JP2002027219A - Information delivery server, accounting adapter and accounting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information delivery server in which a provider of various information can obtain an appropriate change; an accounting adapter; and an accounting system. SOLUTION: When image data on various information is transmitted from an information delivery server 100 to a facsimile device 107 connected via a communication line, an information classification of various information is notified. The information classification notified by an accounting adapter 108 provided corresponding to the facsimile device 107 is judged, and the accounting is performed in conformity to an accounting frequency corresponding to the information classification.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information distribution server for distributing designated information to a predetermined facsimile apparatus, a charging adapter for charging a fee for information distributed from the information distribution server, and a charging system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, portable telephones capable of receiving electronic mail have become widespread. Also, in response to a request such as outputting the contents of an e-mail received by a mobile phone to a paper and reading the same, the contents of the received e-mail are transferred to a designated facsimile apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “FAX”) and output. Service is provided. In such services,
For example, within the range of the basic charge of a mobile phone, three pages of A4 paper can be output, and if the number exceeds three pages,
A fee system is adopted in which a fee is charged according to the excess amount.

On the other hand, a service for distributing various types of information has been studied by focusing on a technique for instructing a facsimile to output information obtained via electronic mail or the Internet from a mobile phone.

[0004]

However, in the case of using a technique for instructing a facsimile to output predetermined information from a mobile phone, a detailed fee system corresponding to various types of information cannot be adopted. However, there is a problem that an appropriate fee cannot be obtained.

[0005] That is, when an instruction to output predetermined information is sent from a mobile phone to a facsimile, there is no method for changing the fee according to the type of information. Can be charged only according to the information, and cannot be changed according to the content of various information. For this reason, there is a problem that a provider of information cannot obtain a fee corresponding to the information. As a result, the content of the information to be provided is also limited, and there is a problem that the information distribution service itself cannot be spread.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information distribution server, a charging adapter, and a charging system by which a provider of various information can obtain an appropriate fee.

[0007]

According to the present invention, when image data of various information is transmitted from an information distribution server to a facsimile apparatus connected via a communication line, the information type of the various information is notified. The information type notified by an accounting adapter provided corresponding to the facsimile apparatus is determined, and the accounting process is performed according to the accounting frequency corresponding to the information type.

[0008] With this, the charging process can be made variable by the charging adapter according to the various information transmitted from the information distribution server, so that the user can be charged a fee according to the various information. Therefore, it is possible for the information provider to obtain a fee corresponding to various information.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An information distribution server according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a transmission section for transmitting image data of various information to a facsimile apparatus connected via a communication line; When transmitting the image data, an information type notifying unit for notifying the information type of the various information is adopted.

According to this configuration, when transmitting the image data of the various information, the information type notification unit notifies the information type of the various information, so that the charging process for the image data of the various information is performed according to the information type. By doing so, the fee can be made variable.

[0011] In the information delivery server according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the information type notifying section transmits the various types of information by transmitting a predetermined signal to which identification information indicating the information type is added. A configuration for notifying the information type of information is adopted.

According to this configuration, since the predetermined signal to which the identification information indicating the information type is transmitted from the information type notification unit, the information type can be recognized by determining the predetermined signal. It is possible to perform a charging process on image data of various information according to the information type.

An information distribution server according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, adopts a configuration in which the information type notifying section uses a PB signal or a control signal from a modem as the predetermined signal. .

According to this configuration, PB is used as the predetermined signal.
A signal or a control signal from a modem is used. For this reason, the information type can be notified by a signal used for normal facsimile communication, so that the information type can be notified without requiring a special process such as transmission of a special signal.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging adapter, comprising: an information type determining unit for determining the information type notified from the information distribution server according to any one of the first to third aspects; A storage unit that stores a charging table in which charging degrees are registered in association with each other, and a charge management unit that performs a charging process according to the charging degree corresponding to the information type determined by the information type determination unit. take.

According to this configuration, the charging process is performed in accordance with the charging frequency corresponding to the information type notified from the information distribution server, so that the charging process can be performed according to various information.

