e-mail is to be deleted, the mail server is instructed to delete the e-mail.
[0024]
In this network communication apparatus, the determining means determines whether or not the total capacity of the memory for storing the received e-mail is larger than the capacity of the e-mail to be newly received. If determined, the mail server is instructed to delete the e-mail.
Thus, by checking in advance whether or not the size of the email to be received is equal to or larger than the total capacity of the memory of the email storage means, it is said that an email that cannot be actually received is received. It is possible to prevent unnecessary processing.
[0025]
The network communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a detecting means for detecting the free capacity of the memory, and a means for determining whether or not the capacity of the electronic mail to be newly received is larger than the free capacity detected by the detecting means. And when it is determined that the means is large, the reception of the electronic mail is postponed.
[0026]
In this network communication device, the detecting means detects the free capacity of the memory for storing the received electronic mail, and the judging means determines that the capacity of the electronic mail to be newly received is the free capacity detected by the detecting means. It is determined whether or not it is larger, and if it is determined that the means for determination is large, reception of an electronic mail to be newly received is postponed.
Accordingly, when the free space of the memory for storing the received e-mail is small and when the capacity of the e-mail to be received is particularly large, the e-mail stored in the memory is deleted or the memory It is possible to prevent unnecessary processing for receiving an unreceivable e-mail, such as adding an additional mail.
[0031]
The network communication system according to the present invention includes one or a plurality of network communication devices according to the present invention, and when connected from the network communication device, a maximum serial number among serial numbers assigned to e-mails to be stored, and One or a plurality of mail servers including means for transmitting identification information of an electronic mail assigned a maximum serial number to the network communication device.
[0032]
In this network communication system, when a mail server is connected from a network communication device, the means for transmission by the mail server assigns the maximum serial number among the serial numbers assigned to the stored e-mail and the maximum serial number. The identification information of the received e-mail is transmitted to the network communication device.
[0033]
As a result, even if the mail server to which the network communication device is connected stores the received e-mail without deleting it, the network communication device is added to each e-mail. The mail server selects unreceived e-mail from a plurality of e-mails received from other network communication devices by determining whether it is an unreceived e-mail based on the identified information And can be received efficiently.
In other words, compared with the conventional determination method in which transmission / reception is performed for each e-mail using header information included in the e-mail, only unreceived e-mails can be easily selected from a plurality of e-mails received by the mail server. Select and receive efficiently.
[0034]
The network communication system according to the present invention includes one or a plurality of network communication devices according to the present invention, and a serial number assigned to an e-mail to be stored and the serial number assigned when the network communication device is connected. One or a plurality of mail servers including means for transmitting list information of identification information of electronic mail to the network communication device.
[0035]
In this network communication system, when the mail server is connected from the network communication device, the transmission means of the mail server assigns the serial number assigned to the stored email and the identification information of the electronic mail assigned the serial number. Is transmitted to the network communication device.
[0036]
As a result, even if the mail server to which the network communication device is connected stores the received e-mail without deleting it, the network communication device is added to each e-mail. The mail server selects unreceived e-mail from a plurality of e-mails received from other network communication devices by determining whether it is an unreceived e-mail based on the identified information And can be received efficiently.
In other words, compared with the conventional determination method in which transmission / reception is performed for each e-mail using header information included in the e-mail, only unreceived e-mails can be easily selected from a plurality of e-mails received by the mail server. Select and receive efficiently.
[0037]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.
  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a network communication system according to the present invention. This network communication system includes an Internet facsimile machine 1 which is a network communication apparatus according to the present invention., MeConnected to the Internet 30 via the network server 20. The Internet facsimile machine 1 transmits and receives information to and from other Internet facsimile machines 1 ′ connected to the Internet 30 via other mail servers 20 ′ using electronic mail.
