JPH11220490A - Multimedia information distributor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a multimedia information distributor that can distribute media in a form matching with a recipient. SOLUTION: The distributor 21 connects to information processing units 24, 25, 28, 29, 31 or a printer 32 directly or through networks and exchange networks 26, 27. In the case that the user is provided with pluralities of reception terminals, the distributor 21 selects a terminal most suitable for a recipient among them in response to a form of distributed media and distributes multimedia information 111 to the selected terminal. When on receiver terminal cannot completely receive distribution based on the data quantity and the kind of data, the distributor distributes data to pluralities of the receiver terminals possessed by the user. The user informs the distributor 21 of kinds and contents of its own respectively terminals via a web or the like.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multimedia information distributing apparatus for distributing data to a receiver, and more particularly to a multimedia information distributing apparatus effective when the receiver has a plurality of receiving terminals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the development of information processing apparatuses such as computers and the spread of Ethernet, data using various media has been created and distributed. Such data includes various data such as text data, black and white image data, color image data, audio data, image information on printed out paper, and moving image data. On the other hand, senders and receivers of data are equipped with various means for transmitting and receiving data, such as a facsimile machine, an e-mail or a printer or a computer connected to a network, in addition to the conventional means of mail or telephone. Things are increasing.

[0003] As the types of data to be transmitted have increased in this way, conventionally, the sender of data has been trying to transmit while considering the most suitable transmission method of data. For example, a normal black-and-white document is transmitted to a recipient by a facsimile apparatus, and a color document is transmitted by a facsimile apparatus to be a black-and-white image. Of course, in special situations, such as when the sender and receiver have machines capable of transmitting and receiving color, the sender has also used the facsimile machine to transmit color documents. As for audio data and video data, a storage medium such as a cassette tape containing the data is mailed or converted to an appropriate file, and the sender transfers the file to the receiver via a transmission path. There were things.

[0004] Selecting an optimal distribution method for each recipient in this way can put a considerable burden on the sender. Therefore, multimedia information distribution devices that reduce the burden on the sender have been proposed.

FIG. 11 shows an outline of the configuration of the conventional multimedia information distribution apparatus.
The multimedia information distribution device 11 disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-327768 has a plurality of terminal devices 12 ₁ ,.
12 _M ,..., 12 _N are connected. The multimedia information distribution device 11 has a built-in media conversion unit 13 for converting various media into desired media.
The media conversion means 13 is a device for converting various media such as text, facsimile, voice, and image into specific media designated by the receiving side. For example, if the first terminal device 12 ₁ is the M-th terminal device 12 _M
It is assumed that the M-th terminal device _12M is a facsimile terminal for distributing media to the facsimile terminal. In this case, the multimedia information distribution device 11 without converting it when the original media sent from the first terminal apparatus 12 ₁ is a facsimile signal terminals of the M 12
_M, and in the case of image data, this is converted into a facsimile signal by the media conversion means 13 and transmitted to the M-th terminal device _12M .

[0006]

However, in the proposed multimedia information distributing apparatus 11, when one receiver has several types of terminal devices,
There is a problem that only one specific type of terminal device is used. That is, the M-th terminal device 12 _M is also the (M +
The 1) terminal device 12 _{M + 1} is also a terminal device located in the department of the receiver A, and the (M + 1) th terminal device 12 _{M + 1 has} a modem capable of receiving image data. Computer. In such a case, to when the medium of the facsimile signal is sent to the recipient that A is ideal by selecting the terminal device 12 _M of the M, when transmitting the image data in the ( It is ideal to select the (M + 1) terminal device 12 _{M + 1.} However, such a selection is not performed, and a problem occurs that important information may be lost due to data conversion. Was.

[0007] On the other hand, in the former prior art, the sender has to consider the transmission form according to the nature of the data to be sent to the receiver or the type of media, which is complicated. Also, the transmission format selected by the sender for the media may not always be the most suitable for the recipient, and in the worst case, the distribution of the media itself is temporarily or permanently impossible. There was a case. In other words, if the sender knows that the receiver has a facsimile machine and instructs facsimile transmission, and the facsimile machine has been unavailable for a long time due to a fault, the fault is recovered. Unable to communicate until Further, after the facsimile device is removed, facsimile communication cannot be performed at all.

An object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia information distributing apparatus capable of distributing media in a form suitable for a receiver.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there are provided (a) receiving terminal device type storage means for storing the types of receiving terminal devices belonging to each of the receivers; When the multimedia information to be sent to the receiving side is sent and there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means for the receiver, one receiving terminal capable of transmitting all the information from the plurality of receiving terminal devices (C) transmitting means for transmitting the multimedia information sent from the sender to the receiving terminal device selected by the receiving terminal device selecting means; An information distribution device is provided.

