JP2002101202A - Communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inform a user of a portable information terminal device that data are transmitted, and make it possible for the user to confirm contents of the data at once in the place, regarding a communication system for transmitting data to a portable information terminal device. SOLUTION: A transmitting user of FAX designates the portable information terminal device (PDA) of destination, and transmits FAX to a communication server(CS) which stores and holds image data of received FAX and transmits a message for telling a fact of FAX reception generation to a pager connected with the PDA of destination. A user of the PDA who has known the receiving of FAX by the pager confirms the outline of FAX transmitted with message, and if necessary, calls the CS with a portable telephone system connected with the PDA. As a result, the image data of FAX are transferred from the CS, and detailed contents are referred.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication system, and more particularly, to a communication system suitable for use as a data distribution system for quickly and reliably transmitting desired data to a portable information terminal device used at any place. The present invention relates to a communication system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a device for quickly and reliably transmitting information to a remote place, a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as a facsimile) which transmits image data such as characters and figures drawn on paper via a public line such as a telephone line. , "FAX") are known. Generally, a facsimile is used to transmit image data to a fixed destination, and when a recipient of the other party is out of the office, for example, at a different location, the fax of the recipient can be used according to the schedule of the recipient. A facsimile receiver installed closest to the receiver is checked based on the information, and image data is transmitted to the destination. In this case, if the recipient is taking an action different from the original schedule, the image data cannot be transmitted to the recipient.

[0003] As a countermeasure against this, as a countermeasure, the present applicant manufactures and sells a facsimile, “Bishabun H”.
F-TM1 ”” and “Bishabun“ HF-TB1 ””
The model has a memory receiving function and a transfer function. When the above two types of faxes receive image data from another fax, the information is stored in a built-in memory instead of being printed on paper, and then a pager that a recipient who uses the fax is always carrying. (Registered trademark) (hereinafter referred to as “pager”) is notified that the image data has been transmitted. The recipient who knows the transmission of the image data by the pager calls the FAX that sent the notification from another FAX installed nearby,
By performing remote control by tone dial, the image data in the built-in memory can be transferred to the nearest FAX, and the contents of the transmitted information can be quickly obtained. The user does not need to pay attention to the recipient's schedule and current position.

[0004]

However, according to the above-mentioned prior art, if a facsimile is not installed in the vicinity of the receiver notified of the transmission of the image data from the pager, the contents of the image data can be quickly obtained. There was a problem that it was not possible. Also, since the content of the notification by the pager is only that the image data has been transmitted, it is impossible to determine in advance whether or not to read immediately according to the importance of the content of the image data. If a pager notifies you that you are waiting for information about a critical case, even if the transmitted image data is information about another, less important case, interrupt the work in progress. Nearest FA
There is a problem that X is found and the above-described image data transfer operation is performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and upon receiving a notification that data has been transmitted to a receiver, the receiver can immediately confirm the contents of the data on the spot. It is to provide such a communication system.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, a communication system according to the present invention comprises a portable terminal device and a server capable of communicating with the portable terminal device, wherein the server comprises:
The portable terminal device is configured to be able to notify the arrival of data to the server, and the portable terminal device requests the server to transmit the received data to the server after the notification of the receipt is made. It is characterized by being arranged to order.

In the above, the data is FAX data, and the notification of the incoming call is performed by transmitting a message.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication system according to the present invention includes a portable terminal device and a server capable of communicating with the portable terminal device, wherein the server has an F
The portable terminal device is configured to be able to notify the arrival of the AX data to the portable terminal device, and the server performs, after the portable terminal device is notified of the incoming call, a request for transmission of the received FAX data to the server. , Wherein the fax data is transferred to a fax machine.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a communication system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as an embodiment of a data distribution system. In the following description, a general facsimile to a portable information terminal device (hereinafter, “PDA”: Personal D
The description will be made only for the case where FAX image data is transmitted to the digital assistant (abbreviated as "digital assistant"). However, the data targeted by the present invention is not limited to this, and graphic data, audio data, and the like can also be targeted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the entire configuration of a basic embodiment of the data delivery system of the present invention. In the figure, a FAX signal 1011 transmitted by a FAX 1010
Is the line I / F 103 after passing through the general public line 1020.
0 via the communication server (hereinafter “C
S ") 1040. CS 1040
Stores the FAX signal as FAX data 1051 in a hard disk drive (hereinafter abbreviated as “HDD”) 1050 installed therein.