[0038]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the Internet facsimile machine 1 which is an embodiment of the network communication apparatus according to the present invention. The Internet facsimile machine 1 includes a main control unit 2 (first determination unit, second determination unit, determination unit), a control memory 3, a control buffer 4, and an e-mail storage unit 5 which are mutually connected to a bus 18. (Memory for storage), e-mail creation unit 7, reading unit 8, recording unit 9, panel control unit 10, encoding / decoding control unit 11, LAN control unit 12, modem 13, network control unit 14, memory A remaining amount detection unit (detection unit) 15, a clock unit 16, and a mail server (data) management unit 17 (storage unit, unit for storing management information) are provided.
The e-mail storage unit 5, the e-mail creation unit 7, the reading unit 8, the recording unit 9, the encoding / decoding control unit 11, the modem 13, and the network control unit 14 are connected to a signal line 19 for image data. .
[0039]
The main control unit 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and controls the entire Internet facsimile machine 1. Specifically, in the e-mail receiving process to be described later, an unreceived e-mail and a received e-mail are discriminated, and the total capacity and free capacity of the memory of the e-mail storage unit 5 and the electronic to be received are determined. A comparison is made with the mail capacity to determine whether or not the electronic mail can be received.
The control memory 3 includes a non-volatile memory or a backed up volatile memory, and stores a control program, counterpart information, and the like.
The control buffer 4 comprises a RAM (Random-Access Memory) and is used for program data.
[0040]
The e-mail storage unit 5 stores the encoded image data, stores image data read from the reading unit 8 described later, or received e-mail data, e-mail data after decryption, etc. Furthermore, the unique ID (identification information) added to the electronic mail received from the mail server 20 is stored.
[0041]
The unique ID is identification information composed of an arbitrary character string within 70 characters added by the mail server 20 for each e-mail, and is unique information for each e-mail.
When the Internet facsimile machine 1 is connected to the mail server 20, unique IDs corresponding to all electronic mails stored in the mail server 20 can be received at a time.
[0042]
The e-mail creation unit 7 adds header information to the encoded image data and converts it into an e-mail format.
The reading unit 8 is a scanner using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and reads a document as a document image having a predetermined resolution. The read result is output as dot image data.
The recording unit 9 includes an electrophotographic printer device, and makes a hard copy (printout) of received data such as a document.
[0043]
The panel control unit 10 is provided with a display device and an operation unit (not shown), and is a touch panel configured integrally with a display device and an operation unit having a screen for instructing reading of a document, input of a destination, and the like.
The display device is a liquid crystal display device (LCD), a CRT display, or the like, and displays an operation state, a transmission destination, and the like of the Internet facsimile machine 1.
The operation unit includes keys (input devices) necessary for operation.
[0044]
The panel control unit 10 sets a destination to which an e-mail is transmitted by operating a touch panel provided. The set partner information is stored in the control memory 3.
The encoding / decoding control unit 11 encodes the read document data or decodes the received document data. That is, the image signal is encoded and compressed, and the encoded and compressed image information is decoded into the original image signal. The encoding / decoding control unit 11 can use encoding methods such as MH (Modified Hufman), MR (Modified READ), and MMR (Modified Modified READ) which are generally used in facsimile communication.
[0045]
The LAN control unit 12 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) when performing e-mail transmission / reception and Internet facsimile communication via the Internet 30.
The modem 13 is for performing generally used facsimile communication, and is composed of a facsimile modem capable of facsimile communication. The modem 13 is connected to a telephone line via a network control unit (NCU).
[0046]
The network control unit 14 performs connection control with a telephone line and is hardware for closing and opening a line with an analog public telephone line network (PSTN). Connect to the public telephone network.
The remaining memory detection unit 15 is a detection unit that detects the remaining memory (free capacity) of the e-mail storage unit 5. In the present embodiment, the total memory capacity of the e-mail storage unit 5 is 2 Mbytes.
