JP2001292273A - Facsimile equipment and image communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile equipment capable of correspondently managing the individual information and attached picture information of a separately transmitted electronic mail. SOLUTION: A notice mail is received for reporting that an image transmitting mail is received, the identification information and individual information of the reported image transmitting mail are correspondently preserved in a link table by analyzing this notice mail and in the case of receiving the attached picture information attached to the reported image transmitting mail, according to a facsimile procedure, the attached picture information is received before receiving the attached picture information and after acquiring the identification information. On the basis of the identification information acquired by a facsimile communication means, processing is performed for making correspondent the attached picture information and the individual information received on the link table.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus and an image communication method capable of receiving an electronic mail and a file attached to the electronic mail (hereinafter, referred to as an attached file).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a technique of mounting a modem on an information terminal device (hereinafter, referred to as a server) such as a PC or the like and converting image information from a facsimile device transmitted from a public line into an attached file of electronic mail.

Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-331540 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-98298, a server attaches an attached file to an e-mail and transmits the file with an e-mail address specified by a transmission source as a destination. Are disclosed.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-167584, a server converts an attached file of an electronic mail into facsimile image information and transmits the converted image information to a facsimile having a designated electronic mail address. Things are disclosed.

In this technique, a text of an electronic mail composed of text is converted into image information by a server, and a file attached to the electronic mail is also converted into image information. Then, the server combines the e-mail text and the image information of the attached file with the facsimile apparatus corresponding to the designated e-mail address and transmits the facsimile. The receiving-side facsimile apparatus can receive the e-mail text and the image information of the attached file as facsimile image information. (Hereinafter, the electronic mail text converted to image information is referred to as electronic mail image information, and the attached file converted to image information is referred to as attached image information.)

[0006]

However, since the server converts the e-mail text into e-mail image information,
The data in the body of the email itself is much larger than in the text.

Therefore, when it is desired to store the text of an e-mail in the facsimile apparatus main body, the e-mail image information obtained by converting the text of the e-mail is stored instead of the text data which is the e-mail text. As a result, there is a problem that a large amount of memory is required for the facsimile machine.

[0008] Further, since the server converts the electronic mail text into electronic mail image information, when replying to the received electronic mail text, the electronic mail image information is returned. For this reason, even if the text of the e-mail from an e-mail terminal with only text information such as a mobile phone is received by the facsimile machine, it becomes e-mail image information. There is a problem that you can not.

Therefore, by providing a facsimile terminal device that transmits and receives the body part of an e-mail as text and receives attached file information converted to facsimile image information for an attached file of the e-mail, Problem can be solved.

However, since the e-mail text and the attached file attached to the e-mail text are separately received, there is a problem that the user needs to manage the e-mail text and the attached picture information separately. there were.

Specifically, the user must search for image information corresponding to the electronic mail text and search for the electronic mail text corresponding to the attached image information, which is very inconvenient.

When there are a plurality of attached files, a plurality of attached image information is received. However, when communication is performed for each attached image information corresponding to the attached file, the incoming call processing is performed for each attached image information. The facsimile procedure must be performed, and there is a problem that communication processing takes a long time and is inefficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a facsimile apparatus which can manage individual information and attached information of separately transmitted e-mails in association with each other. It is another object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus and an image communication method capable of receiving attached information in one communication even if there are a plurality of attached files.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention receives a notification mail notifying that an e-mail with an attached file has been received, analyzes the notification mail, and receives a notification mail. Before receiving the attached file according to the facsimile procedure, when the identification information of the attached electronic mail with the attached file is associated with the individual information and saved in the link table and the notified attached file of the attached electronic mail is received. After receiving the identification information, the attached file is received, and based on the identification information obtained by the facsimile communication means, a process of associating the attached image information received on the link table with the individual information is performed.

As described above, since the link table for associating the notified identification information of the electronic mail with the attached file and the individual information is provided, the individual information and the attached image information of the notified electronic mail with the attached file are provided. Can be managed in correspondence.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A facsimile apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a mail receiving means for receiving a notification mail notifying that an electronic mail with an attached file is being received, and a facsimile apparatus which analyzes the notification mail. A mail analysis unit that associates the notified identification information of the electronic mail with the attached file with the individual information and saves the information in the link table; and, when receiving the notified electronic mail with the attached file, executes the facsimile procedure. Facsimile communication means for acquiring the identification information before receiving the attached information as image information, and thereafter receiving the attached information; and the facsimile on the link table based on the identification information acquired by the facsimile communication means. Link means for performing a process of associating the attached information received by the communication means with the individual information. Take the configuration.

By generating the link table using the identification information of the electronic mail with the attached file and the individual information as described above, the individual information of the electronic mail with the attached file notified with reference to the link table and the attached file are attached. Can be associated with information. As a result, the individual information and the attached information of the separately attached e-mail with the attached file can be processed in association with each other.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, a mode is adopted in which an electronic mail text of the electronic mail with the attached file is received by the notification mail.

