CN101180604A - Method and system for transferring digitized representations of documents via computer network transfer protocols - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for a computer system includes receiving a facsimile from a user, wherein the facsimile includes a digitized representation of a document transmitted using a facsimile format, processing the digitized representation of the document to determine a destination e-mail address, reformatting at least a portion of the digitized representation of the document into an e-mail attachment format, processing at least a portion of the digitized representation of the document with an optical character recognition engine to determine one or more key words, providing the one or more key words to an advertisement server, receiving the advertisement data from the advertisement server, and forming an e-mail message addressed to the destination e-mail address including a body portion and an attachment portion, wherein the body portion includes the advertisement data, and wherein the attachment portion includes the portion of the digitized representation of the document in the e-mail attachment format.

Description

Transmit the method and system of the digitized representations of document by computer network transfer protocols

Background of invention

The present invention relates to transmit the method and apparatus of the digitized representations of document by selected computer network transfer protocols.More specifically, some embodiment of the present invention provides: the digitized image that receives expression document (comprising text, image etc.) by the computer network transfer protocols of expectation, convert digitized representations to second file layout from first file layout, and export second file to suitable destination based on the data that the digitized representations from document obtains.

In the past, can convert electronic mail formats by the facsimile signal that will have facsimile format to (for example, RFC-822) comes at mobile fax image on the Internet.In case convert, just according to Simple Mail Transfer protocol (SMTP) or similar agreement by the Internet with E-mail conveyance to intended destination.The Internet is based on the global communication network of TCP/IP (TCP).Exist various permission users to send serving of facsimile signal at present based on the user by the Internet.

According to by one type that provides or before provided such as companies such as eFax, Jfax service, the user is provided to unique telephone number.Any document of faxing to this number all is converted into electronic mail formats and is transferred into user's email INBOX.A kind of shortcoming of this class service is that it requires the user to have the particular telephone number that is associated with their e-mail address.Second shortcoming is that the user must be distributed to individual facsimile telephone number anyone that may want to send a fax to the user.At last, from ISP's angle, since very high with the cost of buying and the so how single dedicated phone number of operation is associated, so the operation of this class service is expensive.

The previous another kind of service request user who provides by UUNET (present WorldCom) attached additional firmware between the network of user's facsimile recorder and service.The purpose of this service is to reduce the long-distance fax cost of a large number of users.The UUNET system converts fax the equivalent of Email to, and the network by UUNET routes to nearest UUFAX server with this Email then.The facsimile recorder that the UUFAX server returns this Email conversion true form and uses local call that this facisimile transmission to purpose is located in.The shortcoming of this service is that access service needs time and hardware interpolation in advance and expenditure.

The Client Hardware solution of other type comprises the product from RightFAX and HP Scanners.The shortcoming of these solutions is that the user must invest expensive hardware.

Therefore, expectation provides a kind of method and system that can the digitizing document be sent to effectively the expectation destination by the suitable network agreement.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a kind of method and apparatus that is used for the digitized representations of document automatically being sent to the electronic data destination by the computer network protocol of appointment.More specifically, some embodiment of the present invention provides the digitized representations that receives document (for example, text, image etc.) optically.Imagined the whole bag of tricks, comprised by facsimile recorder (for example, stand-alone machine, the computing machine) transmission of receiving faxes; Receive digitalized data from scanner or multifunction copy machine/scanner; Receive digitalized data from digital camera (for example, camera phone, PDA, digital camera, digital camera); Receive " Printing to File " file etc.

In various embodiments, digitalized data can automatically convert another kind of storage format to from a kind of data memory format before being sent to the electronic data destination.For example, facsimile transmission can be converted into such as widely used file layouts such as .pdf .GIFf .doc .txt; The .GIFf image that is scanned can be converted into such as another kind of graphics file formats such as jpg .bmp .pdf .gif.In various embodiments, the electronic data destination of digitalized data can be web server, e-mail server (e-mail box), storage directory, database, storage networking, FTP position, web server, directory location etc.In addition, in various embodiments, data layout can be to be fit to receiver subsequently such as by E-mail client, by Web browser, by web client computer, the form retrieved by data base management system (DBMS), by multiple modes such as assigned catalogues.In certain embodiments of the present invention, various computer network protocols can be used for data are sent to intended destination, such as HTTPS, FTP, HTTP, SMTP, WAP etc.

In the following discussion, some embodiment relates to fax template or front cover, facsimile recorder and facsimile transmission.Should understand the fax page template is the embodiment of front cover of the digitized representations of document.In addition, other device that is used to create this class digitizing page template comprises: optical scanner, multi-purpose machine (for example duplicating machine/scanner), digital camera, computing machine etc.In addition, can imagine fax-mail transfer other transmission method in addition, such as the procotol transmission that uses a computer, use infrared ray or optical link transmission, use bluetooth or other transmission of radio links etc.

The embodiment of security document conversion architecture is upgradability, security, confidentiality, reliability and compatible the design.Each embodiment comprises scalable architecture, and this structure comprises:

1. replace path telephone operator's circuit (Alternate-Path Telco Circuit), be used under the situation of optical fiber broken string, providing Call failure to recover.The MongoNet supertrunk of T1 circuit to (super-trunkpair) thus ensure that the diversity of carrier wave and physics loop reduces the possibility of external service broken string (that is, navvy cuts off optical fiber).

2. many data centers are used for coming our service of colocated with geographical diversity.

3. bunch, be used to embodiments of the invention to bring high availability (MongoNet service).Each embodiment is used on the RedHat AS2.1 (advanced server) with SAN rear end.

4. distributed, thread, structure based on message are upgradability, fault recovery and fault-tolerant the providing support of MongoNet service.

5. bag is used to reduce the time of redaction that is used to produce new server machine and is used for the service software of existing machine.

Packet filtering, fire wall and the VLAN that each embodiment of the present invention is coupled by use and tight ACL and access procedure reduces the exposure to safe handling, so that high-grade security to be provided.For except in any reason that starts outside the internal procedure (that is, outgoing email), outside or DMZ traffic are all forbidden to enter internal subnet.For the place of supporting SMTP verb STARTTLS, send embodiment by TLS.As the safe floor that adds, each embodiment may be delivered into client's smtp server or mailed to client URL for further handling (be used to comply with, index and/or file).In other embodiments, the suitable server of safety E-mail also can be used as reinforcement (bolt-on) option that is used for further customization in client's fire wall.

Each embodiment provides high-caliber confidentiality, because operation can full automation.In certain embodiments, all documents pass through such as changing and route at the character recognition system described in father's application.Each embodiment client client of the present invention will not store any intermediate file, unless indicated like this by the client and do as the customization Account Options.Under normal configuration, all the elements file is deleted immediately after the transmission that sends from various embodiment is sent out.

Each embodiment tends to comprise and allows the client to check and ratified their " compliance " or " doorkeeper " feature before sending all faxes or transmission.Each security implementation example is used for secure log to receive the link (deducting the PDF annex) of PDF to transmissions such as facsimile reception sides.These solutions can be used and fully provide in each embodiment together.In other embodiments, the client can select the suitable server of safety E-mail is installed in client's the fire wall as reinforcement.Various safety and comply with embodiment and provide the security of presumable highest ranking to the client, thus content eliminated by email delivery.

Each embodiment of the present invention can keep a plurality of examples of all services.Each request message that presents to service must meet internal standard and can present to the example of any specific service.The message router response is checked and is guaranteed that the message that responds being presented is meaningful.Each embodiment can be (stateless) that does not belong to any country.Each embodiment uses oracle database in HA (high availability) configuration.

Each embodiment is used for template method that Email makes up or other means of delivery makes up, thereby the high degree of compatibility with client is provided.If the website has particular restriction (that is, no html mail), then embodiment can be configured to satisfy client's demand.In certain embodiments, can use the general PDF of Adobe  that can freely obtain at the www.adobe.com place.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a kind of method that is used for computer system has been described.A kind of technology comprises the transmission of receiving faxes from the user, wherein this facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations that uses the facsimile transmission form to send document, the digitized representations of handling document to be determining the purpose e-mail address, and at least a portion of the digitized representations of document is reformated into the e-mail attachment form.Other technology comprises at least a portion of digitized representations of handling document with optical character recognition engine determining one or more key words, thereby provides this one or more key words to Advertisement Server, and receives ad data from Advertisement Server.Other method can comprise and forms the email message mail the purpose e-mail address to, wherein this email message comprises main part and accessories section, wherein main part comprises ad data, and wherein accessories section comprises e-mail attachment form that part of of the digitized representations of document.

According to a further aspect in the invention, a kind of computer system has been described.A kind of device comprises the storer that is configured to store from user's facsimile transmission, and wherein this facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of the document that use facsimile transmission form sends.Another equipment comprises the processor with the storer coupling, wherein processor is configured to handle the digitized representations of document to determine at least one purpose e-mail address, wherein processor is configured to the part of the digitized representations of document is reformated into the e-mail attachment form, wherein processor is configured to determine and facsimile transmission associated advertisement data, and wherein processor is configured to form the email message of mailing the purpose e-mail address to.In each embodiment, email message comprises main part and accessories section, and wherein main part comprises ad data, and wherein accessories section comprises e-mail attachment form that part of of the digitized representations of document.In other embodiments, processor is configured to handle at least a portion of digitized representations of document to determine one or more key words with optical character recognition engine.In a further embodiment, processor is configured to provide one or more key words to Advertisement Server.

According to another aspect of the invention, a kind of computer program that comprises the computer system of processor has been described.A computer program comprises: instruction processorunit receives the facsimile transmission from the user, and wherein facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of the document that use facsimile transmission form sends; Instruction processorunit is handled the digitized representations of document to determine the purpose e-mail address; And instruction processorunit is formatted at least a portion of the digitized representations of document the computer-executable code of e-mail attachment form.Another computer program comprises: instruction processorunit is handled the digitized representations of document with optical character recognition engine at least a portion provides the code of these one or more key words and instruction processorunit receives ad data from Advertisement Server code with code, the instruction processorunit of determining one or more key words to Advertisement Server.Another computer product product comprises: instruction processorunit forms the email message of mailing the purpose e-mail address to, wherein email message comprises main part and accessories section, wherein main part comprises ad data, and wherein accessories section comprises e-mail attachment form that part of of the digitized representations of document.In each embodiment, but tangible medium storage computation machine executable code, and these media comprise: such as magnetic media such as floppy disk, hard disk drive, the network storage equipment and removable hard disks; Such as optical storage mediums such as CD-ROM, DVD, high capacity DVD, holographic memory and bar codes; Such as semiconductor memories such as flash memory, ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) and battery backed volatile memory etc.

According to a further aspect in the invention, a kind of method that is used for computer system is disclosed.A kind of technology comprises: receive first facsimile transmission from the user place, wherein first facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations that uses the facsimile transmission form to send first document, the digitized representations of handling first document with optical character recognition process is to determine the first purpose e-mail address, wherein the first purpose e-mail address does not need computer system to know in advance, and receive second facsimile transmission from the user, wherein second facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations that uses second document that the facsimile transmission form sends.A kind of process can comprise: the digitized representations of handling second document with optical character recognition process is to determine the first purpose e-mail address, at least a portion of the digitized representations of at least a portion of the digitized representations of second document and first document is combined into the e-mail attachment of e-mail attachment form, and the email message of purpose e-mail address is mailed in formation to, wherein email message comprises main part and accessories section, wherein main part comprises ad data, and wherein accessories section comprises e-mail attachment.

According to another aspect of the invention, a kind of computer program that comprises the computer system of processor has been described.A kind of computer program comprises: instruction processorunit receives the executable code from user's first facsimile transmission, and wherein first facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations that uses the facsimile transmission form to send first document; Instruction processorunit is carried out the optical identification process to determine the code of the first purpose e-mail address to the digitized representations of first document, and wherein the first purpose e-mail address is not required to be known to the computer system; And instruction processorunit receives the code from user's second facsimile transmission, and wherein second facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations that uses second document that the facsimile transmission form sends.Other computer program comprises: instruction processorunit is carried out the executable code of optical identification process to indicate second facsimile transmission to be associated with first facsimile transmission to the digitized representations of second document, instruction processorunit is combined into the code that a combination is represented with the digitized representations of first document and the digitized representations of second document, and instruction processorunit forms the code of the email message of mailing the purpose e-mail address to, wherein email message comprises main part and accessories section, wherein main part comprises ad data, and wherein accessories section comprises the combination expression.In each embodiment, but tangible medium storage computation machine executable code, and these media comprise: such as magnetic media such as floppy disk, hard disk drive, the network storage equipment and removable hard disks; Such as optical storage mediums such as CD-ROM, DVD, high capacity DVD, holographic memory and bar codes; Such as semiconductor memories such as flash memory, ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) and battery backed volatile memory etc.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a kind of computer system has been described.A kind of device comprises the storer that is configured to store from user's first facsimile transmission, wherein first facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of first document that use facsimile transmission form sends, wherein storer also is configured to store with the e-mail attachment form at least a portion of the digitized representations of first document, and wherein storer also is configured to store second facsimile transmission from the user, and wherein second facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of second document that use facsimile transmission form sends.Another equipment comprises the processor with the storer coupling, wherein processor is configured to handle the digitized representations of first document to determine the first purpose e-mail address with optical character recognition process, wherein processor is configured to handle the digitized representations of second document to determine that second facsimile transmission is relevant with first facsimile transmission with optical character recognition process, wherein processor is configured at least a portion with the digitized representations of at least a portion of the digitized representations of first document and second document and is combined into combined digitalization and represents, and wherein processor is configured to generate the email message of mailing the purpose e-mail address to, wherein email message comprises main part and accessories section, wherein main part comprises ad data, and wherein accessories section comprises that combined digitalization represents.

