JP2002118703A - System for transmitting neighborhood weather forecast information from center to facsimile regional terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system that can transmit weather forecast information of an area close to an address of a user to the user by using a facsimile terminal with only simple operations. SOLUTION: A center uses a caller telephone number notice service to acquire a caller telephone number, retrieves a postal code number from the telephone number on the basis of its own database, retrieves regional weather forecast information from the postal code number, and transmits the retrieved weather forecast information to the facsimile terminal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for extracting the nearest weather forecast information of an address where a user lives from a center using a facsimile terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The following method has been used to obtain weather forecast information on the Internet.

In order to use the Internet, terminal devices connected to the Internet, such as a personal computer terminal, a portable telephone, a PHS telephone, and an Internet terminal, were required. The user needs to prepare these terminal devices, make a contract with the Internet provider, and set the access numbers, server addresses, and the like notified by the Internet provider to the terminal devices.

[0004] Preparations have been completed, and the following procedure must be taken in order to actually obtain weather forecast information.
First, turn on the terminal device. Start software for accessing the Internet (usually using a browser), and enter the homepage address of an information provider that provides weather forecast information. Select a menu, and when you reach the desired information section, enter your zip code to notify you of your address. When the nearest weather forecast information of the address where the user lives is displayed on the screen, an operation for printing is performed. Only when all the operations described above are performed in order, a paper on which the weather forecast information is printed has been obtained.

[0005] This method has the following disadvantages.

One of the drawbacks is that a terminal device for connecting to the Internet is required. PC terminals are the most commonly used, but PC terminals are expensive and difficult to operate, and there are still many problems for the general public to use widely and easily.

One of the drawbacks is that the terminal device needs a communication device such as a modem, a terminal adapter, a router, a wireless communication circuit, etc. in order to connect to the Internet. For the general public, it is very difficult to select, purchase, and set the communication device so that it can be used even though a personal computer terminal is sufficiently difficult. Ultimately, the need for expert help increases costs.

One of the disadvantages is that a contract with an Internet provider is required to access the Internet. There are many Internet providers and it is difficult for the general public to choose which one to choose. When a contract is made, an access telephone number necessary for access, a server address, and the like are notified, and these must be set in the personal computer terminal. This is a rather difficult task that is beyond the level of the ordinary public. Internet providers usually charge a fixed amount every month. Even if you do not use it at all, you will be charged a fixed amount every month, so that users who use it only occasionally will have a large economic burden.

One of the drawbacks is that rather complicated operations must be performed before the desired weather forecast information is printed. You must launch your browser software for Internet access and enter the homepage address that provides the weather forecast information. If the user does not know the homepage address, the user must input the homepage address of the search service and search for the homepage providing the weather forecast information.
Once you've reached your homepage, you'll have to select a few menus and look for a weather report page. Since the user cannot be automatically identified on the Internet, information indicating the address where the user lives (usually a postal code) must be entered. When the desired weather forecast information is displayed, a command for printing is input, and printing is performed on the printer.

[0010]

As described above, the method of obtaining weather forecast information by the conventional method using the Internet involves purchasing a terminal device such as a personal computer, subscribing to an Internet provider, performing complicated settings, The user is forced to perform complicated operations.
There was a drawback that many users hated it or were unacceptable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide a method for easily obtaining weather forecast information with a minimum number of operations using a normal facsimile terminal.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, a method for transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal according to the present invention is to connect a center to a telephone network, and use a telephone number as a search key to input a zip code. The center has a database for searching, and the center has a database for searching for the nearest weather forecast information using a zip code as a search key. The center subscribes to a caller ID notification service. A user manually connects to the center using a telephone line. Since the center has subscribed to the caller telephone number notification service,
The telephone number of the caller (user) is automatically notified from the telephone exchange. The center searches the database using the notified telephone number as a search key, and obtains a postal code indicating an address where the user lives. Using the obtained zip code as a search key, the nearest weather forecast information is obtained. The obtained weather forecast information is converted into a facsimile signal and transmitted to the facsimile terminal.

In this system, the center provides only the weather forecast information, and only provides the weather forecast information to the user to all connected stations, so that the user does not need to select a menu. If the center telephone number is stored in the speed dial, the weather forecast information is printed on the facsimile terminal simply by pressing the speed dial button. Users do not need to enter their phone numbers or postal codes.