A charging adapter according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the charging adapter according to the fourth aspect, further comprising a timer for counting a transmission time of image data of various information from the information distribution server; A configuration is adopted in which charging processing is performed based on the transmission time of the image data.

According to this configuration, the charging process is performed based on the transmission time of the image data in accordance with the charging frequency corresponding to the notified information type, so that an appropriate charging process can be performed.

A billing adapter according to a sixth aspect of the present invention comprises: an identification information determining unit for determining identification information for identifying an information distribution server connected via a communication line; and a charging rate corresponding to the identification information. And a charge management unit that performs a charging process in accordance with the charging frequency corresponding to the identification information determined by the identification information determination unit.

According to this configuration, the accounting process is performed in accordance with the accounting frequency corresponding to the identification information for identifying the information distribution server, so that the accounting process can be performed according to various information corresponding to the information distribution server.

The accounting adapter according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, adopts a configuration in which the identification information determination unit uses a telephone number of the information distribution server as the identification information.

According to this configuration, since the telephone number of the information distribution server is used as the identification information, the information distribution server can be identified without requiring any special processing such as transmission of a special signal. The billing process can be performed according to various information corresponding to the information distribution server.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a billing system comprising the information distribution server according to any one of the first to third aspects, image data of various information transmitted from the information distribution server, and image data of the image data. A billing system comprising: a mobile phone capable of designating a facsimile machine as a transmission destination; and a billing adapter according to claim 4 or claim 5,
If the image data of the various types of information and the facsimile device are specified from the mobile phone, the information distribution server notifies the information type of the various types of information to the charging adapter, and the image data is transmitted to the specified facsimile device. While the charging adapter performs the charging process according to the charging frequency corresponding to the notified information type.

According to this billing system, the output of image data of various information to a desired facsimile apparatus can be instructed from the mobile phone. When transmitting the image data of the specified information to the facsimile apparatus, the information distribution server notifies the information type to the charging adapter. In the charging adapter, the charging process can be made variable in accordance with the notified information type, so that an appropriate fee can be charged to the user. As a result, it is possible to enable the information provider to obtain a fee corresponding to various types of information.

[0025] A charging system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is an information distribution server connected on a communication line, image data of various information transmitted from the information distribution server, and a transmission destination of the image data. A charging system comprising a mobile phone capable of specifying a facsimile device and the charging adapter according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the image data of the various types of information and the facsimile device are specified from the mobile phone. If the image data is transmitted from the information distribution server to the designated facsimile apparatus, the charging adapter performs a charging process according to a charging frequency corresponding to the identification information of the information distribution server. It is.

With this billing system, the output of image data of various information to a desired facsimile machine can be instructed from a mobile phone. When transmitting the image data of the information specified from the information distribution server to the facsimile device, the charging adapter can make the charging process variable according to the charging frequency corresponding to the identification information of the information distribution server. It can be charged to the user.
As a result, it is possible to enable the information provider to obtain a fee corresponding to various types of information.

[0027] A billing method according to a tenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
When transmitting image data of various types of information from the information distribution server to a facsimile device connected via a communication line, a step of notifying the information type of the various types of information, and charging provided for the facsimile device The method includes a step of determining the information type by an adapter, and a step of performing a charging process according to a charging frequency corresponding to the information type determined by the charging adapter.

According to this, the charging process can be changed by the charging adapter according to the information type of the various information transmitted from the information distribution server, so that the user can be charged a fee according to the various information. it can. As a result, it is possible to enable the information provider to obtain a fee corresponding to various types of information.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a network in which an information distribution server and a charging adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention operate.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information distribution server 100 according to the present embodiment is, for example, an L built in a company.
It is provided on AN101. LAN 101 has P
C, etc., is connected to the in-house mail client 102. Further, the information distribution server 100 has a function as an e-mail server, and stores an e-mail received from the Internet 103 in a mailbox corresponding to the e-mail address. On the other hand, the in-house mail client 102 accesses the information distribution server 100 at a predetermined timing or based on a predetermined instruction, and retrieves the electronic mail when the electronic mail is stored in the corresponding mailbox. Thus, the in-house mail client 102 can receive an e-mail from the Internet 103.

