JP2000078230A - Terminal adaptor, information processing system, control method for the terminal adaptor and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a terminal adaptor that can receive facsimile signals or electronic mails, even when a computer connecting to the terminal adaptor is inoperative due to interrupt of power. SOLUTION: When a personal computer 21 is inoperative because of power interrupt or the like, the terminal adaptor detects whether or not a printer 22 or a G3 facsimile equipment connected to an analog interface section 13 and a P1394 interface section 6 is operative, upon the receipt of G4 facsimile image data or electronic mail data through an ISDN line. For example, when the printer 22 is operative, the terminal adaptor converts the format of the facsimile reception image data or the electronic mail data into an image format which is specific to the printer 22 and transfers the converted data to the printer 22, from which the data are printed out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer device or a PS such as an analog telephone or a G3 facsimile.
A terminal adapter for connecting an analog communication device or the like corresponding to a TN line to a digital communication line such as an ISDN line, an information processing system having the terminal adapter, a control method for the terminal adapter, and the control method are realized. For a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the widespread use of the Internet and the development of high-speed, high-performance, and low-cost personal computers, computer devices such as personal computers have been connected to high-speed digital lines such as ISDN lines.
2. Description of the Related Art Multimedia data such as still images, sounds, and moving images are exchanged by communication. Along with this, ISDN terminal adapters for connecting computer equipment to ISDN lines have been widely used.

[0003] The ISDN terminal adapter is an ISDN terminal adapter.
This is a communication device for connecting an existing device that does not support the line, for example, an analog communication device such as a G3 facsimile machine using a PSTN line or a personal computer without a communication function to the ISDN line.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a mode of using an ISDN terminal adapter.

[0005] 100 in the figure is a conventional ISDN terminal adapter. This ISDN terminal adapter 1
00 is an RS232C interface 101 for connecting to a personal computer (PC) 200;
An analog interface 102 for connecting to a 3 facsimile 210 and an I / F for connecting to an ISDN line.
An SDN interface 103 is provided. Further, it has means for converting signals and protocols, and provides means for communicating with the personal computer 200 and the G3 facsimile 210 using the ISDN line.

[0006]

However, the above-mentioned conventional terminal adapter has the following problems.

(1) If a facsimile is received while the connected personal computer is inoperable due to power-off or the like, the facsimile may not be able to be received. In other words, if there is an incoming call from the G4 facsimile, it can only be received by the personal computer, so when this personal computer is inoperable, the facsimile cannot be received.

(2) When the connected personal computer is inoperable, such as when the power is turned off, it is impossible to receive an e-mail.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention provides a terminal adapter, an information processing system, and a control of a terminal adapter capable of receiving a facsimile and an e-mail even when a connected computer is inoperable due to a power OFF or the like. It is an object to provide a method and a storage medium for realizing the control method.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, in a terminal adapter according to the present invention, a first interface unit for connecting to a digital line is connected to an analog line device including an image device. Second
In a terminal adapter provided with at least one interface unit for connecting an information processing apparatus including an image device and at least one third interface unit, a protocol specific to the first, second, and third interface units is set. It is characterized by comprising protocol conversion means for mutually converting and image processing means for mutually converting an image format unique to an image device connected to the second and third interface units.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the terminal adapter according to the first aspect, when facsimile image data arrives via the digital line, the terminal adapter is connected to the second and third interface units. Detection means for detecting whether or not the imaging device is operable; and selection means for selecting at least one of the imaging devices based on a detection result of the detection means,
Conversion means for converting the facsimile image data into an image format specific to the image device selected by the selection means, and transfer means for transferring image data as a conversion result of the conversion means to the image device selected by the selection means And characterized in that:

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the terminal adapter according to the first aspect, an e-mail receiving means for receiving an e-mail at a preset time or time interval; Detecting means for detecting whether or not the image device connected to the interface unit is operable; selecting means for selecting at least one of the image devices based on a detection result of the detecting means; A conversion unit that converts the e-mail data received by the e-mail reception unit into an image format specific to the selected imaging device; and a transfer unit that transfers the e-mail data converted by the conversion unit to the selected imaging device. It is characterized by having.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal adapter according to any one of the first to third aspects, the image device includes a computer, a printer, and a G.
It is characterized by including three facsimile machines.