With this configuration, the electronic mail text can be associated with the attached information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the second aspect, there is provided an erasing control means for performing control for erasing the electronic mail text and the attached information, and the erasing control means comprises: Upon receiving a signal to delete the body of the e-mail, refer to the link table,
It is configured to detect whether there is the attached information corresponding to the e-mail text and, if there is the attached information, delete both the e-mail text and the attached information.

[0021] With this configuration, the operator performs the processing of deleting only the body of the e-mail, thereby automatically judging the presence / absence of the attached information. it can. This eliminates the need for the operator to search for the e-mail text and the attached information corresponding to the e-mail text, thereby improving operability.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the second aspect, there is provided a print control means for controlling printing of the e-mail text and the attached information. Upon receiving the signal to print the email body, refer to the link table,
It is configured to detect whether there is the attached information corresponding to the e-mail text and, if there is the attached information, to print both the e-mail text and the attached information.

According to this configuration, the operator performs processing for printing only the body of the e-mail, so that the presence or absence of the attached information is automatically determined. If the attached information is present, the attached information is automatically printed. it can. This eliminates the need for the operator to search for the e-mail text and the attached information corresponding to the e-mail text, thereby improving operability.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the second aspect, there is provided a transfer control means for controlling transfer of the e-mail text and the attached information to another device. The means, upon receiving a signal for transferring the e-mail text, refers to the link table, detects whether there is the attached information corresponding to the e-mail text, and if there is the attached information, the e-mail text. And both the attached information are transferred.

With this configuration, the operator performs the processing of transferring only the body of the electronic mail, so that the presence or absence of the attached information is automatically determined. If the attached information is present, the attached information is also automatically transferred. it can. This eliminates the need for the operator to search for the e-mail text and the attached information corresponding to the e-mail text, thereby improving operability.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the facsimile communication means transmits the identification information to a TS.
A configuration for extracting from I is adopted.

With this configuration, since the attachment management information is extracted from the TSI, the attachment management information can be received in a normal facsimile procedure.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the facsimile receiving means receives the attached file as image information in the facsimile procedure. Later EOM
Is received, the MCF and DIS signals are transmitted to return to phase B, and the image information and the attachment management information corresponding to the attached file other than the received attached file are received.

With this configuration, phase B
And the attached management information and the attached information are received, so that a plurality of attached information can be received by one communication.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, a step of receiving a notification mail notifying that an electronic mail with an attached file has been received, and a step of analyzing the notification mail and receiving the notified electronic mail with an attached file. Storing the identification information and its individual information in the link table in association with each other, and, when receiving the attached information of the notified e-mail with the attached file, before receiving the attached information as image information according to a facsimile procedure; Acquiring identification information and thereafter receiving the attached information, and associating the attached information received by the facsimile procedure with the individual information on the link table based on the identification information acquired by the facsimile procedure. And an image communication method.

Hereinafter, a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, a case where the facsimile apparatus transmits and receives an electronic mail and an attached file via the Internet will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a facsimile communication system according to the above embodiment.

The facsimile apparatus 101 can perform normal facsimile communication with a general facsimile apparatus 102 by using a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 103, and can be connected to a service server 107 to provide worldwide facsimile communication. Can send and receive electronic mail and attached files with a personal computer 105 (hereinafter, referred to as a PC) or an Internet facsimile apparatus 106 (hereinafter, referred to as an I-FAX) via the Internet 104, which is a computer network. .

Further, the facsimile apparatus 101 transmits and receives the text of the e-mail as text data via the service server 107 and receives the attached file as facsimile image information.

Hereinafter, concretely, the PC 105 or the I-FA
A case where an e-mail with an attached file is received from X106 will be described. First, the operation of the service server 107 when an electronic mail with an attached file is transmitted from the PC 105 to the facsimile apparatus 101 will be described.

The e-mail with the attached file created by the PC 105 is transmitted to the Internet service provider (ISP) 108 via the public network 103 by dial-up connection. The ISP 108 transmits the e-mail with the attached file to the mail server corresponding to the address specified by the PC 105, in this case, the service server 107 via the Internet 104.
The service server 107 separates the sent e-mail with attached file into an e-mail text and an attached file. Then, the service server 107 stores the e-mail text as text data, and converts the attached file into attached image information so that facsimile transmission is possible, and saves the attached file. Upon receiving a request for transmission of an e-mail text in communication from facsimile apparatus 101, service server 107 transmits the e-mail text to facsimile apparatus 101 as text data. If the transmitted e-mail text includes attached image information, the converted attached image information is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 101 via the PSTN 103 by facsimile.

Further, the facsimile apparatus 101 sends the
If you want to send an e-mail to
In step 1, the electronic mail body is created, and the electronic mail body is created by designating a desired electronic mail address, and is sent to the ISP 108 via the PSTN 103, the service server 107, and the Internet 104. PC1
05 accesses the ISP 108, and the ISP 10
8 can be received.

Next, a case where an electronic mail with an attached file is transmitted from the I-FAX 106 to the facsimile apparatus 101 will be described.