[0047]
The mail server management unit 17 stores a message number and a unique ID (identification information) added to the email received from the mail server 20, and information for receiving only an unreceived email from the mail server 20. Is managing. Specifically, an e-mail or the like that has been instructed to be received but has not been received due to a small free space in the e-mail storage unit 5 is stored using a status flag or the like to be described later.
As a result, when the internet facsimile apparatus 1 is connected to the mail server 20 next time and the free capacity of the e-mail storage unit 5 has increased to a receivable state, the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 issues a new reception instruction and receives the unreceived message. You can receive e-mail.
[0048]
The message number is a number added to the electronic mail stored in the mail server 20 with a serial number from 1. When an e-mail is deleted from the mail server 20 due to user settings or the like, the message number is reassigned each time, but the unique ID is a unique ID corresponding to each e-mail and is unchanged.
[0049]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of a management table for managing e-mails of the mail server 20. In this management table, the message number for each e-mail stored by the mail server 20, the unique ID, and the e-mail capacity (text + attached file) are described.
Corresponding to the management table of the mail server 20 shown in FIG. 3, a management table for each electronic mail is created in the mail server management unit 17 of the Internet facsimile machine 1 as shown in FIG. In this management table, the POP3 server name, user ID, password, message number, unique ID, and status flag (management information) corresponding to the email stored in the mail server 20 are managed for each email.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 6, this status flag is information indicating whether or not an email stored in the mail server 20 has been received. If it is “1”, the status flag has been received by the Internet facsimile machine 1. “0” indicates that the Internet facsimile machine 1 has not received the message.
Here, for example, in addition to the received e-mail corresponding to the unique ID “AAAAAAA” shown in FIG. 3, the mail server 20 newly acquires e-mails (“BBBBBB” to “EEEEEE”) shown in FIG. 4. And store it.
[0051]
In this case, if the free memory capacity of the electronic mail storage unit 5 of the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 is less than 170 kBytes, a management table as shown in FIG.
In the management table shown in FIG. 7, “11110” is set as a status flag for all the emails currently stored in the mail server 20 together with the unique ID (“EEEEEE”) of the email to which the maximum message number is added. It is filled in.
[0052]
The free space of the e-mail storage unit 5 minus the capacity required for receiving e-mails corresponding to the unique IDs “BBBBBB” to “DDDDD”, and the e-mail corresponding to the unique ID “EEEEEE” to be received last. The e-mail (unique ID “EEEEEE”) is not received because of the amount of information. As a result, the status flag is entered as “11110”.
[0053]
Due to such a status flag, even if the e-mail storage unit 5 has a small free space and cannot be received, the free space in the e-mail storage unit 5 can be received by deleting the e-mail. It can be kept waiting until it reaches a state.
Based on this status flag, the Internet facsimile machine 1 performs the next and subsequent electronic operations after the new electronic mail (unique ID “FFFFF”) stored in the mail server 20 increases as shown in the management table of FIG. At the time of mail reception processing, it is possible to try again to receive this unreceived e-mail. As a result, the electronic mail can be received again.
[0054]
In addition, in the management table shown in FIG. 7, the message number 1 and the message number 2 are stored separately from the message number (MAX) because the predetermined number is set to a multiple of 2. Shows a state in which a plurality of message numbers are stored. When there is a sufficient memory capacity, a configuration may be adopted in which all message numbers and unique IDs corresponding to the message numbers are stored.
[0055]
Furthermore, as another case, when the management table of the mail server 20 changes from the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. 4, the memory capacity of the electronic mail storage unit 5 of the Internet facsimile machine 1 is less than 70 kBytes. In the Internet facsimile machine 1, a management table as shown in FIG. 8 is created.
That is, in the management table shown in FIG. 8, as in the case shown in FIG. 7, the status IDs of all emails stored in the mail server 20 are stored together with the unique IDs of emails to which the maximum message numbers are added. , “11010” is entered. As a result, the e-mail corresponding to the unique IDs “CCCCC” and “EEEEEE” has not been received due to the relationship between the free capacity (less than 70 kBytes) of the e-mail storage unit 5 and the information amount of the e-mail to be received. I understand that.