According to a further aspect in the invention, the method that is used for computer system has been described.A kind of technology comprises: receive first transmission from the user, wherein first transmission comprises the digitized representations of first document that the use first transmission form sends; The digitized representations of handling first document with optical character recognition process is to determine the first electronics destination, and wherein computer system does not need to know the first electronics destination before receiving first transmission; And the digitized representations of handling first document with optical character recognition process is with that part of filename of storage format in the digitized representations of determining first document.Other process comprises: at least a portion of the digitized representations of first document is sent form from first be reformated into storage format, and send electronics to the first electronics destination and send, wherein electronics sends that part of of storage format in the digitized representations that comprises first document.

According to another aspect of the invention, computer system is disclosed.A kind of device comprises first storer that sends that is configured to store from the user, and wherein first transmission comprises the digitized representations of first document that the use first transmission form sends.Equipment can comprise the processor with the storer coupling, wherein processor is configured to receive first transmission from the user, wherein processor is configured to determine the electronics destination in response to the optical character recognition process of the digitized representations of first document, wherein computer system does not need to know the electronics destination before being stored in first transmission in the storer, wherein processor is configured to be reformated into storage format and form the first storage document by at least a portion of the digitized representations of first document is sent form from first, and wherein processor is configured to send in response to first and determines ad data; Wherein processor also is configured to handle the digitized representations of first document to determine the filename of the first storage document with optical character recognition process, and wherein processor is configured to send the electronics transmission to the first electronics destination, and wherein this electronics sends and comprises the first storage document.

According to another aspect of the invention, a kind of computer program that is used to comprise the computer system of processor has been described.A kind of computer program comprises: instruction processorunit receives the executable code from user's first electronics transmission, and wherein first electronics sends the digitized representations of the visible document that comprises that use transmission form sends; Instruction processorunit is handled the digitized representations of visible document to determine the code of electronics destination with optical character recognition process, wherein computer system does not need to know the electronics destination before receiving the transmission of first electronics; And instruction processorunit is formatted at least a portion of the digitized representations of visible document the code of storage format.Other computer program comprises: instruction processorunit is handled visible document with optical character recognition process digitized representations is with the code of that part of filename that is associated of determining the storage format in the digitized representations with visible document; And instruction processorunit sends the code that second electronics sends to the electronics destination, and wherein second electronics sends that part of of storage format in the digitized representations that comprises visible document.In each embodiment, but tangible medium storage computation machine executable code, and these media comprise: such as magnetic media such as floppy disk, hard disk drive, the network storage equipment and removable hard disks; Such as optical storage mediums such as CD-ROM, DVD, high capacity DVD, holographic memory and bar codes; Such as semiconductor memories such as flash memory, ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) and battery backed volatile memory etc.

To recognize further feature and the advantage of each embodiment of the present invention with reference to the remainder that comprises the instructions of accompanying drawing and claims.Below the further feature of each embodiment that present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying and structure and the operation of advantage and each embodiment of the present invention.The same identical and intimate assembly of Reference numeral indication.

Brief description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the simplified block diagram according to the system of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the simplified block diagram according to the hardware configuration of the access point that fax/email interface is provided (POP) of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 A is the diagram according to the process of obtaining email cover page of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 B is with the diagram from the process of facsimile recorder send Email according to the user of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention and system interaction of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is the graphical representation of exemplary from the email cover page of the POP reception of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is the simplified block diagram of software architecture that the POP of Fig. 2 is shown;

Fig. 6 A is a graphical representation of exemplary of confirming page or leaf from fax-Email of the POP reception of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 B is another graphical representation of exemplary that fax-Email that the POP from Fig. 2 receives is confirmed page or leaf;

Fig. 7 is the simplified block diagram of network operation center (NOC);

Fig. 8 A is to send the diagram of the process of fax from Email according to the user of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention and system interaction of the present invention;

Fig. 8 B is that the take over party of the fax wherein sent in the process according to Fig. 8 A uses and returns the diagram that the fax page or leaf is replied the Recovery Process of this fax;

Fig. 9 illustrates to be used to prevent process flow diagram to the exemplary operation of the security mechanism of the unauthorized access of Email according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is the simplified block diagram that illustrates according to an exemplary application of the present invention;

Figure 11 is an example of an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is the example of another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 is the simplified block diagram that illustrates according to the possible data stream of each embodiment of the present invention; And

Figure 14 illustrates the simplified block diagram of scanning according to the network architecture of each embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention with the form of one or more exemplary embodiments will be described now.Fig. 1 is the high level block diagram of fax according to an embodiment of the invention/E-mail communication system 5.System 5 comprises the network operation center (NOC) 8 that optionally is coupled with plain old telephone system (POTS) and the Internet and a plurality of access points (POP) 10 that optionally are coupled with NOC8 by POTS and the Internet." the Internet " here refer to based on the WWW in the network of ICP/IP protocol and to its all-access means (for example, have e-mail system and with the LAN (Local Area Network) of the Internet coupling) (TCP/IP representative " TCP " and be the language of communicating by letter between all computing machines on the managing internet).

As will be at following detailed description, system 5 allows users to send from the Email of any independent facsimile recorder 2 and receives fax from facsimile recorder or Email transmit leg, and needn't distribute a unique predefined Fax number to facsimile recorder or Email transmit leg.Here, should emphasize that facsimile recorder 2 as shown in fig. 1 is a feasible example.In other words, the facsimile recorder that uses in the environment of each embodiment of the present invention also can comprise any communication facilities or any other scanning device of complying with facsimile protocol.Equally, the computer workstation among Fig. 14 is a feasible example.In other words, can use the equipment of any energy send Email to replace computer workstation 4.

POP10 is distributed in geographic area widely, for example, and the U.S. or the whole world.The exemplary embodiment of POP10 shown in Fig. 2.POP10 comprises: one or more fax modem banks 20; One or more Fax Servers 22; Advertisement and statistics (advertisement/statistics) server 24; E-mail server 26; Interactive Voice Response (IVR) unit 28; Ethernet switch 30; Ip router 32; And T-1 channel service unit (CSU) 34.Should emphasize that the embodiment of POP10 is exemplary among Fig. 2.For example, other configuration also can include but not limited to use the Internet tie-in line (for example T-3) of higher capacity in the spirit and scope of each embodiment of the present invention, and a plurality of e-mail servers that supply switching etc. are provided.Fig. 1 and 2 will describe in detail in the context of the following description that presents further.

Referring now to Fig. 3 A,, how obtains the diagram of " email cover page " shown in it according to the user of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention from Fax Server 22.In step 40, the user is from any facsimile recorder or the specific free fax back number (for example 1-800) of making call.Should understand this fax back number and be not limited to free call numbers; The telephone number that also can comprise any other type.This fax back number routes to POP10 based on user's geographic position via POTS by telephone network.As shown in Figure 2, the fax modem bank 20 of POP10 is received faxes on the B-1 circuit that for example comprises 24 line phone bundles.Then, in step 42, POP10 will have about how from the blank " email cover page " of the further instruction of user's facsimile recorder send Email and send it back the user.

This email cover page looks and resembles common Fax cover Sheet, but lines and user that it comprises the blank character frame can be used for not taking place the local number that any expense ground sends fax.Local number is that the translation process by table driving generates by ANI, and it can detect from the 1-800 number that spreads out of.In an alternative embodiment, each POP10 of system 5 can use single free code to insert.Exemplary electronic mail front cover shown in Fig. 4.In one embodiment, character frame 61 has " little cross symbol (tick mark) " 63 on the edge of each character frame 61.Little cross symbol 63 has force users is left character edge edge input character in character frame 61 effect.It is useful leaving character edge edge input character, because later in this process, and identification character more accurately when execution character is discerned.

In one exemplary embodiment, email cover page, or more generally, front cover also comprises can be by the specific characteristic of user's selection or the tabulation of option.For example, one of this specific characteristic or option can be the file options.If the user selects this option, then at the automatic record copy that generates and file fax or send in place, memory location.The memory location can change according to design alternative.For example, the memory location can be the computer system of transmit leg oneself.Some other specific characteristic or option can be the document format options.For example, the document of faxing or sending can be used as that text only sends or sends as the Word annex (after document is used the OCR technology) of Email in Email, or sends as the annex (have or do not have and can select text) of the PDFization of Email.Based on the disclosure that this paper provided, the specific characteristic of other type or option will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.Below will provide further details.

Replace in the exemplary embodiment at one, front cover can be miniaturized the size of pasting such as tabloid things such as Post-it.The user still can insert necessary information on the email cover page of this miniaturization.In case after finishing, the email cover page of this miniaturization can be attached on the homepage of document for facsimile transmission.Character recognition subsequently can be regulated the sensitivity of locating and identifying the email cover page of miniaturization to improve on the homepage of document.Because the size of dwindling of the email cover page page or leaf of miniaturization, can comprise such as special marking such as unique bar code or symbol so that make e-mail address can in the email cover page of miniaturization, more easily locate and identify the character recognition of required execution.The email cover page of miniaturization can be used as peelable formula scratch pad and sells.When document needed to be faxed to an e-mail address, the user only needed insert necessary information on the email cover page of this miniaturization, takes completed miniaturization electronics mail front cover off and it is attached on the homepage of document.

Replace in the exemplary embodiment at another, download the electronic version that email cover page is provided to the user with the e-file form by Email or from the website.In this exemplary embodiment, e-file is to use PDF to realize.When realizing in this way, e-file can be activated to generate email cover page on computers.Show this email cover page page or leaf to the user then.Then, the user can use and directly information needed is input to email cover page such as input equipments such as keyboards and get on.Shu Ru information is more reliable in this way, thereby makes when carrying out later character recognition contingent mistake minimum.The email cover page of finishing then can be printed and fax with required document.

In addition, when email cover page was used to catch necessary information, certain in institute's captured information some (for example e-mail addresses) can regenerate on another part of email cover page.For example, e-mail address can reprint on another part of email cover page page or leaf, and perhaps, e-mail address can be printed as the part of email cover page then with barcode format or other machine readable format coding.This provides redundant and has further improved the accuracy that needs the character recognition carried out subsequently.

Can randomly can make certain information on the email cover page page or leaf for the take over party of Email, be rendered as not readable.For example, the Fax number that transmit leg uses can be printed on such as in the greyscale pattern such as cross-hatched pattern, and transmit leg can be seen Fax number in this pattern with eyes before the facsimile electronic mail front cover.Yet, after fax,, can not use thereby make this Fax number be rendered as the take over party because facsimile scanning technology limitation Fax number and pattern can not make a distinction mutually.

Referring now to Fig. 3 B,, how mutual with the diagram from facsimile recorder 2 send Emails with the system 5 of each embodiment of the present invention the user according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in it is.In step 44, the terminal point e-mail address that the user sends to its hope (for example john doe@generic.com) is inserted alphabetical frame with normal handwritten form.Perhaps, print e-mail address with machine readable format.Replace in the exemplary embodiment at one, email cover page comprises the fax that can download to the user or " the advanced features page or leaf " of e-mail address.This advanced features page or leaf can also generate at the user's computer place.The advanced features page or leaf allows the user that one or more options or the service that is provided by system 5 is provided, such as creating the mass-sending tabulation.

System 5 can keep one or more mass-sending tabulations of specific user.For example, one or more mass-sending tabulations can be associated with specific transmit leg e-mail address or link.E-mail address in the mass-sending tabulation can be by system's 5 storages.When filling in email cover page, the user only need provide another name or other identification information of specific mass-sending tabulation.The another name of transmit leg e-mail address and specific mass-sending tabulation can be retrieved by system 5 from the email cover page of finishing.Then, the mass-sending tabulation that is associated with the transmit leg e-mail address is searched by system 5, and determines whether this another name is associated with one of mass-sending tabulation that links to the transmit leg e-mail address.If be associated, then all e-mail addresses in this mass-sending tabulation send fax.

In step 46, the user sends a fax to the telephone number that is associated with selected POP10, and wherein fax is to be received by the fax modem bank on the Fax Server 22 20.Fax modem bank 20 comprises that it can be the image file format of standard G3 tiff format for example that fax is converted to, the fax of imaging is stored in to import fax automatic spool 60 (not shown in figures) in the automatic spool district on the local disk drive then.Then, one of the email cover page of imaging Fax Server 22 of being sent to POP10 is used for further processing.

Except fax automatic spool 60, and as shown in Figure 5, the software architecture 70 of each Fax Server 22 comprises: homepage (that is front cover) character recognition module 62, fax-E-mail gateway 64, Email-fax gateway 66 and spread out of the fax automatic spool 68.

In step 48, homepage character recognition module 62 is used for being extracted into from the email cover page of imaging the e-mail address of picture.Preferably, homepage character recognition module 62 carries out this action by optical character identification (OCR).Can be randomly, the email cover page of imaging can be eliminated when seeing fit or filter many times, to remove any unwanted mark or pattern before carrying out its function calling homepage character recognition module 62.In addition, as mentioned above, the email cover page page or leaf of imaging can comprise the redundant information relevant with the e-mail address of imaging.Thereby homepage character recognition module 62 can be regulated with the cross check redundant information and guarantee that the e-mail address of imaging is accurately.