First, an electronic mail with an attached file is created by the I-FAX 106. The method of creating an electronic mail with an attached file by the I-FAX 106 uses a conventional method, and thus the description is omitted. This I-FAX1
The e-mail with the attached file created in 06 is stored in the e-mail server 109. The e-mail with attached file stored in the e-mail server 109 is sent to the service server 107 via the Internet 104. Subsequent operations are the same as those in the case where an e-mail with an attached file is sent from the PC 105, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the service server 107 once receives the e-mail with the attached file, and further separates and stores the e-mail with the attached file into the e-mail text and the attached file. Then, when the facsimile apparatus 101 requests the transmission of an e-mail, the separated e-mail text is transmitted. On the other hand, the service server 107
After the attached image information corresponding to the separated e-mail text is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 101,
The service server 107 transmits the attached image information to the facsimile apparatus 101 in a facsimile procedure.

Next, the facsimile apparatus according to the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is an external top view showing the facsimile apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
2, the lower part is the front side of the facsimile apparatus 101, and the upper part is the rear side.

As shown in FIG. 2, the facsimile machine 1
A panel unit 201 is provided on the upper surface of the device 01.
A dial key 202 is provided on the right side of the center of the panel unit 201. The dial key 202 is used not only for inputting a telephone number or a facsimile number (FAX number), but also for reproducing a recorded message in an answering machine function and creating a message in an electronic mail function.

A function / registration button 204 is provided near the dial key 202. Function / Registration button 204
Is used to select a function provided in the facsimile apparatus 101. For example, this is used when the facsimile apparatus 101 is provided with a so-called auto-pilot function for periodically checking an e-mail with a provider. The function / registration button 204 is also used to set an autopilot timer for setting the interval at which the provider checks the e-mail.

The function / registration button 204 is used when switching between various reception modes. The reception mode includes a manual reception mode, a FAX / TEL switching mode (hereinafter, referred to as F / T mode), a FAX-only mode, and an absence mode.

An answering machine button 207 is provided on the right side of the dial key 202. Answering Machine Button 20
Reference numeral 7 is for switching the state of the answering machine function of the facsimile apparatus 101 on / off. The answering machine button 207 is normally used when the operator goes out of office or the like. When the state of the answering machine function of the facsimile apparatus 101 is turned on by the answering machine button 207, the message received during this time is recorded. Thereafter, when the answering machine function of the facsimile apparatus 101 is turned off by the answering machine button 207, the recorded message is automatically reproduced. If the answering machine button 207 is pressed during a call, the conversation during the call is recorded. The number of rings in the answering machine mode is also determined by the function / registration button 204.
Can be set by

The display unit 215 is provided on the left side of the panel unit 201 from the center. Display unit 215
Is composed of an LCD or the like. The display unit 215 displays a screen corresponding to the state of the facsimile machine 101. For example, when a telephone number is input on the facsimile apparatus 101, the input telephone number is displayed on the display unit 215. When the content of the e-mail is confirmed by the facsimile apparatus 101, the received e-mail is displayed on the display unit 215. The display unit 215 has, on the front side, a column for displaying a function that is provided in the facsimile apparatus 101 and that displays a currently selected function. Specifically, columns for displaying functions of character e-mail, FAX for overseas using the Internet network, incoming melody download, and incoming call history display are arranged.

The telephone book dial 2 is displayed on the front side of the display unit 215.
16 are provided. This telephone directory dial 216
The facsimile apparatus 101 is used to select a telephone number or a facsimile number of a destination registered by a user in the facsimile apparatus 101. By rotating the telephone directory dial 216, the telephone numbers displayed on the display unit 215 are scrolled. The telephone directory dial 216 is also used when scrolling a display such as a function selection screen described later.

Start in the center of the telephone directory dial 216 /
A set button 217 is provided. The start / set button 217 is used for facsimile
This is used when starting transmission.

In the vicinity of the start / set button 217, a selection button 225 for performing processing performed by the facsimile machine 101, printing, erasing the contents stored in the storage device, facsimile transmission, mail transmission, and the like is provided. Have been. The operator can select a process to be performed with the select button 225 and operate the start / set button 217 to perform a desired process on the facsimile apparatus 101.

A handset 222 is attached to the side of the facsimile machine 101. Further, a paper feed tray 223 is provided on the rear surface of the facsimile machine 101. Further, a hand scanner 224 is provided on a front portion of the facsimile machine 101.

Next, the hardware configuration of the facsimile apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

The CPU 401 executes a program stored in the storage means and controls the entire facsimile apparatus 101.

As storage means, a ROM (Read Only Me
mory) 402, RAM (Random Access Memory) 403
In addition, a flash memory 404 (hereinafter, referred to as FROM), which is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory capable of erasing and rewriting, is provided. The ROM 402 stores a program to be executed by the CPU 401. The RAM 403 is a work memory that executes programs and temporarily stores various data such as e-mails and image files. FR
As shown in FIG. 4, the OM 404 includes an e-mail text storage area 501 for storing a received e-mail text and an e-mail text for transmission, and an image data for the received attached file and an image for transmission. An image data storage area 502 for storing data, and a destination address storage area 503 storing a plurality of destination e-mail addresses.
And a setting information storage area 504 for storing various settings such as a telephone number of a service server, ID information for sending an e-mail, a password for various communications, and a current reception mode of the facsimile apparatus 101. Mode storage area 505 is provided.