The method of transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the second aspect of the present invention is obtained by adding a menu selection function using a direct dial-in service to the first aspect. In centers that provide not only weather forecast information but also various other information, the user must select a menu in order to identify the information desired by the user. In this method, the user connects to the center using the dial-in telephone number assigned to the weather forecast information. The dial-in telephone number dialed by the user to the center subscribed to the dial-in dial service is notified at the time of an incoming call. The center identifies from the notified dial-in number that the user wants the weather forecast information. Thereafter, in the same manner as in the method of claim 1, the postal code is obtained from the caller's telephone number, the nearest weather forecast information is obtained from the postal code, and the obtained weather forecast information is converted into a facsimile signal. Send to

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method of transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal according to the present invention is obtained by adding a menu selection by voice announcement to the method of the first aspect. In centers that provide not only weather forecast information but also various other information, the user must select a menu in order to identify the information desired by the user. In this method, the center issues a voice announcement after answering the incoming call, and the user hears the voice announcement,
Select a menu and enter a menu number using the dial keys on the facsimile terminal. The center identifies from the input menu number that the user wants the weather forecast information. Thereafter, in the same manner as in the method of claim 1, the postal code is obtained from the caller's telephone number, the nearest weather forecast information is obtained from the postal code, and the obtained weather forecast information is converted into a facsimile signal. Send to

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method of transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal according to the present invention is obtained by adding a menu selection by a facsimile signal to the method of the first aspect. In centers that provide not only weather forecast information but also various other information, the user must select a menu in order to identify the information desired by the user. In this method, the center sends out a message prompting explanation and selection of the menu by facsimile signal after answering the incoming call, and the user reads the menu printed on the facsimile terminal, selects the menu, and inputs the menu number with the dial key of the facsimile terminal. Enter using. The center identifies from the input menu number that the user wants the weather forecast information. After that, claim 1
As in the above method, the postal code is obtained from the calling telephone number,
The nearest weather forecast information is obtained from the postal code, the obtained weather forecast information is converted into a facsimile signal, and transmitted to the facsimile terminal.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the method of transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention is obtained by adding an automatic menu selection by the facsimile terminal to the method of the first aspect. In centers that provide not only weather forecast information but also various other information, the user must select a menu in order to identify the information desired by the user. In this method, a user stores a menu number indicating weather forecast information in a facsimile terminal in advance. The center outputs a signal prompting the transmission of the menu number after receiving the incoming call, and the facsimile terminal receiving the signal automatically transmits the menu number stored in the storage area. The center identifies from the received menu number that the user wants the weather forecast information. Thereafter, in the same manner as in the method of claim 1, the postal code is obtained from the caller's telephone number, the nearest weather forecast information is obtained from the postal code, and the obtained weather forecast information is converted into a facsimile signal. Send to

The method of transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention as described in claim 6 is obtained by adding a menu selection by a facsimile signal to the method of claim 1. In centers that provide not only weather forecast information but also various other information, the user must select a menu in order to identify the information desired by the user. In this method, the center sends out a message prompting the user to explain and select a menu by facsimile signal after answering the incoming call, and the user reads the menu displayed on the display of the facsimile terminal, selects a menu, and inputs the menu number of the facsimile terminal. Enter using the dial keys. The center identifies from the input menu number that the user wants the weather forecast information. Thereafter, in the same manner as in the method of claim 1, the postal code is obtained from the caller's telephone number, the nearest weather forecast information is obtained from the postal code, and the obtained weather forecast information is converted into a facsimile signal. Send to

[0018]

The system for transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention operates as follows. The user presses a dedicated button storing the center telephone number of the facsimile terminal. Alternatively, press the off-hook button, dial the center telephone number, and press the facsimile start button. When the button dedicated to the center is pressed, the facsimile terminal goes on-hook, automatically dials the stored center telephone number, and transits to the facsimile reception mode. The center that has detected the incoming call receives the caller telephone number sent from the telephone network exchange. The center responds and starts sending a signal for facsimile transmission to the facsimile terminal. The center searches the database of the center using the received caller telephone number as a search key, and obtains a postal code indicating the address where the user lives (where the facsimile terminal is installed). Further, the center searches the database held by the center using the obtained zip code as a search key, and obtains weather forecast information closest to the address indicated by the zip code. The center converts the obtained weather forecast information into a facsimile signal and transmits it to the facsimile terminal. The facsimile terminal receives the facsimile signal sent from the center and prints it on facsimile paper or displays it on a display.