In the information processing system according to the present invention, a first interface unit for connecting to a digital line, a second interface unit for connecting an analog line device including an image device, and information including the image device. In an information processing system including a terminal adapter having at least one or more third interface units for connecting processing devices, the terminal adapter may execute a protocol specific to the first, second, and third interface units. It is characterized by comprising protocol conversion means for mutually converting and image processing means for mutually converting an image format unique to an image device connected to the second and third interface units.

In the information processing system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the facsimile image data arrives via the digital line, the terminal adapter is adapted to receive the second and third interfaces. Detecting means for detecting whether or not an image device connected to the unit is operable; selecting means for selecting at least one of the image devices based on a detection result of the detecting means; Image data
Conversion means for converting the image data selected by the selection means into an image format specific to the image equipment; and transfer means for transferring image data as a conversion result of the conversion means to the image equipment selected by the selection means. Features.

In the information processing system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the terminal adapter includes an e-mail receiving means for receiving an e-mail at a preset time or time interval; The second
Detecting means for detecting whether an image device connected to the third interface unit is operable; and selecting means for selecting at least one of the image devices based on a detection result of the detecting means. Converting means for converting the e-mail data received by the e-mail receiving means into an image format specific to the selected image device; and transferring the e-mail data converted by the conversion means to the selected image device. Means.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system according to the fifth to seventh aspects, the image device includes a computer, a printer, and a G3 facsimile.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal adapter control method, comprising: a first interface unit for connecting to a digital line, a second interface unit for connecting an analog line device including an image device; In a method for controlling a terminal adapter having at least one or more third interface units for connecting information processing devices including a plurality of third interface units, a protocol for mutually converting protocols unique to the first, second and third interface units A conversion process and an image process for mutually converting an image format unique to an image device connected to the second and third interface units are performed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal adapter control method according to the ninth aspect, when facsimile image data arrives via the digital line, the facsimile image data is transmitted to the second and third interface units. Detection processing for detecting whether or not the connected imaging device is operable; selection processing for selecting at least one of the imaging devices based on a detection result of the detection processing; and facsimile image data Is performed to convert the image data into an image format specific to the image device selected in the selection process, and a transfer process of transferring image data as a conversion result of the conversion process to the image device selected in the selection process. It is characterized by the following.

[0020] In the terminal adapter control method according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the terminal adapter control method according to the ninth aspect, wherein an e-mail receiving process of receiving an e-mail at a preset time or time interval; 2nd and 3rd
A detection process for detecting whether an imaging device connected to the interface unit is operable; a selection process for selecting at least one of the imaging devices based on a detection result of the detection process; A conversion process of converting the e-mail data received by the mail reception process into an image format specific to the selected imaging device; and a transfer process of transferring the e-mail data converted by the conversion process to the selected imaging device. It is characterized by executing.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the terminal adapter control method according to the ninth to eleventh aspects, the image equipment includes a computer, a printer, and a G3 facsimile. .

In the storage medium according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the first interface unit connected to a digital line and the second interface unit connected to an analog line device including an image device.
And a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer-readable program for executing a terminal adapter control method including at least one interface unit for connecting an information processing apparatus including an image device. The terminal adapter control method may include a protocol conversion step of mutually converting a protocol specific to the first, second, and third interface units, and a protocol conversion step connected to the second and third interface units. And an image processing step of mutually converting an image format unique to the image device.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the storage medium according to the thirteenth aspect, when facsimile image data arrives via the digital line, the facsimile image data is connected to the second and third interface units. A detection step of detecting whether or not the imaging device is operable, a selection step of selecting at least one of the imaging devices based on a detection result of the detection step, and the facsimile image data, A converting step of converting the image data selected in the selecting step into an image format specific to the image device; and a transferring step of transferring image data as a result of the converting step to the image device selected in the selecting step. And

