JP5201606B2 - E-mail compatible facsimile apparatus, FAX document processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an e-mail compatible facsimile apparatus, and more particularly to an e-mail compatible facsimile apparatus for checking a mail size.

  2. Description of the Related Art An e-mail compatible facsimile apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a FAX apparatus) that can use an Internet FAX (Facsimile) service has a function of transmitting and receiving a FAX document as an attached file of an e-mail (hereinafter referred to as mail). .

  Since the FAX document is an image file of A4 size or larger, the capacity of the mail is larger than that of mail with only characters.

  In a personal facsimile placed in a small store such as a company branch, the memory capacity cannot be increased because of cost. Therefore, when a large-capacity mail is sent, the personal facsimile cannot receive and process the mail. Leave the sent mail on the mail server and connect it to the mail server using another device such as a personal computer. There was a problem that the mail had to be received and deleted.

  When a conventional e-mail compatible facsimile machine (FAX machine) receives a mail that exceeds the capacity of the FAX machine, it prints a report stating that the mail content (FAX document) cannot be printed, and sends the received mail to the mail. It was not deleted from the server.

  The mail left on the mail server is received from the mail server using another device such as a personal computer, and the mail on the mail server is deleted. However, if the user does not perform the above operation, the mail remains on the mail server, the number of mails of the same type increases, eventually exceeding the reception capacity of the mail server, and the mail cannot be received. was there.

  As another method, there has been proposed a method of preparing a terminal dedicated to device management, requesting the dedicated terminal to receive mail, and receiving and deleting it as disclosed in JP-A-2005-229294 (Patent Document 1). However, in this case, it is necessary to prepare a dedicated terminal having a mechanism for receiving only the corresponding mail after receiving the mail of the reception request.

  As a related technique, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-057695 (Patent Document 2) discloses a facsimile server and a communication method using the server. In this related technology, the facsimile server inquires the mail server of the data size of the e-mail and detects the receivable data size. When the data size of the e-mail is too large, the e-mail is received in units of packets. Send in packets to the forwarding destination or mail sender.

  By using the above technology, when the data size of an e-mail is too large, the e-mail can be transferred when a part of the e-mail data is received without receiving all the e-mail data on the device side. It becomes possible. As a result, even if the mail size exceeds the receivable capacity of the apparatus, it can be dealt with.

  Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-209656 (Patent Document 3) discloses a facsimile apparatus. In this related technology, the control unit of the facsimile apparatus reads image information of a document and outputs image data, image data transmitting / receiving means, means for processing an e-mail reception protocol and transmission protocol, and And means for registering a transfer destination address for transferring mail data. The control unit of the facsimile apparatus transfers the received mail data to the transmission mail server with the designated transfer destination address or the transfer destination address included in the header of the mail data as a destination. As a result, the facsimile apparatus can output the mail data having a large capacity exceeding the capacity of the storage device without being discarded.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-200482 (Patent Document 4) discloses an image forming apparatus. In this related technology, when the automatic transfer mode is set by the user via the control panel in the image forming apparatus, the transfer processing control unit temporarily stores the FAX data received by the FAX processing unit in the data storage device. After that, the automatic mail separating / creating unit is controlled to add the FAX data as an attached file of the e-mail and create the e-mail for transfer. Further, the transfer processing control unit controls the e-mail processing unit to cause the mail server on the LAN having a predetermined address to transmit the transfer e-mail via the network communication unit. As a result, the image forming apparatus can reliably receive facsimile data without increasing the memory capacity.

JP 2005-229294 A JP 2002-057695 A JP 2003-209656 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-200482

  However, in a facsimile machine that can send and receive e-mails, split-format mail requires reception memory for the total size of the split mail, so that one mail size can be received within the receivable capacity of the device. There was a problem that it could not be determined whether the size.

  The facsimile machine for electronic mail according to the present invention acquires the number of mails on the mail server and the size of each mail from the mail server that transmits the FAX original as an attached file of the mail, receives the mail in the mail server, A mail reception control unit that deletes received mail from the mail server, a mail data storage unit that stores received mail, and an output control unit that outputs a FAX document attached to the stored mail according to the size of the received mail; It comprises. The mail reception control unit receives the header information of each mail on the mail server, determines whether the mail is a split mail based on the received header information, and if it is a split mail, the total size of the split mail is determined. Treat as received mail size.

  The FAX document processing method according to the present invention is a FAX document processing method implemented by an e-mail compatible facsimile apparatus. From a mail server that transmits a FAX document as an attached file of a mail, the number of mails on the mail server and individual mail Get the size of mail, receive header information of each mail on the mail server, determine whether it is a split mail based on the received header information, and if it is a split mail, split it Depending on the size of the received mail, treating the total size of the mail as the size of the received mail, receiving the mail on the mail server, deleting the received mail from the mail server, accumulating the received mail, And outputting a FAX document attached to the stored mail.