[0056]
Accordingly, as in the case described with reference to FIG. 7, even if the e-mail storage unit 5 has a small free space and cannot be received once, the free space of the e-mail storage unit 5 is When the e-mail is deleted, it can be received when it can be received.
In other words, the Internet facsimile machine 1 next time after the new electronic mail (unique ID “FFFFF”) stored in the mail server 20 is increased, as shown in the management table of FIG. 5, based on the status flag shown in FIG. During the subsequent e-mail reception process, it is possible to try to receive the unreceived e-mail again. As a result, the electronic mail can be received again.
[0057]
Hereinafter, the e-mail reception processing operation of the Internet facsimile machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
First, the main control unit 2 connects to the mail server 20 (POP3 server) in order to receive e-mail (S1), and then sends all e-mails stored in the mail server 20 from the mail server 20. A corresponding unique ID and message number are acquired (S2).
Next, the main control unit 2 (S2) acquired from the mail server 20 (S2) whether or not the maximum message number among the unique ID and the message number matches the message number stored at the time of the previous connection with the mail server 20. Is determined (S3).
[0058]
In this embodiment, only the message number added to the e-mail last received by the mail server 20, that is, the maximum message number is used as the determination material (S3), but the present invention is limited to this. It is not something. For example, as with the unique ID, all message numbers of e-mails received from the mail server 20 may be acquired and determined using each. However, it is more preferable to use only the maximum message number as the determination material as in the present embodiment because the time required for determination can be greatly shortened.
[0059]
If the maximum message number matches the message number stored at the time of connection with the previous mail server 20 (S3), the main control unit 2 sets the unique ID of the email corresponding to the maximum message number and the message number. It is determined whether or not the corresponding unique ID matches (S12).
If the unique ID of the email corresponding to the maximum message number matches the unique ID corresponding to the message number (S12), the main control unit 2 determines that there is no newly received email (S13), It is determined from the status flag whether there is an unreceived e-mail before the last received e-mail (S14).
[0060]
If there is an unreceived e-mail before the last received e-mail (S14), the main control unit 2 executes the reception process (S15) and then disconnects from the mail server 20 (S10). The e-mail reception process is terminated.
If there is no unreceived e-mail before the last received e-mail (S14), the main control unit 2 disconnects from the mail server 20 (S10), and ends the e-mail reception process.
[0061]
If the maximum message number and the message number stored at the time of the previous connection with the mail server 20 do not match (S3), the main control unit 2 determines the unique ID corresponding to the other message number received from the mail server 20 and Then, it is determined whether or not the unique ID corresponding to the message number stored at the time of connection with the previous mail server 20 matches (S4), and if not, the other stored in the mail server management unit 17 is determined. It is determined whether there is a message number and a unique ID (S5).
[0062]
If there is no other message number and unique ID stored in the mail server management unit 17 (S5), the main control unit 2 clears the status flag (S6), and all the electronic messages stored in the mail server 20 are stored. The mail receiving operation is started (S7).
The main control unit 2 executes the reception process of all the emails stored in the mail server 20 (S8), and then the unique ID and the message number added to the last received email among the received emails. Are stored (S9), the connection with the mail server 20 is disconnected (S10), and the e-mail receiving process is terminated.
[0063]
If the unique ID corresponding to the other message number received from the mail server 20 matches the unique ID corresponding to the message number stored when connecting to the previous mail server 20 (S4), the main control unit 2 Since the maximum message number and the message number stored at the time of connection with the previous mail server 20 do not match (S3), the number of emails stored in the mail server 20 has increased, that is, Recognize that there is a newly acquired e-mail.