That is, in the first aspect of the present invention, the receiving terminal device belonging to each of the receivers (users) is stored in the multimedia information distribution apparatus. In this specification, “belonging” does not necessarily mean possession. If it is located nearby and is available to the recipient, it may often belong. Therefore, for example, if three sections A, B, and C are arranged in this order on a certain floor and the receiver is the section A (or a person belonging to the section), the section B is located near the position. If these receiving terminal devices can be used by the receiver A, some or all of the receiving terminal devices in this section may be "belonging" to the receiver A. In this sense, recipient A
It is also possible for both the receiver C and the receiver C to use the receiving terminal device of the receiver B as a receiving terminal device belonging to the same device. In reality, a relatively expensive receiving terminal device such as a color printer using a laser beam is very likely to be shared by a plurality of departments on the same floor.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a receiving terminal device for each receiver is stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means as described above, and when multimedia information is transmitted from the sender for transfer, According to the type and combination of the information, such as text information, image information, or audio information, a receiving terminal device capable of transmitting all the information by the same recipient is selected and transmitted. Thus, even when multimedia information such as a combination of a plurality of pieces of information is sent, a receiving terminal device that can receive all of them can be selected.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, (a) receiving terminal device type storage means for storing the types of receiving terminal devices belonging to each receiver, and (b) multimedia information transmitted from the sender to the receiver Is sent and when there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means for the receiver, it is determined whether or not there is a receiving terminal device capable of transmitting all the information among them. And (c) when the determining means determines that a plurality of receiving terminal devices can be transmitted, the receiving terminal device selects one receiving terminal device having the highest priority determined by the receiver side. Terminal device selection means; and (d) transmission for transmitting the multimedia information sent from the sender to the reception terminal device selected by the reception terminal device selection means. To and a stage in the multi-media information distribution apparatus.

[0013] That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the priorities of the receiving terminal devices are determined in advance for each receiver, and a plurality of receiving terminal devices satisfy conditions for one receiver depending on the contents of the multimedia information. When it is possible to select the receiving terminal device, it is possible to select the optimum receiving terminal device according to the intention of the receiver. In the second aspect of the invention, the meaning of the “reception terminal device belonging to each recipient” is the same as the description of the first aspect of the invention.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, (a) receiving terminal device type storage means for storing the types of receiving terminal devices belonging to each receiver, and (b) multimedia information transmitted from the sender to the receiver. Is sent and when there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means for the receiver, it is determined whether or not there is a receiving terminal device capable of transmitting all the information among them. And (c) when the determining means determines that there is no receiving terminal device capable of transmitting all of the corresponding multimedia information, selects two or more devices from among the plurality of existing receiving terminal devices. Multimedia information distribution means for distributing the multimedia information to these devices;
(D) The multimedia information distributing apparatus is provided with a transmitting means for transmitting a shared portion of the multimedia information for each receiving terminal device selected by the multimedia information distributing means.

That is, according to the third aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices belonging to the receiver to which the multimedia information is transmitted, each of them completely stores the multimedia information with only one. Dealing with the problem of not being able to receive. Here, the meaning of the “reception terminal devices belonging to each recipient” is the same as in the description of the first aspect of the present invention. In the case of the present invention, a plurality of receiving terminal devices share multimedia information, thereby enabling complete reception of the information as a whole. For example, when the corresponding multimedia information is composed of text information and audio information, the receiving terminal device in charge of the text information and the reception terminal device in charge of the audio information are separated, so that the multi Reception of the entire media information becomes possible. As described above, in addition to allocating the receiving terminal devices according to the type of multimedia, if the data amount of the same type of multimedia information is too large for one receiving terminal device, a plurality of The distribution of the receiving terminal device may enable the reception of the entire multimedia information.

According to the invention of claim 4, (a) receiving terminal device type storage means for storing the types of receiving terminal devices belonging to each of the receivers, and (b) receiving each personal information stored for each of the receivers Person's personal information storage means, (c)
When multimedia information to be sent from the sender to the receiver is sent and there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means for the receiver,
Receiving terminal device selecting means for selecting an optimal receiving terminal device in relation to the personal information of the recipient stored in the recipient personal information storage means and the multimedia information to be sent to the recipient;
(D) The multimedia information distributing apparatus is provided with a transmitting means for transmitting the multimedia information sent from the sender to the receiving terminal selected by the receiving terminal selecting means.

That is, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, similarly to the second aspect of the invention, when multimedia information to be transmitted from the sender to the receiver is transmitted, the receiving terminal device type storage means for the receiver is transmitted. In the case where there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in the storage device. In the case of the invention described in claim 4, the receiver does not set the priority order, but simply provides the personal information of the receiver to the multimedia information distribution device. The multimedia information distributing device refers to both the personal information and the multimedia information to select an optimal receiving terminal device. For example, if the receiving terminal device is a blind person, select a receiving terminal device that can receive using other sensory organs as much as possible,
Alternatively, by selecting a receiving terminal device capable of displaying large characters and easy-to-read display, it is possible to select a receiving terminal device suitable for the recipient.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, (a) receiving terminal device type storage means for storing the types of receiving terminal devices belonging to each receiver, and (b) multimedia information transmitted from the sender to the receiver. Is received and when there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means for the recipient, a receiving terminal for selecting one receiving terminal device capable of transmitting all of the information from the plurality of receiving terminal devices Device selecting means; and (c) transmitting means for transmitting the multimedia information sent from the sender to the receiving terminal selected by the receiving terminal selecting means;
(D) Before the transmitting means completely transmits the multimedia information to the selected receiving terminal device, if the receiving terminal device cannot receive the multimedia information, another receiving device capable of transmitting all of the multimedia information. When the terminal device is present, the multimedia information distribution device is provided with a destination changing means for changing the destination in the receiving terminal device.