In step 50, the electronic image of fax faxed-E-mail gateway 64 encapsulation and being formatted in the email message of complying with MIME." MIME " represents multiduty internet mail extension protocol, and refer to be used to specify must be how with mail message formatization so that official's the Internet standard that they can exchange between different e-mail systems.Then, the electronic image of fax is sent to e-mail server 26 as the annex of Email.Replace in the exemplary embodiment at one, before the electronic image that sends fax to e-mail server 26 from wherein removing some information.For example, can be removed or otherwise to make it to be rendered as the take over party of Email not readable for the employed specific Fax number of transmit leg.

When e-mail server 26 received facsimile signal, e-mail server 26 was sent the state of Email to advertisement and statistic server (advertisement/statistical server) 24.As shown in Figure 5, the software architecture 71 of advertisement/statistical server 24 comprises: affirmation and instruction page keymake 72, front page keymake 74 and PostScript (appendix) present engine 76.Confirm and instruction page keymake 72 receives the sending state of Emails from e-mail server 26, send with the generation of PostScript form subsequently or not delivery notification and user instruction page or leaf.

Replace in the exemplary embodiment at one, e-mail server 26 and/or advertisement/statistical server 24 can comprise real-time record keeping engine (not shown).This real-time record keeping engine is used to follow the tracks of each user's operating position and correspondingly generates suitable charging information.Operating position can be followed the tracks of with different ways.For example, follow the tracks of operating position by the number of minutes that uses at specific Fax number.In this, the user such as company can be assigned with one or more specific Fax numbers for its employee's use.Use for each specific Fax number can be monitored by real-time record keeping engine.Can on real-time basis, calculate charging information and it can be used by the website on the Internet by the user who is authorized.In addition, the charging information of each fax that is sent also can be included in the affirmation and instruction page as described below.

In step 52, confirm and instruction page keymake 72 generation affirmation and instruction page, and in step 54, retrieve advertisements also is attached to this advertisement in affirmation and the instruction page from advertisement/statistical server 24.In addition, in step 56, confirm and instruction page keymake 72 retrieve advertisements from advertisement/statistical server 24 that this advertisement is attached in the Email with header format.In each embodiment, be attached to confirm and instruction page in advertisement particularly with user's geographic position as target, based on user's overview with the user as target and based on the correlativity of transmission message with the user as target.In certain embodiments, system 5 determines the target of advertisement then from the geographic position that the prefix code and/or the area code of user's Fax number are determined the user based on the demographic data characteristic (for example average income grade) of user's near zone.In an alternative embodiment, e-mail address confirms that page or leaf comprises electronic commerce context, wherein confirm and instruction page on for the user provides " check box ", the user can select check box to indicate further interest to the particular advertisement offer.An exemplary embodiment of affirmation and specific page has been shown among Fig. 6 A.Can be randomly, affirmation and instruction page also can comprise the thumbnail sketch of one or more fax pages or leaves, as shown in Fig. 6 B.

In another alternative embodiment, provide paying (for example 1-900) number to the user at the beginning in process, promptly replace the step 10 among Fig. 3 A, as pressing the operating position payment services.In this class paying embodiment, can be not to transmit leg, take over party or other side's delivering advertisements.In other embodiments, can provide free code (for example 1-800) as the part that the service of advertisement funded is arranged to the user at the beginning in process, wherein fax, email message, e-mail attachment etc. comprise advertisement.This class example shown in above Fig. 6.Below will provide other example of the embodiment that subsidizes advertisement.

Replace in the exemplary embodiment at one, when e-mail server 26 is received facsimile signal, the preferential selection that e-mail server 26 contact advertisement/statistical servers 24 may be associated with the Email that generates at this facsimile signal with retrieval.Preferential selection can be specific format, marketing information, figure etc. and can be towards transmit leg or towards the take over party.The e-mail address such as account number, corresponding transmit leg and take over party, the employed Fax number of transmit leg or information such as other unique tag or symbol from email cover page can be used for definite preferential selection that will be incorporated in the Email.For example, if receive fax from the transmit leg that uses specific Fax number, then the Email that generates from this fax can comprise the information about this transmit leg.If specific Fax number is exclusively used in specific company, then special-purpose marketing information of certain company and figure can be incorporated in the Email to provide band the look and feel brand or standard.

In another replaces exemplary embodiment, confirm and the dynamic content that provides based on the history of transmit leg and/or past actions or behavior can be provided instruction page.Advertisement/statistical server 24 can be followed the tracks of history and/or the past actions or the behavior of transmit leg.For example, advertisement/statistical server 24 can be followed the tracks of the number of times of the fax that can't send out logical owing to take over party's e-mail address of writing difference or mistake that is sent by particular sender.Advertisement/statistical server 24 even can follow the tracks of causes the type of the problem of fault in the past, makes fax send out logical such as the letter " v " of transmit leg and the write the two or more syllables of a word together of " u ".Then, advertisement/statistical server 24 based on the history of transmit leg and/or past actions or behavior to e-mail server 26 provide to be included in confirm and instruction page in appropriate information.These information can comprise skill or the helpful prompting of for example avoiding the problem writing.

After confirming and specific page write, it is presented the bitmap images that engine 76 rasterisations (rasterize) become facsimile coding by PostScript, be sent to Fax Server 22 then, wherein spread out of fax automatic spool 68 and be used for the affirmation of rasterisation and instruction page be stored in and send after being used on the local disk drive.Because it is the computation-intensive process that bitmap images presents, so be used between a plurality of Fax Server 22 machines, distributing the customization load distribution software of rasterization process can be used as alternative embodiment.

Replace in the exemplary embodiment at another, for the purpose of promoting or selling, Email also comprises the link that allows take over party's service that using system 5 is provided on basis on probation.Take over party/user on probation can click this link and be directed to the website.The website can show an offer on probation to user on probation, and prompting should user on probation import his/her e-mail address should offer on probation to receive.Suppose that user on probation determines to accept should try out offer and import his/her e-mail address, then the e-mail address that is provided is provided the email cover page of electronic version.This email cover page comprises only to the effective specific Fax number of purpose on probation.For example, this specific Fax number only can be used for the facsimile transmission of limited number of time number.When user on probation was provided by the service that is provided by system 5, the Email that is sent by user on probation comprised that equally above-mentioned permission take over party attempts the link of this service.

In step 58, Email (having advertisement) for example uses smtp protocol to be sent to predetermined recipient by the Internet, and sends as the annex (for example gif file) of the standard format that can check on most platforms.

Replace in the exemplary embodiment at one, be sent to predetermined recipient by the Internet to the link of Email.This link is at each Email dynamic creation.More specifically, the address of this link generates at random at Email on special basis.This is in order to prevent the visit that is not authorized of Email.Predetermined recipient can be clicked this link subsequently to retrieve and to check Email.

Can be randomly, at the predetermined recipient clickthrough and when checking Email, a receipt is generated and is forwarded to transmit leg and received this Email with the take over party that confirms a reservation.

Can randomly when link is used for by the access to the Internet Email, provide a security mechanism that only allows predetermined recipient to the visit that is authorized of Email.Fig. 9 is the process flow diagram that the exemplary operation of this security mechanism is shown.As shown in Figure 9, when the user received a link, 90, s/he was clicked this link with request visit Email or fax.By clicking this link, what in fact the user got in touch is the security manager 92 of control to the visit of Email.If security manager 92 determines that the user is the take over party who is authorized, then authorize access right, and subsequently 94, security manager 92 can send this Email to the user to Email.A kind of definite user be authorized take over party's mode be security manager 92 at first verified users whether to security manager 92 logins.If to security manager 92 logins, then can use by certain voucher that is associated with this user for the user.These vouchers can comprise for example related with user's e-mail address session id.The e-mail address of the user's that security manager 92 will retrieve based on voucher then the e-mail address and the predetermined recipient of Email is checked.If two e-mail addresses coupling, then this user is the take over party who is authorized of the Email of being asked.

On the other hand, if two e-mail addresses do not match, then the user logins effectively but is not the take over party that is authorized of the Email of asking.Subsequently, in 96 security managers, 92 invoke error processor routines 98.100, error handler routine 98 is notified the user access denied to the request Email, because the user is not the take over party who is authorized.Can be randomly, 102, error handler routine 98 writes down unaccepted request for file and/or security purpose.

If the user is not to security manager 92 logins, then 104, security manager 92 prompting users login.In order to login, 106, the user submits the e-mail address and the password of s/he to.This password provides when security manager 92 is registered the user.If what user's e-mail address and the password that is provided and security manager 92 were preserved is complementary,, thinks that the user has logined and transmit such as vouchers such as session ids to the user then 108.In case the user has voucher, then repeat aforesaid process to determine whether the user is the take over party who is authorized.

If to security manager 92 registrations, promptly the user does not have the password that is associated with the e-mail address of s/he to the user, then point out the user to security manager 92 registrations.In order to register to security manager 92,110, the user provides the e-mail address of s/he.When receiving this e-mail address, security manager 92 generates the password that links with this e-mail address, and 112, transmits this password to the user.Security manager 92 is also created an account for quoting in the future for the user.

At last, in step 59, confirm and instruction page that for confirming that purpose sends to the user this is confirmed and instruction page may be in conjunction with aforesaid advertisement.For example, confirm and instruction page can send to the user with the Fax number form whether available affirmation is faxed of acknowledged by POTS; Similarly, affirmation and instruction page can also be with confirming Email or sending to the user as its part.

Replace in the exemplary embodiment at one, affirmation and instruction page also can be sent to other e-mail address.For example, if the fax that is sent relates to corporate business, then the affirmation copy of the Email that can will generate from this fax for storage or file purpose is forwarded to the file of company or stores facility.In one example, the user can specify by the explanation of certain accounts in the field and file or the storage facility.For example, transmission can comprise the CC field entries of " 03111995@webpost.com ".In this example, " 03111995 " expression account number, and " webpost.com " expression sends the server that can be sent to.In addition, in this example, CC and/or BCC field entries comprise " moldreport.pdf ".In this example, send the name storage of annex with " moldreport.pdf ", " webpost.com " that be used for being stored in account number " 03111995 " locates.Custom fields to the explanation of these class data is disclosed among Figure 11.According to this disclosure, those of ordinary skills can imagine and many other embodiment of the present invention.

At this moment, be shown as being distributed on a plurality of servers although should emphasize the software module of the software architecture of Fig. 5, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that all software modules can resident individual server on or reside on other the different server shown in the embodiment with Fig. 5.

Replace in the exemplary embodiment at one, the user can with the system interaction of each embodiment of the present invention, with from any independently facsimile recorder to any other independently facsimile recorder send fax.For this reason, the user for example obtains " Fax number page or leaf " similarly with the above acquisition of describing relatively with step 40 and 42 " email cover page ".Then, the user for example is scheduled to the Fax number of facsimile reception side with the machine readable format input of hand-written form or printing, then as described in above-mentioned step 44 and 46 to the city of selected POP10 number send a fax (perhaps, input) similarly, as described above based on each use payment fee-based number.Receive when fax at selected POP10, Fax number is extracted and the electronic image and the above step 48 and 50 of this fax are formatted into the email message of complying with MIME by fax-E-mail gateway 64 similarly subsequently.Then, e-mail server 26 is sent to Email-fax gateway 66 with the MIME image, and it can reside on the different POP10, and wherein Email-fax gateway 66 becomes the MIME image transitions file (for example PostScript) of text formatting.Then, PostScript presents engine 96 and is used for the file of text form is rasterized into the bitmap images of facsimile coding.And last, spread out of fax automatic spool 68 and receive the bitmap images of this facsimile coding and send it to predetermined facsimile reception side.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, webpage can be downloaded by fax.In this embodiment, provide aforesaid " email cover page " to the user.This email cover page is provided for importing the designator that the alphabetical frame (its for example available normal handwritten form input or print with machine readable format) of required network address and certain user can be used for asking wanting from the user a plurality of pages of the network address downloaded.For example a kind of designator on the front cover can be a series of bubble frames that are positioned at the front cover pre-position.

Referring now to Fig. 7,, shown in it according to the network operation center (NOC) 8 of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.NOC8 plays the function of general headquarters of system and is configured to and communicates by letter with reference to all POP10 shown in Figure 1 and described.NOC8 comprises: be coupling in the Internet couple in router and firewall component (ip router) 82 between the Internet by for example T1 channel service unit (CSU) 84 and Ethernet switch 86 (with the data rate of for example 100Mbps); By for example Private Branch Exchange (PBX) 90 of B-1 circuit and telephone network coupling; And interactive voice response (IVR) unit 92 of PBX90 coupling and be coupling in computing machine-phone integrated (CTI) server 94 between IVR unit 92 and the Ethernet switch 86.Also with Ethernet switch 86 coupling be NOC statistical server 96; NOC advertisement statistics server 98; NOC workstation1 00; And management/development station 102.

In each embodiment, at the tangible store memory storage of NOC8 and object computer code to realize function as herein described.In addition, tangible storer can be used for storing the data of other type described in facsimile transmission, format converter, status data, optical character engine, advertisement engine, operating system and the present patent application.In each embodiment, tangible medium can comprise such as magnetic media such as floppy disk, hard disk drive, the network storage equipment and removable hard disks; Such as optical storage mediums such as CD-ROM, DVD, holographic memory and bar codes; Such as semiconductor memories such as flash memory, ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) and battery backed volatile memory etc.

NOC advertisement statistics server 98 is stored the transmission number of times, spectators of for example advertisement to the number of times of the positive response of advertisement, send a side's of advertisement the statisticss relevant with advertizer's advertisement such as qualitative measure to it, and it can be used the advertizer.

NOC management/development those users' of signing in to web server 88 the effect of helpdesk that stands to, and allow the supplier of system to develop for example improves the functional of website that web server 88 provided.