[0064]
Therefore, the main control unit 2 is configured to store unreceived e-mails that exist before the stored message number with the unique ID and e-mails (newly received e-mails) that exist after the stored message number. A reception operation is started (S16).
The main control unit 2 executes the e-mail receiving process (S17), and then stores the unique ID and message number added to the last received e-mail among the received e-mails (S9), and the mail server 20 is disconnected (S10), and the e-mail receiving process is terminated.
[0065]
If the unique ID of the e-mail corresponding to the maximum message number and the unique ID corresponding to the message number do not match (S12), the main control unit 2 stores other messages stored in the mail server management unit 17 It is determined whether there is a number and a unique ID (S5).
If there is another message number and unique ID stored in the mail server management unit 17 (S5), the main control unit 2 adds the message number and unique ID stored in the mail server management unit 17 to the above ( It is determined whether there is a message that matches the message number received in S2) and the unique ID corresponding to the message number (S11). Based on the determination result, an e-mail receiving process is executed (S8).
[0066]
As described above, using the message number and unique ID added to each e-mail, it is determined whether or not they match, and a plurality of e-mails stored in the mail server 20 are determined based on the determination result. It is possible to easily recognize an unreceived e-mail from among the e-mails and efficiently acquire only the unreceived e-mail.
That is, in the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 according to the present invention, all the unique IDs and message numbers stored in the mail server 20 can be acquired with a single connection. Even without this, an efficient discrimination can be easily performed.
[0067]
Furthermore, in the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as erroneous reception of an unreceivable e-mail in the e-mail reception process (S8, 15, 17).
That is, when the main control unit 2 receives an e-mail (S8, 15, 17), it first detects the current free space in the e-mail storage unit 5 (S20) and tries to receive it from the mail server 20. After receiving the data size (capacity) of the email to be sent (S21), the memory size (storage capacity) of the email storage unit 5 is compared with the information amount of the email (S22).
[0068]
When the information amount of the email to be received is smaller than the storage capacity of the email storage unit 5 (S22), the main control unit 2 further determines that the information amount of the email is the email storage unit. It is determined whether or not the free space is smaller than 5 (S23).
When the information amount of the e-mail is smaller than the free capacity of the e-mail storage unit 5 (S23), the main control unit 2 receives the e-mail data from the mail server 20 (S24), and the status flag information Is updated (S25).
[0069]
After updating the status flag information (S25), the main control unit 2 determines whether or not the message number of the e-mail to be received has reached a predetermined number set in advance by the user (S26). When the number is reached, the message number of the predetermined number and the corresponding unique ID are stored (S27). (The predetermined number is, for example, a number of a predetermined multiple (such as 2).)
[0070]
After storing the message number of the predetermined number and the corresponding unique ID (S27), the main control unit 2 determines whether there is an e-mail to be further received (S28), and the e-mail to be received If there is, the current free space in the e-mail storage unit 5 is detected again (S20), and the subsequent processing is repeated.
The main control unit 2 returns if there is no more e-mail to be received (S28).
[0071]
When the amount of information of the email to be received is larger than the storage capacity of the email storage unit 5 (S22), the main control unit 2 does not increase the memory of the email storage unit 5 or the like. The e-mail cannot be received. Therefore, the main control unit 2 determines not to receive the e-mail (S30), and inquires the user about whether or not to delete the e-mail from the mail server 20 (S31).
[0072]
As a result of inquiring the user, the main control unit 2 instructs the mail server 20 to delete the e-mail (S32) when deletion is selected (S31), and deletes the user. After the information is displayed on a display panel or the like (not shown) (S33), the status flag information is updated (S25).
As a result of making an inquiry to the user, the main control unit 2 stores information indicating that the e-mail has not been received in the status flag (S25) when the direction not to delete is selected (S31). As a result, when the next e-mail is received, the free space in the e-mail storage unit 5 can be detected again, and when the e-mail can be received, the e-mail can be received.
Note that whether or not to delete may be set in advance and automatically processed.