The information distribution server 100 is connected to the LAN 1
01 is connected to the Internet 103. Then, via the Internet 103, a mail server of a communication company (hereinafter, “communication company mail server”)
104) can be accessed.

The telecommunications company mail server 104 wirelessly communicates with the mobile phone 1 based on a communication protocol unique to the telecommunications company.
05 and e-mail data. Thus, the mobile phone 105 can send and receive e-mails to and from the Internet 103. In addition, the mobile phone 10
5 has a browser function, and the browser function
Access the WWW server using RL, and use the specified HTM
A program screen composed of L files can be displayed on the display unit.

Further, the information distribution server 100 is connected to a facsimile apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as “FAX”) via a public line network (hereinafter, referred to as “PSTN / ISDN”) 106.
107. The information distribution server 100 makes a call to the FAX 107 and transmits image data of various information. The FAX 107 receives and outputs the predetermined image data.

A predetermined charging adapter 108 is provided corresponding to each FAX 107 connected to the information distribution server 100 via the PSTN / ISDN 106. The charging adapter 108 performs a charging process corresponding to the image data received from the information distribution server 100 via the PSTN / ISDN 106. At this time, the charging adapter 108 performs a charging process based on a predetermined signal transmitted from the information distribution server 100 together with the image data. This predetermined signal will be described later.

In such a network, the information distribution server 100 operates according to the settings of the client.
It is determined whether an e-mail has arrived in the mailbox corresponding to the mail address of the in-house mail client 102. Then, when an e-mail is received, an e-mail notifying mail for notifying the e-mail is sent to the e-mail address of the mobile phone 105 registered in advance corresponding to the e-mail address via the communication company mail server 104.

In the incoming notification mail, a menu screen for using the electronic mail facsimile transfer service provided by the information distribution server 100 can be displayed.
RL is described. By selecting this URL, the user of the mobile phone 105 can access the F
AX 107 can be designated.

When the information distribution server 100 receives access from the mobile phone 105 via the communication company mail server 104 and the Internet 103, the information distribution server 100 obtains a predetermined URL.
The input screen is transmitted to the mobile phone 105. On the URL input screen, the user of the mobile phone 105 can input a URL, and can specify the FAX 107 that outputs a screen corresponding to the URL.

The information distribution server 100 converts the image data of various information designated by the mobile phone 105
The data is transmitted to the FAX 107 via the TN / ISDN 106. At this time, the information distribution server 100 sends the PB (Pu
sh Button) and a predetermined signal such as a control signal from a modem (hereinafter, referred to as a “modem signal”).

When receiving the image data of such various information, the charging adapter 108 determines the identification information given to the predetermined signal, and performs the charging process according to the identification information. Thereby, the charging process can be changed according to various information distributed from the information distribution server 100.
For this reason, a fee can be charged to the user according to the various information, so that the information provider can obtain a fee according to the various information. As a result, the participation of information providers is increased and the information to be provided is expected to expand, so that such information distribution services can be spread.

Hereinafter, the configurations of the information distribution server 100 and the charging adapter 108 that realize such functions will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information distribution server 100. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charging adapter 108.

In FIG. 2, the information distribution server 100
It has a control unit 201 for controlling the entire apparatus. Control unit 20
1 is configured by, for example, a CPU. The control unit 201
By executing a program stored in the memory unit 202, which will be described later, transmission of the incoming notification mail and the URL input screen to the mobile phone 105 as described above, a predetermined FAX
Various kinds of processing such as transmission of image data of various information to 107 and addition of identification information corresponding to various information to a predetermined signal such as a PB signal or a modem signal are executed.

The control unit 201 is connected to a memory unit 202, a communication unit 203, an input unit 204, and a display unit 205.

The memory unit 202 includes, for example, ROM, RA
M and a hard disk. The memory unit 202 stores a program used by the control unit 201 to control the information distribution server 100. Further, the memory unit 202 has an area used by the control unit 201 as a work memory, and a data storage area for storing data received from the communication company mail server 104 by the communication unit 203 described below.

The communication unit 203 is connected to the Internet 103 and the PSTN / ISDN 106, and transmits and receives data to and from them. The communication unit 203 includes, for example, a modem, a DSU (Data service unit), and the like.