That is, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means, one of them can transmit all of the information.
The problem is how to deal with a failure when one receiving terminal device is selected. In the present invention, what is meant by “the receiving terminal device belonging to each recipient” is claim 1.
This is the same as the description of the invention described above. Since a receiving terminal device capable of transmitting all of the multimedia information has been selected, no problem arises if it succeeds. When reception of the receiving terminal device becomes impossible, the transmission destination, that is, the receiving terminal device is changed on the condition that there is another receiving terminal device capable of transmitting all the multimedia information. Even when a failure occurs, it is possible to deliver multimedia information to the same recipient.

According to the invention described in claim 6, the multimedia information distribution apparatus according to claims 1 to 5 has (a) a report request means for making each receiver declare the type of the receiving terminal device; Updating means for extracting the data obtained in response to the request from the declaration requesting means and updating the content stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means is provided.

That is, according to the invention of claim 6, the contents stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means of the multimedia information distribution device depend on the declaration of each recipient. For the purpose of this declaration, the multimedia information distribution device side may provide a place for the declaration, for example, as a writable homepage on the Internet, or these receivers may directly receive the information at the receiving terminal. The change of the device may be notified. With this declaration system, the multimedia information distribution device side
Necessary updated information can be obtained without frequently accessing each recipient.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the multimedia information distributing apparatus according to the first to fifth aspects, wherein (a) a predetermined receiving terminal device of a receiver as a target to transmit the multimedia information. Receiving device type inquiry means for inquiring about the type of receiving terminal device belonging to the receiver, and (b) extracting data obtained by the inquiry to the receiving terminal device type inquiry means and storing it in the receiving terminal device type storage means. Updating means for updating the content.

That is, in the invention of claim 7, unlike the invention of claim 6, the multimedia information distribution device side inquires the receiving terminal device belonging to the receiver. Although this inquiry increases the burden on the multimedia information distribution device side, each receiver only needs to notify the receiving terminal device predetermined in relation to the multimedia information distribution device of data such as a change. Further, since the multimedia information distribution apparatus directly accesses the predetermined receiving terminal apparatus, it is possible to check whether or not there is a failure. Therefore, when the receiving terminal device goes down, it is impossible to find out when the receiving terminal device goes down after filing in the reporting system. However, in the case of the invention described in claim 7, it is possible to quickly grasp the situation. Thus, it is possible to take measures such as making another receiving terminal device a receivable receiving terminal device.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the multimedia information distributing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the personal information storage means of the recipient is a personal information for judging whether the handling of the receiving terminal device such as the age of the recipient is appropriate or not. Receiving terminal device selecting means selects a receiving terminal device which is the easiest to understand the information from the personal information of the recipient among the characteristics of the information constituting the multimedia information and the receiving terminal devices corresponding thereto. It is characterized by doing. That is, in the invention described in claim 8,
An example of personal information in the multimedia information distribution device according to claim 4 is handled. It goes without saying that the content of the personal information referred to differs depending on the nature of the multimedia information.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a multimedia information distribution system using a multimedia information distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multimedia information distribution apparatus 21 of this embodiment is connected so as to mediate networks 22 and 23 such as a normal LAN (local area network), through which workstations and personal computers on the networks 22 and 23 are connected. Alternatively, it is connected to information processing devices 24 and 25 such as various servers. In addition, switching networks 26 and 27
These switching networks 2 are connected so as to mediate
Reference numerals 6 and 27 are connected to information transmitting devices 28 and 29 such as facsimile machines, telephones, and modems. Further, an information processing device 31 such as a workstation, a personal computer, and a facsimile device and a printer 32 are directly connected to the multimedia information distribution device 21. The information processing devices 24, 25, 28, 29, 31 connected to the networks 22, 23, the switching networks 26, 27, etc. are shown one by one in the figure, but a plurality of information processing devices may be provided. Is natural.

FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration of the multimedia information distribution apparatus. The multimedia information distribution device 21 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 41. The CPU 41 is connected to each unit via a bus 42 such as a data bus. ROM (read only
The memory 43 is a memory in which basic control procedures as a computer constituting the multimedia information distribution apparatus 21 are stored. The working memory 44 is a memory for temporarily storing data or a program when the multimedia information distribution device 21 performs various controls, and is usually constituted by a RAM (random access memory). The input circuit 45 is a circuit for inputting data, and a keyboard 47 to which a mouse 46 is connected is connected. The magnetic disk driver 48 is a circuit for inputting and outputting data to and from the magnetic disk 49. On the magnetic disk 49, in addition to the basic operation system (OS), the multimedia information distribution device 2
An application program for performing the function as 1 is stored. Further, various data are stored as needed.

Floppy disk (FD) driver 51
Is a driver circuit for inputting and outputting data when a floppy disk (not shown) is set in the main body 52 of the multimedia information distribution apparatus. The communication control circuit 53 is a circuit for connecting to the communication cables (not shown) between the networks 22 and 23 and the switching networks 26 and 27 and the information processing device 31 shown in FIG. The display control circuit 54 is a driver circuit for visually displaying various data on the monitor 55.

FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration of the multimedia information distribution apparatus. Multimedia information distribution device main body 5 of multimedia information distribution device 21
2 is various information processing devices 24, 25, 28, 29, 31
An input means 61 for inputting data to be transferred from the printer, an output means 62 for sending data to a data transfer destination or a print destination in the information processing devices 24, 25, 28, 29, 31 or the printer 32; Information processing device 24, 25, 28, 29, 31 or printer 3
It comprises a user information management means 63 for managing user information as information on the receiver side, which is composed of two, and a conversion means 64 for performing necessary data conversion when transferring data.