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the storage medium according to the thirteenth aspect, an e-mail receiving step of receiving an e-mail at a preset time or time interval; A detection step of detecting whether the imaging device connected to the interface unit of claim 3 is operable; a selecting step of selecting at least one of the imaging devices based on a detection result of the detection step; A conversion step of converting the e-mail data received by the e-mail reception step into an image format specific to the selected imaging device; anda transfer step of transferring the e-mail data converted in the conversion step to the selected imaging device. It is characterized by having.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a terminal adapter main body, and reference numerals 2 to 13 denote units constituting the terminal adapter 1.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a main controller for controlling the terminal adapter 1. The controller 2 is mainly composed of a media processor capable of processing multimedia data at high speed and its peripheral circuits, and has various image processing functions and a G3 facsimile modem emulation function. 3 is an EEPROM (Electr
Ical Erasable Programmable
Read Only Memory), and stores a program executed by the controller 2 (including a program for realizing the flow of FIGS. 3 to 6 described later).

4 is a RAM (Random Access).
Memory), which stores a program to be executed by the controller 2, data to be processed by the controller 2, and the like. A switch circuit 5 provides a data path for performing high-speed data transfer between the above-described controller 2 and each unit described below. 6 is IEEE
It is a physical layer controller of P1394 which is a serial bus standardized by E.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a P1394 link layer controller, which is connected to the switch circuit 5. 8 is I
It is a controller that controls the SDN basic interface. 9 and 10 are two of the ISDN basic interfaces.
The controller controls data transfer of two B channels (B1 channel and B2 channel), and is connected to the switch circuit 5 respectively.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a RAM (Random Accesses)
s Memory), and is configured to be connected to the switch circuit 5 and commonly accessed by other units connected to the switch circuit 5. Reference numeral 12 denotes an A / D conversion circuit for mutually converting an analog signal and a digital signal, and is connected to the switch circuit 5, respectively.
It is connected to a controller 13 that controls an analog interface for PSTN equipment.

The terminal adapter 1 according to the present embodiment
Has three types of external interfaces: a P1394 interface unit 6, an ISDN interface unit 8, and a PSTN device analog interface unit 13, as shown in FIG.

The P1394 interface unit 6 allows a computer and its peripheral devices to be connected in a daisy chain, and allows any connected devices to communicate with each other. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an image input / output device such as a personal computer 21, a color printer 22, an image scanner 23, and a digital camera 24 is connected to the end of the P1394 interface unit 6.

The ISDN basic interface unit 8
The PSTN device analog interface unit 13 is connected to the DN line, and the G3 facsimile device 25
And telephone devices (including those multifunction devices) are connected.

The basic feature of the terminal adapter according to the present embodiment is that the above-described interface units 6, 8, 1
The main controller 2 performs processing such as color conversion, resolution conversion, and compression on the image data received through the image equipment or the ISDN line connected to the imaging device 3, further converts the protocol specific to each interface, and again executes any one of the interfaces. It is to perform the process of sending back to the interface or the image device at high speed.

Although the RAM 11 functions as a buffer memory for image data, the image data is not always stored in the RA memory.
It is not necessary to go through M11, and image data can be directly transferred from the main controller 2 to another interface unit through the switch circuit 5.

Next, the operations (A), (B), (C), and (D) of the terminal adapter according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. (A) Facsimile transmission from personal computer FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing of the controller 2 when facsimile transmission is performed from the personal computer 21.

From the personal computer 21 to the ISDN
When transmitting an image to an external facsimile via a line, first, a facsimile transmission instruction command is sent from the personal computer 21 to the terminal adapter 1 through the P1394 interface unit 6. When the controller 2 receives the transmission instruction (Step S
1) A call is made to the ISDN line by the G4 facsimile procedure (step S2).