IVR unit 92 allow users use above-mentioned when being used to start fax-email process the free access code of employed identical 1-800 dial in NOC by PBX90.IVR92 provides voice suggestion to the user, and the user can use telephone keypad to respond this prompting.Prompting can relate to for example user instruction, perhaps can allow the user from the Internet download message, for example stock quotation, weather forecast, travel information etc.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the user can sign in to Web server from for example computer workstation 4 (see figure 1)s, then will be from the facsimile transmission of Email to any independently facsimile recorder.Example process that is used to realize this shown in Fig. 8 A.

In step 110, after the user signed in to web server 88 (see figure 7)s, the user was to web server 88 send Emails.Then, in step 112, web server 88 is caught and storage user's e-mail address and the Fax number that the user wants to send to it fax.This information is by the e-mail server 26 of the Internet relay to (preferably) that be associated with this Fax number nearest POP10.As shown in Figure 5, each e-mail server 26 comprises the Mail Transfer Agent 39 of acceptance from the Email of NOC8.Then, Email-fax gateway 66 is used for converting email message to the PostScript text.

In step 114, front page keymake 74 generates and returns the fax page or leaf, and returns in the fax page or leaf in step 116 retrieve advertisements and this advertisement is attached to from advertisement/statistical server 24.Preferably, advertisement is a target with the position of facsimile reception side particularly.System 5 is according to the prefix code and/or the area code of take over party's Fax number, by with these numbers be stored in advertisement/statistical server 24 in prefix code and/or the area code position of comparing to determine facsimile reception side.In case adjacent domain is identified, then advertisement is determined target based on the demographic data characteristic (for example average income grade) of take over party's adjacent domain.In an alternative embodiment, return fax page or leaf and comprise electronic commerce context, wherein provide " check box " to facsimile reception side returning on the fax page or leaf, the user can select this check box to indicate further interest to the particular advertisement offer.

Returning after fax page or leaf write, it and switched facsimile signal are presented the bitmap images that engine 76 is rasterized into facsimile coding by PostScript, be sent to the facsimile modulation/demodulation storehouse 20 of POP10 then, wherein spread out of fax automatic spool 68 and be used for the fax of rasterisation and return the fax page or leaf being stored in and sending after being used on the local disk drive.

In step 118, faxing and returning the fax page or leaf is sent to facsimile reception side by POTS.

Referring now to Fig. 8 B,, in step 120, receiving fax and returning when page or leaf fax, facsimile reception side uses and returns the fax page or leaf and reply fax and send this answers in step 122 and fax.

In step 124, front page keymake 74 usefulness of advertisement/statistical server 24 generate the affirmation page or leaf that comprises second advertisement, and this affirmation page or leaf is sent out the true page or leaf of return passback user in step 126 then.Step 124 and 126 is followed basically with reference to the step 54 of fax-email process of Fig. 3 B and 59.

The advertisement funded aspect of the system and method for each embodiment of the present invention also allow the user freely from any independently facsimile recorder to any other independently facsimile recorder send fax, thereby avoided the toll charge of usually any long-distance facsimile transmission being collected.In order to realize it, the user only need dial free (1-800) access code as described above to obtain the local number of POP10.Local POP10 responds by return a city number to telefax then.Carry out then as in conjunction with the described step 44 of Fig. 3 B to 48, then carry out as before in conjunction with the described step 110 of Fig. 8 A to 118.Only be on front cover, to provide the alphabetical frame of fax address and the OCR ability that is provided for extracting the fax address with the difference of said process.

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, NOC8 comprises the local data base (not shown in Figure 7) of the e-mail address book that is configured to store the frequentation user.The user can sign in to web server 88, uploads address book and with nickname or true name be associated with each e-mail address (for example " JohnDoe " being associated with john_doe@generic.com).Like this, the user just can come from any independent facsimile recorder send Email by the alphabetical frame (as described in previous Fig. 3 B relatively) that the nickname or the true name of predetermined recipient are inserted email cover page subsequently simply.

At last, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, provide " dynamic print advertisement " service, take this web server 88 that the advertizer can sign in to NOC8, open an account, create advertisement and customize them based on the people information of appointment to the advertizer.

Aforesaid each embodiment of the present invention can use in many different application.Figure 10 is the simplified block diagram that illustrates according to an exemplary application of the present invention.As shown in Figure 10, user 200 uses aforesaid system 5 document of faxing.The serviced device of the document of being faxed 202 receive and put into processing queue with etc. pending.When the document of being faxed was processed, the Email that generates based on the fax document is forwarded to complied with/authorizes official 204.Available multiple distinct methods with email delivery to complying with/authorize official 204; But preferably, send Email by security website or Virtual Private Network.In this application-specific, comply with/authorize official 204 and check e-mails to determine whether it is allowed to be sent to its predetermined recipient.At inspected after the Email, comply with/authorize official 204 its allowance/refusal relaying is returned server 202 to treat further action.If permit, then server 202 is transmitted this Email to predetermined recipient.Can be randomly, the affirmations that can transmit sending to user 200.On the other hand, if refuse, then server 202 prevents the action that this Email is sent to predetermined recipient and takes to user notification.Based on disclosure provided herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will know other method and/or the mode of using each embodiment of the present invention.

Replace in the exemplary embodiment at one, system 5 can handle the input with dissimilar electronic formats.For example, the user can select at first to use scanner that file scanning is become scan image, replaces the user to send document by facsimile recorder.The scan image of document is forwarded to Fax Server 22 then.Depend on the scanning technique that is used to produce scan image, Fax Server 22 is correspondingly changed scan image for aforesaid processing.Based on disclosure provided herein and instruction, those of ordinary skill in the art can realize each embodiment of the present invention, has the input of dissimilar electronic formats with processing.

As mentioned above, each embodiment allows the user to send fax or other electronic communication from independent facsimile recorder, scanner etc.Based on the data that figure ground on fax or other electronic communication comprises, fax or other electronic communication are routed to suitable destination.For example, communication can be routed to email INBOX.

Novel template front cover

Figure 11 illustrates can be by an example of the randomly digitized novel page template of facsimile recorder (front cover).In each embodiment, the fax page template is from passing through Adobe Reader ^TMObtain in the Adobe.pdf Doctype of opening.In each embodiment, the fax page template comprises " filling in " ability that can allow the user information to be keyed in this page.As illustrating that in depth the user can import various data and can carry out multinomial function selecting for transmission destination in page template following.

In other embodiments of the invention, page template can obtain from other source.In one example, can send in response to aforesaid wherein user imports data on the web list list and obtain page template based on web.In this example, when the user finished the key entry data, the web server provided or preserves electronically the digitized representations of filling in page template that she can print to the user.In an alternative embodiment, for the purpose of safety and clearing, the page template of having filled in can be sent to the e-mail address of FROM transmit leg.In this class embodiment, whether the e-mail address of sender before sending the page template of having filled in such as web server is authorized to receive this page template.

In off-line embodiment, the grand plug-in card program that page template can be produced from the office such as prompting user's input informations such as Word, Excel is obtained.In these examples, behind user input data, data are filled field automatically in document.Then, printablely go out document, in computing machine, " Print to File " etc.

In the embodiment of Figure 11, a plurality of fields are shown.In other embodiments, more or less field can be used for page template.In Figure 11, page template 400 comprises: to (arriving) field 410; Carbon copy field 420; The close field 430 of sending; From (from) field 440; Subject (theme) field 450, filename description field 460, custom fields 470 and 480 and notes (note) field 490.

As following ground will be described, field 410 to 480 generally includes the mankind and machine-readable data, and optical font identification (OCR) technology can send the destination with the e-mail address of determining transmit leg for example, cc (making a copy for) take over party, take over party, Fax number, other destination etc. to these data manipulations.If the OCR technology provides indefinite result, then operating personnel can check that the data that are input in these fields are to attempt determining predetermined e-mail address etc.In each embodiment, operating personnel also can provide about sending the feedback of quality to transmit leg, and for example the scanning of a surface of scanner or facsimile recorder is dirtier etc.

Importantly, for checking the operating personnel when the sending direction take over party sends, the data in any page or leaf after comment field 490 and the page template 400 all are inaccessibles.These class data are kept on the typical send server with encrypted form.Therefore, in the comment field 490 and document in any private data all be safe and can not or use by operating personnel's visit.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, when the page template 400 serviced devices of having filled in receive, from original transmission, extract the image (and bar code 590 and 600 as described below) of field 410 to 480.Then, use the OCR technology to come recognition image to attempt identification route data (for example, e-mail address, Fax number, data layout etc.).After the data from field 410 to 480 were identified and are used to send purpose, these data can be dropped, and can be used to write down purpose etc.Any other data outside the specified portions of the removing template page or leaf 400 that exists in the original transmission are all not visible, and transmission is held safety and secret.In addition, after original transmission had been converted and has been sent to suitable destination, original transmission and issued transmission were deleted and irrecoverable.As mentioned above and as further described below, some embodiment can allow to comply with official and waits and before transmission is issued it is checked.

As shown in Figure 11, various function choosing-items are provided in page template 400, have comprised: the option 500 that is used to make the data inserted to search for, be used for the option 510 that electronics files is carried out in transmission, be used to start the option 520 of the proof procedure of the visit of sending or sending that is added with time mark, be used to provide the option 530 of ELECTRONIC POSTMARK receipt, be used for transmission is stamped the option 540 of digital watermarking, be used for the option 550 and 560 that two-sided document sends, be used for such as To field 410, carbon copy field 420, the close field 430 of sending, whether indication handwritten form data should have precedence over the option 570 of any machine recognition data on the fields such as from field.

In each embodiment, in the time of can searching for (option 500) when the data of inserting are selected to, but optical character recognition can be used for converting the digitized representations of document to search text (for example ascii character) and figure.The OCR engine of other type can be used for discerning the character such as other written languages such as Chinese character, Japanese ideogram character, Korean phonetic characters, Hebrew character, Arabic characters.In one embodiment, as mentioned above, can provide based on the text of discerning text to the take over party.In another embodiment, be converted at document under the situation of .pdf form, the text of being discerned is stored as the part of this .pdf file, yet is invisible to the user usually.On the contrary, the user checks the digitized representations of document usually.In certain embodiments, as described below, search for search text but can wait for file purpose, advertising goal.

In the digitized representations of document of the present invention will be stored in other embodiment in electronic data archives, the data warehouse etc., the text that can search for can be used for the document index of digitized representations in the data archive system.Subsequently, can in data archival, identify the document based on index terms.For example, the literal that is identified from document repeatedly by OCR can be used as key word.For example, the transmission that comprises the digitized representations of family's loan application can be associated with key word " family's loan " and/or " family's loan application ".In this class example, the transmission that is received can convert to such as another kind of forms such as .PDF forms from for example facsimile format, and the .PDF format file can be stored in the file management system under key word " family's loan " and/or " family's loan application ".In other embodiments, employed key word can manually be specified by the transmit leg that sends.For example, the user specifies the key word that is used for optical character identification in Subject (theme) field 450, custom (customization) field 470 and 480, Notes (note) field 490 etc.

In other embodiments of the invention, when the digitized representations of document is stored in electronic data archives, the data warehouse etc., can in Subject field 450, filename (filename) field 460, custom field 470 and 480, Notes field 490, TO field, CC field 120, BCC field 130, FROM field 140 etc., provide the filename and location of these archives.As an example, the user can specify archive server or storage facility by specify a certain accounts in a field.For example, transmission can comprise TO field 410 clauses and subclauses of " 09101960@webpost.com ".In this example, " 09101960 " expression user's account number etc., and " webpost.com " expression sends the server that may send to.In addition, in this example, filename field 460, CC field 120 etc. comprises " Lawrence Wells FargoStatements.pdf ".In this example, send annex subsequently with the name storage of " Lawrence Wells FargoStatements.pdf ", " webpost.com " that be used to be stored in account number " 09101960 " locates.In each embodiment, NOC8, pop server 10 etc. can be used for the host-host protocol such as any amount such as FTP, security protocols document is delivered to the expectation place.According to this disclosure, those of ordinary skills can imagine and many other embodiment of the present invention.

Also illustrate among Figure 11 and send to follow the tracks of numbers 580.In addition, on the different directions on the template 400, reach the diverse location place bar code 590 and 600 are shown.In certain embodiments, send to follow the tracks of numbers 580 and bar code 590 and 600 at Adobe Reader ^TMMiddle generation also is implemented as plug-in card program.Below will provide further details.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, can on page template, provide field and the option that lacks than above all fields and option.For example, in one embodiment, only support to field 410 and from field 440, and in another embodiment, on page template, comprise To field 410, from field 440 and subject field 450, or the like.

The record keeping problem

At some embodiment that page template of the present invention is used for faxing, the Fax number of listing on the page template 400 of dialling in is associated with a particular organization.Therefore, can be based on the record keeping of following the tracks of to the traffic of dialling in the Fax number transmission this tissue.In other embodiments, record keeping can be based on the transmission Fax number of transmit leg.In these cases, a plurality of transmission Fax numbers can be associated with a particular organization, and when sending one of Fax numbers from these and receive faxes, can return the bill of this use by send server 5 to particular organization.

Some embodiment of the present invention can be presented as common information station facsimile recorder etc.These information stations can be on the airport, library, hotel, conference centre etc. locate to find.In these embodiments, can provide magnetic strip reader, intellignet card fetch, keypad or keyboard, coin or bank note coin slot, the biologicall test input equipment etc. that allow the user that service is paid.For example, for paying, the user can brush credit card and import the bill-mailing postcode; The user can brush bank card or debit card and input password; The user can use smart card and input password or use other safe Stored Value or credit card or token; The user can insert notes here or coin etc.After customer documentation is scanned etc., and only after having carried out suitable payment, the system 5 that the information station machine just can be sent to the document that is scanned among Fig. 1 is used to carry out aforesaid processing.