Note that predetermined information such as user information and information for data conversion is stored in the multimedia information distribution device 21.
It is not necessary to manage all of them, and these can be input as necessary by setting them from various terminal devices through the networks 22 and 23 or directly in the multimedia information distribution device main body 52. As a storage medium as such an information source, for example, a hard disk 71, a floppy disk 72, a magnetic tape 73, or an optical disk 74 can be exemplified.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of the configuration of a printer connected to the multimedia information distribution apparatus in this embodiment. The control unit 81 of the printer 32 includes a CPU 82. The CPU 82 is connected to each unit via a bus 83 such as a data bus. The ROM 84 stores a program for controlling the printer 32 and basic fonts and basic electronic forms commonly used by the information processing devices 24, 25, 28, 29, and 31. It stores fixed data or programs such as frequently used printing resources. When the amount of data such as printing resources stored in the ROM 84 is large, other storage means such as a hard disk can be used instead of the ROM 84 or can be used together with the ROM 84. Working memory 8
Reference numeral 5 denotes a RAM (random access memory) for storing data temporarily used for print processing of the printer 32. Working memory 8
Reference numeral 5 also stores temporarily used printing resources such as fonts. The input circuit 86 includes a mouse 87
Is connected to a keyboard 88, which is used for direct input of data and maintenance when the user stops at the printer 32.

The communication control circuit 91 is a circuit for connecting to the multimedia information distribution device 21 shown in FIG. 1 via a cable (not shown). Through this communication control circuit 91, the printer 32 receives print data from the multimedia information distribution device 21 and acquires print resources not provided in its own device through means such as the networks 22 and 23. I have. The display control circuit 92 is a driver circuit for visually displaying various data on the liquid crystal display 93. The printer interface (I / F) circuit 95 is a circuit for inputting and outputting data and control signals for printing with the laser printer 96. Although not shown, the laser printer 96 includes a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and forms an image using an electrostatic latent image. A description of this will be omitted.

The various information processing devices 24, 2 shown in FIG.
Each of 5, 28, 29 and 31 has a CPU similarly to the multimedia information distribution device 21 or the printer 32 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and the basic circuit configuration thereof is also the same. Therefore, description of the circuit configuration of these information processing devices 24, 25, 28, 29, 31 will be omitted.

By the way, user information is roughly divided into:
It is divided into received media information on the media to be received and personal information indicating the user's personality or its characteristics. The user information can be transmitted by the user or the administrator of the multimedia information distribution system using the multimedia information distribution apparatus through remote operations performed via the networks 22 and 23, and a web page (Web page) such as an Internet homepage. In a method of making an input by utilizing, registration is performed through the user information management means 63 shown in FIG. 3 or the registered content is changed.

To supplement the description of the registration of user information using the homepage, the multimedia information distribution apparatus 21 sets up a homepage for inputting user information on the web. An existing user or a user who newly registers as a user and uses the multimedia information distribution apparatus accesses this homepage when a new registration item or a change item occurs. The home page is provided with a column for registering information on owned terminal devices and the like for each user (recipient), and each user reflects the latest user information in this column, so that the multimedia information distribution device 21 side User information can be managed.

The latest registration contents of the user information are received and held by the user information management means 63. More specifically, the user information is acquired by the communication control circuit 53 shown in FIG. 2, temporarily stored in the working memory 44, and then stored in a first or second user information registration area (not shown) in the magnetic disk 49. The contents are updated one after another.

FIG. 5 shows the registration contents of a predetermined user in a first user information registration area storing one user information. First user information registration area 1
01, the mailing address of the paper printed out by the printer 32 (FIG. 1), the address of the paper sent by e-mail, and the host name (I
Path as a file transfer path such as P address)
A telephone number of a facsimile when performing transmission by the facsimile apparatus and a telephone number when performing a telephone call by voice are registered for each user. For example, some users may not have a facsimile machine or may not have an e-mail address. In this case, registration is not performed for these.

Registration of these items is performed for each type of media. In the first user information registration area 101 according to the present embodiment, the availability of media communication is registered for “text”, “image”, and “sound” separately.
In this figure, “○” indicates that communication is possible, and “×” indicates that communication is not possible. In addition, the amount of data that can be sent during this communication is registered for each user as “applied data amount”.

For example, in the case of “mailing”, text information and image information can be printed out on paper and mailed, so that communication is possible. However, voice cannot be printed out, so it is not possible. . The “applied data amount” is “unlimited” because there is no particular limitation on the amount of data that can be received by the user for mailing. In addition, text information, image information, and voice information can be attached to “e-mail” and transmitted, so that both can be communicated. Regarding the "applicable data amount", the amount of data that can be received at one time by the e-mail receiving side may be limited by the storage amount of its own storage device or the promise with the provider that mediates e-mail. is there. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the data amount per electronic mail of the user shown in this figure is limited to 1 megabyte.