When the communication partner receives a call (step S3), the image data sent from the personal computer 21 is subjected to processing such as MMR compression, converted into a G4 facsimile format and transmitted (step S4). 21 is notified of the normal end (step S9). At the time of transmission, the image data sent from the personal computer 21 may be pit map data, but may be character data. When character data is sent, the controller 2 develops the data into a bitmap.

On the other hand, if the incoming call is rejected in step S3, there is a possibility that the transmission destination is a G3 facsimile, so the controller 2 emulates a G3 facsimile modem and makes a call in the G3 facsimile procedure (step S5). ). If the communication partner receives the call, the image data is converted into the G3 facsimile format and transmitted (step S8), and after the transmission is completed, the personal computer 21 is notified of the normal termination (step S9). If the incoming call is rejected in step S6, an abnormal end is notified to the personal computer 21 (step S7). (B) Facsimile Incoming Call from ISDN Line FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the controller 2 when there is a facsimile incoming call from the ISDN line.

When there is an incoming facsimile from the ISDN line (step S11), the controller 2 first attempts to notify the personal computer 21 of the incoming call through the P1394 interface unit 6 (step S12). Here, when receiving the incoming call processing request command from the personal computer 21 as a response to the incoming call notification, it receives the facsimile image data from the ISDN line and sends it to the personal computer 21 (step S15).

At this time, the controller 2 has to decompress the facsimile image data which has been subjected to compression processing such as MMR in order to determine a communication error. Or may be decompressed data,
Further, the decompressed data may be converted into various formats again. Which data is sent to the personal computer 21 may be specified by a parameter of an incoming call processing request command from the personal computer 21 or set in advance by a setting command or the like from the personal computer 21. It may be set by a method.

On the other hand, when an attempt is made to notify the personal computer 21 of an incoming call, if the personal computer 21 is turned off, there is no response since the personal computer 21 is turned off. If so, an attempt is made to issue a print request command to the printer 22 on the P1394 bus (step S14).

Here, the printer 22 on the P1394 bus
If you get a print ready status from
After the facsimile image data is received and subjected to decompression processing and format conversion, it is sent to the printer 22 and printed out (step S17). In this case, a header or the like indicating that the facsimile incoming data is a printout may be added to the printout image and printed out so that the printout image can be distinguished from the printout image from the personal computer 21. When it is detected that the power of the personal computer 21 is turned on after the printout, the personal computer 2 notifies that the facsimile reception image has been printed out.
1 may be notified.

Next, if there is no usable printer on the P1394 bus at step S16, a call is made to a PSTN device connected to the analog port (step S18). At that time, the controller 2 emulates the G3 facsimile modem. As a result, when it is determined that the G3 facsimile 25 is connected to the analog port, if the incoming call is a G4 facsimile, the controller 2 receives and expands the facsimile image data. After processing
The data is recompressed again to G3 facsimile data, emulated by a G3 facsimile modem, and transmitted to a G3 facsimile connected to an analog port (step S21).

If the incoming call from the ISDN interface is a G3 facsimile, the received image data is directly connected to the analog port via the A / D conversion circuit 12 without performing any processing.

Lastly, if no G3 facsimile is received at the analog port at step S19, it is determined that reception is impossible and processing such as line disconnection is performed on the ISDN line, and call reception is rejected (step S20). Further, in this case, the facsimile image data is stored in the RAM 11 to perform the alternate reception, and each unit, that is, the personal computer 21, the printer 22, the G3 facsimile 25
For example, image data may be sent to other connected image devices when the devices become operable.

As described above, even when the personal computer 21 connected to the terminal adapter 1 is inoperable due to power-off or the like, the G4 facsimile 25 is connected to the G4 facsimile 25 by using the other connected printer 22 or G3 facsimile 25. Facsimile reception becomes possible. (C) Automatic E-mail Reception by Terminal Adapter If automatic reception of e-mail was previously instructed by the personal computer 21, the terminal adapter 1
Performs automatic e-mail reception at a specified time or at a specified time interval.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing automatic reception of electronic mail by the terminal adapter.

