JP2000101776A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to normally transmit/receive a confidential message to and from facsimile equipment provided to a LAN by equipping a storage means and an allowance means for allowing an access to a storage area by information allocated to each storage area of the storage means. SOLUTION: A RAM 56 of facsimile equipment 5 has a storage area ('a virtual client') allocated for a shared user, each virtual client is managed by a sub-address in the same way as a personal computer provided in the LAN. It is possible for a corresponding user to access each virtual client by using a user ID and a password. Then, when a password corresponding to the inputted user ID matches the password stored in a virtual client information table, information that an access to the virtual client information table is permitted is displayed to a display part 53.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus for transmitting and receiving a confidential facsimile message.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various facsimile machines having a function as a server and a client corresponding to a LAN (Local Area Network) have been developed. In such a facsimile apparatus, a plurality of users sharing the facsimile apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as shared users)
May send and receive facsimile messages.

[0003] Among facsimile messages to be transmitted and received, there are facsimile messages that are not desired to be viewed by other shared users, and it is necessary to manage such facsimile messages so-called "confidential". In a facsimile apparatus provided in a LAN, the above-described facsimile message is stored in a storage area of a facsimile server (FAX server) for each sender or receiver (destination), and is transmitted from a client such as a personal computer or a facsimile apparatus. The sender or the receiver can access an individual storage area using a preset user ID and password.

By the way, the LAN has the L as described above.
A general facsimile apparatus other than the facsimile apparatus provided in the AN may be connected via the Internet, a public telephone line network, or the like. It is possible to transmit and receive a facsimile message to and from the facsimile apparatus.

[0005]

However, a general facsimile apparatus provided outside the LAN as described above is a conventional facsimile apparatus.
Even if a normal facsimile message can be transmitted to a facsimile apparatus provided in an AN, it does not have a function of transmitting a confidential facsimile message. When receiving a confidential facsimile message from the device, there is a problem that anyone can view the received facsimile message without treating it as confidential.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a storage area allocated to a plurality of users in a single facsimile apparatus, uses these storage areas as virtual clients, By realizing a virtual function as a plurality of clients with a single facsimile machine, a facsimile machine that can normally transmit and receive a “confidential” facsimile message to and from a facsimile machine provided in a LAN. The purpose is to provide.

[0007]

A facsimile apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a facsimile apparatus which is provided outside a LAN and can be connected to the LAN, and has a storage area divided into a plurality of storage areas. And permission means for permitting access to the storage area based on information allocated to each storage area of the storage means.

[0008] A facsimile apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises:
The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a designation means for designating a client provided in the LAN as a destination, and a transmission means for transmitting a facsimile message to the destination designated by the designation means as a confidential message. Features.

[0009] A facsimile apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises:
Or the facsimile apparatus of the second invention, further comprising a receiving means for receiving a facsimile message treated as confidential,
The storage means stores the facsimile message received by the reception means in the storage area allocated to a user corresponding to the destination based on the destination information.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention,
A storage unit of a facsimile apparatus provided outside the LAN and connectable to the LAN is provided with storage areas allocated to, for example, a plurality of users, and according to information such as a user ID and a password assigned to each storage area, The configuration is such that a user is allowed to access an individual storage area.

When transmitting a “confidential” facsimile message to a LAN client such as a facsimile machine provided in the LAN, the client is designated as a destination and the facsimile message is sent to the designated destination. Is transmitted as “confidential”.

Further, when receiving a confidential facsimile message from the client such as a facsimile apparatus provided in the LAN, the received facsimile message is allocated to a user corresponding to the destination based on the destination information. In this case, the information is stored in the specified storage area.

Therefore, the function previously realized by the FAX server of the LAN and the client provided in the LAN is virtually realized by a single facsimile apparatus provided outside the LAN, whereby the function of the LAN is realized. LA from outside
A so-called general facsimile machine connected to N
A facsimile message of "confidential" can be transmitted / received normally to / from a facsimile apparatus provided in N.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus 5 according to the present invention and a network to which the facsimile apparatus 5 is connected.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a LAN (Local Area N).
The LAN 1 includes a FAX server 2 having a facsimile communication function and a number of personal computers (PCs) 3, 3, as LAN clients.
3 are connected. In FIG. 1, three personal computers 3, 3 are shown for simplicity of illustration.
Only 3 is shown.

In order for the FAX server 2 to manage each personal computer 3, a "sub-address" is assigned to each personal computer 3. In the present embodiment, for example, a three-digit number "00" is used.
1 "," 002 ", and" 003 ", etc. The FAX server 2 shares each personal computer 3 in addition to the subaddress assigned to each personal computer 3. Various management is performed using the user ID and the password assigned to each user.