[0073]
When the information amount of the e-mail is larger than the free capacity of the e-mail storage unit 5 (S23), the main control unit 2 prints out some of the e-mails stored in the e-mail storage unit 5. In this case, the e-mail is not received (S29), and the status flag information is updated (S25).
[0074]
In the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, in the e-mail receiving process, the e-mail storage unit 5 that stores e-mails received from the mail server 20 before starting to receive e-mails. The storage capacity is compared with the information amount of the electronic mail that is to be received from the mail server 20. Furthermore, the free capacity of the electronic mail storage unit 5 is compared with the information amount of the electronic mail to be received from the mail server 20.
[0075]
As a result, when the amount of information of the e-mail is larger than the storage capacity of the e-mail storage unit 5, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem that reception becomes impossible as a result of the reception process. In addition, when reception is not possible due to a lack of free space, the electronic mail is stored in a standby state, and the reception process is performed again during the subsequent electronic mail reception process. Depending on the relationship with the storage capacity, it is possible to respond flexibly.
Accordingly, the Internet facsimile machine 1 can prevent unnecessary execution of reception processing and perform the electronic mail reception processing step more efficiently.
[0076]
When the main control unit 2 determines whether the message number and unique ID stored in the mail server management unit 17 match the message number received from the mail server 20 and the corresponding unique ID. (S11) First, whether or not there is a message number stored in the mail server management unit 17 and a corresponding unique ID corresponding to the message number received from the mail server 20 and the corresponding unique ID. Determine (S40).
It should be noted that this determination (S40) can be performed more efficiently when the matching message is determined when the message number is larger, so that the determination process can be completed more efficiently. Therefore, it is more preferable.
[0077]
If the message number stored in the mail server management unit 17 and the unique ID corresponding to the message number and the unique ID corresponding to the main control unit 2 match the message number received from the mail server 20 and the corresponding unique ID (S40). ), It is determined that none of the e-mails to which a smaller message number is added has been deleted by the user between the previous connection to the mail server and the current connection (deleted after that) Determined to be present).
If the message number stored in the mail server management unit 17 and the unique ID corresponding to the message number and the unique ID corresponding to the main control unit 2 match the message number received from the mail server 20 and the corresponding unique ID (S40). ), It is determined whether there are a plurality of matches (S41).
[0078]
If there are a plurality of matching items (S41), the main control unit 2 identifies the largest message number among the matching items, and receives an e-mail after the e-mail to which the maximum message number is assigned. The operation is started (S42) and the process returns.
If there is only one that matches (S41), the main control unit 2 starts reception of all subsequent e-mails from the e-mail assigned with the message number (S43) and returns.
[0079]
If the message number stored in the mail server management unit 17 and the unique ID corresponding thereto do not match the message number received from the mail server 20 and the corresponding unique ID, the main control unit 2 (S40). Then, the status flag is cleared (S44), the receiving operation of all e-mails stored in the mail server 20 is started (S45), and the process returns.
[0080]
The Internet facsimile machine 1 correlates with the management data of the mail server management unit 17 by deleting the electronic mail data stored in the mail server 20 from an external personal computer or the like by the user through the above determination process. Even when unreceived e-mails are not identified, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as receiving all electronic data.
[0081]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation when the mail server 20 is connected to the Internet facsimile machine 1.
When the mail server 20 is connected from the Internet facsimile machine 1 (S50), it sends the list information (list) of all the stored e-mail message numbers and corresponding unique IDs to the Internet facsimile machine 1 (S51). ).
[0082]
If there is an inquiry about the data size of the email from the Internet facsimile machine 1 (S52), the mail server 20 transmits the data size of the corresponding email (S53).
The mail server 20 transmits the data size of the e-mail (S53), and if there is a transmission instruction from the Internet facsimile machine 1 (S54), transmits the corresponding e-mail to the Internet facsimile machine 1 (S55). It waits for an inquiry about the data size of the e-mail from the Internet facsimile machine 1 (S52).
[0083]
If there is no transmission instruction from the Internet facsimile machine 1 (S54) and no deletion instruction is received from the Internet facsimile machine 1 (S56), the mail server 20 waits for an inquiry about the data size of the electronic mail from the Internet facsimile machine 1 (S52). .
The mail server 20 has no inquiry about the data size of the e-mail from the Internet facsimile machine 1 (S52). When the connection is cut off from the Internet facsimile machine 1 (S58), the message numbers of all the e-mails stored are stored. After the re-assignment (S59), it waits for connection from the Internet facsimile machine 1 (S50).
[0084]
In this embodiment, FIG. 1 shows that there is only one other Internet facsimile machine 1 ′, but the present invention is not limited to this. Actually, a plurality of Internet facsimile machines 1 ′ are connected via the Internet 30.
In this embodiment, the unique ID is used as the unique identification information of the e-mail. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the unique ID, the same effect can be obtained if the character string is unique for each e-mail. The same applies to the message number.
[0085]
However, by using the unique ID normally used for conventional network communication as it is, it is possible to obtain the effects as described above, and it is not necessary to create new identification information. As in the embodiment, it is more preferable to use a unique ID as identification information.
[0086]
It is more preferable to use both the unique ID and the message number as determination materials. As a result, a determination is first made using the message number, and it is confirmed whether or not the number of e-mails stored in the mail server 20 is fluctuated due to deletion / new reception or the like, and then determined using a unique ID As a result, only unreceived e-mail can be selected and received.
The mail server 20 has been described with respect to the POP3 server in the present embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another mail server using a mail reception protocol such as IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is used. Is also applicable.
[0087]
【The invention's effect】
According to the network communication device of the present invention, it is possible to realize a network communication device capable of efficiently receiving unreceived e-mail by discriminating between received e-mail and unreceived e-mail stored in the mail server. .
[0088]
The network communication apparatus according to the present invention can reduce the storage capacity of the storage unit.
[0089]
According to the network communication apparatus according to the present invention, the unique ID added to the electronic mail by the conventional mail server and acquired as the identification information by the network communication apparatus is used as it is for determining whether the electronic mail has been received or not. Thus, it is possible to realize a network communication device that can easily discriminate between received emails and unreceived emails stored in the mail server and efficiently receive unreceived emails.
[0090]
According to the network communication device of the present invention, when an e-mail is received from the mail server, the e-mail could not be received even though a reception instruction was issued due to a lack of free memory in the network communication device. Even if an e-mail exists, it can recognize that the e-mail has not been received based on the management information, and can try to receive it at the next connection until the e-mail is received normally. It becomes.
[0091]
According to the network communication apparatus of the present invention, it is practically impossible to receive an email by confirming in advance whether the size of the email to be received is larger than the total memory capacity of the email storage means. It is possible to prevent a useless process of receiving an e-mail.
[0092]
According to the network communication apparatus of the present invention, when the free space of the memory for storing the received e-mail is small, or when the capacity of the e-mail to be received is particularly large, it is stored in the memory. It is possible to prevent unnecessary processing for receiving an unreceivable e-mail, such as deleting an e-mail or increasing its memory.
[0094]
According to the network communication system according to the present invention, compared with the determination method of performing transmission and reception for each email using the header information included in the conventional email, from among a plurality of emails received by the mail server, Easily select only unreceived e-mails and receive them efficiently.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a network communication system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an Internet facsimile machine which is an embodiment of a network communication device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of a management table for managing e-mails of a mail server.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of a management table for managing e-mails of the mail server.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of a management table for managing e-mails of a mail server.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of a management table for each electronic mail in the Internet facsimile machine.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of a management table for each electronic mail of the Internet facsimile machine.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of a management table for each electronic mail of the Internet facsimile machine.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an e-mail reception process operation of the Internet facsimile apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an e-mail reception process operation of the Internet facsimile apparatus.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an e-mail reception process operation of the Internet facsimile apparatus.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an e-mail reception process operation of the Internet facsimile apparatus.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an e-mail reception process operation of the Internet facsimile apparatus.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation when a mail server is connected to an Internet facsimile machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,1 'Internet facsimile machine
2 Main control unit (first determination means, second determination means, determination means)
3 Control memory
5 E-mail storage (memory for storing)
8 Reading unit
9 Recording section
10 Panel controller
11 Encoding / decoding control unit
12 LAN controller
13 Modem
14 Network control unit
15 Remaining memory detection unit (detection means)
17 Mail server management unit 17 (storage means, means for storing management information)
20, 20 'mail server
30 Internet

Claims (9)

Stores e-mails sent via the network, adds unique identification information to each stored e-mail, assigns a serial number, and receives an e-mail from the mail server that re-assigns the serial number whenever the connection is disconnected In the network communication device to
Storage means for storing identification information and serial numbers of one or more emails received from the mail server, and at least a maximum of serial numbers assigned to emails stored in the mail server prior to reception of the emails A receiving means for receiving the serial number and identification information of the electronic mail to which the maximum serial number is assigned, and a serial number stored in the storage means that matches the maximum serial number among the serial numbers received by the receiving means First determination means for determining whether or not there is, second determination means for determining whether or not the identification information stored in the storage means matches the identification information received by the reception means; A means for specifying an unreceived e-mail when either or both of the first determination means and the second determination means determine that there is no match, Both the first judging means and the second judging means, when a match is determined that there, network communication device, characterized in that is arranged to determine the e-mail newly received no. Stores e-mails sent via the network, adds unique identification information to each stored e-mail, assigns a serial number, and receives an e-mail from the mail server that re-assigns the serial number whenever the connection is disconnected In the network communication device to
Storage means for storing identification information and serial numbers of a plurality of emails received from the mail server, serial numbers assigned to emails stored in the mail server prior to reception of the emails, and serial numbers Determining whether there is a receiving unit that receives the list information of the identification information of the e-mail, a serial number stored in the storage unit, and a serial number included in the list information received by the receiving unit. First determination means for determining, and second determination means for determining whether or not there is a match with the identification information stored in the storage means and the identification information included in the list information received by the reception means. wherein the first judging means and the second when the e-mail both is determined to match the determining means is present, the electronic post than the serial number, the largest of the electronic mail If no e-mail is received from the mail server and it is determined that both the first determination means and the second determination means match, all e-mails stored in the mail server are received. A network communication device configured to be configured .   The network communication device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the identification information corresponding to a predetermined number of serial numbers.   The network communication device according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is a unique ID.   5. The network communication device according to claim 1, further comprising means for storing management information for each electronic mail about whether or not the electronic mail has been normally received from the mail server.   Means for determining whether or not the total capacity of the memory for storing the received e-mail is larger than the capacity of the e-mail to be newly received; 6. The network communication device according to claim 1, wherein the network communication device is instructed to delete the electronic mail. Detecting means for detecting the free capacity of the memory, and means for determining whether or not the capacity of the newly received e-mail is larger than the free capacity detected by the detecting means; The network communication device according to claim 6, wherein when judged, the reception of the electronic mail is postponed .   The one or more network communication devices according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and when connected from the network communication device, a maximum serial number among serial numbers assigned to e-mails to be stored, and the maximum A network communication system, comprising: one or a plurality of mail servers including means for transmitting identification information of an electronic mail assigned a serial number to the network communication device.   The one or more network communication devices according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a serial number assigned to an e-mail to be stored when connected from the network communication device, and an electronic device to which the serial number is assigned A network communication system comprising: one or more mail servers including means for transmitting list information of mail identification information to the network communication device.

Images