At the time designated in advance, the terminal adapter 1 automatically dials the Internet access point and establishes a dial-up connection (step S22). Then, the presence or absence of mail is inquired. If there is no mail, the line is disconnected as it is. If there is an e-mail, a reception process is performed (step S24). After saving the data in the RAM 11 for the time being and disconnecting the line, first, an attempt is made to notify the personal computer 21 of an e-mail reception (step S25).

As a result, when a mail transfer request is returned from the personal computer 21, the received mail is transferred to the personal computer 21 as it is (step S28), and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the personal computer 21 does not respond when the power is turned off, or if the personal computer 21 does not return a mail transfer request for some reason even when the power is on, the printer 22 on the P1394 bus is sent to the printer 22 next. Attempt to issue a print request command (step S27). Here, when a status indicating that printing is possible is returned from the printer 22 on the P1394 bus, the contents of the e-mail are printed out (step S30). At this time, the controller 2
The contents of the e-mail stored in the RAM 11 are decoded, and in the case of text data, the contents are expanded into bitmap data.
Alternatively, when an image file is attached, the format is converted and transferred to the printer 22.

In this case, a header or the like indicating the printout of the e-mail data is added to the printout image, and the printout is performed.
Alternatively, the printout image may be distinguished from the printout image from No. 1. When it is detected that the power of the personal computer 21 is turned on after the printout, the personal computer 21 may be notified that the electronic mail has been printed out.

Next, if there is no usable printer on the P1394 path in step S29, a call is made to a PSTN device connected to the analog port (step S31). At that time, the controller 2 emulates the G3 facsimile modem, and as a result, when it is determined that the G3 facsimile 25 is connected to the analog port, the controller 2 decodes the contents of the electronic mail stored in the RAM 11 and outputs the text. In the case of data, it is developed into bitmap data, or if an image file is attached, the format is converted and then converted into G3 facsimile data.
After emulating the facsimile modem, the G3 facsimile 21 connected to the analog port
(Step S33).

Finally, if the analog port G3 facsimile 25 does not receive a call in step S32, the mail is temporarily saved (step S34), and each unit, that is, the personal computer 21, the printer 22, the G3 facsimile 25, etc. When the other connected image devices become operable, the image data is sent to those devices.

As described above, even when the personal computer 21 connected to the terminal adapter is inoperable due to power-off or the like, the printer 22 and the G
An e-mail can be received using the 3 facsimile 25. (D) Facsimile transmission from G3 facsimile connected to analog port FIG. 6 shows controller 2 in the case of performing facsimile transmission from G3 facsimile 25 connected to analog port
6 is a flowchart showing the processing of FIG.

When a transmission operation is performed from the G3 facsimile 25 connected to the analog port (step S3
5), the terminal adapter 1 calls the ISDN line using the number dialed from the G3 facsimile 21. First, the terminal adapter 1 calls according to the G4 facsimile procedure (step S36).

If the other party receives a call, the controller 2
G3 from the analog signal sent from the 3 facsimile 21
Image data is obtained by facsimile modem emulation, converted to G4 facsimile image data (step S38), and transmitted to an ISDN line (step S39).

On the other hand, if the other party rejects the incoming call in step S37, there is a possibility that the sending party is a G3 facsimile, so controller 2 emulates a G3 facsimile modem and makes a call in the G3 facsimile procedure (step S40). ). If the communication partner receives a call, G3
The G3 facsimile signal transmitted from the facsimile 25 is directly converted from analog to digital and transmitted as G3 facsimile data to the ISDN line (step S4).
3) The normal termination is notified to the G3 facsimile 21 (step S44). If the incoming call is rejected in step S41, the G3 facsimile 21 is notified of the abnormal termination (step S42).

The program according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
By storing and operating in the PROM 3, the above-described control method can be realized.