Further, the FAX server 2 has a PSTN or I
A facsimile apparatus 5 according to the present invention is connected to the public telephone network 4 via an analog line L.

In the personal computers 3, 3, and 3 provided in the LAN, when these users designate a confidential function, a facsimile message transmitted from them is given to the FAX server 2 once, and
After the confidential information is added to the facsimile message by the X server 2, the message is sent to the public telephone network 4.

When the above-mentioned confidential function is designated, that is, when the facsimile server 2 receives a facsimile message of “confidential treatment” (hereinafter referred to as “confidential message”) from the public telephone line network 4, the facsimile server 2 Information such as a sender, a receiver (destination), and a title is added to information indicating that the message has been received (hereinafter, referred to as “confidential message reception notification”), and transmitted to the personal computer 3.

The user of the personal computer 3 having received the confidential message reception notification sends the user ID and password to the FAX server 2 and requests transmission of the confidential message corresponding to the confidential message reception notification. In response to this, the FAX server 2 sends the confidential message to the personal computer 3 after confirming that the user ID and the password match.

On the other hand, the facsimile apparatus 5 according to the present invention
Has a facsimile communication function with each personal computer 3 provided in the LAN 1 via the facsimile server 2 as described above, and a confidentiality function realized by the facsimile server 2 and the personal computer 3. The facsimile apparatus 5 is virtually realized by itself, and such a facsimile apparatus 5 will be described below.

FIG. 2 shows a facsimile apparatus 5 according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. 2, the facsimile apparatus 5 includes a main control unit 50, a reading unit 51, and a recording unit 5.
2, display unit 53, operation unit 54, ROM 55, RAM 5
6, an image memory 57, a modem 58, an NCU 59, and the like.

The main control unit 50 is composed of an MPU and controls not only the hardware units of the facsimile apparatus 5 through the bus B but also converts the image data of the facsimile message into MH based on a computer program stored in the ROM 55. Encoding / decoding for encoding / decoding by encoding methods such as,
Executes computer programs such as modem switching and communication procedures.

The reading section 51 reads an original with a scanner using a CCD, and outputs dot image data converted into binary black and white. The recording unit 52 includes an electrophotographic printer device, and prints out data received by facsimile communication as a hard copy.

The display unit 53 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a CRT display, and displays an operation state of the facsimile device 5, and displays a facsimile message to be transmitted and a received facsimile message. .

The operation unit 54 includes keys such as character keys, numeric keys, speed dial keys, one-touch dial keys, and various function keys necessary for operating the facsimile machine 5. Note that the above-described display unit 53
By using a touch panel system,
Some or all of the various keys can be substituted.

The ROM 55 stores various computer programs necessary for the operation of the facsimile machine 5 in advance.

The RAM 56 is composed of an SRAM and stores temporary data generated when a computer program is executed, and also stores a sub address, a user ID, a password, and the like assigned to each user who shares the facsimile machine 5. Various kinds of data tables such as a virtual client information table 561 (see FIG. 4) and reception and transmission option tables 562 and 563 (see FIG. 5) for storing option settings when various facsimile messages are transmitted and received are stored in advance. . These data tables may be configured to be input from the operation unit 54.

The RAM 56 further has a storage area ("virtual client") allocated for each shared user as shown in FIG.
Like the personal computers 3, 3, and 3 provided therein, they are managed by subaddresses. The corresponding user can access each virtual client using the above-described user ID and password.

The image memory 57 is constituted by using a DRAM, and stores image data such as a facsimile message to be transmitted or a received facsimile message.

The modem 58 is connected to the bus B,
It has a function as a FAX modem capable of facsimile communication. The modem 58 is directly connected to an NCU (Network Control Unit) 59 similarly connected to the bus B. The NCU 59 is hardware for closing and opening the analog line L, and connects the modem 58 to the analog line L as needed.

It should be noted that a DSU (Digital Service Unit: subscriber line termination device) may be provided to connect to a digital line of a baseband transmission system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the main control unit 50 in connection with various setting processings relating to facsimile communication. First, as the user inputs his / her user ID and password from the operation unit 54 (step 1), the password for the input user ID is
It is checked whether or not the password matches the password for the user ID stored in the virtual client information table 561 in advance (step 2). If the password does not match, the process ends to prohibit access to the virtual client information table 561. Is done.