The method of transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention as described in claim 2 operates as follows. The user presses a dedicated button storing the center telephone number of the facsimile terminal. Alternatively, press the off-hook button, dial the center telephone number, and press the facsimile start button. When the button dedicated to the center is pressed, the facsimile terminal goes on-hook, automatically dials the stored center telephone number, and transits to the facsimile reception mode. The center that has detected the incoming call receives the dial-in telephone number sent from the telephone network exchange. The received dial-in telephone number identifies that the user wants the weather forecast information. The center also receives the caller telephone number. The center receives the call and starts sending a signal for facsimile transmission to the facsimile terminal. The center searches the center's database using the received caller telephone number as a search key,
The postal code indicating the address where the user lives (where the facsimile terminal is installed) is obtained. Further, the center searches the database held by the center using the obtained zip code as a search key, and obtains weather forecast information closest to the address indicated by the zip code. The center converts the obtained weather forecast information into a facsimile signal and transmits it to the facsimile terminal.
The facsimile terminal receives the facsimile signal sent from the center and prints it on facsimile paper or displays it on a display.

The method of transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention as described in claim 3 operates as follows. The user presses a dedicated button storing the center telephone number of the facsimile terminal. Alternatively, the user presses the off-hook button and dials the center telephone number. When the center dedicated button is pressed, the facsimile terminal goes on-hook and automatically dials the stored center telephone number. The center that has detected the incoming call receives the caller telephone number sent from the telephone network exchange. The center responds,
Send a voice announcement. The user inputs the menu number of the weather forecast information according to the voice announcement heard from the center, and presses the facsimile start key.
When the start key is pressed, the facsimile terminal transits to the facsimile reception mode. The center receives the menu number keyed by the user and identifies that the user wants the weather forecast information. The center receives the call and starts sending a signal for facsimile transmission to the facsimile terminal. The center searches the center's database using the received caller telephone number as a search key,
The postal code indicating the address where the user lives (where the facsimile terminal is installed) is obtained. Further, the center searches the database held by the center using the obtained zip code as a search key, and obtains weather forecast information closest to the address indicated by the zip code. The center converts the obtained weather forecast information into a facsimile signal and transmits it to the facsimile terminal.
The facsimile terminal receives the facsimile signal sent from the center and prints it on facsimile paper or displays it on a display.

The method of transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention as described in claim 4 operates as follows. The user presses a dedicated button storing the center telephone number of the facsimile terminal. Alternatively, press the off-hook button, dial the center telephone number, and press the facsimile start button. When the button dedicated to the center is pressed, the facsimile terminal goes on-hook, automatically dials the stored center telephone number, and transits to the facsimile reception mode. The center that has detected the incoming call receives the caller telephone number sent from the telephone network exchange.
The center responds and sends the menu as a facsimile signal. The facsimile terminal receives the menu sent from the center and prints it on facsimile paper. The user looks at the menu sent from the center, inputs the menu number of the weather forecast information, and presses the start key of the facsimile terminal. When the start key is pressed, the facsimile terminal transits to the facsimile reception mode. The center receives the menu number keyed by the user and identifies that the user wants the weather forecast information. The center searches the database of the center using the received caller telephone number as a search key, and obtains a postal code indicating the address where the user lives (where the facsimile terminal is installed). Further, the center searches the database held by the center using the obtained zip code as a search key, and obtains weather forecast information closest to the address indicated by the zip code. The center converts the obtained weather forecast information into a facsimile signal and transmits it to the facsimile terminal. The facsimile terminal receives the facsimile signal sent from the center and prints it on facsimile paper or displays it on a display.

The method of transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention, as described in claim 5, operates as follows. The user stores in advance the menu number indicating the weather forecast information in the storage area of the facsimile terminal in accordance with the method determined by the facsimile terminal.
The user presses a dedicated button storing the center telephone number of the facsimile terminal. Or press the off-hook button,
Dial the center telephone number and press the start button on the facsimile. When the button dedicated to the center is pressed, the facsimile terminal goes on-hook, automatically dials the stored center telephone number, and transits to the facsimile reception mode. The center that has detected the incoming call receives the caller telephone number sent from the telephone network exchange. The center responds and sends a signal prompting the transmission of the menu number. The facsimile terminal receives the signal for prompting the transmission of the menu number sent from the center, and automatically transmits the previously stored menu number. The center receives the menu number transmitted by the facsimile terminal and identifies that the user wants the weather forecast information. The center searches the database of the center using the received caller telephone number as a search key, and obtains a postal code indicating the address where the user lives (where the facsimile terminal is installed). Furthermore, the center uses the obtained postal code as a search key,
The database stored in the center is searched, and weather forecast information closest to the address indicated by the postal code is obtained. The center converts the obtained weather forecast information into a facsimile signal and transmits it to the facsimile terminal. The facsimile terminal receives the facsimile signal sent from the center and prints it on facsimile paper or displays it on a display.

The method of transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention as described in claim 6 operates as follows. The user presses a dedicated button storing the center telephone number of the facsimile terminal. Alternatively, press the off-hook button, dial the center telephone number, and press the facsimile start button. When the button dedicated to the center is pressed, the facsimile terminal goes on-hook, automatically dials the stored center telephone number, and transits to the facsimile reception mode. The center that has detected the incoming call receives the caller telephone number sent from the telephone network exchange.
The center responds and sends the menu as a facsimile signal. The facsimile terminal receives the menu sent from the center and displays it on the display of the facsimile terminal. The user looks at the menu sent from the center, inputs the menu number of the weather forecast information, and presses the start key of the facsimile terminal. When the start key is pressed, the facsimile terminal transits to the facsimile reception mode. The center receives the menu number keyed by the user and identifies that the user wants the weather forecast information. The center searches the database of the center using the received caller telephone number as a search key, and obtains a postal code indicating the address where the user lives (where the facsimile terminal is installed). Further, the center searches the database held by the center using the obtained zip code as a search key, and obtains weather forecast information closest to the address indicated by the zip code. The center converts the obtained weather forecast information into a facsimile signal and transmits it to the facsimile terminal. The facsimile terminal receives the facsimile signal sent from the center and prints it on facsimile paper or displays it on a display.

[0024]

An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a method for transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal according to the present invention. 1 is a facsimile terminal, 2 is a telephone exchange network, 3 is a center, 4 is a device for performing facsimile communication, 5 is a voice response device for issuing a voice announcement or receiving a menu number input by a user as a DTMF signal, Reference numeral 6 denotes a database for searching a postal code using a telephone number as a search key, and reference numeral 7 denotes a database for searching weather forecast information using a postal code as a search key. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the operation of the system for transmitting the weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the operation of the system for transmitting the weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the operation of the system for sending weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the operation of the system for sending weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the operation of the system for transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention. FIG.
An embodiment of the operation of the system for transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention will be described.

The operation of the system for transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a user makes a manual call using the facsimile terminal 1 and connects to the center 3 (S1). The telephone network exchange 2 notifies the caller telephone number S2 to the center 3. The center 3 is a facsimile terminal 1
Is received (caller telephone number S2). The center 3 transmits a facsimile transmission start signal S3 from the facsimile communication device 4. The facsimile terminal 1 having received the facsimile transmission start signal S3 prepares for facsimile reception. The center 3 searches the database 6 using the received caller telephone number as a search key, and searches for the postal code of the address of the caller (the address where the facsimile terminal 1 is installed). The center 3 searches the database 7 using the obtained zip code as a search key, and searches the weather forecast information nearest to the address of the zip code. Center 3
The obtained weather forecast information is converted into a facsimile signal,
The data is transmitted from the facsimile communication device 4 to the facsimile terminal 1. The facsimile terminal 1 prints the received weather forecast information on facsimile paper or displays it on a display.

The operation of the system for transmitting the weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a user makes a manual call using the facsimile terminal 1 and connects to the center 3 (S1). The telephone network exchange 2 notifies the center 3 of the dial-in telephone number S2 dialed by the user. The center 3 identifies from the received dial-in telephone number that the user wants the weather forecast information. The telephone network exchange 2 notifies the center 3 of the caller telephone number S3. The center 3 receives information specifying the facsimile terminal 1 (caller telephone number S3). The center 3 transmits a facsimile transmission start signal S4 from the facsimile communication device 4. The facsimile terminal 1 that has received the facsimile transmission start signal S4 prepares for facsimile reception. Center 3
Searches the database 6 using the received caller telephone number as a search key, and retrieves the address of the caller (the facsimile terminal 1).
Search for the postal code of the address where the is located). The center 3 searches the database 7 using the obtained zip code as a search key, and searches the weather forecast information nearest to the address of the zip code. The center 3 converts the obtained weather forecast information into a facsimile signal and outputs the facsimile communication device 4
To the facsimile terminal 1. The facsimile terminal 1 prints the received weather forecast information on facsimile paper or displays it on a display.

The operation of the system for transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a user makes a manual call using the facsimile terminal 1 and connects to the center 3 (S1). The telephone network exchange 2 notifies the caller telephone number S2 to the center 3. The center 3 is a facsimile terminal 1
Is received (caller telephone number S2). The center 3 sends out a voice announcement S3 from the voice response device 5 informing the menu and prompting the input of the menu number. The user listens to the voice announcement and inputs a menu number S4 indicating the weather forecast information into the facsimile terminal 1 by a key.
The facsimile terminal 1 sends the key-input menu number to the center as a DTMF signal S4. The center 3 receives the menu number 4 by the voice response device 5 and identifies that the user wants the weather forecast information. The center 3 sends a facsimile transmission start signal S from the facsimile communication device 4.
Send 5 The facsimile terminal 1 having received the facsimile transmission start signal S5 prepares for facsimile reception. The center 3 searches the database 6 using the received caller telephone number as a search key, and searches for the postal code of the address of the caller (the address where the facsimile terminal 1 is installed). The center 3 searches the database 7 using the obtained zip code as a search key, and searches the weather forecast information nearest to the address of the zip code. The center 3 converts the obtained weather forecast information into a facsimile signal and transmits it from the facsimile communication device 4 to the facsimile terminal 1. The facsimile terminal 1 prints the received weather forecast information on facsimile paper or displays it on a display.

The operation of the system for transmitting the weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a user makes a manual call using the facsimile terminal 1 and connects to the center 3 (S1). The telephone network exchange 2 notifies the caller telephone number S2 to the center 3. The center 3 is a facsimile terminal 1
Is received (caller telephone number S2). The center 3 transmits a facsimile transmission start signal S3 from the facsimile communication device 4. The facsimile terminal 1 having received the facsimile transmission start signal S3 prepares for facsimile reception. The center 3 sends the menu S4 from the facsimile communication device 4 as a facsimile signal. The facsimile terminal 1 prints the received menu on facsimile paper. The user looks at the menu and inputs a menu number indicating the weather forecast information into the facsimile terminal 1 by key. The facsimile terminal 1 sends the key-input menu number to the center as a DTMF signal S5. Center 3
Receives the menu number S5 in the voice response device 5, and identifies that the user wants the weather forecast information. The center 3 transmits a facsimile transmission start signal S6 from the facsimile communication device 4. Facsimile transmission start signal S6
The facsimile terminal 1 having received the information prepares for facsimile reception. The center 3 searches the database 6 using the received caller telephone number as a search key, and searches for the postal code of the address of the caller (the address where the facsimile terminal 1 is installed). The center 3 searches the database 7 using the obtained zip code as a search key, and searches the weather forecast information nearest to the address of the zip code. The center 3 converts the obtained weather forecast information into a facsimile signal and transmits it from the facsimile communication device 4 to the facsimile terminal 1. The facsimile terminal 1 prints the received weather forecast information on facsimile paper or displays it on a display.

The operation of the system for transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a user makes a manual call using the facsimile terminal 1 and connects to the center 3 (S1). The telephone network exchange 2 notifies the caller telephone number S2 to the center 3. The center 3 is a facsimile terminal 1
Is received (caller telephone number S2). The center 3 sends a signal S3 for prompting menu selection from the facsimile communication device 4. When receiving the menu request signal S3, the facsimile terminal 1 sends a menu number S4 stored in a storage area in advance to the center.
The center 3 receives the menu number S4 with the voice response device 5, and identifies that the user wants the weather forecast information. The center 3 transmits a facsimile transmission start signal S5 from the facsimile communication device 4. The facsimile terminal 1 having received the facsimile transmission start signal S5 prepares for facsimile reception. The center 3 searches the database 6 using the received caller telephone number as a search key, and finds the address of the caller (the address where the facsimile terminal 1 is installed).
Search for the postal code of. The center 3 searches the database 7 using the obtained zip code as a search key, and searches the weather forecast information nearest to the address of the zip code. The center 3 converts the obtained weather forecast information into a facsimile signal, and transmits the facsimile signal from the facsimile communication device 4 to the facsimile terminal 1.
Send to The facsimile terminal 1 prints the received weather forecast information on facsimile paper or displays it on a display.

The operation of the system for transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a user makes a manual call using the facsimile terminal 1 and connects to the center 3 (S1). The telephone network exchange 2 notifies the caller telephone number S2 to the center 3. The center 3 is a facsimile terminal 1
Is received (caller telephone number S2). The center 3 transmits a facsimile transmission start signal S3 from the facsimile communication device 4. The facsimile terminal 1 having received the facsimile transmission start signal S3 prepares for facsimile reception. The center 3 sends the menu S4 from the facsimile communication device 4 as a facsimile signal. The facsimile terminal 1 displays the received menu on the display of the facsimile machine. The user looks at the menu and inputs a menu number indicating the weather forecast information into the facsimile terminal 1 by key. The facsimile terminal 1 sends the key-input menu number to the center as a DTMF signal S5. The center 3 sends the menu number S5 to the voice response device 5
To identify that the user wants the weather forecast information. The center 3 transmits a facsimile transmission start signal S5 from the facsimile communication device 4. The facsimile terminal 1 having received the facsimile transmission start signal S5 prepares for facsimile reception. The center 3 searches the database 6 using the received caller telephone number as a search key,
The postal code of the address of the caller (the address where the facsimile terminal 1 is installed) is searched. The center 3 searches the database 7 using the obtained zip code as a search key, and searches the weather forecast information nearest to the address of the zip code. The center 3 converts the obtained weather forecast information into a facsimile signal and transmits it from the facsimile communication device 4 to the facsimile terminal 1. The facsimile terminal 1 prints the received weather forecast information on facsimile paper or displays it on a display.

[0031]

As described above, the method of transmitting weather forecast information from the center to the facsimile terminal according to the present invention is as follows.
There is an effect that the weather forecast information closest to the user's address can be obtained by simply operating the facsimile terminal without using a personal computer or the Internet. The center automatically searches for and sends the nearest weather forecast information without having to enter the postal code or telephone number indicating the user's address. Purchase a computer, subscribe to an Internet provider, set up Internet access, set up and launch browser software to use the Internet,
Survey and search for homepage addresses with weather forecast information, menu selection, postal code input, print designation, etc., without the need for complicated and troublesome operations, anyone can easily use a facsimile terminal and weather forecast easily There is an effect that information can be obtained.

[0032]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a system for sending weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of a method for transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of a method for transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of a method for transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of a method for transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of a method for transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of a method of transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 facsimile terminal 2 telephone network 3 center 4 facsimile communication device 5 voice response device 6 database (telephone number → postal code) 7 database (postal code → weather forecast information)

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A method for transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal, comprising a combination of the following steps: a center for providing weather forecast information and a facsimile terminal. (A) a first step in which the facsimile terminal connects to the center through a telephone line by a user's operation; (b) the center receives a caller telephone number from a telephone network exchange by a caller telephone number notification service (C) the center searches for the postal code of the caller using the received caller telephone number; and (d) weather forecast information of the area indicated by the postal code searched by the center. (E) a fifth step in which the center transmits the retrieved weather forecast information to the facsimile terminal 2. A method for transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal, comprising a combination of the following steps in a center for providing weather forecast information and a facsimile terminal. (A) The first step in which the facsimile terminal connects to the center through a telephone line by a user's operation. (B) The center dials the user at the time of calling from the telephone network exchange by a direct in-dial service. A second step of receiving a center telephone number (c) a third step in which the center receives a caller telephone number from a telephone network exchange by a caller telephone number notification service; A fourth step of using the number to identify that the user wants the weather forecast information (e) a fifth step in which the center searches for the postal code of the caller using the received caller telephone number (f) A) a step of the center searching for weather forecast information in an area indicated by the searched zip code; and (g) transmitting the searched weather forecast information to the facsimile terminal. The seventh step 3. A method of transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal, comprising a combination of the following steps: a center providing weather forecast information and a facsimile terminal. (A) a first step in which the facsimile terminal connects to the center through a telephone line by a user's operation; (b) the center receives a caller telephone number from a telephone network exchange by a caller telephone number notification service (C) the center sends a voice announcement to the facsimile terminal in response to an incoming call; and (d) a user listens to the voice announcement using the facsimile terminal, and displays a menu number indicating weather forecast information. (F) a fifth step in which the center receives the menu number input by the user and identifies that the user wants the weather forecast information; and (f) a step in which the center receives the menu number. A sixth step of searching for the postal code of the caller using the caller telephone number obtained; (g) a seventh step in which the center searches for weather forecast information in an area indicated by the retrieved postal code; (H) an eighth step in which the center transmits the searched weather forecast information to the facsimile terminal 4. A method of transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal, comprising a combination of the following steps in a center providing weather forecast information and a facsimile terminal. (A) a first step in which the facsimile terminal connects to the center through a telephone line by a user's operation; (b) the center receives a caller telephone number from a telephone network exchange by a caller telephone number notification service (C) the center sends a menu to the facsimile terminal in a facsimile signal in response to an incoming call; and (d) a fourth step in which the facsimile terminal prints the received menu on facsimile paper. A) using the facsimile terminal, viewing a printed menu, and inputting a menu number indicating weather forecast information; (f) the center receives the menu number input by the user; A sixth step of identifying that the user wants the weather forecast information (g) the center uses the received caller telephone number to retrieve the caller's postal code Seventh step of searching (h) Eighth step of the center searching for weather forecast information of the area indicated by the searched zip code (i) Ninth step of transmitting the searched weather forecast information to the facsimile terminal by the center Process 5. A method of transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal, comprising a combination of the following steps in a center for providing weather forecast information and a facsimile terminal. (A) a first step in which a user stores a menu number indicating weather forecast information in a storage area in the facsimile terminal; and (b) a step in which the facsimile terminal connects to the center via a telephone line by a user's operation. Two steps (c) The center receives a caller telephone number from a telephone network exchange by a caller telephone number notification service. Third step (d) The center responds to an incoming call and sends a signal prompting menu number transmission. A fourth step of transmitting to the facsimile terminal (e) a fifth step in which the facsimile receives a signal prompting menu number transmission and transmits a menu number stored in a storage area (f) the center transmits a menu number A sixth step of receiving the number and identifying that the user wants the weather forecast information. (G) The center uses the received caller telephone number to retrieve the postal code of the caller. (H) an eighth step in which the center searches for weather forecast information in an area indicated by the searched zip code; (i) a step in which the center transmits the searched weather forecast information to the facsimile terminal; Nine steps 6. A method for transmitting weather forecast information from a center to a facsimile terminal, comprising a combination of the following steps in a facsimile terminal and a center providing weather forecast information. (A) a first step in which the facsimile terminal connects to the center through a telephone line by a user's operation; (b) the center receives a caller telephone number from a telephone network exchange by a caller telephone number notification service (C) the center sends the menu to the facsimile terminal in response to an incoming call as a facsimile signal. (D) a fourth step in which the facsimile terminal displays the received menu on a display. (E) A fifth step in which the user uses the facsimile terminal to view the displayed menu and inputs a menu number indicating weather forecast information. (F) The center receives the menu number input by the user and uses the menu number. A sixth step of identifying that the caller wants the weather forecast information. (G) The center checks the postal code of the caller using the received caller telephone number. Ninth Step seventh step (h) the center, eighth step (i) the center to search for weather forecast information for the area indicated by the retrieved zip code, for transmitting the retrieved weather forecast information to said facsimile terminal