The present invention is not limited to the apparatus of the above-described embodiment, but may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. A storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is also supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the system or apparatus is also stored in a computer (or CPU or MPU). It goes without saying that the code is completed by reading and executing the code.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, and a ROM can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS and the like running on the computer are actually executed based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the above-described processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the next program code is written based on the instruction. This also includes the case where a CPU or the like provided with an extension board or a function in an extension unit performs the extended function for the actual processing to perform a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. Needless to say,

[0064]

As described in detail above, the terminal adapter according to the first aspect of the present invention, the information processing system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the control method of the terminal adapter according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, and In the storage medium according to the thirteenth aspect, even when a computer connected to the terminal adapter is inoperable due to a power OFF or the like, reception of a facsimile or reception of an electronic mail can be performed by using another connected image device. Will be possible.

The terminal adapter according to the second aspect, the information processing system according to the sixth aspect, the method for controlling the terminal adapter according to the tenth aspect, and the storage according to the fourteenth aspect. In the medium, the computer connected to the terminal adapter is powered off
Even when the operation is not possible due to F or the like, facsimile reception can be performed accurately using another connected image device.

The terminal adapter according to the third aspect, the information processing system according to the seventh aspect, the control method of the terminal adapter according to the eleventh aspect, and the storage according to the fifteenth aspect. In the medium, the computer connected to the terminal adapter is powered off
Even when the operation is not possible due to F or the like, it becomes possible to accurately receive the e-mail using another connected image device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a terminal adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system diagram showing a connection relationship between the terminal adapter shown in FIG. 1 and an external device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing of the controller 2 when facsimile transmission is performed from a personal computer.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of the controller 2 when a facsimile is received from an ISDN line.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing automatic reception of an electronic mail by a terminal adapter.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the controller 2 when performing facsimile transmission from a G3 facsimile connected to an analog port.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ISDN terminal adapter usage mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Terminal adapter body 2 Main controller 3 EEPROM 4 RAM 5 Switch circuit 6 P1394 interface section 7 Link layer controller of P1394 8 ISDN interface section 9 B1 channel controller 10 B2 channel controller 11 RAM 12 A / D conversion circuit 13 PSTN interface section 21 Personal Computer 22 Color printer 23 Image scanner 24 Digital camera 25 G3 facsimile machine

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/32 H04L 11/02 Z

Claims (15)