The input section 204 is a section where the operator of the information distribution server 100 inputs predetermined settings and instructions to the apparatus main body. The display unit 205 displays predetermined settings and instructions input from the input unit 204, and also displays the current state (for example, communication state) of the information distribution server 100.

Further, an I / F unit 207 for connecting an external terminal 206 such as a printer is connected to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 performs data communication with the external terminal 206 via the I / F unit 207.

In FIG. 3, the charging adapter 108 has a control unit 301 for controlling the entire apparatus. Control unit 301
Is composed of, for example, a CPU. The control unit 301 executes various processes such as a process of determining identification information given to a predetermined signal transmitted from the information distribution server 100 by executing a program stored in a memory unit 302 described later. The control unit 301 has a built-in timer, and the information distribution server 100 and the FAX 107
And counts facsimile communication time and the like.

The control unit 301 is connected to a memory unit 302, a communication unit 303, an input unit 304, and a display unit 305.

The memory unit 302 includes, for example, a ROM and an R
AM. The memory unit 302 includes a control unit 301
Stores a program used to control the charging adapter 108. The memory unit 302 has an area used by the control unit 301 as a work memory, and a data storage area for storing data received from the information distribution server 100 by the communication unit 303 described below.

The memory section 302 stores a billing table 400 shown in FIG. Billing table 40
0 is a service type 401 indicating the type of service distributed from the information distribution server 100, and a service code 4 assigned to the service type 401, as shown in FIG.
02 and its billing rate 403.

More specifically, when the service type 401 is normal reception, the service code 402 is not assigned, and 30 seconds / 50 yen is assigned as the billing rate 403. That is, this is used for the billing process when normal FAX communication is performed.

When the service type 401 is mail reception 1 and mail reception 2, "11" and "22" are assigned to the service code 402, respectively, and the charge rate 403 is 15 seconds / 50 yen and 15 seconds / 80, respectively. A circle has been assigned. Further, when the service type 401 is the mail reception 3, the service code 402 is assigned “33”, and 0 yen is assigned as the charging degree 403. That is, mail reception 1 and mail reception 2 are paid information distribution services, and mail reception 3 is a free information distribution service.

As a paid information distribution service such as the mail reception 1 and the mail reception 2, it is assumed that, for example, a screen such as the above-described facsimile transmission service of an e-mail or a homepage is output.

As a free information distribution service such as the mail reception 3, it is assumed that, for example, an information provider uses it as an advertisement or an advertisement. More specifically, for example, there is a case where the information provider provides bargain information. Such free information distribution service is selected when the user of the mobile phone 105 participates in a bargain by distributing the bargain information to the designated FAX 107 based on an instruction from the mobile phone 105. As a provider of information, even if such bargain information is provided free of charge, if the user can participate, profits can be obtained as a result, and the provider is responsible for the information provision fee.

In the billing table 400, the billing amount is changed according to the communication time as the billing degree. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the billing amount is changed according to the number of communications. Is also good.

Returning to FIG. 3, description of each part will be continued. Communication unit 3
Reference numeral 03 is connected to the information distribution server 100 via the PSTN / ISDN 106 and to the FAX 107 via the extension, and transmits / receives data to / from them. Communication unit 30
3 is, for example, an NCU, a modem or a DSU (Data service).
unit) etc. In addition, the communication unit 303
It has a function of receiving a call signal from the exchange and performing incoming call processing. Further, the communication unit 303 performs the PSTN / ISD
Information distribution server 10 connected via N106
It also has an exchange function of mutually connecting and disconnecting the FAX 107 and the FAX 107 connected via an extension.

The input section 304 is a section where the operator of the charging adapter 108 inputs predetermined settings and instructions to the apparatus main body. The display unit 305 displays predetermined settings and instructions input from the input unit 304, and also displays the current state (for example, communication state) of the charging adapter 108.

The control unit 301 includes a charge management unit 30
6. The recording unit 307 and the error management unit 308 are connected.

The charge management unit 306 is provided for the information distribution server 10
Based on the identification information given to the predetermined signal transmitted from 0, the usage fee for the communication is calculated. Further, the fee management unit 306 tallies up the usage fees of the connected FAX 107 during a certain period (for example, during one week or one month).

The recording unit 307 outputs the balance sheet by recording the fee information calculated by the fee management unit 306 on a recording sheet. The settlement report is output based on the instruction input from the input unit 304. For example, in the settlement report, a usage fee for one communication, a usage fee for a fixed period, and a usage fee required until an error occurs when an error occurs for some reason during the communication.

The error management unit 308 is provided for the charging adapter 10
In step 8, the power supply is cut off or the recording paper is run out. Also,
Error management section 308 detects a communication error with PSTN / ISDN 106. When detecting each error, the error management unit 308 notifies the control unit 301 of the detection. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 301 displays the display unit 3
05 is displayed so as to indicate that.

Next, a sequence for transmitting image data of various information from the information distribution server 100 having the above configuration to the FAX 107 will be described, and a processing flow of the charging adapter 108 at that time will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a sequence for transmitting image data of various information from the information distribution server 100 to the FAX 107. In the sequence shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the image data transmitted from the information distribution server 100 is one and there is no continuous transmission. When image data is continuously transmitted, image data for the second and subsequent pages is transmitted based on a normal facsimile procedure.

Upon receiving a predetermined instruction from mobile phone 105, information distribution server 100 transmits the image data of the specified information to specified FAX 107. When transmitting image data of various information to the FAX 107, as shown in FIG. 5, the information distribution server 100 first outputs a call signal to the exchange. In response to this call signal, the exchange receives 16
A calling signal of Hz is output to FAX 107.

Upon receiving this call signal, FAX 107
Is a C for identifying the FAX 107 by performing an incoming call process.
An ED signal and a DIS signal indicating a standard function of the FAX 107 are transmitted to the information distribution server 100 via the exchange.

Upon receiving these signals, the information distribution server 100 transmits to the FAX 107 a DCS signal indicating a mode setting command and a TCF signal for checking training as a response signal to the DIS signal.

When these signals are received, FAX 107
Is a CFR indicating that transmission of image data is permitted to start.
The signal is transmitted to the information distribution server 100.

Upon receiving this CFR signal, information distribution server 100 transmits the image data to FAX 107.
When the transmission of the image data is completed, the transmission of the image data is terminated, and the EOP signal indicating that there is no continuous transmission is sent to the FA.
Send to X107.

When this EOP signal is received, FAX 10
7 is an MCF indicating that the image data has been correctly received.
The signal is transmitted to the information distribution server 100.

Upon receiving this MCF signal, information distribution server 100 transmits a DC signal indicating a disconnection command of the connected line.
The N signal is transmitted to the FAX 107.

When this DCN signal is received, FAX 10
7 disconnects the line connected to the charging adapter 108 by transmitting an on-hook signal to the charging adapter 108. At this time, the line between the information distribution server 100 and the charging adapter 108 remains connected.

When the information distribution server 100 notifies the charging adapter 108 of the information type, after transmitting the DCN signal, it transmits the information type notification to the charging adapter 108 before a predetermined time elapses. The notification of the information type is notified by transmitting a predetermined signal such as a PB signal to which the service code is added as described above. Upon receiving the information type notification, the charging adapter 108 transmits a confirmation response to the information distribution server 100 indicating reception confirmation of the information type notification.

Upon receiving this confirmation response, information distribution server 100 outputs an on-hook signal to the exchange. On the other hand, when transmitting the confirmation response, charging adapter 108 outputs an on-hook signal to the exchange. As a result, the line connected between the information distribution server 100 and the charging adapter 108 is disconnected.

Next, the processing of the charging adapter 108 in the sequence shown in FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 6 shows FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of the charging adapter 108 in the sequence shown in FIG.

When image data is transmitted from information distribution server 100 to FAX 107, charging adapter 10
The communication unit 303 of No. 8 receives a call signal from the exchange and performs an incoming call process (ST601).

When communication unit 303 performs an incoming call process, control unit 301 monitors FAX communication performed between information distribution server 100 and FAX 107 (ST602), and performs FAX communication.
It is determined whether the communication has been completed (ST603). At this time, the control unit 301 counts the time from when the incoming call processing is performed by a built-in timer.

Here, when the facsimile communication is completed, the control unit 301 stops counting of the built-in timer,
The count value is stored in the memory unit 302. Next, control section 301 starts counting the time from the end of FAX communication using a timer (ST604). Then, the control unit 30
1 judges whether the count value of the timer has exceeded a predetermined time (ST605).

Here, when the count value exceeds the predetermined time, the control unit 301
, And instructs the charge management unit 306 to perform a normal billing process. In response to this instruction, fee management section 306 performs a normal billing process with reference to billing table 400 in memory section 302 (ST606). Specifically, the charge management unit 306 selects the normal reception from the charging table 400,
At 602, a billing process of 50 yen per 30 seconds is performed for the fax communication time counted by the control unit 301.

On the other hand, if the information type notification is received before the count value exceeds the predetermined time (ST607), control section 301 stops counting by the timer (ST6).
08), the charge management unit 3 determines the information type received in ST607, and performs a billing process corresponding to the information type.
Instruct 06. Upon receiving this instruction, the charge management unit 306
Refers to charging table 400 (ST609) and performs charging processing according to charging table 400 (ST61).
0).

More specifically, if the service code added to the predetermined signal transmitted as the information type notification received in ST 607 is “11”, charge management section 306 determines
At 602, a charging process of 50 yen per 15 seconds is performed for the fax communication time counted by the control unit 301.

As described above, according to information distribution server 100 and charging adapter 108 of the present embodiment, information distribution server 100 assigns a service code corresponding to various information to a predetermined signal such as a PB signal to charge adapter 108. Send. The charging adapter 108 performs a charging process by referring to the charging table 400 based on the service code assigned to this signal. For this reason, by selecting and assigning a service code in the information distribution server 100, the charging adapter 1
08 can perform a billing process according to various information. For this reason, a fee can be charged to the user according to the various information, so that the information provider can obtain a fee according to the various information.

The information distribution server 10 according to the present embodiment
0 and the charging adapter 108, the information distribution server 1
In 00, since the information types of various types of information can be notified by a predetermined signal used for normal facsimile communication, the information types can be notified without requiring a special process such as transmission of a special signal.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the information type is notified from the information distribution server 100, and the charging adapter 108 performs the charging process in accordance with the information type. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
The charge type may be notified to the charging adapter 108 from 00, and the charging adapter 108 may perform the charging process according to the charge type. Even in the case of such a change, similarly to the present embodiment, the charging adapter 108 can make the charging process variable in accordance with various information distributed from the information distribution server 100. For this reason, a fee can be charged to the user according to the various information, so that the information provider can obtain a fee according to the various information.

(Embodiment 2) The information distribution server 100 and the charging adapter 108 according to the first embodiment are different from the information distribution server 100 and the charging adapter 10 according to the first embodiment.
8, the charging adapter 108 performs the charging process by referring to the service code assigned to the predetermined signal in the information distribution server 100, whereas the charging process is made variable using the caller ID notification service. Things. The information distribution server 100 and the charging adapter 108 according to the second embodiment have the same configurations as the information distribution server 100 and the charging adapter 108 according to the first embodiment except for the points described below.

The memory section 302 of the charging adapter 108 according to the second embodiment has a charging table 7 as shown in FIG.
00 is stored. The billing table 700 includes a service code 402 assigned to the billing table 400 shown in FIG.
In contrast to the service type 401, the caller ID 701 includes a caller number 701 and its billing rate 403. That is, the caller number 701 is registered instead of the service code 402.

A sequence for transmitting image data from the information distribution server 100 having the above-described configuration according to the second embodiment to the FAX 107 will be described, and a processing flow of the charging adapter 108 at that time will be described. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a sequence for transmitting image data from the information distribution server 100 to the FAX 107. In addition,
In FIG. 8, the description of the portions where the same signals as those in the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

Upon receiving a predetermined instruction from mobile phone 105, information distribution server 100 transmits the image data of the specified information to designated FAX 107. When the image data is transmitted to the FAX 107 when the charging adapter 108 performs the charging process based on the caller number, the information distribution server 100 outputs a call signal to the exchange. In response to this signal, a 16 Hz calling signal is transmitted from the exchange and the caller ID is notified. The call signal and the caller ID are received by charging adapter 108. The charging adapter 108 receives this and performs a predetermined process. On the other hand, a call signal of 16 Hz is transmitted from the exchange to the FAX 107.

Upon receiving this call signal, FAX 107 and information distribution server 10 are received in the same manner as the sequence shown in FIG.
The exchange of the DCN signal from the CED signal between 0 and 0 is performed.

When the DCN signal is received, the fax
107 outputs an on-hook signal to the exchange. on the other hand,
After outputting the DCN signal, information distribution server 100 also outputs an on-hook signal to the exchange. As a result, the line connected between the information distribution server 100 and the FAX 107 is disconnected.

Next, the processing of the charging adapter 108 in the sequence shown in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 9 shows FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of the charging adapter 108 in the sequence shown in FIG.

When image data is transmitted from information distribution server 100 to FAX 107, charging adapter 10
Communication section 303 of No. 8 receives a call signal from the exchange and performs an incoming call process (ST901).

When communication section 303 performs an incoming call process, control section 301 determines whether or not a caller ID is notified from the exchange (ST902).

Here, when the caller ID is not notified,
The control unit 301 instructs the charge management unit 306 to set the charging rate for normal reception. In response to this instruction, fee management section 306 refers to charging table 700 in memory section 302, and sets the charging rate for normal reception as the charging rate for performing the charging process (ST903). Specifically, the charge management unit 306 sets the charge rate of 50 yen per 30 seconds by selecting the normal reception from the charge table 700 as the charge rate for performing the charging process.

On the other hand, when the caller ID is notified, control section 301 refers to charging table 700 shown in FIG. 7 (ST904), determines the caller number corresponding to the notified caller ID, The charging rate assigned to the caller number is set as the charging rate for performing the charging process (ST905). If a caller number that is not registered in the charging table 700 is notified, it is considered that there is no caller number, and the charging frequency for normal reception is set.

More specifically, the caller number “02-34”
When the caller ID corresponding to "56-7890" is notified, the control unit 301 sets a charging rate of 80 yen per 15 seconds.

[0096] After setting the billing frequency, control section 301 monitors the facsimile communication performed between information distribution server 100 and facsimile 107 (ST906).
It is determined whether X communication has been completed (ST907). At this time, the control unit 301 operates the FAX 10
7 counts the time from when the incoming call processing is performed. Note that, in ST903, even when the charging frequency of the normal reception is set as the charging frequency for performing the charging process, the processes of ST906 and ST907 are similarly performed.

Here, when the facsimile communication is completed, the control unit 301 stops counting of the built-in timer,
The count value is stored in the memory unit 302. And
The control unit 301 instructs the fee management unit 306 to perform the accounting process according to the set accounting degree. Upon receiving this instruction, the fee management unit 306 performs a billing process.
(ST908). Specifically, the fee management unit 306 performs the accounting process at the accounting frequency set for the FAX communication time counted by the control unit 301.

As described above, according to information distribution server 100 and charging adapter 108 according to the present embodiment, charging adapter 108 performs charging processing based on the notified caller ID. Therefore, by allocating various types of information corresponding to the telephone numbers of the information distribution server 100, the charging process can be made variable according to the various types of information. For this reason, a fee can be charged to the user according to the various information, so that the information provider can obtain a fee according to the various information.

In the first and second embodiments, the information distribution server 100 transmits image data of various information to a predetermined facsimile 107 upon receiving an instruction from a mobile phone 105 connected via the Internet 103. Is explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various information may be transmitted to the predetermined FAX 107 in accordance with an instruction from a communication terminal device other than the mobile phone 105.

[0100] In the first and second embodiments, the information distribution server 100 provided on the LAN 101 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be directly connected to the Internet 103. Further, the information distribution server 100 having a function as an e-mail server is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information distribution server 100 may not have a function as an e-mail server.