The facsimile apparatus 101 has a PS
A communication control unit 405 that controls transmission and reception of signals to and from the TN 103 is provided. The communication control unit 405 issues a call,
Processing such as incoming calls is performed. The handset 222 and the built-in speaker 406 are connected to the communication control unit 405. The communication control unit 405 includes means for performing data communication and facsimile communication via the PSTN 103,
Specifically, modem, DSU, terminal adapter (T
A) is provided.

Further, the facsimile apparatus 101 is provided with a scanner 224 for reading an original and acquiring image information to be transmitted to another apparatus. Further, the facsimile apparatus 101 is provided with a printer 407 for printing the received image information.

Further, the facsimile apparatus 101 is provided with an operation unit 408 such as a dial key and a touch panel provided on the panel unit 201 for receiving an operation by the operator such as designation of a destination and transmission start instruction. . The facsimile apparatus 101 is provided with a display unit 215 for visually displaying various information such as processing contents and input information, so that an operator can easily grasp the processing contents and input information.

Incidentally, the service server 107 described above.
When receiving an electronic mail with an attached file, the electronic mail body and the attached file part are separated and held. The text of the e-mail is sent to the facsimile apparatus 101 as text information, and the attached file is sent as attached image information which is facsimile image information according to a facsimile procedure. As described above, when transmitting the attached image information, link information for associating the electronic mail text with the attached file is necessary. Therefore, the FROM 404 of the facsimile apparatus 101 and the service server 10
7, a link table 601 is provided. Hereinafter, the configuration of the link table 601 will be described with reference to FIG.

The link table 601 contains a file number 6 which is a file name obtained by converting an attached file of an electronic mail with an attached file into an image file in TIFF format.
02 is stored. And this file number 60
E-mail text file number 603 which is a text-format file name containing the e-mail text corresponding to 2
And the attached file information 604 for the body file number 603 are stored. The attached file information 604 is the file name of the attached file attached to the body of the electronic mail with the attached file. The link table 601 further stores subject information 6 corresponding to the subject of the e-mail.
05 and the sender information 606 corresponding to the email address that is the sender of the email. The link table 601 also stores a transfer flag 607 indicating whether or not the stored body file number 603 has been transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 101.

This link table 601 is provided in the service server 107 for e-mail users (in this case, each facsimile machine 101). A table (not shown) corresponds to the telephone number of the facsimile machine 101 and the facsimile machine 101. The corresponding e-mail address (or user ID) is stored. The service server 107 transmits the attached image information by referring to a table (not shown) when the transfer flag 607 is the information indicating that the transmission is performed.

The link table 601 stores an identification number 608 which is identification information for associating the separated electronic mail text with the attached image information.
By receiving the identification number 608, the facsimile apparatus 101 can associate the separately received e-mail text with the attached image information.

In the link table 601, parts other than the transfer flag 607 are held in the facsimile apparatus 101. Thereby, the facsimile machine 101
However, it is possible to link the individual information of the e-mail with the attached file or the e-mail text with the attached file information such as the attached image information. The facsimile machine 101
Information indicating whether the electronic mail corresponding to the transfer flag 607 has been browsed, and information indicating that transfer or reply has been performed are stored.

Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus according to the above-described embodiment to receive an electronic mail text will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an e-mail text body reception sequence diagram of the facsimile apparatus according to the above embodiment.

First, the facsimile apparatus 101 which is a terminal
Dials in order to connect to the service server 107 which is the host. By the dial from the facsimile machine 101, the line between the facsimile machine 101 and the service server 107 is closed. When the line is closed, the service server 107 connects to the connected facsimile machine 101.
It is necessary to determine whether or not is a facsimile machine of an authorized user. Therefore, the service server 107 transmits a signal requesting the facsimile apparatus 101 to transmit the ID and the password. The facsimile apparatus 101 receives the signal and transmits the ID and the password stored in the FROM 404. When the service server 107 determines that the transmitted ID and password are correct, the service server 107 normally connects. Then, the service server 107 transmits a signal indicating that the connection has been normally completed to the facsimile apparatus 101. In this way, the facsimile apparatus 101 normally connects to the service server 107.

Next, facsimile apparatus 101 sends a signal to service server 107 to inquire whether there is an electronic mail with an attached file transmitted from another apparatus. Service server 10 receiving this signal
Reference numeral 7 transmits a notification mail, which is various types of electronic mail information such as the number of electronic mails with an attached file addressed to the facsimile apparatus 101, to the facsimile apparatus 101.

Then, the facsimile apparatus 101 transmits to the service server 107 an individual information request signal for requesting the individual information of the electronic mail with the attached file corresponding to the received notification mail. Upon receiving this signal, the service server 107 transmits to the facsimile apparatus 101 information on whether or not each electronic mail with an attached file has an attached file and link information such as the identification number 608 of the link table 601. Then, the facsimile apparatus 101 which has received the signal transmits the information regarding the individual electronic mail to the FR of the facsimile apparatus 101.
The information is stored in the link table 601 formed in the OM 404.