[Claims] A first interface unit for connecting to a digital line, a second interface unit for connecting an analog line device including an image device, and a third interface unit for connecting an information processing device including the image device. A terminal adapter having at least one or more of each of the following: a protocol conversion means for mutually converting protocols unique to the first, second and third interface units; and a terminal adapter connected to the second and third interface units. And an image processing means for mutually converting an image format unique to the image equipment. 2. A detecting means for detecting whether an image device connected to the second and third interface units is operable when facsimile image data arrives via the digital line, and the detecting means. Selecting means for selecting at least one or more of the image devices based on the detection result, converting means for converting the facsimile image data into an image format specific to the image device selected by the selecting means, 2. The terminal adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer unit configured to transfer image data as a conversion result of the conversion unit to the image device selected by the selection unit. 3. An e-mail receiving means for receiving an e-mail at a preset time or time interval, and a detection for detecting whether an image device connected to the second and third interface units is operable. Means, selecting means for selecting at least one of the image devices based on the detection result of the detecting means, and e-mail data received by the e-mail receiving means, an image unique to the selected image equipment The terminal adapter according to claim 1, further comprising: a conversion unit configured to convert the electronic mail data into a format; and a transfer unit configured to transfer the electronic mail data converted by the conversion unit to a selected image device. 4. The terminal adapter according to claim 1, wherein the image device includes a computer, a printer, and a G3 facsimile. 5. A first interface unit connected to a digital line, a second interface unit connected to an analog line device including an image device, and a third interface unit connected to an information processing device including an image device. An information processing system comprising a terminal adapter having at least one of each of the following: the terminal adapter, a protocol conversion unit for mutually converting a protocol unique to the first, second, and third interface units; An information processing system comprising: an image processing unit connected to the second and third interface units for mutually converting an image format unique to the image device. 6. A detecting means for detecting whether or not an image device connected to the second and third interface units is operable when facsimile image data is received via the digital line. Selecting means for selecting at least one of the image devices based on the detection result of the detecting means; and converting the facsimile image data into an image format specific to the image device selected by the selecting means. The information processing system according to claim 5, further comprising: a conversion unit; and a transfer unit configured to transfer image data as a conversion result of the conversion unit to the image device selected by the selection unit. 7. The terminal adapter is operable with an e-mail receiving means for receiving an e-mail at a preset time or a time interval, and an image device connected to the second and third interface units. Detecting means for detecting whether or not at least one of the imaging devices is selected based on the detection result of the detecting means; and 6. The information according to claim 5, further comprising: a conversion unit configured to convert the image data into an image format specific to the device; and a transfer unit configured to transfer the e-mail data converted by the conversion unit to a selected image device. Processing system. 8. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the image device includes a computer, a printer, and a G3 facsimile. 9. A first interface unit connected to a digital line, a second interface unit connected to an analog line device including an image device, and a third interface unit connected to an information processing device including an image device. A terminal adapter control method provided with at least one of each of the following: a protocol conversion process for mutually converting a protocol unique to the first, second, and third interface units; and a second and third interface unit. And performing image processing for mutually converting an image format unique to an image device connected to the terminal device. 10. A detection process for detecting whether or not an image device connected to the second and third interface units is operable when facsimile image data arrives via the digital line, and the detection process. A selection process of selecting at least one of the image devices based on the detection result of the above, a conversion process of converting the facsimile image data into an image format specific to the image device selected in the selection process, The terminal adapter control method according to claim 9, further comprising: transferring image data that is a conversion result of the conversion process to the image device selected in the selection process. 11. An e-mail receiving process for receiving an e-mail at a preset time or time interval, and detecting whether or not an image device connected to the second and third interface units is operable. Processing, a selection process of selecting at least one of the image devices based on a detection result of the detection process, and an e-mail data received by the e-mail reception process, an image unique to the selected image device. The terminal adapter control method according to claim 9, further comprising: executing a conversion process of converting the electronic mail data into a format, and a transfer process of transferring the electronic mail data converted by the conversion process to a selected image device. 12. The terminal adapter control method according to claim 9, wherein said image equipment includes a computer, a printer, and a G3 facsimile. 13. A first interface unit connected to a digital line, a second interface unit connected to an analog line device including an image device, and a third interface unit connected to an information processing device including an image device. A computer-readable storage medium for executing a terminal adapter control method including at least one terminal adapter, wherein the terminal adapter control method includes the first and second terminal adapter control methods.
And a protocol conversion step of mutually converting a protocol unique to the third interface unit, and an image processing step of mutually converting an image format unique to the image device connected to the second and third interface units. A storage medium characterized by comprising: 14. A detecting step for detecting whether or not an image device connected to the second and third interface units is operable when facsimile image data arrives via the digital line, and the detecting step A selecting step of selecting at least one or more of the image devices based on the detection result of; a converting step of converting the facsimile image data into an image format specific to the image device selected in the selecting step; 14. The storage medium according to claim 13, further comprising a transfer step of transferring image data as a conversion result of the conversion step to the image device selected in the selection step. 15. An e-mail receiving step of receiving an e-mail at a preset time or time interval, and detecting whether an image device connected to the second and third interface units is operable. A step of selecting at least one of the image devices based on a detection result of the detection step; and an image unique to the selected image device, the e-mail data received in the e-mail reception step. 14. The storage medium according to claim 13, further comprising: a conversion step of converting the data into a format; and a transfer step of transferring the e-mail data converted in the conversion step to a selected imaging device.