In each embodiment, take to send the action of a transmission, transmit leg to agree that (by contract, deposit etc.) serve this transmissions by transmit leg and leave bill by the foregoing description.In this class situation, on the template front cover, clearly illustrated to be used for this object language.In another embodiment, can require transmit leg at the pre-position of template front cover signature, otherwise transmission will be provided.The suitable optical detective technology that can comprise the signature that is used to detect and write down transmit leg in the send server 5.In some cases, if signature is omitted, then can be to FROM: e-mail address sends the Email of this problem of indication.Imagination does not provide the digitized representations of document to prevent swindle in this class example.In the embodiment that requires to sign, can on the template front cover, clearly state suitable contract language in the signature line next door.

Agree the embodiment that leaves bill is served in transmission according to above-mentioned user, any amount of method can be used for paying bill, such as passing through directly to keep accounts, pass through third party's payments mechanism etc.

In certain embodiments, to the tracking of service and/or keep accounts based on the transmission telephone number of transmit leg.In this class situation, but the common Fax number of transmit leg incoming call and send server 5 couplings, free code (for example 800,888) etc.In these embodiments, the transmission telephone number of transmit leg is known and offers send server 5 by ANI (ANI) service etc.In some cases, the telephone number of transmit leg can with have the particular organization of direct record keeping relation to be associated with send server 5.Therefore, can directly leave the bill of service to particular organization.

In certain embodiments, the transmit leg telephone number is not associated with particular organization, and the template front cover comprises the language of this transmission of transmit leg agreement payment.In each embodiment, the language on the template front cover can be specified and how be kept accounts to sending.In one embodiment, the user agrees this bill of local call bill payment by the transmit leg exhalation.These mechanism are called " the unofficial record keeping " in telephone industry.In another embodiment, the user agrees have account's ISP to pay bill by them.These data can be from the FROM shown in Figure 10: data field etc. are obtained.For example, if FROM: field 440 is specified: " CarolineCL@Earthlink.net ", then ISP " Earthlink " can leave bill to her by the account of calculating monthly of transmit leg.

In each embodiment, in order to reduce the possibility of swindle, can be to FROM: transmit leg sends checking and sends and sent and will leave the Email of the bill of this transmission to ISP.Each embodiment also can require FROM: transmit leg is to TO: confirm to send by email message before the take over party provides and sends.In other embodiments, transmit leg can be by paying transmission such as on-line payment systems such as PayPal, Visa or other payment system.Then, in case PayPal, Visa untill further notice send server 5 have received payment, then can provide transmission.

In each embodiment, can on page template, provide additional data field or the option inserted so that the user can import charging information data or third party's charging information mechanism.For example, in each embodiment, the user can import Federal Express (Federal Express), UPS, account number, PayPal or other electronic payment data such as US Postal Service (United States Post Office business), DHL, Visa/MasterCard/Discover number or other credit card related data, prepaid telephone call card account information, stored value card, check, deposit or loan account number, bill call number etc.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, can realize " collect on delivery " (COD) type payments mechanism.In this class situation, transmit leg can be to take over party's send Email, and the take over party receives the email notification of waiting for them from the transmission of send server 5.In order to obtain this transmission, the take over party can use for example aforesaid such as any suitable payments mechanisms such as direct record keeping, third party's record keeping.These embodiment expection is useful to business visitor etc.As an example, people can fax to the copy of document her family office on the road.Subsequently, when she came back home, she opened the email notification from send server 5, taked suitable action (account number and password for example are provided), obtained the copy of transmission then.Various embodiment comprise

As previously mentioned, some embodiment is based on advertizer's patronage.These embodiment are based on sending data.For example, the embodiment that describes in detail more than comprises the target of coming to determine from geography relevant advertisements based on the area code with the phone of distribution of machine (for example facsimile recorder, computing machine) coupling.Another embodiment is based on according to determining the theme relevant advertisements from the data that send optical character identification.

Figure 13 illustrates process flow diagram according to an embodiment of the invention.More specifically, Figure 13 comprise among Fig. 3 B step 54 and 56 and/or Fig. 8 A and/or 8B in step 116 and other details of 124.

During beginning, by the digitized representations (step 300) of optical character identification (OCR) engine deal with data (for example document).In each embodiment, the data that in this step, obtain (for example text) also can be used for filing purpose, document index purpose, text search purpose, comply with purpose or above-mentioned other purpose.Therefore, in fact this step can be or can not be step 54, a part of 56 etc.In certain embodiments, the OCR engine can comprise automated spelling check program/spelling correction function.As a result, the literal that identifies in document is more likely correctly spelt.In each embodiment, the image of document can be modified to indication text that OCR caught and spell incorrect part, and OCR can not the identification character part etc.

In each embodiment of the present invention, the character that identifies in the document is then by correlation engine (step 310).Imagine this correlation engine can analyze and handle the literal that identifies in the document with from semantically determine the document be about and so on, or " association " of document.In other words, processing engine attempts determining the theme of document.As first example, if literal " loan ", " entitlement " and " automobile " often appear in the document together, then correlation engine can be made the conclusion that the document relates to loan for purchasing car; As second example, if literal " loan ", " entitlement " and " property right " often appear in the document together, then correlation engine can be made the conclusion that the document relates to mortgage loan; As the 3rd example, if literal " loan ", " entitlement " and " property right " occur not together, but often appear in the document, and speech " peasant " and " fertilizer " often appearance, then association/advertisement engine/server can be made the conclusion that the document relates to agricultural; Or the like.

In each embodiment, (key) word that identifies from document can pass to association/Advertisement Server from the OCR process.For example, in certain embodiments, the key word that passes to such as association/Advertisement Servers such as Google, Yahoo, e-Bay, MSN, A9, Lycos, AskJeeves, AOL is a set of keyword etc.Further, and one or more links that are based on this key word of returning from Google etc., advertisement, message, commodity inventory, statement of auction, Search Results, medium etc.Therefore, as imagining, can in each embodiment of the present invention, provide Search Results in response to these and other type of key word.

In certain embodiments, the operating personnel of association/Advertisement Server (for example Google) do not know this search is from whom.In these embodiments, privacy of user thereby obtain safeguarding.In other embodiments, the user can identify themselves to association/Advertisement Server voluntarily.For example, the user can comprise the trace information that can identify such as association/advertisement engines such as user names.For example, when the user at FROM:CC: list their specific email address in the field or during user name, user name/e-mail address etc. can be passed to such as correlation engines such as A9.com, Google.com, Yahoo.com.In response, correlation engine not only provides one or more advertisements, also keeps this search for user's interests, A9 for example, Google desktop etc.

In each embodiment of the present invention, any amount of semantic parsing, association/advertisement engine etc. can be used for carrying out above-mentioned analysis. , the dedicated engine used such as MicrosoftSearch, Google and Google Search, Excite, AskJeeves.As everyone knows, these engines can determine to be used to represent such as one or more crucial search words etc. the rhythm structure (metrics) of document.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, send server 5 is based on the suitable advertisement of being determined to be included in by the definite document rhythm structure of correlation engine in the document transmission (step 320).Continue above-mentioned example, can be first document identification about car insurance, auto-parts, wash the advertisement of vapour coupons etc.; Can be of the advertisement of second document identification about resettlement company, cleaning service etc.; And can be the 3rd document identification about advertisements such as weather, farm equipments.Therefore, selected advertisement usually and the theme height correlation of document.

In each embodiment of the present invention, selected one or more advertisements are sent to the transmit leg (step 330) of document as mentioned above.In each embodiment, advertisement can be presented the fax that returns as shown in Fig. 6 A; Advertisement can be presented in the main body of return electron email message; Advertisement can be included in the e-mail attachment; Or the like.In each embodiment, but also can comprise one or more user's clickthroughs or hypertext link.In each example, advertisement can be service mark, the advertisement of title type, watermark, patronage department mark, frame etc.

In each embodiment, advance the interpolation of type advertisement by the point that is attached to email message, can obtain income.For example, income can advance number of times based on the number of times that creates an impression, point, because of putting the number of times that into causes purchase and amount or the like.These incomes can be used for subsidizing service, improve income etc.

In each embodiment of the present invention, selected one or more advertisements can also be sent to such as FROM: and CC: take over party's (step 340) of documents such as take over party.In each embodiment, advertisement can be presented in the fax that is sent; Advertisement can be presented in the email message; Advertisement can be included in the e-mail attachment; Or the like.With above similar ground, in each embodiment, but also can comprise one or more user's clickthroughs or hypertext link.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, after one or more advertisements are provided, new data (step 350) more in advertisement statistics server 98 usually.

Two-sided source document and big source document send

Most of facsimile recorders and scanner have the document that digitizing is only printed, the i.e. ability of single face document on a facial tissue.Yet sending two-sided document from this class facsimile recorder or scanner is a challenge.In first sends, only send even number or odd number page or leaf when a kind of method that sends two-sided document is beginning, in second sends, send remaining even number or odd number page or leaf then.

A problem of this solution is must manually make up these transmissions by the take over party at receiving end.In other words, the take over party has and follows the tracks of two independent transmissions, and arrangement and staggeredly insert these and send page or leaf separately and make the burden of the task that the page or leaf of source document is arranged with correct order.In an example, first sends and can comprise recto 1,3,5,9 etc. and second send and can comprise verso 2,4,6,8 etc.When receiving first and second when sending, the order that the take over party must manually make up feasible page of these two transmissions are: 1,2,3,4 etc.This is very consuming time, particularly for big transmission.In addition, because it needs two or more independent transmissions, probably be delayed, lose or route mistakenly so one of send, particularly under busy office environment.

The another kind of method that sends two-sided document be transmit leg at first with two-sided document copying to the single face paper, then the single face copy is faxed to the take over party.

The problem of this solution is that it needs transmit leg to make the independent copy of document.For example, transmit leg must be manually made the single face copy of two-sided page or leaf on duplicating machine, and perhaps must use can be with paper feeder with the duplicating machine of two-sided document copying to the single face paper for transmit leg.Yet,, not be used in the family office so they only are used in office environment usually to occur because buy or to rent the paper feeder duplicating machine all very expensive.Therefore, most of users must manually make the single face copy.Other shortcoming only comprises for sending (for example fax) purpose makes the independent single face version of document and wastes very much paper resource and waste duplicating machine resource.

Have only fraction facsimile recorder and scanner to have the ability of the two-sided document of digitizing now.The paper feeder of this class facsimile recorder and scanner is all very expensive usually, so these class paper feeder great majority are used for office environment and not be used in the family office.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the inventor has proposed not send the new method from the document of two-sided source document with having above-mentioned shortcoming.

In one embodiment, use the system described in the application that quotes, the user uses AdobeReader ^TMOr Acrobat ^TMSoftware or other suitable software (for example Word, PowerPoint) are opened the copy of page template (.pdf file).In response, open and show page template shown in Figure 11 to the user.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the user has them to wish the two-sided document that sends.For this reason, the user at first inserts suitable data field 410 to 490.Then, the user manually selects option 550 on fax page template 400, and prints the page template of filling in when ready.Front cover after this fills in places (for example front of two-sided document) on the recto as homepage subsequently.The page or leaf of combination is sent to send server subsequently as described above.In response, send server similarly, as described above acknowledges receipt of this first transmission with replying fax, email message etc.

In existing embodiment, when page template still at Adobe Reader ^TMWhen opening in the software, the user manually chooses the option 560 on the page template 400 subsequently.Like this, option 550 is by cancellation is selected automatically.In each embodiment, the user is printed the copy of the page template of being filled in subsequently at the residue verso.Then, the front cover after this fills in is used as homepage and places (for example back side of two-sided document) on the verso.The page or leaf of combination is sent (for example fax) subsequently as described above to send server.In response, send server similarly, as described above acknowledges receipt of this second transmission with replying fax, email message etc.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, recto sends and can send before or after verso sends.In these embodiments, suppose that recto sends first page that comprises source document.In other embodiments, suppose that first sends first page that comprises source document.

In other embodiments of the invention, when option 550 or option 560 are selected, generate two independent front covers for the user automatically: front cover is used for recto and sends a front cover and be used for verso and send.In one embodiment, a front cover has the option of having chosen 550, and another front cover has the option of having chosen 560.In alternative embodiment, print two substantially similar front covers, and the user manually selects option 550 or option 560.In each embodiment, the user is manually printed each front cover, and in other embodiments, prints this to front cover in response to the unique user print command.

In other embodiments, can provide single option rather than option 550 and option 560, will fill in option as what two independent facsimile transmission sent as the document of indication fax in the fax page template.As mentioned above, can generate two independent front covers automatically is used for when this single option is selected for user's printing and as front cover.In each embodiment, the data of most of user's inputs will be identical for two independent front covers, yet in order to distinguish these front covers, which front cover what can comprise any kind on front cover indicates be used for verso and which front cover is used for the visual notice or the designator of recto to the user.For example, literal " first " can be imprinted in the ad-hoc location on first front cover, and literal " second " can be imprinted on the same position or diverse location on second front cover, or the like.In each embodiment, first front cover may look very different with second front cover.For example, first cover page can manifest.

In specific examples of the present invention, Fax Server is received faxes and is sent and determine that in response to the data on first front cover this transmission is the first half that sends.In each embodiment, it is selected that Fax Server " reads " option 550; Fax Server " reads " text, such as " first (first) " on the front cover; In the pre-position care mark; Or the like.After receiving facsimile transmission, Fax Server will can not send this transmission from the TO e-mail address (or destination) that trend is discerned, unless be requested so to do.In each embodiment, Fax Server is indicated the success to first facsimile transmission of FROM e-mail address automatically.In each embodiment, Fax Server is stored this facsimile transmission and is waited for second facsimile transmission.