[0101]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The information distribution server assigns identification information according to various information,
The charging adapter makes the charging process variable based on the identification information, so that the user can be charged a fee according to various information, so that the information provider can obtain an appropriate fee. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an information distribution server according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
Schematic diagram showing the network on which the charging adapter operates

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information distribution server according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a charging adapter according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a charging table stored in a memory unit of the charging adapter according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a facsimile transmitted from the information distribution server according to the first embodiment.
Diagram when sending image data to

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a charging adapter in the sequence shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a charging table stored in a memory unit of a charging adapter according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a facsimile transmission from the information distribution server according to the second embodiment.
Diagram when sending image data to

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a charging adapter in the sequence shown in FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 information distribution server 101 LAN 102 in-house mail client 103 Internet 104 carrier mail server 105 mobile phone 106 PSTN / ISDN 107 facsimile machine 108 charging adapter 201, 301 control unit 202, 302 memory unit 203, 303 communication unit 306 charge management unit 307 Recording unit 308 Error management unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04M 15/28 H04M 15/28 C H04N 1/00 107 H04N 1/00 107Z 1/32 1/32 ZF Term (reference) 5B049 BB00 CC02 CC05 CC36 EE07 FF02 GG04 GG07 5C062 AA02 AA14 AA25 AA29 AA30 AA34 AA35 AA37 AB38 AB41 AB43 AB44 AC04 AC22 AC34 AF08 5C075 AB03 AB06 AB90 BA08 CD11 GG02 GG90 GG02 GG02 GG90 5K0 DD0 JJ02 KK08 5K101 KK01 KK02 KK16 LL12 MM07 NN18 NN21 PP04

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A transmitting unit for transmitting image data of various information to a facsimile apparatus connected via a communication line, and, when transmitting the image data of the various information, notifying an information type of the various information. An information distribution server comprising: an information type notification unit. 2. The information according to claim 1, wherein the information type notifying unit notifies the information types of the various types of information by transmitting a predetermined signal to which identification information indicating the information type is added. Delivery server. 3. The information distribution server according to claim 1, wherein the information type notifying unit uses a PB signal or a control signal from a modem as the predetermined signal. 4. An information type judging unit for judging the information type notified from the information distribution server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and a billing frequency registered corresponding to the information type. A charging adapter, comprising: a storage unit that stores a charging table; and a charge management unit that performs a charging process according to the charging frequency corresponding to the information type determined by the information type determination unit. 5. A timer for counting a transmission time of image data of various information from the information distribution server, wherein the fee management unit performs a billing process based on the transmission time of the image data. 5. The charging adapter according to claim 4, wherein 6. An identification information determining unit for determining identification information for identifying an information distribution server connected via a communication line;
A storage unit that stores a charging table in which a charging rate is registered in association with the identification information, and a charge management unit that performs a charging process according to the charging rate corresponding to the identification information determined by the identification information determination unit. A billing adapter comprising: 7. The charging adapter according to claim 6, wherein the identification information determination unit uses a telephone number of the information distribution server as the identification information. 8. The information distribution server according to claim 1, wherein the image data of various information transmitted from the information distribution server and a facsimile machine to which the image data is transmitted can be designated. And a charging adapter according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the image data of the various types of information and the facsimile device are specified from the mobile phone. The information distribution server notifies the charging adapter of the information type of the various types of information and transmits the image data to the designated facsimile apparatus, while the charging adapter charges based on the charging frequency corresponding to the notified information type. A billing system for performing processing. 9. An information distribution server connected to a communication line, a mobile phone capable of designating image data of various information transmitted from the information distribution server and a facsimile machine to which the image data is to be transmitted. 8. A charging system comprising: the charging adapter according to claim 6 or 7; wherein if the image data of the various information and the facsimile device are specified from the mobile phone, the image data is specified by the information distribution server. A charging system for transmitting the image data to the facsimile apparatus and performing a charging process in the charging adapter according to a charging frequency corresponding to the identification information of the information distribution server. 10. When transmitting image data of various information from an information distribution server to a facsimile apparatus connected via a communication line, a step of notifying the information type of the various information; Determining the information type with a charging adapter provided in the system, and performing a charging process in accordance with a charging frequency corresponding to the information type determined by the charging adapter. Method.