With regard to “file transfer”, text, images, and voice can be transmitted as in the case of electronic mail. For storing files, a data size larger than that of electronic mail is often enabled. The user of this embodiment sets this within 100 megabytes. As for “facsimile”, voice transmission cannot be performed as in the case of printout by the printer 32. Although the amount of data transfer should not be limited in principle, the amount of cut paper and heat-sensitive roll paper and the amount of storage in memory are actually limited depending on the type of facsimile machine. Therefore, it is often convenient for the user to limit the amount of data per case. The user shown in this embodiment limits this to 10 megabytes or less. As for "telephone", it is difficult to actually transmit text data and image data while explaining the data by voice, and only the voice data can be transmitted. The user shown in the present embodiment does not particularly limit the data amount by voice.

The first user information registration area 101 shown in FIG. 5 is individually registered for each user in accordance with the information processing device owned by the user. It is conceivable that the adaptive data amount will be fixed data to some extent. Therefore, when registering each user, it is convenient to set a default value for each receiving terminal device so that the default value can be adopted except in special cases.

FIG. 6 shows the registration contents of a predetermined user in the second user information registration area storing the other user information. Second user information registration area 1
In 02, personal information for each user is registered. In this embodiment, “age”, “sight”, “priority of receiving terminal device”, and “special holiday” are registered for each user. Of these, "age" (or date of birth) is to be registered because, if registration of "priority of receiving terminal device" is not performed, the receiving terminal device that is most suitable for application by age is determined. This is because it is set automatically. For example, in general, in the case of the elderly, if a facsimile device is provided and ordinary text data is transmitted, a setting is made such that the facsimile device has a higher priority than e-mail and file transfer. This is automatically performed on the media information distribution device 11 side.

Similarly, the "sight" is used as a material for setting the priority when the "priority of the receiving terminal device" is not registered, and the font of the font printed or displayed by the facsimile device or the like is also used. The size is also taken into account. When the user registers, the priority of the receiving medium is the highest priority, and the medium is selected. The "holiday special case" is used to distribute various media on holidays when the user owns a facsimile machine at the office and at home, or when the e-mail address used at home is different from that at the office. This is for registering notes for effective use. In the case of the user of this embodiment, since there is no facsimile machine at home and a simple information terminal is used at home, only e-mail can be received at home.

FIG. 7 shows a data configuration of multimedia information as data input / output to / from the multimedia information distribution apparatus. Multimedia information 111 is prefixed with destination information 112. The destination information 112 is information for designating a final user, but it is also possible to designate a receiving terminal device of the user as well. Following the destination information 112, a total data length 113 is described as a data length of the entire multimedia information 111 to be transmitted, and then a data type 114 is described.
The data type 114 is information representing any of text, image, and sound in the present embodiment. Although there is naturally information including a plurality of these, they are transmitted by being classified for each type of appearing data. Therefore, the data type 114 configures the multimedia information 111 as a combination of a data length 115 and data 116 described below.

Here, the data length 115 is the data length of the data type indicated by the data type 114 described immediately before, and the data 116 is the main body of the data type. The end of one piece of multimedia information 111 can be determined from the total data length 113, but the end of the last data 116 may be provided with an end mark.

FIG. 8 shows a flow of an automatic selection process in which the multimedia information distribution apparatus of the present embodiment selects an optimum receiving terminal apparatus for a user. The multimedia information delivery device 21 receives multimedia information 1 from any information processing device (for example, the information processing device 24).
When 11 is sent, it is first determined whether or not the destination information 112 (FIG. 7) specifies only the user (step S101). If not only the user but also the receiving terminal device of the user is specifically specified (N), the receiving terminal device is selected (step S10).
2). In this case, the selection process ends (end).

On the other hand, when only the user is specified in the destination information 112, it is necessary to select an optimum receiving terminal device for the user. Therefore, the CPU 41 shown in FIG. 2 (the user information management means 63 in FIG. 3) checks the type and amount of data included in the multimedia information 111 (step S103). Then, it is determined whether there is a receiving terminal device capable of receiving all data types included in the multimedia information 111. For example, when the multimedia information 111 includes text, image, and voice, and the user has only the facsimile device, the receiving terminal device that can handle all data types does not exist. In such a case (N), it is impossible to send the multimedia information 111 to the user. Therefore, in this case, the process is terminated and a notification to that effect is sent to the sender (step S105).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that there is a receiving terminal device that can receive data (Y), the total data length 113 of the multimedia information 111 is determined.
It is checked whether there is a receiving terminal device that can receive (FIG. 7) without any problem (step S106).
If the total data length 113 of the multimedia information 111 is very large and the user cannot receive an e-mail or the like corresponding to the data amount (N), the process similarly proceeds to step S105 to transmit to the user. The process is terminated by notifying the sender to that effect without performing the above operation.

For the multimedia information 111 whose transmission itself has been interrupted in this way, the system administrator can determine the receiving terminal device to transmit. At this time, a situation occurs in which, for example, text data can be transmitted but audio data is lost. Further, the system administrator can wait for a response from the information processing apparatus on the transmission side. That is, step S105
Is performed, the sender is notified of the fact. Therefore, the sender changes the data format or transmits the same multimedia information 111 to another user geographically close to the original user. This is because, in some cases, it is possible to give an instruction to hand this over.