Next, the CS 1040 is connected to the line I / F 103
0 and a pager 1070 connected to the PDA 1100 designated as a destination via a public telephone line.
A message indicating that the fax has arrived is sent to the user. PDA1
100 receives this message as a digital signal from pager 1070 and provides the user of PDA 1100 with the FA.
Notify that X has arrived. Finally, the PDA 1100 makes a call to the CS 1040 using a personal handy phone system 1090 (hereinafter abbreviated as “PHS”), which is a kind of a mobile phone connected to the PDA 1100, automatically or according to a user's instruction, and makes a call. Line (1091-
1081-1022-1032) are connected. And
FAX data 1051 transferred from CS 1040 is received via this line.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic procedure when a user who is moving while carrying the portable information terminal device shown in FIG. 1 obtains FAX image data.
Is a state where the user of the PDA 2040 is moving on the automobile 2010. At this point CS2000 is F
Upon receiving the AX signal, the CS2000 causes the PDA 2040
Is notified to the pager 2020 connected to FAX by a message. The PDA 2040 can know the facsimile arrival by receiving this message. However, since the PHS 2030 has a drawback that communication on the move is impossible, the PDA 2040 cannot know the facsimile arrival through the pager 2020. Even if it can, FAX data cannot be received immediately using PHS2030.

FIG. 2B shows a state where the automobile 2010 is stopped. At this time, since the movement of the PDA 2040 has stopped, the PHS 203 connected to the PDA 2040 has been stopped.
It is possible to call CS2000 from 0,
FAX data can be received by connecting the CS2000 to the line 2031.

FIG. 2C shows that the wireless communication equipment connected to the PDA 2040 is not a pager or PHS,
Cellular radio 2 that can perform radio communication even while moving
050 is shown. In this case, the car 20
Even if 10 is moving, CS2000 to PDA 20
In addition to notifying the FAX 40 that the FAX has arrived through the cellular radio 2050, FAX data can be transmitted using the same line as it is.

2 (a) and 2 (b) is different from FIG. 2 (c) in that a pager and a PHS are used instead of cellular radio as equipment for radio communication.
The PHS has a drawback that FAX data cannot be received while moving, but has a feature that it is far more advantageous in terms of a line usage fee during wireless communication, a battery life, and the like. However, since no reception can be performed while moving, a message notifying that a fax has arrived is first known on the PDA using a low running cost pager. Then, when the environment in which the PHS can be used is reached, an operation of making a telephone call and receiving FAX data can be performed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment in which a plurality of communication servers are provided in the data delivery system of the present invention. The PDA is used in a wide area, and a plurality of CSs are provided at various points in the area. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram for explaining an operation in the case where are dispersed. The part of the FAX 3000 that is generally used for transmitting FAX data to the CS 3050 using the general public line 3010 is the same as that in FIG. 1, and thus the description is omitted here. Is shown. Specifically, for example, the FAX 3000 transmits a FAX to the CS 3050 installed in the Tokyo area, but the user of the PDA 3080 specified as the transmission destination is in the Ibaraki area. In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 1, the CS in the Tokyo area is directly connected to the PDA in the Ibaraki area by using a general public telephone line. A plurality of CSs are installed in various parts of the country, and the respective CSs are connected to each other by using a company network 3090 which is a line independently drawn by the company. Since the LAN 3090 is independently drawn by the company, the cost of using this line is not proportional to the time used, and the line usage fee can be considered to be basically free.

Using this in-company network 3090, a fax from CS 3050 installed in the Tokyo area
The message notifying the arrival and the FAX data itself are transmitted to CS3070 installed in the Ibaraki district. C
S3070 accesses the general public line 3010 through the line I / F 3030, and the PDA located in the same prefecture.
A message notifying that the fax is received is sent to 3080, and the fax data itself is also transmitted. This allows faxing to a PDA that is known to be in a remote location
Even when transferring data, FAX data with a large amount of data is transferred at a lower cost by effectively using the company's own internal network without using expensive general public lines as much as possible. be able to.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment in which a cellular radio is attached to a portable information terminal device in the data delivery system of the present invention. In this figure, the part of the FAX 4000 that is generally used for transmitting FAX data to the CS using the general public line 4010 is the same as that of FIG. In the present embodiment, a cellular radio 4060 which is a mobile communication device is used.
Is connected to a PDA 4070. Cellular radio 40
As described with reference to FIG. 2C, 60 can perform communication while moving, and can perform both reception and transmission while moving. When CS4030 receives the fax signal,
A general public line 4010 is accessed via a line I / F 4020, and a cellular radio 4060 connected to a PDA 4070 is called through a cellular radio base station 4050 to transfer a message notifying that a fax is received. At this time, since the CS 4030 and the PDA 4070 have already been connected to the bidirectional line, the PDA 4070
The user at the same time can confirm the message notifying that the fax has arrived, and at the same time, can request the CS 4030 to transmit the FAX data 4041 stored in the HDD 4040 of the CS 4030 to the PDA 4070. Thereby, in the PDA 4070, the CS 403
0 can immediately receive the received fax data on the spot.

Although common to FIG. 1, by interposing a CS instead of transmitting directly from a FAX to a PDA, when the PDA telephone is busy, when the PHS is moving, and when the battery is down, Even in a situation where communication is not possible, such as in certain cases, it is possible to send a PDA as a destination at any time from a FAX, and the PDA is ready to operate whenever its own wireless communication equipment becomes operable. C
The fax data can be obtained from S.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of transmission data transmitted from a facsimile to a portable information terminal device via a communication server. Message data is transmitted from a facsimile to a CS in the following order as shown in FIG. CS to P
Sent to DA.