  The program of the present invention obtains the number of mails on the mail server and the size of each mail from the mail server that transmits the FAX document as an email attachment, and the header information of each mail on the mail server. Received, based on the received header information, the step of determining whether or not the mail is a split mail, if it is a split mail, the step of treating the total size of the split mail as the size of the received mail, and the mail on the mail server Receiving, deleting the received mail from the mail server, storing the received mail, and outputting a FAX document attached to the stored mail according to the size of the received mail. A program for causing a device to execute the program. Note that the program of the present invention can be stored in a storage device or a storage medium.

  In an e-mail compatible facsimile machine, even if the mail is in a split format, it can be determined whether the mail size is a receivable size, so that the split mail can be processed as a received mail. It is possible to prevent the problem that the remaining mail remains in the mail server and the remaining mail capacity of the mail server is compressed and other mail cannot be received without preparing a special device.

It is a figure for demonstrating the internet FAX service system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the facsimile apparatus corresponding to an electronic mail of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating a POP3 mail reception sequence. It is a figure for demonstrating the sequence at the time of mail transfer. It is a figure for demonstrating the sequence at the time of mail transfer. It is a figure for demonstrating the sequence at the time of mail output. It is a figure for demonstrating the sequence at the time of mail output. It is a figure for demonstrating a division | segmentation mail reception sequence. It is a figure for demonstrating the internet FAX service system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows the flow of mail data when an electronic mail compatible facsimile apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a FAX apparatus) receives an electronic mail (hereinafter referred to as mail) exceeding the receivable capacity (remaining amount).

[overall structure]
As shown in FIG. 1, the Internet FAX service system according to the present invention includes a first terminal 10, a mail server A 20, a FAX apparatus 30, a mail server B 40, and a second terminal 50.

  The first terminal 10, the mail server A20, the FAX apparatus 30, the mail server B40, and the second terminal 50 are respectively connected via a network. The network is a communication line capable of sending and receiving mail. It does not matter whether it is wired or wireless. Examples of networks include the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN (Wireless LAN), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a backbone (Backbone), a cable television (CATV) line, a fixed telephone network, a mobile phone network, WiMAX ( IEEE 802.16a), 3G (3rd Generation), leased line, etc. can be considered. However, actually, it is not limited to these examples.

  The first terminal 10 is an electronic mail compatible facsimile apparatus that can use the Internet FAX service, and transmits and receives a FAX document as a mail attachment file.

  The mail server A20 includes a POP3 (Post Office Protocol) server A21 and an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server A22.

  The POP3 server A21 is a server used by the FAX apparatus 30 for receiving mail. The SMTP server A22 is a server that the FAX apparatus 30 uses for mail transmission. The mail address of the FAX machine 30 is assumed to be address A.

  The mail server B40 includes a POP3 server B41 and an SMTP server B42.

  The POP3 server A41 is a server that the second terminal 50 uses for mail reception. The SMTP server B42 is a server that the second terminal 50 uses for mail transmission. The mail address of the second terminal 50 is assumed to be address B.

[basic action]
The first terminal 10 transmits mail to address A. When mail is sent from the first terminal 10 to the address A, the mail arrives at the POP3 server A21.

  The POP3 server A21 receives mail addressed to address A.

  The FAX apparatus 30 receives mail from the POP3 server A21. When receiving the mail, the FAX machine 30 creates a mail addressed to the address B with the received data as the contents of the mail after starting the mail reception when the mail size is recognized as the mail exceeding the capacity of the apparatus. Send the created mail in parallel with the mail reception. When a mail is transmitted from the FAX apparatus 30 to the address B, the mail reaches the SMTP server A22.

  Further, the FAX apparatus 30 deletes the received mail from the mail server A20 after the mail reception and mail transmission are completed.

  When the SMTP server A 22 receives the mail addressed to the address B from the FAX apparatus 30, the SMTP server A 22 transmits the mail addressed to the address B. When mail is sent from the SMTP server A22 to address B, the mail arrives at the POP3 server B41.

  The POP3 server B41 receives the mail addressed to the address B.

  The second terminal 50 receives mail from the POP3 server B41.

  POP3 is only an example. Actually, instead of POP3, IMAP4 (Internet Message Access Protocol), APOP (Authenticated Post Office Protocol) or the like may be used.