If there is a receiving terminal device that satisfies the condition of step S106 (Y), it is determined whether a plurality of receiving terminal devices satisfying such a condition exist for the same user (step S107). If there are a plurality, the second user information registration area 10 shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not “priority of receiving terminal device” is registered in 2 (step S108). If it is registered (Y), the receiving terminal device with the highest priority is selected from among the plurality of receiving terminal devices (step S109), and the automatic selection process ends (END).

If the priority order has not been registered (step S108: N), a receiving terminal device having the lowest communication fee among the plurality of receiving terminal devices is selected (step S110). The process ends. Generally,
File transfer is the cheapest, followed by e-mail, facsimile, telephone, and mail. If the receiving terminal devices that match the conditions among the receiving terminal devices owned by the user are the terminal device that receives the e-mail and the facsimile device, the terminal device that receives the e-mail is selected in this process. Will be.

It should be noted that the multimedia information distributing apparatus 21 uses the output means 63 (the communication control circuit 5 shown in FIG. 4) shown in FIG.
When the multimedia information 111 is output from 3), the destination information 112 placed at the top is rewritten to the receiving terminal device determined by the user. Then, if the receiving terminal device is, for example, the information processing device 25 shown in FIG.
Also, depending on the receiving terminal device, the multimedia information 111 sent from the transmitting terminal device may not be received as it is due to a difference in data format or the like. In such a case, the converting means 64 shown in FIG. 3 converts the data into a readable data format on the receiving terminal device side and sends it to the receiving terminal device.

For example, despite the fact that the information processing device 24 as a transmitting terminal device has transferred a file to the multimedia information distribution device 21, the information processing device as a receiving terminal device is connected to a facsimile connected to a telephone line. In the case of a device, the text data or image data of the file is once converted into bitmap data in page units, and this is compressed as a facsimile signal for each scanning line, and the obtained data is transmitted to a telephone. The information is transmitted to the information processing device (facsimile device) via the line. Such a conversion process of the conversion unit 64 can use a known technique, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted in this embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows the flow of the transmission process of the multimedia information distribution device. When the transmission destination is determined, the multimedia information distribution apparatus 21 prepares for transmission of the multimedia information 111 in accordance with the destination (step S).
201). This transmission preparation includes the conversion means 6 described above.
4 (FIG. 3). Thereafter, transmission of the multimedia information 111 is started (step S2).
02). The transmission is continued until the transmission of all the data is completed or an error that makes it impossible to continue the transmission occurs (steps S203 and S204).

If an error occurs that makes transmission impossible to continue (step S204: Y), step S10 in FIG.
It is determined whether or not there is another receiving terminal device capable of transmitting as described in 7 (step S205). If there is (Y), the process returns to step S201 to prepare for transmission to the receiving terminal device, and transmission is started (step S202). The same applies hereinafter.

If it is determined in step S205 that there is no alternative receiving terminal device for the same user (N), the sender of the multimedia information 111 and the administrator of the multimedia information distribution system are notified of this fact. The notification is sent (step S206), and the transmission process ends (end). In step S203, multimedia information 1
The transmission process also ends when the transmission of No. 11 ends successfully. It should be noted that depending on the response method of the system administrator, it is not necessary to immediately notify the sender that distribution is impossible.

Modification

In the above embodiment, step S106 in FIG.
Then, it is checked whether or not there is a receiving terminal device adapted to the processing data amount, and if not, the process is suspended. However, depending on the characteristics of the multimedia information 111 to be distributed, there may be cases where the number of receiving terminal devices may be more than one as long as they are transmitted to the same user. Therefore, in the multimedia information distribution device of this modified example, even if the multimedia information 111 cannot be transmitted to the same receiving terminal device, the multimedia information 111 is shared among a plurality of receiving terminal devices if the multimedia information 111 can be transmitted. In this way, more multimedia information can be distributed.

FIG. 10 shows a main part of a transmission process of a multimedia information distribution apparatus according to a modification of the present invention. The configuration of the apparatus is essentially the same as that of the previous embodiment except for the storage contents of a storage medium for storing a control program, and the drawings used in the previous embodiment are appropriately applied. The multimedia information distribution device 21 first checks the type and amount of data included in the multimedia information 111 sent from the sender (step S301). Then, it is determined whether or not the user has a receiving terminal device that can collectively handle all data types or data amounts to be transmitted (step S).
302). If there is (Y), the receiving terminal device is selected as in the previous embodiment (step S303), and transmission is started (end).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that there is no receiving terminal device that can handle the entire amount of data to be transmitted at once (N), the multimedia information 111 is first formed. One receiving terminal device capable of handling as many data types as possible or capable of transmitting as much data as possible is selected (step S304). Then, a maximum type or maximum amount of data that can be handled is allocated to the selected receiving terminal device (step S305). Then, it is determined whether or not remaining data exists as the multimedia information 111 after the allocation (step S306).

If data that cannot be transmitted still remains (Y), it is checked whether the user has a candidate as another receiving terminal device (step S30).
7). If it is present (Y), the process returns to step S304, and among the one or more candidate receiving terminal devices, a receiving terminal device that can handle as many data types as possible or a receiving device that can transmit as much data as possible. Select one terminal device. Then, a maximum type or maximum amount of data that can be handled is allocated to the selected receiving terminal device (step S305), and it is determined whether or not remaining data exists as multimedia information 111 after the allocation (step S305). S306). If the remaining data does not exist (N), the multimedia information 111 can be divided and distributed, so that the processing is terminated and the data of the share is transmitted to each of the determined receiving terminal devices. It will be (end).

If there is still remaining data at this stage (step S306: Y), it is determined whether or not there is a candidate for another receiving terminal device (step S307). The same processing as described above will be further repeated. In this way, the receiving terminal devices that can be received are sequentially selected, and the multimedia information 111 is divided and given to them. However, the receiving terminal device may not exist in a state where the remaining data exists. (Step S307: N). In this case, the process is suspended (step S308), and the judgment is left to the system administrator.

In the embodiments and the modifications described above, each receiver declares data on the receiver and data on the type of the receiving terminal device belonging to the receiver through a homepage on the Internet, and distributes the multimedia information. The device 21 takes this out as appropriate and retrieves the first or second user information registration area 1 in its own storage medium.
The contents of 01 and 102 are updated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, multimedia information distribution device 2
1 designates a specific receiving terminal device for each receiver, and when multimedia information to be delivered to the receiver arrives, the entire receiving terminal device currently belonging to the receiver is assigned to the specific receiving terminal device. Or the latest personal information of the receiver may be queried, and the receiving terminal device may be determined based on the latest information.

Furthermore, in the embodiments and the modified examples, the multimedia information distribution apparatus has been described as acting as an intermediary between the sender and the receiver. However, the multimedia information distribution apparatus has characteristics as an information processing apparatus on the transmission side. Is also good. For example, each information processing device connected on the network grasps the receiving terminal device for each recipient, and when transmitting data, selects the optimum one from the receiving terminal devices of the corresponding recipient. Is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0066]

As described above, claims 1 to 8 are provided.
According to the described invention, the receiving destination of the multimedia information is
Since it has a two-layer structure consisting of the concept of a receiver and the concept of a receiving terminal device belonging to the receiver, multimedia information that has been distributed to substantially one receiving terminal device as a transmission destination has been described in accordance with the content. There is a possibility that an appropriate one can be selected from several receiving terminal devices, and there is an effect that a situation such as useless distribution or poor quality distribution of information can be avoided.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the multimedia information distribution device is provided with the receiving terminal device type storing means for storing the type of the receiving terminal device belonging to each recipient for each receiver. Thus, there is an advantage that the receiving terminal device can be quickly determined in its own device, and communication traffic can be reduced as compared with a case where communication is performed and determined each time.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the priority of the receiving terminal device is determined in advance for each receiver. In other words, the prioritization of the receiving terminal device has been set, compared to the conventional method in which the sender unilaterally transmits information to the receiving terminal device known to the sender or to the receiving terminal device known to the sender. By doing so, it is possible to set an information transmission route according to the intention of the receiver or the capability or function of the terminal device on the receiving side, and it is advantageous in that more appropriate information transmission becomes possible.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means, it is determined whether there is a receiving terminal device capable of transmitting all the information among the plurality of receiving terminal devices. Is determined, and if such a receiving terminal device exists, multimedia information is transmitted to the receiving terminal device, so that unification of the information transmission destination can be promoted as much as possible. If it does not exist, we decided to search for the possibility of sharing information within the same receiver, so compared with the conventional case where one receiving terminal device had to be selected to transmit multimedia information. This has the effect of enabling more convenient and reliable information distribution.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the multimedia information distribution apparatus refers to both the personal information and the multimedia information and selects the most appropriate receiving terminal apparatus, the multimedia information distribution apparatus can provide the multimedia information. , The multimedia information distribution device selects the optimal receiving terminal device according to the situation of the recipient, even if the user needs specialized knowledge to select the optimal receiving terminal device that performs the reception over many limbs And the burden on the receiver can be reduced.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means, it is determined whether there is a receiving terminal device capable of transmitting all the information among the plurality of receiving terminal devices. Is determined, and if such a receiving terminal device exists, multimedia information is transmitted to the receiving terminal device, so that unification of an information transmission destination can be promoted as much as possible, while the receiving terminal device has some trouble. In the event that a problem occurs, it is determined whether or not there is another receiving terminal capable of transmitting all the multimedia information. There is an effect that the information can be surely transmitted to the receiver side without causing the information to be transmitted.

In the invention according to claim 6, the contents stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means of the multimedia information distribution device depend on the declarations of the respective recipients. Receiving multimedia information reflecting the above. Also. By adopting the declaration system in this manner, the multimedia information distribution apparatus can obtain necessary latest information without frequently accessing each receiver.

Further, in the invention according to claim 7, since the multimedia information distribution device side inquires of the receiving terminal device belonging to the receiver, each of the receivers receives the reception information determined in advance in relation to the multimedia information distribution device. It suffices to simply notify the terminal device of data such as a change, which is convenient. Further, since the multimedia information distribution apparatus directly accesses a predetermined receiving terminal apparatus, it is possible to check whether or not there is a failure.

In the invention according to claim 8, the receiver personal information storage means stores personal information for judging whether or not the receiver terminal is appropriate to handle the receiving terminal device. Is to select the receiving terminal device that is the easiest to understand the information from the personal information of the receiver among the characteristics of the information that constitutes the multimedia information and the receiving terminal device corresponding to the information. The multimedia information distribution apparatus selects and selects the reception terminal apparatus which is the easiest to understand the information without having to select the priority and notify the reception terminal apparatus to be received according to the respective characteristics of the media information. It becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a multimedia information distribution system using a multimedia information distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the multimedia information distribution device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the multimedia information distribution device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of a printer connected to the multimedia information distribution apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing registration contents of a predetermined user in a first user information registration area.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing registration contents of a predetermined user in a second user information registration area.

FIG. 7 is a data configuration diagram showing a data configuration of multimedia information of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an automatic selection process in which the multimedia information distribution apparatus of the present embodiment selects an optimum receiving terminal apparatus for a user.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission process of the multimedia information distribution device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a main part of a transmission process of a multimedia information distribution device according to a modification of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a conventionally proposed multimedia information distribution device.

[Explanation of symbols]

21 Multimedia information distribution device, 22, 23 Network, 24, 25, 28, 29, 31 Information processing device, 26, 27 Switching network, 32 Printer, 41, 82
... CPU, 43, 84 ROM, 44, 85 ... working memory, 49 ... magnetic disk, 53, 91 ... communication control circuit, 62 ... output means, 63 ... user information management means, 64
... Conversion means, 96 laser printer, 101 first user information registration area, 102 second user information registration area, 111 multimedia information

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A receiving terminal device type storing means for storing the types of receiving terminal devices belonging to each of the receivers, and when the multimedia information to be transmitted from the sender to the receiver is transmitted, When there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in the receiving terminal device type storage means, a receiving terminal device selecting means for selecting one receiving terminal device capable of transmitting all the information from the plurality of receiving terminal devices; Transmitting means for transmitting the multimedia information sent from the sender to the receiving terminal device selected by the multimedia information distribution device. 2. A receiving terminal device type storing means for storing the type of receiving terminal device belonging to each receiver, and a method for receiving the multimedia information sent from the sender to the receiver when the multimedia information is transmitted from the sender to the receiver. When there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in the receiving terminal device type storage unit, a determining unit that determines whether or not there is a receiving terminal device that can transmit all of the information therein, Receiving terminal device selecting means for selecting one receiving terminal device having the highest priority determined by the receiver from the receiving terminal device when the receiving terminal device is determined as a transmittable receiving terminal device; Transmitting means for transmitting the multimedia information sent from the sender to the selected receiving terminal device. Information distribution device. 3. A receiving terminal device type storing means for storing the types of receiving terminal devices belonging to each of the receivers, and when the multimedia information to be sent from the sender to the receiver is transmitted, When there are a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in the receiving terminal device type storage unit, a determining unit that determines whether or not there is a receiving terminal device that can transmit all of the information among the plurality of receiving terminal devices. When it is determined that there is no receiving terminal capable of transmitting all the multimedia information, multimedia information for selecting two or more of the plurality of receiving terminals and distributing the multimedia information to these devices is selected. Distributing means, and transmitting a shared part of the multimedia information for each receiving terminal device selected by the multimedia information distributing means A multimedia information distribution apparatus, comprising: a transmission unit. 4. A receiving terminal device belonging to each receiver.
Receiving device type storing means storing the type of device, and personal information of the recipient storing personal information for each recipient.
Information storage means, and multimedia information to be sent from the sender to the receiver side is sent.
The receiving terminal device type for the recipient
If there are multiple receiving terminal devices stored in the class storage means
The recipient's individual stored in the recipient's personal information storage means
Information and the multimedia information sent to the recipient.
Receiving terminal device selecting means for selecting a suitable receiving terminal device; and a receiving terminal selected by the receiving terminal device selecting means.
The multimedia sent from the sender to the device
Transmission means for transmitting information Characterized by having
Multimedia information distribution device. 5. A receiving terminal device belonging to each receiver.
Receiving device type storing means for storing the type of device, and multimedia information to be transmitted from the sender to the receiver.
The receiving terminal device type for the recipient
If there are multiple receiving terminal devices stored in the class storage means
One receiving end capable of transmitting all the information from the mushroom
Receiving terminal device selecting means for selecting a terminal device; and a receiving terminal selected by the receiving terminal device selecting means.
The multimedia sent from the sender to the device
Transmitting means for transmitting information, and the transmitting means transmits multimedia information to the selected receiving terminal device.
Media information before transmitting it completely.
When the communication becomes impossible,
When there is another receiving terminal device that can transmit all
Destination changing means for changing the destination to the communication terminal device With
A multimedia information distribution device, comprising: 6. A report requesting means for causing each receiver to declare the type of the receiving terminal device, extracting data obtained by the request of the report requesting device, and updating the contents stored in the receiving terminal device type storing means. 6. The multimedia information distribution apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an updating unit. 7. A receiving terminal device type inquiry means for inquiring a predetermined receiving terminal device of a receiver as a target of transmitting multimedia information about a type of a receiving terminal device belonging to the receiver. 6. The multimedia information according to claim 1, further comprising: updating means for extracting data obtained by inquiring of the type inquiring means and updating contents stored in the receiving terminal type storing means. Delivery device. 8. The receiver personal information storage means stores personal information for judging whether the reception terminal device is appropriate or not, such as the age of the receiver, and the reception terminal device selection means,
5. The multimedia device according to claim 4, wherein a receiving terminal device which is the easiest to understand the information is selected from the personal information of the receiver among the characteristics of the information constituting the multimedia information and the receiving terminal devices corresponding thereto. Information distribution device.