Next, the facsimile apparatus 101 starts an e-mail text receiving operation. First, the facsimile machine 10
1 sends an e-mail text reception request signal instructing the service server 107 to transmit the e-mail text. Service server 107 receives this signal, and transmits the text of the electronic mail to facsimile apparatus 101 as text data. Thus, the facsimile apparatus 101 receives the electronic mail text. Then, the facsimile apparatus 101 displays the received text data of the e-mail text on the display unit 215. Alternatively, the display unit 215 may display a list including the titles and transmission sources of the received e-mail texts, or may display only the fact that a new e-mail has been received.

Next, the facsimile apparatus 101 instructs the service server 107 to delete the information about the received e-mail text from the e-mail text file information 603 in the link table 601 provided in the service server 107. To send a signal. The service server 107 receives this signal, and the link table 10
7, the information about the body of the e-mail received by the facsimile apparatus 101 is deleted, and a signal indicating the deletion is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 101.

Note that the facsimile apparatus 101 can be set so that the received e-mail text is not deleted from the service server 107 when the e-mail text is received.

If the service server 107 has a plurality of e-mails addressed to the facsimile machine 101, the process returns to the process of transmitting the individual information request, and the e-mail text reception process is continued until all the e-mail texts have been received. repeat.

As described above, the facsimile apparatus 101
Receives the e-mail text and disconnects the line.

Next, the facsimile apparatus 101 receives image information of an attached file for the received e-mail from the service server 107 in a facsimile procedure. Hereinafter, the attached file receiving operation of the facsimile apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an attached file reception sequence diagram of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

First, the facsimile apparatus 101 is dialed from the service server 107 as a host, and the line is closed. When the line is closed, the facsimile machine 101
Transmits CED and DIS, which are identification numbers of the facsimile apparatus 101, to the service server 107. Upon receiving this signal, the service server 107 transmits TSI, which is identification information of the service server 107, and DCS, which is a transmission command in response to DIS. Also,
At this time, the service server 107
07 of the link table 601 as the TSI
And send it. Facsimile machine 101 is TSI
By extracting the identification number 608 from the URL and performing matching with the identification number 608 of the link table 601, the facsimile apparatus 101 determines which attached image information to be transmitted corresponds to which previously received e-mail text. can do.

The service server 107 sends a training signal of the communication control unit 405 to the facsimile machine 101. In contrast, the facsimile machine 10
1 transmits to the service server 107 a CFR, which is a signal indicating that the message can be transmitted.

Then, the service server 107 executes the TSI
The attached image data corresponding to the identification number 608 transmitted in the step (1) is selected from the file number 602 of the link table 107 and transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 101. Then, the service server 107 transmits to the facsimile apparatus 101 an EOM indicating that the transmission of the attached image has been completed. Then, the facsimile apparatus 101 stores the received attached image in the file number 6 corresponding to the identification number 608 of the link table 601 of the facsimile apparatus 101.
02 is stored.

Then, the facsimile apparatus 101
The MSF and DIS indicating that the attached image information has been correctly received are transmitted to the service server 107, and the process returns to the phase B state which is a pre-procedure for receiving the attached image information.

As described above, since the facsimile procedure is returned to the phase B for each attached image information to receive the attached management information and the attached image information, the line is disconnected even when there are a plurality of attached images. Instead, the above-described series of attached image receiving sequences can be repeated. Thereby, a plurality of attached image information can be received by one communication.

When the reception of all the attached images is completed, the service server 107 transmits an EOP indicating the end of the facsimile procedure to the facsimile apparatus 101. Then, the facsimile machine 101 receiving this signal
Transmits the MCF to the service server 107. Then, the service server 107 sets the facsimile machine 10
Then, DCN, which is a line disconnect command, is transmitted to 1 to disconnect the line and terminate the processing.

Thus, the facsimile apparatus 101
Completes the reception of the attached image. Further, the received attached image can be easily identified from the identification number 608 included in the TSI as to which of the received e-mail texts it corresponds to.

Further, the facsimile apparatus 101 has a function of transmitting an electronic mail with an attached file.
When the facsimile apparatus 101 transmits an e-mail with an attached file to another communication terminal, the service server 10
7 is performed. Hereinafter, an operation in which the facsimile apparatus 101 transmits an e-mail to the service server 107 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an e-mail transmission operation of the facsimile apparatus according to the above embodiment.

The facsimile apparatus 101 has a function of converting attached image information into an attached file, converts the attached image information into an attached file, adds the information to an electronic mail, generates an electronic mail with an attached file, and transmits or transmits the electronic mail. It has become. When the attached image information is converted into an attached file, the image information is converted into a file in the TIFF format as in the case of the I-FAX 106.