Then, in these examples of the present invention, Fax Server then receives second facsimile transmission, and determine this transmission be send back half.This can by Fax Server based on such as TO, FROM, SUBJECT field, identical padding data such as follow the tracks of number and determine.This also can by Fax Server based on second front cover such as identify option 560 selected, identify such as the data such as " second (second) " on the front cover and determine.After receiving second facsimile transmission, Fax Server will can not send this transmission from the TO e-mail address (or destination) that trend is discerned, unless be requested so to do, confirm yet can send to the FROM e-mail address.Time window restriction also can be used for making among each embodiment mail to two uncorrelated documents of identical take over party from same sender can be not mixed between being not intended to.Example time window can be 24 hours etc.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, be received in case send server is determined a pair of transmission (for example verso sends and recto sends), then send server is combined into single transmission with these transmissions.In above-mentioned example, Fax Server will intert from the recto of first document that sends and from the verso of second document that sends is staggered automatically.Therefore, the document after the combination comprises single (or two) front cover is first page of two-sided source document, second page of two-sided source document, the 3rd page of two-sided source document or the like then.

In each embodiment, the available subsequently required file layout of the document after the combination is preserved.For example, the document after the combination can be used as single multipage Adobe.pdf preservation.In each embodiment, the document after the combination then is sent to TO e-mail address (or destination), and to the take over party that makes a copy for, normally to the suitable copy (if any) of FROM e-mail address transmission.

In other embodiments, imagined other method that is used to make up from the data of a plurality of transmissions.For example, needn't the interlock fully insertion or must not interlock of the page or leaf of a plurality of transmissions and can be specified the order of a plurality of transmissions in another example.These embodiment source document may be oversize and can not as single send when sending useful.As an example, first sends the part 1, the second that can comprise 500 pages of articles sends the part 3 that can comprise this article, and the 3rd transmission can comprise the part 2 of this article.In these embodiments, the user may be prompted the transmission number of incoming source document on page template.In response, can be corresponding transmission and generate these page numbers automatically as front cover.Based on the data on the front cover etc., reception server (for example facsimile recorder) can identify and how reconfigure this many parts and send.For example, which transmission front cover is indicated should be first successively and is sent, and which transmission should be second and sends and which transmission should be the 3rd transmission.

In another embodiment of the present invention, except the front cover that many parts of automatic generation send, also can generate " chapters and sections divisions " page.These chapters and sections are divided page or leaf and be can be used for indicating the place that has logical partitioning in the single transmission.As mentioned above, these logical partitionings can be used for indicating how to rebuild many parts transmission in Fax Server.For example, first sends 1,3 and 4 chapters and sections (using chapters and sections to divide page or leaf) that can comprise book, and second transmission can comprise 2,5 and 6 chapters and sections (using chapters and sections to divide page or leaf equally) of book.In each embodiment, the user can indicate " chapters and sections " that how to reconfigure transmission by the mark that front cover or chapters and sections are divided on the page or leaf.About these marks, in an example, Fax Server is with all transmission combinations and create the single transmission with chapters and sections 1-6 successively.In other embodiments, the present invention has imagined between all single transmissions many other methods of a plurality of pages of combinations.

According to the embodiment described in the above-mentioned application, combination sends the data file can be converted into one or more data memory formats such as data memory format such as Adobe.pdf compatibility, TIFF, JPEG, BMP, X-Docs, XML .GIFf, operating system dedicated data stores form, operating system independent subsequently.

Then, based on from front cover " identification " data, send server (for example Fax Server) is determined the transmission information of this data file.In each embodiment, as mentioned above, transmission information can comprise that take over party's e-mail address, socket, the take over party of server on computer network are used for clicking hyperlink with the visit data file, take over party's account number etc. thereon.In certain embodiments of the present invention, send server is that data file is determined the suitable network host-host protocol based on routing iinformation also.In above-mentioned each embodiment, when routing iinformation was e-mail address, the network transmission protocol was SMTP.In other embodiments, can use the network transmission protocol of other types such as comprising HTTPS, FTP, HTTP.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, can on cover page, provide and follow the tracks of numbers 580.Following the tracks of numbers 580 can be when the user be printed page template after filling in, maybe generation when sending take over party/server and receive page template etc.In each embodiment, follow the tracks of on number 580 page templates that can be reproduced in after filling in, in confirming Email, be sent to transmit leg or take over party etc.In each embodiment, follow the tracks of numbers 580 and in fact can comprise any alphanumeric character etc.

In each embodiment, following the tracks of number can be based on the data of being filled in by the user, based on user data, based on time and date, media access controller (MAC) address etc.In each embodiment,, can dream up hash or be used to generate other method of unique tracking number based on these data.

In the operation of specific embodiment, follow the tracks of number if in the transmit leg system, distributed, then receive when sending (for example facsimile transmission) when send server (for example Fax Server), send server execution optical character identification is to discern this tracking number.In each embodiment, follow the tracks of number can appear at the pre-position of filling on the rear pattern plate page or leaf, or any other position.In each embodiment, follow the tracks of and number also can use the OCR technology to discern.Then, the number of tracking is associated with whole facsimile transmission.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, when send server is handled transmission, generate the record of transmit status in the indication send server.For example, in each embodiment, the storable data type of send server can comprise: the current number of pages that receives of send server (for example Fax Server), is (for example: fax received the state that sends?), the total page number that is received, the resolution (for example 400dpi) that sends, the TO that is discerned, FROM, BCC and CC e-mail address (if any), the filename of being discerned, document format data (for example: .pdf, .jpg, XML etc.), transmission is converted to the state of document format data, the network transmission protocol (for example: SMTP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP etc.), the state of transmission data file (for example: the Email that e-mail server is accepted at time x, the Email that e-mail server is return, be reported as the Email of SPAM etc.), transmission goes through or is rejected, whether the user opens the transmission of document format data, whether the user asks the data file in the certified delivery system etc.Can write down the state and the information of many other types in other embodiments of the invention.In certain embodiments, but the type of the tracking data that limit request person can use and/or quantity.

In each embodiment, the transmit leg of transmission can be by submit to following the tracks of the information of number asking about the facsimile transmission by Email, IM etc. to send server.In response, provide the status information of being asked to the requesting party.In other embodiments, in the various stages of process of transmitting, can provide status report, for example can provide Email to transmit leg with this information from the trend transmit leg.

In other embodiments of the invention, send server handle to send at it and determines to follow the tracks of when determining to send data number.The tracking that is generated number is provided for the original sender of fax subsequently.As mentioned above, transmit leg subsequently can be the time to take over party's send Email etc. based on following the tracks of number to the status information of send server request about sending.

OCR improves

The optical character identification (OCR) of human-readable data (for example handwritten form) and machine-readable data (for example: bar code, MICR font) address etc. successfully is used to discern the data of filling in that send front cover.Yet, when the OCR subsystem is difficult to discern the data of transmit leg input, can go wrong.OCR system impalpable typical cause can comprise the character of incorrect printing, the unjustified and/or fax page or leaf that has rotated, noisy transmission etc.Therefore, the inventor has recognized that needs to strengthen other method that the identification transmit leg is imported the ability of data.

In the example in Figure 11, the data of transmit leg input are shown and are illustrated in a plurality of positions of front cover to improve the OCR identifying.More specifically, as shown in Figure 11, TO field 410, Carbon copy (making a copy for) field 420, blind carbon copy (close sending) field 430, from field 440, subject field 450, filename specification field (filename specific field) 460 and custom (customization) field 470 and 480 are provided.In addition, bar code 590 and 600 are also provided.In each embodiment, bar code 590 and 600 can comprise identical data or different pieces of information.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, imagination will be after transmit leg be filled in these fields, from AdobeReader ^TMPrint template 400 in software, the office's production routine (for example Word) etc.In these embodiments, the font of the human readable character in the field 410 to 480 can be exported with the font that more helps the OCR technology such as MICRE-43B, CMC-7 etc.

Figure 12 illustrates an example of an alternative embodiment of the invention.The part of the page template 710 that prints more specifically, is shown.As shown in the figure, field 720 can comprise identical data with 730, and does not line up on page or leaf.By location field 720 out of phase and 730, the vertical stripes that often appears in the facsimile transmission often can not obscured with the same section of field 720 and 730.Therefore, but to be that two fields 720 and 730 send the chance of recognition data higher.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, before the front cover that prints after filling in, can carry out various types of syntax checks.For example, for e-mail address, can check suitable top level domain suffix (.com .net .gov .diz .org etc.) and mark when wrong existing.For example, if user's input " apple@aol.con " then can present the non-existent message of indication top level domain suffix to the user.

In addition, in other embodiments, syntax check can be based on the domain name of being imported (for example: aol.com, mit.edu).In these embodiments, can before being printed out, cover page confirm the validity of card domain name.For example, if the user imports such as domain names such as " fotmail.com ", then system can enter the Internet to carry out domain name lookup.In this example,, then can present the non-existent message of indication domain name to the user if " fotmail.com " is not resolved to a server.Perhaps, can automatically " fotmail.com " be corrected " hotmail.com ".In other embodiments, the resource of dictionary or other adopted name can become other basis of corrigendum automatically.

Also can carry out in other embodiments and check the syntax check that waits other type such as the address book of the e-mail address that will fill in field and transmit leg.In each embodiment, the syntax check function was caught possible mistake before sending document to send server.

In other embodiments of the invention, send server but not transmitting system can be carried out above-mentioned syntax check based on optical character identification result.For example, if OCR result is read as " aol.con " or " mit.com ", then there are several options to use.In certain embodiments, send server can be determined best-guess automatically based on grammer.For example, Fax Server can become " aol.con " " aol.com " and/or " mit.com " become " mit.edu ".In other example, can be formerly historical such as the correction of data such as e-mail address based on the part of transmit leg.For example, if transmit leg had before sent many transmissions to " davidcl@mid.edu ", but the OCR system identification goes out " qavidcl@mid.edu " in this sends, and then send server can be corrected it to be read as " davidcl@mid.edu " automatically.In each embodiment, the telephone number that transmit leg can be by the transmit leg incoming call waits based on the telephone number of FROM e-mail address, transmit leg facsimile recorder and to discern.In other embodiments, the e-mail address of the tissue that can be associated based on transmit leg waits automatically and corrects.

In certain embodiments, send server can be to the highlighted grammer problem of the operating personnel of send server.In response, whether this operating personnel's decidable should use the corrigendum of being advised.In each embodiment, as mentioned above, only show the address field of the user's input shown in Figure 11 to operating personnel.In addition, the remainder that comprises notes (note) field 490 on the front cover be operating personnel check less than.Equally, operating personnel can not visit any other parts of transmission, or any other page or leaf of facsimile transmission.The page template that use has additional OCR target has been considered to improve the accuracy that sends, and does not sacrifice tight security and the confidentiality that embodiments of the invention provide.

In other embodiments of the invention, can keep by send server etc. based on " address book " that formerly send of transmit leg.In having the situation of grammar mistake, send server can determine whether to exist best-guess automatically, and sends fax to this conjecture.In other embodiments, send server is replacedly exported grammar mistake to the operator.

In other embodiments, if there is grammar mistake, then send server can pass through contact transmit leg automatically such as Email, instant messaging program, and points out grammar mistake etc.In these embodiments, transmit leg can be invited by returning communication provides data through corrigendum.In certain embodiments, send server can be determined automatically to continue operation through the data of corrigendum and based on these data through corrigendum from transmit leg.In other embodiments, operating personnel can check the data through corrigendum from transmit leg, and carry out this corrigendum when appropriate.

What above-mentioned syntax check and grammar mistake report and handling also can be used for the electronic information return to the transmit leg notice sends failure mistake etc.

Additional OCR strengthens

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, bar code 590 and 600 is included in the fax page template 400.In each embodiment, bar code 590 and 600 provides the OCR except that field 410 to 490 target to send server.In an illustrated embodiment, field 410 to 490 normally human-readable with machine-readable, and bar code 590 and 600 is just machine-readable usually.

In each embodiment, the optical character identification of use text character is identified in the printable character in the field 410 to 490.In other embodiments, the other Languages text character can be by the OCR technical support at this speech like sound.In addition, use the OCR of bar code to discern bar code 590 and 600 independently usually.In certain embodiments of the present invention, before send server uses recognition data, must height degree of confidence ground coupling from three OCR target recognition data.In other embodiments, before send server uses recognition data, must mate basically by the candidate data of two identifications in three OCR targets.In further embodiments,, then can ignore the OCR target, and use field 410 to 480 if option 570 is selected.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, only comprise the subclass of the data in the field 410 to 480 for example with bar code 590 and 600 coded datas, bar code 590 and 600 can include only field 410 data and field 440 data; Include only field 410 data, field 420 data, field 440 data; Include only field 410 to 450 data; Or the like.In other embodiments, other combination or the subclass of field 410 to 480 have been imagined.In further embodiments, identical data can be encoded into bar code 590 and 600, or different pieces of information can be encoded into bar code 590 and 600.For example, in one embodiment, bar code 590 and 600 includes from the data of field 410 to 420, from the data of field 410 to 450, or the like.As additional example, bar code 590 comprises the data from field 440, but does not comprise the data from field 430, does not comprise the data from field 440 and bar code 600 comprises from the data of field 430.In data to bar code 590 or 600 were unique situation, two (for example fields 410 to 480OCR and bar code OCR) imagining in two OCR engines returned the candidate data that must conform to basically, otherwise, identify mistake.Can imagine the example of other type.