The originating FAX makes a telephone call to the general public line exchange to transmit the FAX. Specifically, the telephone number of the receiving CS is sent to the exchange, and the CS
Make a telephone line connection to and from. This signal format is tone or dial pulse.

The facsimile transmits to the CS the ID of the PDA of the transmission destination to which the facsimile image data is actually transmitted.
Send D number. The signal format at this time is a telephone tone signal. The transmission condition is that CS is P
The CS issues a carrier signal indicating that the DA ID number can be received.

The FAX transmits a digital signal, which is FAX image data, to the CS. This is the usual fax signal itself. The CS receives the digital signal constituting the FAX image data and stores the digital signal in the HDD provided therein.

The CS sends the pager's calling telephone number to the switch to send a signal to the pager connected to the destination PDA.

The CS transmits a message indicating that the FAX has been received to the destination PDA via the pager. The signal format at this time is a digital signal representing a character string normally recognized by a pager.

[0026] The PDA of the transmission destination receives C for calling the CS.
The telephone number of S is sent to the exchange, and the PDA and CS telephone lines are connected.

The destination PDA sends a request command to the CS to transmit a FAX image.

In response to the request command, the CS transfers the FAX image data stored and stored in its own HDD to the PDA of the transmission destination.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the content of the transmission data transmitted from the facsimile to the portable information terminal device via the communication server, and the message data is transmitted from the facsimile to the CS in the following order. To the PDA from the CS. In the figure, the source, destination, and message contents of are the same as those in FIG. Here, the signal format for transmitting the ID number of the PDA, which is the real destination, from the FAX to the CS is a digital signal instead of the tone signal shown in FIG. In general FAX, when transmitting a message other than the FAX image data signal, there is no other method than using a telephone tone signal. However, FAX, a personal computer, a modem, or the like compatible with the data distribution system of the present invention is used.
If the system creates the AX image data signal itself, it is possible to communicate between the FAX and the CS with a digital signal. In this case, fax to CS
Not only sends the ID number of the destination PDA to
It is also possible to transmit a message indicating the outline contents of a facsimile image described later with reference to FIG. 10 and the like, a password necessary for security, and the like.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents of the transmission data in FIG. 6 more specifically. The basic transmission source and destination are the same as those in FIGS. A process of transmitting a FAX header including information such as the outline content of a FAX image to the CS and a detailed ID of a transmission source to the CS as a digital signal, and a process of transferring the transmitted FAX header from the CS to the PDA are added. Before sending a fax image data instructed by the destination PDA, it is possible to know the outline of the fax using the transmitted fax header, so whether the fax text should be forwarded immediately or not Can be checked in advance.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a format of a message transmitted from the communication server to the portable information terminal device. In FIG. 5, the CS sends a message to the effect that the FAX has been received to the destination PDA. It is an example of a message format at the time. FIG. 8A shows that F
The image data transmitted by the AX to the CS. In the case of a normal FAX, the name, telephone number, date, time, etc. of the sender output by the FAX itself are added before the FAX text read by the scanner of the FAX. Is transmitted as a header image. FIG. 8 (b) shows that the CS is the PD of the transmission destination.
F to transfer to PDA via pager connected to A
The content of the AX header, which is the fax received by the CS
The image pattern of the header is converted into a character code by character recognition or the like, and the character code is transmitted. FIG. 8 (c) shows that the PDA finally faxes the CS
CS makes a PD request after sending a
FAX image data transmitted to A.

In FIG. 8B, the PDA receives the character code conversion of the FAX header once. However, there is a case where an error occurs in character recognition. Therefore, FAX image data transmitted from the CS to the PDA includes: It is preferable to transmit the image data of the FAX header transmitted by the FAX to the CS and the entire image data of the FAX body. FA
The character recognition circuit for the X header will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, but if the character recognition is performed reliably, it is not necessary to transmit the FAX header as image data. Regarding this, a rule may be adopted in which the recognition probability is calculated by the character recognition circuit of the CS, and the image data of the FAX header is transmitted if the recognition probability is less than a certain fixed value. Note that the PDA only receives the FAX image regardless of whether the FAX header is sent or not, so it is not necessary for the CS to transmit the FAX header image in advance to the PDA.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of specific contents of a message transmitted from the communication server to the portable information terminal device. In the figure, indicates that the CS is the PD
This is a fax reception message indicating that the fax addressed to A has been received. Is ID information such as its own name and telephone number transmitted by the transmission source FAX to the transmission destination FAX. One of the ID information is to inform the transmission destination PDA of the outline of the received FAX as much as possible. Means.
Is the date and time of reception, is the telephone number for calling the received CS, and is the ID of the received CS, which is information required when a plurality of CSs are installed as shown in FIG. Is a management number in the CS of the received FAX, and the PDA of the transmission destination uses this number to identify the FAX when instructing the FAX transmission to the CS. Is the size of the received FAX image data, and is used as a criterion for determining whether or not all the received image data can be taken into the PDA when the PDA receives the FAX image. If the size is too small for the PDA, the PDA determines whether it does not make a FAX transfer request or, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 20, a FAX installed near the destination PDA. Send instructions to forward to. Is a header character of the received fax, which is shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the message shown in FIG. 9 on the portable information terminal device. A message indicating that a facsimile received by an attached pager is received by a PD.
It is an example displayed by A. In the figure, 10000 is a whole view of the display device of the PDA, and in this embodiment, a display device such as a liquid crystal and a touch panel for detecting coordinates of contact of a pen or a finger are superimposed. Reference numeral 10010 denotes a message indicating that a facsimile has been received, and reference numeral 10020 denotes a display message transmitted by the facsimile shown in FIG. Reference numeral 10030 denotes the received CS number, which is used when searching a database associated with the CS telephone number in the PDA. That is, as a result of collating with the telephone number shown in FIG. 9 in the database inside the PDA, if there is no corresponding telephone number inside the PDA, new registration is performed, while the registration with the telephone number registered inside the PDA is performed. If not, it is basically processed as a transfer error, but in some cases, processing such as setting a warning flag on data received as a possibility of forgery FAX is performed. 10040 is a header character in the facsimile image data shown in FIG. Reference numeral 10050 denotes a message for prompting a user who receives these messages to make a decision. When the image data is immediately transferred on the spot, the icon 1 is displayed.
0060 is 10070 when it is not necessary to hurry but later
Is instructed by touching the icon with a pen or finger.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the communication server in the data delivery system of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 11010 denotes a CPU, which is a central part of the CS. The CPU 11010 includes a storage unit 11020 such as a memory, a timer 11030 such as a system clock and a clock, a display unit 11040 such as a CRT display, an input unit 11050 such as a keyboard, and a company network such as the one shown in FIG. LAN / corporate network is connected via an I / F (not shown), and has the same form as a general personal computer. In the CS of the present embodiment, the above-described CP
For the U11010, the facsimile transmission / reception circuit 11001,
A line I / F 11000 constituted by a pager calling circuit 11002 and a modem 11003 is connected. The FAX transmission / reception circuit 11001 performs a process of receiving image data from a FAX and a process of transmitting image data to a PDA. The pager calling circuit 11002 calls a pager connected to the PDA to transmit a message. Modem 1
In addition to exchanging a command such as a FAX transfer command with the PDA, the FAX 1003 may transfer the FAX image data as digital data instead of the usual FAX format.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a portable information terminal device in the data delivery system of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 12050 denotes a CPU to which a storage unit 12060 such as a memory, a timer 12070 such as a system clock and a clock, a display unit 12080 such as a liquid crystal panel, and an input unit 12090 such as a touch panel are connected. It has a configuration as a device. In this embodiment, a pager 1200 is supplied to the CPU 12050 via a pager receiving circuit 12010.
0 is connected and the FAX transmitting / receiving circuit 12020
And a modem 12040 are connected. And FAX
The transmission / reception circuit 12020 and the modem 12040 have a PH
It is connected to S12030. Each function is the same as the line I / F in the CS shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the buffering adapter used in the data delivery system of the present invention. The ID number of the PDA of the transmission destination to which the facsimile described in FIG. FAX
Instead of waiting for the carrier from the CS and manually inputting the same, the user automatically detects the carrier of the CS and
5 shows a buffer link adapter for transmitting a DA ID number. As shown in FIG.
The signal 13001 originating from 00 is initially a tone signal (FIG. 5) representing the telephone number of the CS, followed by the destination P
A tone signal (FIG. 5) representing a DA number and a digital signal (FIG. 5) representing FAX image data.

The buffering adapter 13010 receives the signal 13001 via the facsimile interface 13011, and the facsimile signal decomposition circuit 1301
Into a telephone number, a PDA number and a FAX image signal. Then, after the telephone number is stored in the TEL number buffer 13013, the telephone number is output to the public line 13030 through the telephone number buffer 13013, thereby calling the CS. If the CS is busy and the line is not connected, the telephone number is output from the TEL number buffer 13013 to the public line 13030 again. After the PDA number is stored in the PDA # buffer 13014, the CS
It is in a waiting state until a reception carrier transmitted from is detected. When the CS transmits the received carrier, the switch 13017 is set to “O” by the CS carrier detection circuit 13016.
N ", the PDA number stored in the PDA # buffer 13014 is output to the CS via the public line 13030. Thereafter, the FAX image signal stored in the FAX signal buffer 13015 is output to the public line 13030.
Is output to CS through

Although the FAX image signal is once stored in the FAX signal buffer 13015 in the above-described example, the FAX 13000 does not actually start until the CS carrier detection circuit 13016 detects the CS carrier signal. Is enough. Normally, FAX
Generally, 13000 does not start transmitting a FAX image unless a FAX carrier is received from CS.
In this case, the FAX signal buffer 13015 may not be provided.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the processing and data flow by each device constituting the data distribution system of the present invention. The left side shows the operation flow in the source FAX, the center shows the operation flow in the CS, The right side is an operation flow in the PDA of the transmission destination. The originating FAX first calls the CS (step 14).
000), CS receives this call (step 1405)
0). Signal direction 14001 is transmitted from FAX to CS. Next, the CS outputs the carrier (step 14060), the carrier 14011 is sent to the FAX, and the FAX receives the CS carrier (step 14060).
10). The source FAX that has recognized the connection completion with the CS by the CS carrier is the PDA number (PDA) of the transmission destination.
#) To the CS (step 14020),
The CS receives the PDA # (Step 14070). Finally, the FAX transmits the FAX image signal to the CS (Step 14030), and the CS receives the FAX image signal (Step 14080). The fax operation is completed (step 14040), but these operations are exactly the same as those of a normal fax except for transmitting a PDA #. Note that the transmission operation of the PDA # is performed manually including transmission of the telephone number, or automatically performed using the buffering adapter shown in FIG.

Next, the CS calls the pager connected to the destination PDA (step 14090), and the pager starts receiving (step 14150). The CS then sends a message indicating that the fax has been received and the FA
Send information about X to the pager (step 1)
4100), the pager receives the information (step 14160). After that, the pager converts the received information to PD
A (step 14170), the PDA displays the information as shown in FIG. 10, and asks the user of the PDA to determine whether to transmit FAX image data (step 14180). If the PDA is instructed to send fax image data, the PDA
Calls the CS using the PHS (step 1419)
0), the modem provided in the CS answers the telephone (step 14110). Then, the PDA transmits a transmission request signal for FAX image data to CS (step 14200), and after receiving the transmission request signal (step 14120), CS transmits the FAX image data to PDA. (Step 14130).
The PDA receives the transmitted FAX image data (step 14210), displays it on the PDA display (step 14220), and ends a series of operations (steps 14140 and 14230).

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the process of separating the FAX header and recognizing the pattern shown in FIG. In the figure, the FAX image 15030 is
It is stored as a two-dimensional bitmap image (one bit for each pixel) in the HDD connected to the CS, and includes a header portion 15010 and a handwritten character portion 15040. Of these, the handwritten character portion is difficult to perform pattern recognition due to various character sizes, shapes, sharpness, and the like, and is therefore transferred to the destination PDA as a bitmap image. On the other hand, header part 15010
Is generally transmitted as a digital image from a transmission source FAX, the size and shape of the characters are constant and the clarity of the characters is high. Therefore, it is easy to convert them into character codes by pattern recognition. However, since the header portion 15010 and the handwritten character portion 15040 are included in the same bitmap image, they need to be separated. In the present embodiment, the header portion 1
The above-described separation is performed using the fact that a space (blank) portion 15020 is always inserted between the 5010 and the handwritten character portion 15040.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit for performing the process of separating the FAX header and performing the pattern recognition shown in FIG. In the figure, FAX image data transmitted from the public line 16000 is transmitted to the FAX receiving circuit 1.
After being converted into digital image data through 6010, it is stored in FAX image buffer 16020, and then by FAX image classification device 16030
The space portion described in FIG. 15 is detected from this image data and separated into a header portion and a handwritten character portion. The header portion is a fax header portion image buffer 160.
The bit map information is stored in a character pattern recognition circuit 16060, decomposed into bit map information for each character, and then converted and recognized into a character code by a character code conversion circuit 16070. 16100 and the destination P in accordance with the format shown in FIG.
Transferred to DA. On the other hand, the handwritten character portion is stored in the FAX handwritten portion image buffer 16050, and the destination P
When the FAX image transmission request is received from the DA, the FAX image is read out from the FAX handwriting unit image buffer 16050, transmitted to the public line 16100 through the FAX modem 16090, and transferred to the PDA.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of image data compression and decompression processing in the data delivery system according to the present invention. The FAX run-length processing is performed by utilizing the fact that FAX image data is once stored in the CS. A processing operation for transferring data to a PDA in a short time while improving the data compression efficiency over the format will be described.
In the figure, the FAX run length + Huffman coded data 17000 received by the CS has only one line buffer for the FAX to transfer one line at a time and immediately print the one line. Can simultaneously store the entire screen of the FAX image in the memory. Here, compression processing is further performed on the data sent in one dimension (step 17010).
020 and create a compressed HDD in CS
And transfer to the destination PDA (step 17030). The compressed data 17020 is the original FAX
Since the data is further compressed as compared with the run-length + Huffman encoded data 17000, the transfer time is shorter, and handshaking required for digital data transfer and retransmission processing when an error occurs can be performed. As a result, the fax data can be transferred more reliably. The PDA of the transmission destination receiving the compressed data 17020 performs the corresponding decryption processing (step 170).
40) By doing so, the original FAX run length + Huffman coded data 17050 is restored. Then, this is developed into a bitmap image (step 17060), and P
Display on the display on the DA (step 1707)
0).

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another example of image data compression and decompression processing in the data distribution system of the present invention. As in the case of FIG.
A processing operation for transferring data to the PDA in a short time by improving the data compression efficiency compared to the FAX run-length format by utilizing the fact that the AX image data is once stored in the CS will be described. In the figure, FAX received by CS
Run length + Huffman encoded data 18000 is F
While the AX has only one line buffer for transferring one line at a time and immediately printing the one line, the CS can simultaneously store the entire screen of the FAX image in the memory. Here, the data sent in one dimension is expanded into bitmap data once (step 1).
8010) A compression process (for example, block coding + Huffman coding, etc.) that further increases the compression efficiency by taking a correlation in the two-dimensional direction is performed (step 18020), and compressed data 18030 is created. Then, the compressed data 180
30 is stored and stored in the HDD in the CS, and a transfer process to the PDA of the transmission destination is performed (step 18040). Thereafter, the PDA receives the transfer of the compressed data as in the case of FIG. 17 and performs a decoding process (step 18050) to reconstruct the bitmap image data 18060,
A is displayed on the display on A (step 1807)
0).

Both FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 use the fact that CS can store the entire data simultaneously in addition to the compression by one-dimensional run-length + Huffman coding, which is the original compression method in general FAX. In particular, in the compression processing shown in FIG. 18, since the correlation in the two-dimensional direction of the original bitmap image can be used, it is possible to obtain a highly efficient compression ratio. it can.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment in which the data transmission source in the data delivery system of the present invention is a portable information terminal device.
The source of X image data is not FAX but another P
The case of DA is shown. In the figure, CS receiving FAX
Since the configurations of 19040 and the PDA 19100 of the transmission destination are completely the same as those in FIG. 1, the description is omitted here. The present embodiment is characterized in that the source of FAX image data is the PDA 19000. That is, FAX image data transmitted from the PDA 19000 is transmitted to the general public line 19020 via the FAX interface 19001 and transferred to the CS. Here, the source PDA 19000 sends the destination P
Considering a case where a fax is directly transmitted to the DA 19100, if the FDA cannot be received for any reason, for example, the PDA 19100 is moving, the transmitting PDA 19000 repeatedly transmits the fax. It needs to be resent. Many ordinary fax machines have a retransmission function as standard equipment, but if the originator is a PDA, it is necessary to access the general public line 19020 by wireless communication or the like every time retransmission is performed. Since a large amount of power is consumed at that time, the PDA 19000, which is the source, wastes its operable time every time retransmission is performed. Therefore, by interposing a CS as in the present embodiment, the transmitting PDA 19000 can transmit a fax to another PDA 19100 without being affected by the state of the transmission destination. However, even in this case, CS
Although 19040 itself may be busy, a solution can be provided by providing a plurality of telephone lines between CS 19040 and a general public line.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an embodiment in which FAX image data transmitted to a portable information terminal device in the data delivery system of the present invention can be transferred to another portable information terminal device or FAX. It is. In the figure, the transmission source FAX # 1 (2000) is the transmission destination PDA # 1.
(2011) to send a fax to CS2011
0, the FAX image data is transmitted. In response, the CS 20110 sends a message indicating FAX reception to the PDA # of the transmission destination via the mobile phone 20030 or the like.
1 (20010). PDA # 1 (2001
The user 0) checks the outline of the facsimile shown in FIG. 10 and the image data of the facsimile received by himself / herself, and judges whether or not it is necessary to transfer the data to another PDA. For example, if it is determined that the user of PDA # 2 (20120) needs to show the fax, the CS201
FAX image data stored or stored in the PDA 10 or a message indicating FAX reception similar to that received by the destination PDA # 1 (20010) is transmitted to the PDA.
In order to transmit also to # 2 (20120), CS20
A request instruction is sent to 110.

As described above, the PDA # 1 (20010) does not need to retransmit a large amount of facsimile image data, thereby saving power consumption. In particular, when it is necessary to broadcast to a plurality of PDAs and FAXes, all of the transmissions are performed by the CS20110, which can receive power normally and make a wired call, instead of the PDA # 1 (2001). The power consumption can be extremely effectively reduced. Also, F
The size of the AX data is too large and the PDA # 1 (2
0010) cannot be received, or if the resolution of the PDA display is inferior to the resolution of the FAX as will be described later with reference to FIG. The user of the destination PDA # 1 (20010) transmits the FAX image data to the nearest FAX # 2 (20020) so as to transfer the FAX image data.
A request instruction can be sent to S20110.

FIG. 21 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining an example of a countermeasure in a case where the data delivery system of the present invention is restricted by the performance of the portable information terminal device.
The following describes a countermeasure in a case where it is meaningless to transfer all image data to the PDA because the resolution of the display of the transmission destination PDA is lower than the resolution of the transmission source FAX.

FIG. 21A shows a message displayed by the CS after receiving a FAX, sending a message indicating that the FAX has been received to the PDA of the transmission destination. 10 is basically the same as that of FIG. 10, the overall description is omitted. However, only the message 21050 is different, and not the entire FAX image data but the FAX outline image is transferred. Message.

FIG. 21 (b) shows an example of a case where the transmission destination PDA receives a summary image of the facsimile and displays it on the display. In the figure, a fax overview image 21090 is displayed on the display 21080 of the PDA of the transmission destination.
, An icon 21100 for scrolling the outline image 21090 up and down, and a group of icons for giving various instructions to the PDA are displayed. Generally FAX
Of the FAX outline image 210 using the scroll icon 21100 because the vertical length of the
90 can be scrolled up and down.

As an outline image of FAX, for example,
A method in which the number of pixels is reduced to one- (n × n) by representing any one of the vertical and horizontal n × n pixels, or black when the average value of the n × n pixels exceeds a certain threshold value The summary information in which the total number of pixels of the facsimile has been reduced using various pixel reduction methods such as a method is transferred to the PDA for display. Therefore, it is difficult to read fine characters with the outline image, and all data before the number of pixels is reduced must be transferred as necessary. Icon 21
110 is for the user to instruct this, and if the full-text transfer is performed immediately on the spot, "No."
w ”later, or“ Aft
er "icons.

Next, the destination of the full-text transfer is specified.
The resolution of the display provided in DA is generally FA
Since the resolution is lower than the resolution of X, it is considered appropriate to transfer the data to another FAX installed near the user, as described with reference to FIG. In this case, F at 21120
Before instructing transfer to AX, the nearby FA at 21130
X phone number or 21140 FA
Select from the X telephone number list and specify the FAX of the transfer destination. Furthermore, when transferring to another PDA as described with reference to FIG. 20, a transfer command is instructed at 21150. The destination can be selected and transferred from the PDA list of 21160. Phone number list 2
1140 and the PDA list 21160 indicate the PDA
Is linked to a database, such as an address book, which can be referred to as a relational database. As described above, by transmitting a summary image first to a fax to a destination PDA, only a minimum amount of information that can be displayed by the PDA is transferred, so that transfer time can be saved. it can.

FIG. 22 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining an example of a measure to be taken when the data delivery system of the present invention is restricted by the performance of the portable information terminal device.
As shown in FIG. 21, an example is shown in which the FAX outline image is transferred to the transmission destination PDA, and then the FAX image data is transferred as it is. As previously mentioned,
Since the display of the PDA does not have the resolution of a FAX, it is difficult to display the full text of the FAX image data even if it is transferred. However, as a result of referring to the outline image of the FAX transmitted first, if there is a part that the user wants to refer to in detail, it is relatively easy to realize that only a part of the part is zoomed up and displayed.

When such processing is realized, the entire text of the FAX image data may be transferred and then zoomed up. However, in this embodiment, the FAX outline image 220 is used.
From 10, a part is selected as the zoom area 22020, and only that part is transferred to save transfer time. In FIG. 22, the PDA of the transmission destination uses a touch panel display in which a touch panel is combined with a display such as a liquid crystal display, and a region to be zoomed up on the FAX outline image 22010 displayed on the display is designated with the pen 22030. Thus, the zoom area 22020 is defined. By instructing the transfer with the icon 22040, all the FAX image data included in the zoom area designated by the CS is transferred. The transferred fax image is a PDA
The enlargement ratio depends on the definition of the zoom area. All image data is always displayed in the scroll window, or the zoom area is displayed on the full screen of the PDA based on the algorithm described in FIG. It is also possible to automatically enlarge and reduce as much as possible for display.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a process of automatically deleting unnecessary portions in FAX image data and transferring the data in the data delivery system of the present invention. FIG. 23A shows FAX image data 23000 sent from the sender FAX. A blank row (23010, 23020) of a horizontal line is also provided between the header and the handwritten character portion or in the handwritten character portion. include. FIG.
(B) is a FAX image 23030 in which the blank portion is deleted and transferred, and the FAX image 23030 described with reference to FIG.
In the same manner as in the X image classification device, a blank portion in a horizontal row is detected and deleted. In this case, if all blank lines are deleted here, the header and handwritten characters,
Since the upper and lower characters of the handwritten character portion are too close to each other to make it difficult to read, the deletion is performed while leaving only a certain number of blank lines.

Although an example in which a blank is detected has been described here, other than that, the connection of the lines constituting the FAX handwritten image is detected and the length of the lines is shortened to reduce the overall size. A method of reducing the size is also conceivable. This is effective, for example, when sending a block diagram as shown in FIG. 22, but when sending something like a mechanical drawing, the scale such as the aspect ratio will not be correct. Therefore, this can be solved by preparing a command for canceling this function by the sender of the fax or the user of the PDA, and instructing the command. In particular, when the sender instructs this command, the command can be mixed with a digital signal such as a PDA number shown in FIG. 6 and sent to the CS, while the PDA user issues the command. In this case, when a transfer instruction is sent to the CS by the PHS, the instruction can be given to the CS by mixing the instruction in the transfer instruction.

[0059]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, for example, in the case where FAX image data is used as transmission data, when a caller first transmits a FAX to a communication server, a communication is performed. An ID number for specifying the portable information terminal device of the receiver is transmitted together with the telephone number of the server. The communication server stores the received FAX image data in a large-capacity storage medium, and then transmits a message indicating that the FAX has arrived to a pager connected to the portable information terminal device of the recipient. At this time, the received F
The outline contents of AX are attached. As a result, the recipient can know the arrival of the FAX by referring to the message received by the pager, and at the same time, can immediately confirm the outline contents on the spot.

Then, in accordance with the importance of the contents transmitted by facsimile, and when the portable telephone attached to the portable information terminal becomes available, the receiver can carry the portable information terminal. Make a transfer request of the image data to the communication server via the telephone, transfer the whole or a part of the image data stored in the storage medium of the communication server to the portable information terminal device of the receiver and display it The effect is obtained. Further, if necessary, the receiver gives an instruction to the communication server from the portable information terminal device, and transfers the image data stored in the storage medium of the communication server to another portable information terminal device or a facsimile receiver. The effect of being able to transfer is also obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a basic embodiment of a data delivery system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic procedure when a user who is moving while carrying the portable information terminal device shown in FIG. 1 obtains FAX image data.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment in which a plurality of communication servers are provided in the data delivery system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an embodiment in which cellular wireless is attached to a portable information terminal device in the data delivery system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of transmission data transmitted from a facsimile to a portable information terminal device via a communication server.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the content of transmission data transmitted from the facsimile to the portable information terminal device via the communication server.

FIG. 7 is a diagram more specifically showing the contents of transmission data in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a format of a message transmitted from the communication server to the portable information terminal device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of specific contents of a message transmitted from the communication server to the portable information terminal device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the message of FIG. 9 on the portable information terminal device.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a communication server in the data delivery system of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a portable information terminal device in the data delivery system of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a buffering adapter used in the data delivery system of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing and data flow by each device constituting the data distribution system of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing a process of separating a FAX header and performing pattern recognition shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit that performs processing of separating a FAX header and performing pattern recognition illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of image data compression and decompression processing in the data distribution system of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another example of image data compression and decompression processing in the data distribution system of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment in which the data transmission source in the data delivery system of the present invention is a portable information terminal device.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment in which FAX image data transmitted to a portable information terminal device in the data delivery system of the present invention can be transferred to another portable information terminal device or FAX.

FIG. 21 is a diagram (part 1) for describing an example of a measure to be taken when the data delivery system of the present invention is restricted by the performance of the portable information terminal device.

FIG. 22 is a diagram (part 2) for describing an example of a measure to be taken when the data delivery system of the present invention is restricted by the performance of the portable information terminal device.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a process of automatically deleting unnecessary portions in FAX image data and transferring the data in the data delivery system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1010, 3000, 4000, 20000, 20020 Facsimile (FA
X) 1020,3010,4010,19020,20050 General public line 1040,2000,3050,3060,3070,4030,20110 Communication server (CS) 1050,4040 Hard disk drive (HDD) 1060,19060 Pager base station 1070,2020, 19080 Pager 4050 Cellular radio base station 2050, 4060 Cellular radio 1080,19070 PHS base station 1090,2030,19090 Personal handyphone system (PHS) 1100,2040,3080,4070,19000,19100,20011,20120,201
30 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04B 7/26 109M (72) Inventor Sadaji Kuwahara 292 Yoshidacho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Hitachi, Ltd. Inside Video Media Research Laboratory (72) Michihiro Mese 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Hitachi Video Media Research Laboratory (72) Muneaki Yamaguchi 1-1280 Higashi-Koikekubo, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo Hitachi, Ltd. Inside the Central Research Laboratory of the Works (72) Inventor Tomoya Ozaki 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside the Media Research Laboratory of Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Yoshihiko Kunimori 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa F-term in Hitachi, Ltd. Visual Media Research Laboratories (reference) 5C062 AA02 AA13 AA37 AB23 AC05 AC38 AC43 BA00 BB03 5K015 AF07 CA05 5K024 AA00 CC11 FF05 GG00 5K067 AA34 BB04 BB21 BB22 BB41 DD52 EE00 EE02 EE10 FF13 HH17 5K101 KK01 LL12 MM07 NN01 NN12 NN18

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A communication system comprising: a portable terminal device; and a server capable of communicating with the portable terminal device, wherein the server is a communication system capable of notifying the portable terminal device that data has arrived at a server, A communication system, wherein the mobile terminal device is configured to request the server to transmit the received data and obtain the data after the notification of the incoming call is made. 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the data is facsimile data, and the notification of the incoming call is performed by transmitting a message. 3. A portable terminal device, comprising: a server capable of communicating with the portable terminal device;
A communication system capable of notifying the portable terminal device that data has arrived, wherein the server receives the FAX data transmission request after notifying of the incoming call, and transmits the FAX data to the FAX device. A communication system characterized in that the communication system is configured to transfer the information to a communication device.