The facsimile machine 101 as a terminal dials to connect to the service server 107 as a host. By dialing from the facsimile machine 101, the facsimile machine 101 and the service server 10
The line with 7 is closed. When the line is closed, the service server 107 needs to determine whether the connected facsimile apparatus 101 is a facsimile apparatus of a contracted user. Therefore, the service server 107 transmits a signal requesting the facsimile apparatus 101 to transmit the ID and the password. Facsimile machine 10
Receiving this signal, 1 transmits an ID and a password. Then, the service server 107 sends the received I
If it is determined that D and the password are correct, the connection is made normally. Then, the service server 107 sends a signal indicating that the connection has been normally completed to the facsimile machine 10.
Send to 1. Thus, the facsimile machine 10
1 normally connects to the service server 107.

Next, the facsimile apparatus 101 sends an e-mail transmission request signal to the service server 107 to send an e-mail. Upon receiving this signal, the service server 107 prepares to receive the e-mail, and when it is ready, the facsimile machine 10
1 is signaled that an e-mail may be sent.

Next, the facsimile apparatus 101 transmits the text of the e-mail to the service server 107 by e-mail in text. And the service server 10
7 transmits, to the facsimile apparatus 101, a signal indicating that the reception has been completed, when the reception of the e-mail text is completed.

Then, the facsimile machine 101 disconnects the line when the transmission of the electronic mail with the attached file ends. Thus, the facsimile machine 101
The e-mail with the attached file is transmitted to the service server 107. Then, the service server 107 transmits the transmitted e-mail to another communication device having the address designated by the facsimile device 101. Thus, the transmission of the e-mail with the attached file to the other communication device of the facsimile device 101 is completed.

Incidentally, the facsimile apparatus 101
The received e-mail text and attached image are stored in the link table 601. For this reason,
If the use period of the facsimile machine 101 becomes longer, FR
It is possible that the capacity of the OM 404 becomes full.
Therefore, the facsimile apparatus 101 has a function of deleting the e-mail text and the attached information. But,
Since the e-mail text and the attached file are separately transmitted from the service server 107 to the facsimile apparatus 101, it is necessary to take measures to delete the e-mail text and the attached file in association with each other. Hereinafter, the e-mail text and attached file deletion processing of the facsimile apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an electronic mail text and attached file deletion process of the facsimile apparatus according to the above embodiment.

First, when the operator operates the operation unit 408, the process shifts to a process of deleting data such as an electronic mail text and an attached file stored in the FROM 404 of the facsimile apparatus 101. Facsimile machine 101
Moves to the data erasing process, the facsimile machine 1
01 creates a list of e-mail information by referring to the link table 601. Then, facsimile apparatus 101 displays the list of the e-mail information on display unit 215 (ST901). In the list of electronic mail information, various information such as the subject and the transmission source of the electronic mail are displayed.

Next, the operator operates the operation unit 408 while referring to the list of the e-mail information to select the e-mail text to be deleted. Facsimile machine 101
Receives the erasure signal and starts erasing the designated e-mail text (ST902). Here, if there is an attached file in the body of the e-mail to be deleted, if only the body of the e-mail is simply deleted, there is a problem that the remaining attached file remains in the FROM 404 without being deleted. Therefore, facsimile apparatus 101 searches link table 601 (ST903), and determines whether or not there is an attached file in the body of the e-mail to be deleted (ST904).

If it is determined in ST904 that there is no attached file in the e-mail text, only the e-mail text is simply deleted (ST905). And FROM40
The link table is updated by deleting all parts related to the electronic mail text to be deleted from the link table 601 in ST4 (ST906). In order to leave the history of the e-mail, only the main body of the e-mail may be deleted, and the related portion may be deleted by another process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in ST904 that there is an attached file in the e-mail text, the e-mail text is deleted (ST907), and the attached file corresponding to the deleted e-mail text is also deleted from FROM 404 (ST908). Then, the link table is updated by deleting all parts related to the electronic mail text in link table 601 in facsimile apparatus 101 (ST906).

While the body of the electronic mail is being deleted from the facsimile apparatus 101, an image as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit 215. Thus, the operator can know the reception date, the subject, the digest, and the presence or absence of the attached file of the currently deleted electronic mail information. The presence or absence of an attached file can be determined by the presence or absence of a clip in the figure.

As described above, by performing the process of deleting only the body of the e-mail, the presence / absence of an attached file is automatically determined, and if there is an attached file, the attached file is also automatically deleted. it can. This eliminates the need for the operator to search the e-mail text and the attached image information corresponding to the e-mail text, thereby improving operability.

The facsimile machine 101 has a function of printing the received e-mail text and attached image. However, since the e-mail text and the attached file are separately transmitted from the service server 107 to the facsimile apparatus 101, the e-mail text and the attached file must be linked and printed. Hereinafter, the e-mail text and attached file print processing of the facsimile apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an electronic mail text and attached file printing process of the facsimile apparatus according to the above embodiment.

First, when the operator operates the operation unit 408, the processing shifts to a process of printing data such as an electronic mail text and an attached file stored in the FROM 404 of the facsimile apparatus 101. Facsimile machine 101
Moves to the data printing process, the facsimile machine 1
01 is the link table 6 in the facsimile machine 101
A list of e-mail information is created by referring to 01. Then, facsimile apparatus 101 displays this list of electronic mail information on display section 215 (ST110).
1). In the list of electronic mail information, various information such as the subject and the transmission source of the electronic mail are displayed.