  Further, when the FAX apparatus 30 recognizes that the mail size exceeds the capacity that can be received by the apparatus, the FAX apparatus 30 can receive the capacity of the FAX apparatus 30 at the same time as the transmission of the mail addressed to the address B. The notification that it exceeds the limit may be transmitted in the form of FAX or e-mail. For example, when the FAX apparatus 30 prepares the notification contents as a fixed sentence in a format such as image data or text data in advance, and recognizes that the mail size exceeds the receivable capacity of the apparatus, the image data Alternatively, a FAX manuscript or mail data is created based on text data or the like and transmitted to the first terminal 10 that is the transmission source.

  Further, when the FAX apparatus 30 recognizes that the mail size exceeds the capacity that can be received by the apparatus, the identification information (telephone number, mail address, etc.) of the first terminal 10 as the transmission source is set as “excess capacity data sender”. When a mail exceeding the device receivable capacity is sent within a predetermined period (for example, the same day) within a predetermined period (for example, the same day), a certain period (for example, 24 hours) from the time point corresponding to this condition, You may make it perform the setting which refuses reception of the mail from the 1st terminal 10. FIG.

[Hardware example]
The first terminal 10, the FAX apparatus 30, and the second terminal 50 may be electronic devices compatible with Internet FAX. Note that the FAX apparatus 30 has a smaller mail receivable capacity than the second terminal 50.

  Examples of the first terminal 10, the FAX apparatus 30, and the second terminal 50 include a PC (personal computer), a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine, a mobile phone, a car navigation system (car navigation system), a portable game machine capable of sending and receiving mail. Household game machines, gadgets (electronic devices), interactive televisions, digital tuners, digital recorders, information home appliances, OA (Office Automation) devices, IP phones (IP phones), and the like are conceivable. The first terminal 10, the FAX apparatus 30, and the second terminal 50 may be mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft.

  Further, the second terminal 50 may be a printer (printing device), a display (display device), or a terminal or server that outputs the contents of the received mail to them.

  As examples of the mail server A20 and the mail server B40, a computer such as a PC, a workstation, a mainframe, and a supercomputer is assumed. Further, not limited to computers, relay devices and peripheral devices, expansion boards mounted on computers, virtual machines (Virtual Machine (VM)) constructed on physical machines, and the like may be used.

  The POP3 server B21, the SMTP server B22, the POP3 server B41, and the SMTP server B42 are not limited to physical machines and virtual machines, but may be mail transfer agents (MTA: Mail Transfer Agent) such as sendmail (registered trademark).

  However, actually, it is not limited to these examples.

[Device configuration]
FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a mail-compatible facsimile apparatus (FAX apparatus) according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a mail-compatible facsimile apparatus (FAX apparatus) 30 includes a network control unit 31, a mail reception control unit 32, a mail data storage unit 33, a mail transmission control unit 34, and a transfer destination mail address registration. A unit 35, an output control unit 36, and a main control unit 37.

  The network control unit 31 controls connection with the network. Examples of the network control unit 31 include a semiconductor integrated circuit such as a board (motherboard or I / O board) compatible with network communication, a modem (MODEM: Modulator-DEModulator), a terminal adapter (TA: Terminal Adapter), a network interface card ( A network adapter such as NIC (Network Interface Card), a similar expansion card, a communication device such as an antenna, a communication port such as a connection port (connector), and the like are conceivable. However, actually, it is not limited to these examples.

  The mail reception control unit 32 controls the POP3 protocol for mail reception. Examples of the mail reception control unit 32 include a mail transfer agent (MTA) such as sendmail (registered trademark), a communication control unit (CCU), a network control unit (NCU), and the like. However, actually, it is not limited to these examples.

  The mail data storage unit 33 stores received mail data. Examples of the mail data storage unit 33 include a semiconductor storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), a flash memory, and a HDD An auxiliary storage device such as (Solid State Drive), a removable disk such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) or an SD memory card (Secure Digital memory card), a storage medium (media), or the like is conceivable. However, actually, it is not limited to these examples.

  The mail transmission control unit 34 controls the SMTP protocol for creating and transmitting mail transmission data. An example of the mail transmission control unit 34 is the same as that of the mail reception control unit 32. However, actually, it is not limited to these examples.

  The forwarding mail address registration unit 35 registers and stores a forwarding address when forwarding mail. An example of the transfer destination mail address registration unit 35 is the same as that of the mail data storage unit 33.

  The output control unit 36 outputs received mail data and the like. Examples of the output control unit 36 include a printing device such as a printer that prints output contents on printing paper, a display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display), a PDP (plasma display), an organic EL display (organic electroluminescence display), or the like. An interface (I / F) for outputting information to an external display device or storage device can be considered. However, actually, it is not limited to these examples. Here, it is assumed that the output control unit 36 prints the received mail data or the like on printing paper.

  The main control unit 37 monitors each of the above-described control units and instructs transfer or printing of received mail. Examples of the main control unit 37 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor (microprocessor), a microcontroller, or a semiconductor integrated circuit (Integrated Circuit (IC)) having a dedicated function. However, actually, it is not limited to these examples.

  The network control unit 31, the mail reception control unit 32, the mail data storage unit 33, the mail transmission control unit 34, the transfer destination mail address registration unit 35, the output control unit 36, and the main control unit 37 are driven based on a program. However, it may be realized by a processor that executes predetermined processing and a memory that stores the program and various data. However, actually, it is not limited to these examples.

[POP3 mail reception sequence]
An operation sequence when the mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 of FIG. 2 receives mail from the POP3 server A21 will be described with reference to FIG. This sequence is a general POP3 mail reception sequence according to RFC1939 (Request For Comment 1939).

(1) Connection The mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 connects to the POP3 server A21 in a connection sequence. Specifically, the mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 transmits a connection request and authentication information (user ID, password, etc.) to the POP3 server A21, and if the authentication is successful, the POP3 server A21 notifies the connection permission. Receive.

(2) Mail Size Acquisition The mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 acquires the number of mails in the mail server A20 and the size of each mail in a mail size acquisition sequence after connection. Specifically, the mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 transmits a LIST command to the POP3 server A21 and receives a notification regarding the number of mails and the mail size in the PO3 server A21.

(3) Mail Data Reception Next, the mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 receives mail data to be received from the POP3 mail server in the mail data reception sequence.

(4) Mail Deletion The mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 deletes the received mail from the mail server A20 in the mail deletion sequence after the completion of the mail data reception.

(5) Disconnection Thereafter, the mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 releases the connection with the POP3 server A21 in the disconnection sequence.

[E-mail transfer sequence]
Next, an operation sequence of the FAX apparatus 30 at the time of mail reception will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Here, it is assumed that the forwarding mail address registration unit 35 registers the forwarding mail address in advance.

(1) Mail Size Acquisition When the mail reception control unit 32 receives the size of the received mail from the POP3 server A21 of the mail server A20, the mail reception control unit 32 notifies the main control unit 37 of the size.

(2) Transmission Request When the mail size exceeds the device receivable capacity, the main control unit 37 instructs the mail transmission control unit 34 to create and transmit a mail.

(3) Transfer preparation Upon receiving an instruction from the main control unit 37, the mail transmission control unit 34 acquires a transfer destination mail address from the transfer destination mail address registration unit 35, and uses the acquired mail address as a transmission destination as a mail server. Connection to the SMTP server A22 of A20 is performed.

(4) Reception request Subsequently, the main control unit 37 instructs the mail reception control unit 32 to receive mail data. When the mail reception control unit 32 receives a mail data reception instruction from the main control unit 37, the mail reception control unit 32 transmits a RETR command to the POP3 server A21 to request reception of the mail data.

(5) Reception / Storage The mail reception control unit 32 receives mail data from the POP3 server A21 and stores the received mail data in the mail data storage unit 33.

(6) Transmission The mail transmission control unit 34 monitors the data storage of the mail data storage unit 33 after connecting to the SMTP server A22. When the received mail data is stored, the stored mail data is transmitted to the transmission mail. The mail data is transmitted to the SMTP server A22. Here, the mail transmission control unit 34 performs transmission to the SMTP server A22 in parallel with the reception and accumulation of mail in the mail reception control unit 32.

(7) Transmission Completion When the mail reception control unit 32 completes the reception of the mail and completes the transmission of all received mail data, the mail transmission control unit 34 notifies the main control unit 37 of the transmission completion.

(8) Deletion request The main control unit 37 instructs the mail reception control unit 32 to delete the received mail. When receiving the mail deletion instruction from the main control unit 37, the mail reception control unit 32 transmits a DELE command to the POP3 server A21 to request deletion of mail data.

(9) Deletion The POP3 server A21 deletes mail from the mail server A20.

  When a plurality of mails exist in the mail server A20, the above operation is repeated.

[E-mail output sequence]
Next, an operation sequence of the FAX apparatus 30 at the time of mail output will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

(1) Mail Size Acquisition When the mail reception control unit 32 receives the size of the received mail from the POP3 server A21 of the mail server A20, the mail reception control unit 32 notifies the main control unit 37 of the size.

(2) Reception request When the mail size notified from the mail reception control unit 32 is equal to or smaller than the device receivable capacity, the main control unit 37 does not give an instruction to the mail transmission control unit 34 and does not give an instruction to the mail reception control unit 32 is instructed to receive mail data. When the mail reception control unit 32 receives a mail data reception instruction from the main control unit 37, the mail reception control unit 32 transmits a RETR command to the POP3 server A21 to request reception of the mail data.

(3) Reception / Storage The mail reception control unit 32 receives mail data from the POP3 server A21 and stores the received mail data in the mail data storage unit 33.

(4) Output request The main control unit 37 instructs the output control unit 36 to output.

(5) Output The output control unit 36 extracts the mail data stored in the mail data storage unit 33 and outputs it. For example, the output control unit 36 prints on printing paper.

(6) Print completion The output control unit 36 notifies the main control unit 37 of the completion of printing after completing the printing of the received mail.

(7) Delete Request The main control unit 37 instructs the mail reception control unit 32 to delete the received mail. When receiving the mail deletion instruction from the main control unit 37, the mail reception control unit 32 transmits a DELE command to the POP3 server A21 to request deletion of mail data.

(8) Deletion The POP3 server A21 deletes mail data from the mail server A20.

  As described above, in the present invention, a mail having a size that cannot be received by the FAX apparatus can be transferred to another apparatus or address, and is deleted after the transfer.

  For this reason, there is no special equipment to prepare for the problem that unacceptable mail remains on the mail server, and the remaining mail can squeeze the mail server's receiving capacity and prevent other mail from being received. Can be prevented.

<Example>
Specific examples of the present invention will be described below.
When the size of the mail is large, in order to reduce the size of one mail, the mail may be divided into a predetermined size and sent as a plurality of divided mails (split mail).

  Since the divided format mail requires a reception memory corresponding to the total size of the divided mails, an accurate receivable size cannot be determined by the size of one mail.

  By changing the method for the mail reception control unit 32 to acquire the mail size from the POP3 server A21 as shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to support divided mail.

[Split mail reception sequence]
The operation sequence when there are three mails in the POP3 server A21 and mails 1 and 2 are divided mails will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) Acquisition of divided mail size The mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX machine 30 transmits a LIST command to the PO3 server A21 in a divided mail size acquisition sequence, and acquires the number of mails in the PO3 server A21 and the size of each mail. After that, using the TOP command, the header information of the first mail (mail 1) is acquired.

  The mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX machine 30 uses the TAG information [Content-Type: message / partial; number = 1; total = 2; id = “message ID”] indicating that it is a divided mail from the header information of the mail 1. From the TAG information, it is recognized that the mail 1 is one of the mails divided into two (refer to: RFC 2046 section 5.2.2).

  The mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX machine 30 uses the TOP command for the remaining mail in the POP3 server A21 in order to search for the remaining mail (mail 2) of the mail divided into two. Get header information.

  The mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX machine 30 uses the TAG information [Content-Type: message / partial; number = 2; total = 2; id = “message ID”] indicating that it is a divided mail from the header information of the mail 2. From the TAG information, it is recognized that the mail 2 is the remaining one of the divided mails.

  When the mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 recognizes that the mail 2 is a divided mail that is a continuation of the mail 1, the total size of the mail 1 and the mail 2 is handled as the size of the received mail (size for one mail). .

(2) Divided Mail Data Reception The mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 transmits a RETR command to the POP3 server A21 and requests reception of mail data of mail 1 and mail 2. As a response, the POP3 server A21 transmits the mail data of the mail 1 and the mail 2 to the mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30. When the reception of the mail data of mail 1 and mail 2 is completed, the mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 transmits a DELE command to the POP3 server A21 and requests deletion of the mail data of mail 1 and mail 2. The POP3 server A21 deletes the mail data of mail 1 and mail 2 from the mail server A20, and notifies the mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 that the mail data of mail 1 and mail 2 has been deleted.

  Note that the mail data of mail 1 and mail 2 may be received simultaneously or continuously. For example, the mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 may receive / delete the mail data of the mail 2 after receiving / deleting the mail data of the mail 1 first.

  The mail reception control unit 32 of the FAX apparatus 30 sets the mail size to be notified to the main control unit 37 in “(1) Mail size acquisition” shown in FIG. The mail 1 and mail 2 can be transferred by the “mail transfer sequence” shown in FIG.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
In the present embodiment, when the first terminal 10 transmits a FAX document to the FAX apparatus 30 by a normal FAX instead of the Internet FAX, the mail server A20 once receives the FAX document, and the mail server A20 receives the FAX. The original is attached to an e-mail and sent to the FAX apparatus 30.

  FIG. 7 shows the flow of mail data when the mail server A20 receives a FAX document addressed to an e-mail compatible facsimile apparatus (FAX apparatus) by proxy, converts it to an e-mail (mail) and transmits it to the FAX apparatus.

[overall structure]
As shown in FIG. 7, the Internet FAX service system according to the present invention includes a first terminal 10, a mail server A 20, a FAX apparatus 30, a mail server B 40, and a second terminal 50.

  The first terminal 10, the FAX apparatus 30, the mail server B40, and the second terminal 50 are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the mail server A20 includes a POP3 server A21, an SMTP server A22, and a FAX proxy reception server A23.

  The POP3 server A21 and the SMTP server A22 are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The FAX proxy reception server A 23 is a server that receives, as a proxy, image data of a FAX document addressed to the FAX apparatus 30, creates a mail with the FAX original as an attached file of the FAX original, and transmits the mail to the FAX apparatus 30. is there. The FAX proxy reception server A23 is assumed to store the mail address (address A) of the FAX apparatus 30.

  Here, it is assumed that the FAX proxy reception server A23 has a function as an electronic mail compatible facsimile apparatus. In other words, the FAX proxy reception server A23 has a function of receiving image data transferred through the public line (FAX reception function) and a function of creating and transmitting a mail attached with the image data (mail transmission function). . Further, the FAX proxy reception server A23 may have a function (image data conversion function) for reading document data transferred through the public line and converting it into image data. The FAX proxy reception server A23 may be a physical machine or a virtual machine.

[basic action]
The first terminal 10 transmits the image data of the FAX document to the FAX proxy reception server A23. When the image data is transmitted from the first terminal 10 to the FAX proxy reception server A23 by FAX, the image data of the FAX document reaches the FAX proxy reception server A23.

  When the FAX proxy reception server A23 receives the image data of the FAX document, the FAX proxy reception server A23 creates a mail with the FAX document as an attached file and sends the fax document to address A. At this time, the FAX proxy reception server A23 transmits the mail data of the outgoing mail to the SMTP server A22. That is, when a mail is transmitted from the FAX proxy reception server A23 to the address A, the transmission mail reaches the SMTP server A22.

  The SMTP server A22 transmits mail to address A. When mail is transmitted from the SMTP server A22 to the address A, the mail arrives at the POP3 server A21.

  Here, it is assumed that the FAX proxy reception server A23 is a part of the mail server A20, but actually, it may be independent from the mail server A20. When the FAX proxy reception server A23 is independent from the mail server A20, when the FAX proxy reception server A23 receives the image data of the FAX document, the FAX proxy reception server A23 creates a mail with the FAX document as an attached file. To address A. At this time, the mail addressed to the address A from the FAX proxy receiving server A23 is received not by the SMTP server A22 but by the POP3 server A21.

  Subsequent operations are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The POP3 server A21 receives mail addressed to address A.

  The FAX apparatus 30 receives mail from the POP3 server A21. When receiving the mail, the FAX machine 30 creates a mail addressed to the address B with the received data as the contents of the mail after starting the mail reception when the mail size is recognized as the mail exceeding the capacity of the apparatus. Send the created mail in parallel with the mail reception. When a mail is transmitted from the FAX apparatus 30 to the address B, the mail reaches the SMTP server A22.

  Further, the FAX apparatus 30 deletes the received mail from the mail server A20 after the mail reception and mail transmission are completed.

  The SMTP server A22 transmits mail to address B. When mail is transmitted from the SMTP server A22 to the address B, the mail reaches the POP3 server B41.

  The POP3 server B41 receives the mail addressed to the address B.

  The second terminal 50 receives mail from the POP3 server B41.

  Other configurations and operations are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.

<Other embodiments>
In each of the above-described embodiments, not only the image file of a FAX document but also a mail attached with a large-capacity file such as a moving image file or an audio file can be a transfer target.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a mail to which an unknown file that is not supported by the electronic mail compatible facsimile apparatus of the present invention is attached can also be a transfer target. For example, it is conceivable to transfer a mail attached with a file in a format (format) used by an application program that does not exist in the electronic mail compatible facsimile apparatus of the present invention to a PC or the like. The file format can be determined by the extension. That is, the e-mail-compatible facsimile apparatus of the present invention can also be transferred to a PC or the like when a file with an extension that is not registered in advance is attached to the received mail.

  In each of the above embodiments, the e-mail compatible facsimile apparatus of the present invention can also make the mail data to be transferred when the output of the mail data fails. Even if the mail size or the like satisfies the standard, mail data may not be output for some reason such as data corruption or failure of the output device itself. In such a case, it is conceivable to transfer the data to another apparatus such as a PC and secure the data itself without discarding the mail data as it is or leaving it in the e-mail compatible facsimile apparatus.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, assuming a case in which a FAX document is transmitted / received in a file format instead of a mail format, the protocol is not limited to POP3 and SMTP, but is not limited to HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), It is also possible to use SMB (Server Message Block), SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), or the like.

  Note that the above embodiments can be implemented in combination.

<Features of the present invention>
The present invention is characterized in that, in a facsimile apparatus capable of sending and receiving mail, when a mail exceeding the receivable capacity is received, it is forwarded to another mail address and received by another device (such as a personal computer). The present invention relates to a mail compatible facsimile machine (FAX machine).

  In the present invention, in a facsimile apparatus capable of mail transmission / reception, when receiving mail, the size of the received mail is determined, and for mail exceeding the memory capacity of the apparatus, the received data is used as mail transmission data, E-mail is sent to the specified address.

  If you receive an email with a file that cannot be printed, forward it to another email address

  In a facsimile machine, mail reception and mail transmission are performed in parallel.

  After receiving the mail, after sending all the received data, delete the received mail from the mail server.

  According to the present invention, in a facsimile apparatus capable of sending and receiving mail, it is possible to determine whether or not the mail size is a receivable size even if the mail is in a divided format so that the divided mail can be reliably processed as received mail. I made it.

  As a result, mail that cannot be received will remain in the mail server, and the remaining mail will press up the reception free space of the mail server and other mail will not be received. Can be prevented.

<Appendix>
Part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as in the following supplementary notes. However, actually, it is not limited to the following description examples.

(Appendix 1)
The number of mails on the mail server and the size of each mail are obtained from the mail server that transmits the FAX document as an email attachment, and the header information of each mail on the mail server is received, and the received header Based on the information, it is determined whether the mail is a divided mail. If the mail is a divided mail, the total size of the divided mail is treated as the size of the received mail, the mail in the mail server is received, and the received mail is sent to the mail server. A mail reception control unit to be deleted from
A mail data storage unit for storing the received mail;
According to the size of the received mail, an output control unit that outputs a FAX document attached to the stored mail and a transfer destination mail address are acquired, and the stored mail is set with the acquired mail address as a destination. A mail transmission control unit for sending
A main control unit that controls the mail reception control unit, the output control unit, and the mail transmission control unit;
The main control unit
Means for receiving a notification of the size of the received mail from the mail reception control unit, and instructing the mail reception control unit to receive a mail in the mail server;
Means for instructing the mail transmission control unit to transfer the accumulated mail when the size of the received mail exceeds the receivable capacity;
An e-mail-compatible facsimile apparatus comprising: means for instructing the output control unit to output a FAX document attached to the stored mail when the size of the received mail does not exceed a receivable capacity.

(Appendix 2)
An electronic mail compatible facsimile apparatus according to appendix 1,
The mail reception control unit
Means for receiving header information of the first mail among the individual mails on the mail server, and determining whether or not the first mail is a divided mail based on the received header information;
Means for receiving header information of another mail when the head mail is a split mail, and determining whether or not it is a split mail that is a continuation of the head mail based on the received header information;
An e-mail-compatible facsimile apparatus comprising: means for treating the total size of all the divided mails as the size of the received mail, receiving all the divided mails, and deleting all the received divided mails from the mail server.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, actually, it is not restricted to said embodiment, Even if there is a change of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it is included in this invention.

10 ... First terminal 20 ... Mail server A
21 ... POP3 (Post Office Protocol) server A
22 ... SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server A
23 ... FAX proxy reception server A
30 ... E-mail compatible facsimile machine (FAX machine)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31 ... Network control part 32 ... Mail reception control part 33 ... Mail data storage part 34 ... Mail transmission control part 35 ... Transfer destination mail address registration part 36 ... Output control part 37 ... Main control part 40 ... Mail server B
41 ... POP3 server B
42 ... SMTP server B
50 ... second terminal

Claims (9)

Acquires the number of mails on the mail server and the size of each mail from the mail server that sends the FAX document as an email attachment, receives the mail on the mail server, and deletes the received mail from the mail server An email reception control unit,
A mail data storage unit for storing the received mail;
An output control unit that outputs a FAX document attached to the stored mail according to the size of the received mail;
The mail reception control unit receives header information of each mail on the mail server, and determines whether or not the mail is a split mail based on the received header information. If the size is treated as the size of the received mail and the size of the received mail exceeds the capacity that can be received by the device, the sender identification information is left in the history as the excess capacity data sender. E-mail corresponding to the condition that the e-mail that exceeds the device receivable capacity has been sent for a predetermined number of times, and that the e-mail from the sender is rejected for a certain period from the time when the condition is met Facsimile device. The electronic mail compatible facsimile apparatus according to claim 1,
The mail reception control unit
Means for receiving header information of the first mail among the individual mails on the mail server, and determining whether or not the first mail is a divided mail based on the received header information;
Means for receiving header information of another mail when the head mail is a split mail, and determining whether or not it is a split mail that is a continuation of the head mail based on the received header information;
An e-mail-compatible facsimile apparatus comprising: means for treating the total size of all the divided mails as the size of the received mail, receiving all the divided mails, and deleting all the received divided mails from the mail server. The facsimile apparatus for electronic mail according to claim 1 or 2,
A mail transmission control unit that acquires a mail address of a transfer destination, and transmits the accumulated mail with the acquired mail address as a transmission destination;
A main control unit that controls the mail reception control unit, the output control unit, and the mail transmission control unit;
The main control unit
Means for receiving a notification of the size of the received mail from the mail reception control unit, and instructing the mail reception control unit to receive a mail in the mail server;
Means for instructing the mail transmission control unit to transfer the accumulated mail when the size of the received mail exceeds the receivable capacity;
An e-mail-compatible facsimile apparatus comprising: means for instructing the output control unit to output a FAX document attached to the stored mail when the size of the received mail does not exceed a receivable capacity. A FAX document processing method implemented by an e-mail compatible facsimile machine,
Obtaining the number of mails on the mail server and the size of each mail from a mail server that transmits the FAX document as an email attachment;
Receiving header information of individual mails on the mail server, and determining whether the mail is a split mail based on the received header information;
If it is a split email, treat the total size of the split email as the size of the incoming email,
When recognizing that the size of the received mail exceeds the device receivable capacity, leaving the sender's identification information in the history as an excess capacity data sender;
If the sender meets the condition that a certain number of emails exceeding the capacity that can be received by the device have been sent within a given period, it refuses to receive email from the sender for a certain period from the time when the condition is met. Make settings to
Receiving mail on the mail server, deleting the received mail from the mail server;
Accumulating the received mail;
A FAX document processing method including outputting a FAX document attached to the stored mail according to the size of the received mail. The FAX document processing method according to claim 4,
Receiving header information of the first mail among the individual mails on the mail server, and determining whether the first mail is a divided mail based on the received header information;
If the top mail is a split mail, receiving header information of another mail, and determining whether or not it is a split mail that is a continuation of the top mail based on the received header information;
A FAX document processing method further comprising: treating the total size of all the divided mails as the size of the received mail, receiving all the divided mails, and deleting all the received divided mails from the mail server. The FAX document processing method according to claim 4 or 5,
Receiving a notification of the size of the received mail and receiving the mail on the mail server;
If the size of the received mail exceeds the receivable capacity, obtain a forwarding mail address, transfer the stored mail with the obtained mail address as a destination,
A FAX document processing method, further comprising: outputting a FAX document attached to the stored mail when the size of the received mail does not exceed a receivable capacity. Obtaining the number of mails on the mail server and the size of each mail from a mail server that transmits a FAX document as an email attachment;
Receiving header information of each mail on the mail server, and determining whether the mail is a divided mail based on the received header information;
If it is a split email, the step of handling the total size of the split email as the size of the incoming email
When recognizing that the size of the received mail exceeds the device receivable capacity, leaving the sender identification information in the history as an excess capacity data sender;
If the sender meets the condition that a certain number of emails exceeding the capacity that can be received by the device have been sent within a given period, it refuses to receive email from the sender for a certain period from the time when the condition is met. Steps to set
Receiving the mail in the mail server and deleting the received mail from the mail server;
Accumulating the received mail;
A program for causing an e-mail compatible facsimile machine to execute a step of outputting a FAX document attached to the accumulated mail according to the size of the received mail. The program according to claim 7,
Receiving header information of the first mail among the individual mails on the mail server, and determining whether the first mail is a divided mail based on the received header information;
If the top email is a split email, receiving header information of other emails, and determining based on the received header information whether the split email is a continuation of the top email; and
For treating the total size of all the divided mails as the size of the received mail, receiving all the divided mails, and further deleting the received divided mails from the mail server. program. The program according to claim 7 or 8,
Receiving a notification of the size of the received mail and receiving the mail on the mail server;
When the size of the received mail exceeds the receivable capacity, obtaining a forwarding mail address, and forwarding the stored mail with the obtained mail address as a destination;
A program for causing an e-mail compatible facsimile apparatus to further execute a step of outputting a FAX document attached to the accumulated mail when the size of the received mail does not exceed a receivable capacity.

Images