On the other hand, in step 2, the input user I
If the password for D matches the password for the user ID stored in the virtual client information table 561, the virtual client information table 561
Inform the user that the next operation is to be performed by displaying on the display unit 53 information indicating that access to the device is permitted, or by displaying a menu screen previously stored in the ROM 55 on the display unit 53 (step 3). ).

Along with this, the user performs a predetermined input from the operation unit 54 (step 4) to execute a process corresponding to the input operation (step 5), and terminates the present process. In step 5, writing of data corresponding to this user in various data tables such as the virtual client information table 561, the reception option table 562, and the transmission option table 563 described above is performed.
It is possible to execute “ON / OFF” of the virtual client mode for the confidential function in addition to functions such as change and browsing.

FIG. 4 shows the virtual client information table 5
FIG. The virtual client information table 561 stores user ID, password, subaddress, and user name of each user sharing the facsimile machine 5. In FIG. 4, the user ID
Are "AAAAA", "BBBB", and "CCCC", and their corresponding passwords are "0001", "
0002 "and" 0003 ", the subaddress is described as" 1111 "," 2222 ", and" 3333 ", and the user name is described as" Sato "," Tanaka ", and" Murata ". However, the description is not limited to such description.

The user name can be omitted by sharing it with the user ID, for example. Similarly, the sub address can be omitted by sharing the user ID.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the reception option table 562 and the transmission option table 563. FIG.
In the reception option table 562 shown in (a), each option at the time of reception can be set for each user.

The types of options are "received original", "
"Insufficient memory at reception", "transfer", "polling", and "transmission timing of acknowledgment" are provided.

In the "received original" option, the received facsimile message is stored in the image memory 57, and the user prints it out as necessary. "Store", or the received facsimile message is printed out immediately after "printing". "Can be selected.

With the “insufficient memory at reception” option,
When "accumulation" is impossible due to insufficient capacity of the image memory 57 at the time of reception, either "interruption" to interrupt reception or "print" to print out the received facsimile message immediately afterwards can be selected. . If "Print" is selected in the "Received Documents" option, the "Insufficient memory at reception" option is always
"Print" is selected.

In the "transfer" option, it is possible to select whether or not to transfer the received facsimile message to another communication device.
Is designated as, for example, "06-333-4444". If the transfer is not performed, “No” is set.

In the "polling" option, it is possible to select whether or not to perform polling with another communication device having a server function or a communication device having a client function. Yes ", and" No "if not executed.

In the "transmission timing of acknowledgment", the time to return the information (reception acknowledgment) indicating that the facsimile message was received to the sender of this facsimile message is designated, and "at the time of print output" and "at the time of instruction operation". Or "
The user can select either “No.” When “Print out” is selected, when the received facsimile message is printed out, “Instruction operation” is also performed.
When is selected, the reception confirmation is transmitted when the user performs a predetermined operation. It should be noted that by transmitting a receipt confirmation when a facsimile message is received, it is possible to save a call charge. However, since the sender of the facsimile message actually bears the burden, in such a case, the transmission of the acknowledgment is simply set to "not".

On the other hand, as for the transmission options, in the transmission option table 563 as shown in FIG. 5B, each option at the time of transmission can be set for each user similarly to the reception option table 562. .

In the option type, only "reception confirmation request" is provided here. In this “reception confirmation request”, it is possible to select “Yes” or “No”. If “Yes” is selected, for example, when sending a facsimile message, “Reception confirmation” is returned. Please send a message such as "Please" or send a predetermined signal when sending a facsimile message.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the partner machine receiving this signal automatically returns a receipt confirmation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the main control unit 50 in connection with the processing of receiving a facsimile message. First, an incoming call is checked (step 1). If there is no incoming call, step 1 is repeated at a predetermined time period.

On the other hand, if there is an incoming call in step 1, the NCU 59 transmits the TTU of ITU (International Telecommunication Union).
Based on the standard procedure specified in the recommendation (T.30), the analog line L is closed (step 2), and a signal other than the above-mentioned standard procedure signal such as confirmation of the communication function with the partner device (transmitting side) is performed. The procedure signal (non-standard procedure signal) is checked and set (step 3: pre-procedure).

Subsequently, "ON / OFF" of the virtual client mode for using the confidential function is checked (step 4). If the virtual client mode is "ON", the destination sub-address of the facsimile message received together with the facsimile message is detected (step 5: non-standard procedure).

Then, the virtual client information table 5
Referring to 61, it is checked whether or not the sub-address detected in step 5 is registered in the virtual client information table 561 (step 6). If the detected sub-address is "registered", this The reception option table 562 is referred to based on the user ID of the virtual client information table 561 corresponding to the sub address, and the reception processing of “confidential” according to the reception option set by the user is executed (step 7).

If the virtual client mode is "OFF" in step 4 or the sub-address detected in step 6 is not "registered", the reception processing of "confidential" is not executed. Then, normal facsimile reception processing is performed (step 8).

After step 7 or 8, a so-called "post-procedure" is performed by a non-standard procedure (signal) as in step 3 (step 9), and the analog line L is released by the NCU 59 based on the standard procedure (step 9). Step 10),
The receiving process ends.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the main control unit 50 in connection with the transmission processing of the facsimile message. First, as the user transmitting the facsimile message inputs his / her user ID and password from the operation unit 54 (step 1), the main control unit 50 waiting for input refers to the virtual client information table 561, Check the user ID and password (step 2).

Checking of user ID and password is "
In the case of “OK (match)”, the user inputs a facsimile number of the destination (destination) (for example, of the FAX server 2 in FIG. "075-111-2222") and a sub address (for example, "001", "
In response to the input of "002" or "003" (step 3), the main control unit 50 waiting for input checks whether or not the main control unit 50 is designated by inputting the sub-address (step 4). ).

When a sub address is specified, N
The CU 59 closes the analog line L based on the standard procedure, calls the facsimile number of the other party (step 5), and checks and sets the non-standard procedure signal (step 6: pre-procedure).

In the pre-procedure in step 6, it is checked whether or not the sub-address of the other party is present (valid) by using a non-standard procedure signal (step 7). The transmission option table 563 is referenced based on the input user ID, and the transmission processing of “confidential” according to the transmission option set by the user is executed (step 8).

On the other hand, if the check of the user ID and the password is “NG (mismatch)” in step 2,
Subsequently, the user inputs the facsimile number of the destination (destination) from the operation unit 54 to the main control unit 50 that is waiting for input (step 9).

After step 9 or when no subaddress is specified in step 4, the NCU 5
9, the analog line L is closed based on the standard procedure, a call is made to the facsimile number of the other party (step 10), and the standard procedure signal is checked and set (step 11: pre-procedure).

Next, after step 11 or in step 7, if the subaddress of the destination does not exist (is invalid), normal facsimile transmission is performed without executing the transmission processing of "confidential". Perform processing (step 1
2).

After step 8 or 12, a post-procedure is performed (step 13), and the analog line L is released by the NCU 59 based on the standard procedure (step 1).
4), end the receiving process.

[0061]

As described above in detail, in the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, the storage means of the facsimile apparatus which is provided outside the LAN and which can be connected to the LAN includes:
For example, a storage area allocated to a plurality of users is provided, and a user is allowed to access an individual storage area based on information such as a user ID and a password assigned to each storage area.

When transmitting a "confidential" facsimile message to a LAN client such as a facsimile apparatus provided in the LAN, the client is designated as a destination and the facsimile message is sent to the designated destination. Is transmitted as “confidential”.

Further, when a confidential facsimile message is received from the client such as a facsimile machine provided in the LAN, the received facsimile message is allocated to a user corresponding to the destination based on the destination information. In this case, the information is stored in the specified storage area.

Therefore, the functions previously realized by the FAX server of the LAN and the facsimile apparatus connected to the LAN are virtually realized by one facsimile apparatus, so that the functions can be connected to the LAN from outside the LAN. The present invention has an excellent effect that even a general facsimile apparatus can normally transmit and receive a "confidential" facsimile message between facsimile apparatuses provided in a LAN.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention and a network to which the facsimile apparatus is connected.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing contents of a main control unit in connection with various setting processings relating to facsimile communication.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a virtual client information table.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a reception option table and a transmission option table.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of a main control unit associated with the processing of receiving a facsimile message.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing contents of a main control unit in connection with a facsimile message transmission processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 LAN 2 FAX server 3 Personal computer 5 Facsimile machine 50 Main control unit 55 ROM 56 RAM 58 Modem 59 NCU

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) H04M 11/00 303 H04L 11/20 101C H04N 1/21 1/32

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus provided outside a LAN and connectable to the LAN, comprising: storage means having a storage area divided into a plurality of storage areas; and a storage means assigned to each storage area of the storage means. A facsimile apparatus comprising: permission means for permitting access to the storage area based on information. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a designation unit that designates a client provided in the LAN as a destination, and a transmission unit that transmits a facsimile message to the destination designated by the designation unit in a confidential manner. A facsimile machine as described. 3. A receiving means for receiving a facsimile message treated as a confidential message, wherein the storage means allocates the facsimile message received by the receiving means to a user corresponding to a destination based on the destination information. 3. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said facsimile apparatus stores the information in said storage area.