Next, the operator operates the operation unit 408 while referring to the list of the e-mail information to select the e-mail text to be printed. Facsimile machine 101
Receives this print signal, and starts printing the designated e-mail text (ST1102).

By the way, when there is an attached file in the body of the e-mail, there is a strong demand to print not only the body of the e-mail but also the attached file. For this reason, the facsimile machine 101 searches the link table 601 in the facsimile machine 101 (ST1103) and determines whether or not there is an attached file in the body of the e-mail to be printed (S1103).
T1104).

If it is determined in ST1104 that there is no attached file in the body of the e-mail, the body of the e-mail is imaged (ST1105), and printer 407 is controlled to print the body of the e-mail (ST1106). Then, by deleting all the parts related to the e-mail text in the link table 601 in the FROM 404,
The link table is updated (ST1107).

On the other hand, if it is determined in ST1104 that there is an attached file in the body of the e-mail, the body of the e-mail is imaged (ST1108), and printer 407 is controlled to print the body of the e-mail (ST1109). ). Then, the attached file corresponding to the e-mail text printed next is printed (ST
1110). The link table 601 in the facsimile apparatus 101 deletes all parts related to the printed e-mail text, so that the link table 601 is deleted.
Is updated (ST1107). In order to retain the history of the e-mail, a related part of the e-mail text is not deleted, and a print flag indicating whether or not printing has been performed is provided in the link table 601 to update the print flag. good.

While the main body of the e-mail is being printed, an image as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display unit 215. Thereby, the operator can know the reception date, the subject, the digest, and whether or not there is an attached file of the electronic mail information currently being printed. Also,
The presence or absence of an attached file can be determined by the presence or absence of a clip in the figure.

As described above, the operator performs the process of printing only the body of the e-mail, so that the presence / absence of an attached file is automatically determined. it can. This eliminates the need for the operator to search the e-mail text and the attached image information corresponding to the e-mail text, thereby improving operability.

The facsimile apparatus 101 has a function of transferring the received e-mail text and attached image to another apparatus. However, the e-mail text and the attached file are separately transmitted from the service server 107 to the facsimile apparatus 101, so that the e-mail text and the attached file must be transferred in association with each other. Hereinafter, the transfer process of the electronic mail text and the attached file of the facsimile apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an electronic mail transfer process of the facsimile apparatus according to the above embodiment.

First, when the operator operates the operation unit 408, the processing shifts to a process of transferring data such as an electronic mail text and an attached file stored in the FROM 404 of the facsimile apparatus 101. Facsimile machine 101
Moves to the data transfer process, the facsimile machine 1
01 is the link table 6 in the facsimile machine 101
A list of electronic mail information is created by referring to 01. Then, facsimile apparatus 101 displays the list of the e-mail information on display section 215 (ST130).
1). In the list of electronic mail information, various information such as the subject and the transmission source of the electronic mail are displayed.

Next, the operator operates the operation unit 408 while referring to the list of e-mail information to select the e-mail text to be transferred. Facsimile machine 101
Receives this transfer signal, and transfers the designated e-mail text (ST1302).

By the way, when there is an attached file in the e-mail text, it is necessary to transfer not only the e-mail text but also the attached file. Therefore, the facsimile machine 1
01 is the link table 6 in the facsimile machine 101
01 (ST1303), and determines whether there is an attached file in the body of the e-mail to be transferred (ST130).
4).

If it is determined in ST1304 that there is no attached file in the e-mail text, the e-mail text is transferred by e-mail (ST1305). And FRO
The link table is updated by deleting all parts related to the transferred e-mail text in the link table 601 in M404 (ST1306). In order to keep the history of the transferred e-mail, a related flag of the main body of the e-mail is not deleted, and a transfer flag indicating whether or not the transfer is performed is provided in the link table 601 to update the print flag. May be.

On the other hand, if it is determined in ST1304 that there is an attached file in the body of the e-mail, by referring to link table 601, the body of the e-mail to be transferred and the attached file corresponding to the body of the e-mail are stored in FROM 40.
4 (ST1307). Next, in order to transmit the read attached file by the facsimile procedure, the attached file is converted into a TIFF image that can be transmitted by the facsimile procedure (ST1308). Then, the converted attached file is attached to the body of the electronic mail to create an electronic mail with the attached file (ST1309), and the electronic mail with the attached file is transferred (ST1310).
Then, the link table 6 in the facsimile machine 101
01 to update the link table by deleting all parts related to the e-mail text (ST130).
6).

While the main body of the electronic mail is being transferred, an image as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display unit 215. Thereby, the operator can know the reception date, the subject, the digest, and whether or not there is an attached file of the electronic mail information currently being transferred. Also,
The presence or absence of an attached file can be determined by the presence or absence of a clip in the figure.

As described above, by performing the process of transferring only the body of the e-mail, the presence / absence of an attached file is automatically determined. If there is an attached file, the attached file is also automatically transferred. it can. This eliminates the need for the operator to search the e-mail text and the attached image information corresponding to the e-mail text, thereby improving operability.