In other embodiment of the present invention, bar code 590 and 600 can comprise verification and or based on the hash data from the data of one or more fields 410 to 490.

In operation, before the front cover that prints after filling in, the hash of the data of being filled in and/or the data of filling in is encoded into barcode format.Bar code can be write as different direction in bar code 590 and the bar code 600 among Figure 11 subsequently usually.

In each embodiment of the present invention, the font and the bar code font that occur as text in the field 410 to 490 can be included in the template .pdf file.For this reason, in each embodiment, must obtain copyright, and must in the fontlib in embedding comprises the .pdf file of copyright status of these fonts, sign be set included font.

Then, when send server received front cover after filling in, independent OCR engine was used to fill in data and bar code 590 and 600 in the identification field 410 to 490.In one embodiment, if from two or three mate basically through recognition data of OCR engine, then send server uses institute's recognition data to handle this transmission.In another embodiment, if in the field 400 to 490 hash of data basically with bar code 590 and/or 600 in coded data be complementary, then send server uses institute's recognition data to handle this transmission.In the unmatched situation of data, transmit leg can be apprised of mistake and be requested to correct as described above this mistake.Operating personnel also can be apprised of mistake and be requested in pre-process of transmitting.

Other enhancing

Other function that Figure 11 sign can be enabled by send server.In certain embodiments of the present invention, when transmit leg was chosen field 500, send server can use optical character recognition engine to discern text in the page or leaf of the part that sends of receiving/all.In one embodiment, the text of being discerned is combined with the image that sends in the Adobe.pdf file.In other embodiments, the text of being discerned can be used as .txt .rtf .doc file etc. and is provided for the take over party with sending.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, when transmit leg was chosen field 520, send server can start an Email proof procedure, when was delivered to the take over party by the provable email message of this process, and when the take over party opens email message etc.In certain embodiments, original transmission resides on the send server usually.In addition, the take over party receives transmission has arrived the take over party with forms such as Email, the page, cellular calls notice.In response, the take over party signs in in the send server to fetch this transmission with a password.In these embodiments, the take over party is recorded time of when receiving transmission.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, when transmit leg was chosen field 530, send server can provide the ELECTRONIC POSTMARK receipt.In certain embodiments of the present invention, the professional ELECTRONIC POSTMARK of imagination United States Post Office can be associated with facsimile transmission.This provides several advantages, comprising: but the electronic delivery of the official of facsimile transmission data proof between all sides, comprise the proof of sending of date and data etc.In these embodiments, importing into and/or spread out of transmission can be by Hash, and this hash is sent to proof authority mechanism subsequently.In each embodiment, can use based on sending the hashing algorithm such as MD (5) etc. of calculated value uniquely.In response to this hash, the professional ELECTRONIC POSTMARK of United States Post Office or any other proof authority sign with this hash and time and data recording in the proof authority database.Imagine these proofs and can be used for proving sending and sending of transmission.

In other embodiment of the present invention, when transmit leg was chosen field 540, send server can be carried out the additional move that digital watermarking etc. is attached to transmission.In each embodiment, digital watermarking can be used eletric watermark on .pdf .GIFf .gif .doc document or other document.In other embodiments, digital watermarking can be included as send to determine a unique hash or identifier, and this hash or the identifier part as this facsimile transmission or transmission subsequently etc. is provided.Many other methods that add watermark have also been imagined.

In other embodiments of the invention, can be on display the additional function button of indicating template front cover.For example, in one embodiment, provide " problem " or " trouble " button.In each embodiment, if the user selects " problem " button, then the user is coupled to service page via the browser that for example starts.In certain embodiments, can send the version number of page template, the version number of software (for example AdobeReader) etc. automatically for long-range problem diagnosis purpose.In certain embodiments, in response to diagnosis, can provide patch, can provide page template, can be provided to the link etc. of the upgrading page to the user to the user through upgrading to the user.

In other embodiments of the invention, for the upgrading purpose, when opening page template, the user checks renewal to page template.In having the situation of available renewal, can present the option that is used to upgrade page template and software to the user.In each embodiment, can be to customer requirements correct telephone number and password before providing renewal to the user.

In other embodiments of the invention, when transmit leg sent fax, the part of the copy of the transmission that receives as transmit leg can provide the page template through upgrading automatically.Therefore, they are upgraded automatically when the user uses the transmission service.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, when transmit leg was chosen field 510, send server can be carried out the additional move that sends data to archives economy.In each embodiment, archives economy can be associated with send server, transmit leg, third-party server etc.Usually, also can be sent to archives economy with transmission associated state information to the take over party.In each embodiment, can use the various methods that are used to generate the file index word that comprise based on date of shipping, transmit leg, take over party etc.In these embodiments, source document can be by fax, scanning, electronics " printing " to send server.In certain embodiments, from user's transmission may be from facsimile recorder, scanner, Multi Role Aircraft, computing machine output etc. Prints to File.In these embodiments, send can be used for by transmitting side marking in data archival, fetching the useful key word of this transmission on the front cover such as fields such as field 450-490.

In each embodiment, front cover can be a vertical application, and provides the combobox of field 410-490 to transmit leg, thereby limits the option of transmit leg.For example, field 470 can be used for specifying some type such as SEC such as 10Q, 8K filing; Field 410 is used between the data archival such as limited quantities such as " tax return ", " sell on credit request list " and specifies; Field 480 can be used for specifying such as sweeping schemes such as 200dpi, 300dpi, 72dpi.

In addition, can specify the suitable data archives such as fields such as field 410-440.Data archival can comprise storage area networks or other data storage.In each embodiment, send server is handled and is sent this transmission from the transmission of transmit leg and to data archival.

As an example, transmit leg should be sent to the tax data archival by field 410 or option 510 specified documents on the transmission front cover.In addition, transmit leg is also specified taxpayer ID and specify the list of paying taxes on field 450 in field 470.As mentioned above, also can choose option 500 so that content can be searched for.

In one embodiment, fill in case send front cover, then transmit leg prints this front cover.Then, transmit leg is the combination of front cover and document, then with its transmission (for example fax) to preassigned telephone number.In each embodiment, send server receives front cover subsequently, determines that based on the OCR technology additional document will be stored in the data archival of paying taxes of appointment then.Also carry out OCR according to 500 pairs of additional documents of option.Additional document can be converted into such as another kind of forms such as .pdf .GIFf subsequently.Subsequently, text and the key word of document or the document through changing and process OCR are provided for the data archival of paying taxes.In this example, the server that is associated with data archival receives key word, and according to key word with document or through the document of conversion with through the text storage of OCR together.

In another embodiment, transmission can place preserves server, and only just is sent out when transmission is authorized to and is input in the data archival.For example, in one embodiment, comply with official and wait this transmission of approval before transmission is stored in the data archival.In another example, transmit leg was checked the other parts of key data and transmission before the storage that the transmit leg mandate sends.In further embodiments, transmit leg input key word is authorized for dispatch then when the transmit leg inspection sends.

In other embodiments of the invention, above-mentioned transmit leg interface can be based on Web's.For example, the user she imports top layer field 410 to 490 that data may be similar and the webpage of option 500 to 570 is connected by Web browser etc. and prompting.In certain embodiments of the present invention, the user can enter data into field, or selects clauses and subclauses based on combobox as described above.

In each embodiment, based on form data, the template front cover is that the transmit leg printing is got ready.In certain embodiments of the present invention, front cover can be .pdf .gif .GIFf .doc or other printable form, is used for aforesaid transmission.In addition, for a plurality of transmission documents, can be aforesaid transmission purpose a plurality of front covers are provided.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, provide the web server of web list that multiple function can be provided before printable front cover is provided.As an example, the web server can automatically perform the context check of transmit leg input data.For example, as mentioned above, the clauses and subclauses with incorrect top layer domain name can be marked as incorrect to transmit leg, and can not provide front cover.Again for example, the web server can be stored the data of transmit leg input or these data are offered send server.Then, when the sending direction send server sent this transmission, send server used OCR to attempt discerning the data that the user fills in.Yet if exist uncertainly in the OCR process, the data that send server contrasts previous transmit leg input are determined the data of expecting.In other embodiments, can on front cover, (for example by the web list) provide indication to send the special marking that comprises the data that first forward direction send server provides.In these examples, send server can be carried out sufficient OCR to identify the data of previously stored transmit leg input uniquely to front cover.Then, send server can be used to send purpose with the data of transmit leg input.

Each embodiment can comprise the above-mentioned feature of part, but not necessarily comprises whole above-mentioned features.For example, an embodiment can allow the digitizing document only to be converted into .pdf or .GIFf form, and only sends to e-mail address.Other embodiment can allow the digitizing document to be converted into another file layout, and is placed in the memory location.In these embodiments, be included in the memory location visit and will be sent to the take over party through the Email of the instruction of the document of conversion.These embodiment allow to follow the tracks of take over party's reception.Another embodiment can be redirected to concentrated formation with the digitizing document that spreads out of for complying with purpose.In response, be authorized for dispatch if comply with official, then the digitizing document can be converted into another file layout once more, is sent to e-mail address by Email then.Another embodiment can allow the distributed file and the index of digitizing document.For example, can will spread out of transmission for the purpose of index and place formation.In response, transmit leg manually provides the index key of digitizing document.In case determined index key, just provide digitizing document and key word to filing system.

In other embodiments of the invention, except the transmission that comprises the digitizing document of issuing the take over party, this transmission also can comprise returns Fax cover Sheet.This option can wait by the Option Box on the front cover and specify.This Fax cover Sheet can be used to fill in from the data in advance of " from " e-mail address that automaticallyes switch and " to " e-mail address.Like this, reception can easily be sent to transmit leg and be returned transmission.For example, the loan officer can send the document for applicant's signature, and this digitizing document arrives applicant's E-mail address as the .pdf document.With Email is the Fax cover Sheet that returns after filling in.In this example, the applicant is printed document and signature, the Fax cover Sheet that returns after filling in is placed on the document of signing, and it is faxed to return the listed number of Fax cover Sheet page or leaf after filling in.The document of signing name is converted into .pdf document etc. subsequently and is sent to loan officer's E-mail address.In each example, the expense of payable two transmissions of loan officer.In other embodiments, can provide common blank cover to the take over party.

Many variations of imagination or change easily.According to above-mentioned disclosure, those of ordinary skills will appreciate that can carry out many variations on the basis of described embodiment.For example, in above-mentioned each embodiment, e-mail attachment is converted into the Adobe.pdf file layout, yet, should understand in other embodiments, also can use difference " industry standard " file layout current exploitation or following exploitation.These also can comprise open to the outside world or " sealing " (for example special-purpose) document format.

Figure 13 is the simplified block diagram that illustrates according to the aforesaid possible data stream of each embodiment of the present invention.As mentioned above, also imagined the data stream of many other types.Figure 14 illustrates the simplified block diagram of scanning according to the network architecture of each embodiment of the present invention.Can use the network architecture of many other types in other embodiments of the invention.

Those of ordinary skill in the art can imagine other embodiment when reading this disclosure.In other embodiments, can advantageously make the combination or the sub-portfolio of above invention disclosed.Each embodiment divides into groups for the ease of understanding.Yet, should understand the rearranging etc. of interpolation, piece of the combination of having imagined piece in an alternate embodiment of the invention, new piece.

Instructions and accompanying drawing thereby should be considered to exemplary but not determinate.Yet it will be conspicuous can carrying out various modifications and variations and not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present invention this point of illustrating in the claims it.

Claims (45)

1. method that is used for computer system comprises:

Reception is from user's facsimile transmission, and wherein said facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of the document that use facsimile transmission form sends;

The digitized representations of handling described document is to determine the purpose e-mail address;

At least a portion of the digitized representations of described document is reformated into the e-mail attachment form;

At least a portion of digitized representations of handling described document with optical character recognition engine is to determine one or more key words;

Provide described one or more key word to Advertisement Server;

Receive ad data from described Advertisement Server; And

The email message of described purpose e-mail address is mailed in formation to, wherein said email message comprises main part and accessories section, wherein said main part comprises ad data, and described accessories section comprises e-mail attachment form that part of of the digitized representations of described document.

2. the method for claim 1, it is characterized in that, the digitized representations of handling described document to be to determine described purpose e-mail address, comprises with optical character recognition engine handling at least a portion of digitized representations of described document to determine described purpose e-mail address.

3. as each the described method in the claim 1 to 2, it is characterized in that described ad data comprises from by one or more advertisements of selecting the tabulation of the tabulation of hyperlink, patronage notice, at least one ISP's tabulation, at least one article providers, at least one auction, the group that Search Results constitutes.

4. as each the described method in the claim 1 to 3, it is characterized in that described e-mail attachment form is to select from the one group of document format data that is made of pdf compatibility, TIFF, JPEG, BMP, X-Docs, XML, GIF, industry standard form.

5. as each the described method in the claim 1 to 4, it is characterized in that, also comprise

Determine the tracking be associated with described facsimile transmission number;

Keep the treatment state that is associated with described facsimile transmission;

Between described tracking number and described treatment state, form related; And

Store related between described tracking number and the described treatment state.

6. computer system comprises:

Storer is configured to store the facsimile transmission from the user, and wherein said facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of the document that use facsimile transmission form sends; And

Processor, with described storer coupling, wherein said processor is configured to handle the digitized representations of described document to determine at least one purpose e-mail address, wherein said processor is configured at least a portion of the digitized representations of described document is reformated into the e-mail attachment form, wherein said processor is configured to determine and described facsimile transmission associated advertisement data, and described processor is configured to form the email message of mailing described purpose e-mail address to;

Wherein said Email comprises main part and accessories section, and described main part comprises ad data, and described accessories section comprises e-mail attachment form that part of of the digitized representations of described document;

Wherein said processor is configured to handle at least a portion of digitized representations of described document to determine one or more key words with optical character recognition engine;

Wherein said processor is configured to provide one or more key words to Advertisement Server.

7. computer system as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that, described Advertisement Server is to select from the group of being made up of advertisement engine, correlation engine, third-party server.

Select in the group that server, e-Bay server, microsoft network server, A9 server, Lycos server, Ask Jeeves server, AOL server are formed.

9. as each the described computer system in the claim 6 to 8, it is characterized in that the digitized representations of handling described document is handled at least a portion of digitized representations of described document to determine described purpose e-mail address to determine that the purpose e-mail address comprises with optical character recognition engine.

10. as each the described computer system in the claim 6 to 9, it is characterized in that,

Described processor also is configured to handle with optical character recognition engine the first of the digitized representations of described document, to determine first candidate's e-mail address;

Described processor is configured to handle with described optical character recognition engine the second portion of the digitized representations of described document, to determine second candidate's e-mail address; And

Described processor is configured to determine described purpose e-mail address in response to described first candidate's e-mail address and second candidate's e-mail address.

11. a computer program that is used to comprise the computer system of processor comprises:

The tangible medium that configuration is used to store:

Indicate the code of described processor reception from user's facsimile transmission, wherein said facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of the document that use facsimile transmission form sends;

The digitized representations of indicating the described document of described processor processing is to determine the code of purpose e-mail address;

Indicate described processor at least a portion of the digitized representations of described document to be formatted into the code of e-mail attachment form;

Indicate described processor to handle at least a portion of the digitized representations of described document, to determine the code of one or more key words with optical character recognition engine;

Indicate described processor that the code of one or more key words is provided to Advertisement Server;

Indicate the code of described processor reception from the ad data of described Advertisement Server; And

Indicate described processor to form the code of the email message of mailing described purpose e-mail address to, wherein said email message comprises main part and accessories section, wherein said main part comprises ad data, and described accessories section comprises e-mail attachment form that part of of the digitized representations of described document.

, select in the group formed of Lycos, AOL, Google, A9, e-Bay, Ask Jeeves and Dog Pile.

13. as each the described computer program in the claim 11 to 12, it is characterized in that described ad data comprises the one or more results that select in the group of being made up of tabulation, Search Results, text data and the graph data of the tabulation of hyperlink, patronage notice, at least one ISP's tabulation, at least one article providers, at least one auction.

14. as each the described computer program in the claim 11 to 13, it is characterized in that described digitized representations partly comprises the digitized representations of the data of selecting from the group of being made of bar code data, handwritten form data, human-readable data, machine-readable data.

15. each the described computer program as in the claim 11 to 14 is characterized in that, also comprises:

Indicate described processor to determine the code of the tracking be associated with described facsimile transmission number;

Indicate described processor to keep the code of the treatment state that is associated with described facsimile transmission;

Indicate described processor to generate related code between described tracking number and the described treatment state;

Indicate described processor with the code of association store in tangible storer between described tracking number and the described treatment state.

16. a method that is used for computer system comprises:

Reception is from user's first facsimile transmission, and wherein said first facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of first document that use facsimile transmission form sends;

The digitized representations of handling described first document with optical character recognition process is to determine the first purpose e-mail address, and the wherein said first purpose e-mail address does not need to be known in advance by computer system;

Reception is from second facsimile transmission of user, and wherein said second facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of second document that the described facsimile transmission form of use sends;

The digitized representations of handling described second document with optical character recognition process is to determine the described first purpose e-mail address;

At least a portion of the digitized representations of at least a portion of the digitized representations of described second document and described first document is combined into the e-mail attachment of e-mail attachment form;

The email message of described purpose e-mail address is mailed in formation to, and wherein said email message comprises main part and accessories section, and wherein said main part comprises ad data, and described accessories section comprises described e-mail attachment.

17. method as claimed in claim 16 is characterized in that,

The digitized representations of described first document partly comprises described first document of multipage;

The digitized representations of described second document partly comprises described second document of multipage; And

Described e-mail attachment comprises described first document of multipage and described second document of multipage.

18. method as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, at least a portion in described multipage first document and at least a portion in described multipage second document are inserted in the accessories section of described email message alternately.

19. each the described method as in the claim 16 to 18 is characterized in that,

Described first document comprises a plurality of versos of document; And

Described second document comprises a plurality of rectoes of document.

20. each the described method as in the claim 16 to 19 is characterized in that,

The digitized representations of described first document comprises the expression of two or more targets; And

Handle the digitized representations of described front cover and handle two or more targets to determine the described first purpose e-mail address to determine that the first purpose e-mail address comprises.

21. a computer program that comprises the computer system of processor comprises:

With the tangible medium of described processor coupling, wherein said tangible medium comprises:

Indicate the code of described processor reception from user's first facsimile transmission, wherein said first facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of first document that use facsimile transmission form sends;

Indicate described processor that the digitized representations of described first document is carried out the optical identification process, determining the code of the first purpose e-mail address, the described first purpose e-mail address does not need for known to the computer system;

Indicate the code of described processor reception from user's second facsimile transmission, wherein said second facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of second document that use facsimile transmission form sends;

Indicate described processor that the digitized representations of described second document is carried out the optical identification process, with the code of indicating described second facsimile transmission to be associated with described first facsimile transmission;

Indicate described processor that the digitized representations of described first document and the digitized representations of described second document are combined into the code that combination is represented;

Indicate described processor to form the code of the email message of mailing described purpose e-mail address to, wherein said email message comprises main part and accessories section, described main part comprises ad data, represents and described accessories section comprises described combination.

22. computer program as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that,

The digitized representations of described first document comprises described first document of multipage;

The digitized representations of described second document comprises described second document of multipage; And

In described combination is represented, be inserted into from the one page at least in the multipage of described first document between the page of described multipage second document.

23. each the described computer program as in the claim 21 to 22 is characterized in that,

Described first facsimile transmission received from the user before receiving second facsimile transmission from the user; And

Described multipage first document and described multipage second document are arranged in the accessories section of described email message with arrangement mode.

24. computer program as claimed in claim 23 is characterized in that,

Described first document comprises that hand-written part and user can select the front cover of option part; And

Described optical identification process comprises handles described hand-written part with definite described first purpose e-mail address, and handles described user and can select the option part to determine described arrangement mode.

25. each the described computer program as in the claim 21 to 24 is characterized in that,

The digitized representations of described first document comprises the first multipage document;

The digitized representations of described second document comprises the second multipage document; And

Described first multipage and described second multipage are from the recto by the verso/document of document, select in the group from the page or leaf of the first of document/form from the page or leaf of the second portion of document.

26. a computer system comprises:

Storer, be configured to store first facsimile transmission from the user, wherein said first facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of first document that use facsimile transmission form sends, wherein said storer also is configured at least a portion of digitized representations of first document of storage of e-mails attachment format, and described storer also is configured to store second facsimile transmission from the user, and wherein said second facsimile transmission comprises the digitized representations of second document that the described facsimile transmission form of use sends;

Processor, with described storer coupling, wherein said processor is configured to handle the digitized representations of described first document to determine the first purpose e-mail address with optical character recognition process, wherein said processor is configured to handle the digitized representations of described second document to determine that second facsimile transmission is relevant with first facsimile transmission with optical character recognition process, wherein said processor is configured at least a portion with the digitized representations of at least a portion of the digitized representations of described first document and described second document and is combined into combined digitalization and represents, and wherein said processor is configured to form the email message of mailing described purpose e-mail address to, wherein said email message comprises main part and accessories section, described main part comprises ad data, represents and described accessories section comprises described combined digitalization.

27. computer system as claimed in claim 26 is characterized in that,

The digitized representations of described first document partly comprises described first document of multipage;

The digitized representations of described second document partly comprises described second document of multipage; And

In described combined digitalization was represented, the multipage of described first document was by described multipage second document of staggered insertion, and perhaps described multipage second document is attached to the described multipage first document back.

28. each the described computer system as in the claim 26 to 27 is characterized in that,

Described processor is configured to handle the digitized representations of described second document to determine the described first purpose e-mail address with described optical character recognition process.

29. each the described computer system as in the claim 26 to 28 is characterized in that,

Described first document comprises a front cover;

Described optical character recognition process is determined the described first purpose e-mail address in response to the front cover in described first document.

30. computer system as claimed in claim 29 is characterized in that,

Described optical character recognition process is determined the described first purpose e-mail address in response to the optical character identification result of an above optical character identification target on the front cover in described first document most consistent.

31. a method that is used for computer system comprises:

Reception sends from user's first, and wherein said first sends the digitized representations of first document that comprises that the use first transmission form sends;

The digitized representations of handling described first document with optical character recognition process is to determine the first electronics destination, and wherein computer system does not need to know the described first electronics destination before receiving first transmission;

Handle that part of filename of the digitized representations of described first document with storage format in the digitized representations of determining first document with optical character recognition process;

At least a portion of the digitized representations of described first document is sent form from described first be reformated into storage format;

Send an electronics to the described first electronics destination and send, wherein said electronics sends that part of of storage format in the digitized representations that comprises described first document.

32. method as claimed in claim 31 is characterized in that, sends described electronics and sends and comprise with the filename in the server and deliver that part of of storage format in the digitized representations of described first document.

33. each the described method as in the claim 31 to 32 is characterized in that,

The described first electronics destination comprises account's identification data; And

Described filename is associated with described account's identification data in the server.

34. each the described method as in the claim 31 to 33 is characterized in that,

The digitized representations of handling described first document with optical character recognition process comprises the one or more identifiers of digitized representations to determine to be associated with described electronics transmission of handling described first document with described optical character recognition process; And

Wherein said method also comprises:

Provide described one or more identifier to the described first electronics destination;

The wherein said first electronics destination comprises storage server;

One or more identifiers in the digitized representations of wherein said first document in that part of and described storage server of storage format are associated.

35. method as claimed in claim 34 is characterized in that,

Sending the described one or more identifiers that are associated with described electronics is to select from one group of key word that limits.

36. a computer system comprises:

Storer is configured to store first transmission from the user, and wherein said first sends the digitized representations of first document that comprises that the use first transmission form sends; And

Processor, with described storer coupling,

Wherein said processor is configured to receive described first transmission from the user;

Wherein said processor is configured to determine the electronics destination in response to the optical character recognition process of the digitized representations of described first document that wherein computer system does not need to know described electronics destination before being stored in described first transmission in the described storer;

Wherein said processor is configured to send form by at least a portion with the digitized representations of described first document from described first and is reformated into storage format, forms the first storage document;

Wherein said processor is configured to send definite ad data in response to described first; Wherein said processor also is configured to handle with described optical character recognition process the digitized representations of described first document, to determine the filename of the described first storage document; And

Wherein said processor is configured to send electronics to the described first electronics destination and sends, and wherein said electronics sends and comprises the first storage document.

37. computer system as claimed in claim 36 is characterized in that,

The described first electronics destination comprises storage server; And

Described electronics sends and comprises that delivering described first on the storage server with described filename stores document.

38. each the described computer system as among the claim 36-37 is characterized in that, sending the network transmission protocol that is associated with described electronics is to select from the group of being made up of SMTP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP.

39. each the described computer system as in the claim 36 to 38 is characterized in that,

Described processor also is configured in response to described optical character recognition process the optical character that the digitized representations of described first document carries out being handled, and determines and described first sends the accounts associated identifier; And

Described electronics sends and also comprises account identifier.

40. each the described computer system as in the claim 36 to 39 is characterized in that, described storage format is to select from the group of being made up of industry standard form, Adobe Acrobat compatible format, picture format .jpg and .bmp.

41. a computer program that is used to comprise the computer system of processor comprises:

Tangible medium comprises:

Indicate the code of described processor reception from user's first electronics transmission, wherein said first electronics sends the digitized representations of the human-viewable document that comprises that use transmission form sends;

Indicate described processor to handle the code of the digitized representations of human visible document with definite described electronics destination with optical character recognition process, wherein computer system does not need to know described electronics destination before receiving the transmission of first electronics;

Indicate described processor at least a portion of the digitized representations of human-readable document to be formatted into the code of storage format;

Indicate described processor to handle the digitized representations of human visible document, with the code of that part of filename that is associated of determining the storage format in the digitized representations with the human-viewable document with optical character recognition process; And

Indicate described processor to send the code that second electronics sends to described electronics destination, wherein said second electronics sends that part of of storage format in the digitized representations that comprises the human-viewable document.

42. computer program as claimed in claim 41 is characterized in that,

Described storage format is to select from the group of being made up of industry standard form, Adobe.pdf form .jpg form .bmp form, professional format.

43. each the described computer program as in the claim 41 to 42 is characterized in that,

That part of of storage format is delivered to described electronics destination with described filename in the digitized representations of the described first human visible document.

44. as each the described computer program in the claim 41 to 43, it is characterized in that, comprise that also the described processor of indication handles the digitized representations of described human-viewable document with described optical character recognition process, with the code of that part of one or more identifiers that are associated of the storage format in the digitized representations of definite and described human-viewable document;

Storage format that part of is delivered to described electronics purpose with described filename and is located in the digitized representations of wherein said human-viewable document, and is associated with described account identifier.

45. computer program as claimed in claim 44 is characterized in that, described one or more identifiers are to select from the predetermined tabulation of identifier.

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