When information about the text of an electronic mail such as an attached file is left in the service server 107, when the facsimile apparatus 101 transfers the electronic mail, only the identification number of the electronic mail is stored in the service server 10.
7, and the service server 107 may transfer the TIFF file corresponding to the identification number to another device. In the case of this mode, the facsimile machine 10
1 can eliminate the process of converting the attached file, thereby reducing the process. In this case, the amount of information to be transferred is reduced, so that the time required for transfer is reduced.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the link table 601 for associating the identification information of the electronic mail with the attached file with the individual information is provided. Individual information and attached image information can be managed in association with each other. This allows
The user does not need to search for the attached image information corresponding to the electronic mail with the attached file, and the operability of the facsimile apparatus can be improved.

A mail analyzing means for storing the notified identification information of the electronic mail with the attached file and the individual information in the link table 601, and identifying the electronic mail with the attached file acquired by the communication control unit 405. Based on the information, a link unit for performing a process of associating the attached image information received by the facsimile communication unit with the individual information of the acquired e-mail with an attached file on the link table 601 and deleting the e-mail text and the attached image information The CPU 401 functions as an erasure control unit for controlling, a print control unit for controlling printing of the e-mail text and attached image information, and a transfer control unit for controlling transfer of the e-mail text and attached image information to another device. Alternatively, a dedicated processing unit having these functions individually may be provided.

[0111]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the link table for associating the identification information of the e-mail with the attached file and the individual information is provided, the individual information of the e-mail with the attached file and the attached information can be managed in association with each other.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a facsimile communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external top view showing the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a memory configuration diagram of the FROM according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a link table according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an e-mail text body reception sequence diagram of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an attached file reception sequence diagram of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an e-mail transmission operation of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an electronic mail text and attached file erasing process of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display unit when the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment is erasing data.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an electronic mail text and attached file printing process of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display unit when the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment is printing data.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an electronic mail transfer process of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display unit when the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment transfers data.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101, 102 Facsimile machine 103 Public line 104 Internet 105 PC 106 I-FAX 107 Service server 108 ISP 109 E-mail server 401 CPU 404 FROM 405 Communication control unit 215 Display unit 222 Handset

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat II (reference) H04N 1/32 9A001 F term (reference) 5C062 AA02 AA14 AA29 AA30 AB23 AB43 AB44 AC04 AC23 AC29 AC43 AE14 AF12 AF13 BA00 BD09 5C075 AB90 CA01 CA14 CA90 CD05 EE02 FF90 5K030 HA07 JT05 LD13 5K051 BB03 CC01 CC02 GG02 HH17 JJ07 JJ11 5K101 KK01 KK02 MM07 NN21 PP03 TT02 UU19 9A001 CC06 JJ14 JJ27

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A mail receiving means for receiving a notification mail notifying that an electronic mail with an attached file is received, identification information of the electronic mail with an attached file notified by analyzing the notification mail, and individual information thereof. Mail analysis means for storing in the link table in association with the above, and when receiving the attached information of the notified e-mail with the attached file, obtain the identification information before receiving the attached information as image information according to a facsimile procedure Facsimile communication means for receiving the attached information, and associating the attached information received by the facsimile communication means with the individual information on the link table based on the identification information obtained by the facsimile communication means. A facsimile apparatus comprising: link means for performing processing. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an electronic mail text of the electronic mail with the attached file is received by the notification mail. 3. An erasure control means for erasing the e-mail text and the attached information, wherein the erasure control means refers to the link table upon receiving a signal for erasing the e-mail text. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the presence or absence of the attached information corresponding to the body of the e-mail is detected, and if the attached information is present, both the body of the e-mail and the attached information are deleted. . 4. A print control means for controlling printing of the e-mail text and the attached information, wherein the print control means refers to the link table upon receiving a signal for printing the e-mail text. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the presence or absence of the attached information corresponding to the body of the e-mail is detected, and if the attached information is present, both the body of the e-mail and the attached information are printed. . 5. A transfer control means for controlling transfer of the electronic mail text and the attached information to another device, wherein the transfer control means, upon receiving a signal for transferring the electronic mail text, transmits the link to the link. 3. A table is referenced to detect whether there is the attached information corresponding to the e-mail text, and when there is the attached information, both the e-mail text and the attached information are transferred. 4. A facsimile machine as described. 6. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said facsimile communication means extracts said identification information from a TSI. 7. When the facsimile receiving means receives an EOM after receiving the attached file as image information in the facsimile procedure, the facsimile receiving means sends an MCF and DIS signal to return to phase B, and 7. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile apparatus receives image information and attachment management information corresponding to an attached file other than the attached file. 8. A step of receiving a notification mail notifying that an electronic mail with an attached file has been received, and identifying the identification information of the electronic mail with an attached file notified by analyzing the notification mail and the individual information thereof. The step of storing in the link table in association with, when receiving the attached information of the e-mail with the attached file notified, to obtain the identification information before receiving the attached information as image information according to the facsimile procedure, Receiving the attached information, based on the identification information obtained in the facsimile procedure, the step of performing a process of associating the attached information and the individual information received in the facsimile procedure on the link table, An image communication method, comprising: