JP2008263334A - Internet facsimile apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an easy-to-use Internet facsimile apparatus having an Internet facsimile communication function and a direct SMTP communication function. <P>SOLUTION: In facsimile communication mode (S1: YES), facsimile communication is performed by a scanner transmitting function (S3) on condition that a real-time transmission setting is ON (S2: YES), but facsimile communication is performed by a memory transmitting function (S4) when the real-time transmission setting if OFF. In electronic mail communication mode (S5: YES), on the other hand, electronic mail communication is performed by the direct SMTP transmission function on the basis of a global IP address registered in a telephone directory (S7) when a real-time transmission setting is ON (S6: YES), but electronic mail communication is performed by the Internet facsimile transmission function on the basis of a mail address registered in the telephone directory (S8) when the real-time transmission setting is OFF (S6: NO). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an Internet facsimile apparatus, and more particularly, an Internet facsimile apparatus having a scanner transmission function and a memory transmission function in facsimile communication, and a direct SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol) transmission function and an Internet facsimile transmission function in electronic mail communication. It is about.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been invented an Internet facsimile machine having a direct SMTP communication function that uses an IP network as in Internet facsimile communication to reduce communication costs and realizes real-time communication (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). reference.). This direct SMTP communication function is based on ITU-T TT. This is an extended function of Internet facsimile communication compliant with the 37 recommendation, and transmits an e-mail attached with a TIFF-S image file directly to the global IP address of a destination device. T. As a direct SMTP communication function other than the 37 system, when the global IP address of the partner apparatus changes every connection, the global IP address that changes every connection, the registered domain name (name of the Internet facsimile machine), and Inquires the DDNS (Dynamic Updates in the Domain Name System) server, which is responsible for automatically linking the global IP address of the destination device, and directly sends the e-mail to the global IP address obtained in response to the inquiry There is something to send.
Telecommunications NOVEMBER 2004 (pages 14-15), Internet <URL: http://www.telecomi.biz/pdfs/info_0411_faprico.pdf>, [Search April 4, 2007]

  An Internet facsimile apparatus having such a direct SMTP communication function also has an Internet facsimile communication function. If it is desired to use the direct SMTP communication function and the Internet facsimile communication function separately for one destination, the mail address for Internet facsimile communication is registered in one telephone directory, and the direct SMTP is registered in the other telephone directory. A global IP address for communication is registered. Therefore, when communicating, these two phone books must be selected, and the destination must be set using the selected phone books, resulting in the problem of poor usability. Also, there are cases where both a mail address and a global IP address can be registered in one address in the phone book, but in this case as well, it is not convenient to use either the mail address or the global IP address. There was a problem.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use Internet facsimile apparatus having an Internet facsimile communication function and a direct SMTP communication function.

  In order to achieve the above object, an Internet facsimile machine according to claim 1 is provided with a scanner transmission function and a memory transmission function in facsimile communication, and a direct SMTP transmission function and an Internet facsimile transmission function in electronic mail communication. In the facsimile communication mode, if the real-time transmission setting is valid, the scanner transmission function performs facsimile communication, and if the real-time transmission setting is invalid, the memory transmission function performs facsimile communication, and the e-mail communication mode. In this case, if the real-time transmission setting is valid, e-mail communication is performed by the direct SMTP transmission function based on the global IP address registered in the phone book, and the real-time transmission setting is invalid. It is characterized by performing electronic mail communication by Internet facsimile transmission function based on the mail address registered in the phonebook.

  According to this configuration, an Internet facsimile apparatus having a scanner transmission function and a memory transmission function in facsimile communication, and a direct SMTP transmission function and an Internet facsimile transmission function in electronic mail communication, which is real-time in the facsimile communication mode. If the transmission setting is valid, the facsimile transmission is performed by the scanner transmission function. If the real-time transmission setting is invalid, the facsimile transmission is performed by the memory transmission function. In the case of the e-mail communication mode, the real-time transmission setting is valid. For example, e-mail communication is performed by the direct SMTP transmission function with the global IP address registered in the phone book as the destination, and if the real-time transmission setting is invalid, the mail address registered in the phone book is entered as the destination. E-mail communication is carried out by nets facsimile transmission function. The direct SMTP transmission function is a kind of Internet facsimile transmission function. However, for the purpose of distinguishing between the two, the Internet facsimile transmission function does not include the direct SMTP transmission function.

  As described above, when the real-time transmission setting is valid and e-mail communication is performed by the direct SMTP transmission function, communication is performed based on the global IP address registered in the telephone directory, and the real-time transmission setting is invalid and Internet facsimile transmission is performed. When performing e-mail communication with the function, communication is performed based on the mail address registered in the same phone book as the previous phone book, so the direct SMTP transmission function and the Internet facsimile transmission function are used. There is no need to select a phone book when you want to, so it is easy to use. In addition, when a global IP address and a mail address are registered as one destination in the telephone directory, an appropriate one of the global IP address and the mail address is automatically used, which is convenient. Furthermore, in the facsimile communication mode, whether the scanner transmission function or the memory transmission function is used, and in the e-mail communication mode, whether the direct SMTP transmission function or the Internet facsimile transmission function is used. Since the distinction is made depending on whether or not the real-time transmission setting is valid, the interface is common between the facsimile communication mode and the e-mail communication mode, which is convenient.

  The Internet facsimile machine according to claim 2 is the Internet facsimile machine according to claim 1, wherein only the mail address of the other party is registered in the telephone directory when performing e-mail communication by the direct SMTP transmission function. If it is, the global IP address of the other party is acquired from the DDNS server based on the domain name of the mail address.

  According to this configuration, when performing e-mail communication using the direct SMTP transmission function, if only the mail address of the other party is registered in the phone book, the other party from the DDNS server based on the domain name of the mail address. The previous global IP address is acquired. Therefore, even when the other party's global IP address is not registered in the telephone directory, communication can be performed by acquiring the global IP address based on the mail address.

  The Internet facsimile machine according to claim 3 is the Internet facsimile machine according to claim 2, wherein when performing communication by the direct SMTP transmission function, a global IP address among destinations registered in the telephone directory. And / or when displaying a list of only destinations in which mail addresses are stored on the display device to prompt the selection of destinations and performing communication using the Internet facsimile transmission function, the destinations registered in the telephone directory It is characterized in that a list of only destinations in which mail addresses are stored is displayed on a display device to prompt selection of destinations.

  According to this configuration, when communication is performed using the direct SMTP transmission function, a list of only destinations in which the global IP address and / or mail address is stored among the destinations registered in the telephone directory is displayed on the display device. When the user is prompted to select a destination and performs communication using the Internet facsimile transmission function, a list of only the destinations stored in the telephone book and storing mail addresses is displayed on the display device. Is selected, so it is possible to prevent mistakes in selecting the destination.

  Hereinafter, an internet facsimile apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The Internet facsimile machine 1 is a so-called facsimile multifunction machine having a facsimile communication function, an electronic mail communication function, a scan function, a copy function, a print function, a call function, and the like. The Internet facsimile machine 1 is installed in an office or the like, and is connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 2 and a LAN 3 (Local Area Network) as shown in FIG. In addition to the Internet facsimile machine 1, a client PC (Personal Computer) 4 and a mail server 5 are connected to the LAN 3. A router 6 is also connected to the LAN 3, and the LAN 3 is connected to the Internet 7 via the router 6.

  A dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server 8, a dynamic domain name system (DDNS) server 9, a simple mail transport protocol (SMTP) server 10, and the like are connected to the Internet 7. The DHCP server 8 automatically assigns information necessary for communication such as a global IP address to a device that temporarily connects to the Internet 7. Also, the DNS server 9 cooperates with the DHCP server 8 to register the DNS of the device in association with the domain name (host name) and the global IP address when the connection of the device to the Internet 7 is established. It provides a service that dynamically updates records. The DDNS server 9 returns the global IP address based on the DNS record when the domain name is presented and the global IP address is inquired. Further, the SMTP server 10 receives electronic mail from the transmission source device and transfers it to the transmission destination device.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the Internet facsimile machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the Internet facsimile machine 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, an operation unit 105, Display unit 106, document reading unit 107, image processing unit 108, codec (CODER: Coder and Decoder) 109, image memory 110, printer 111, FAX communication unit 112, and LAN-I / F (Local Area Network Interface) 113 The units 101 to 113 are communicably connected by a bus 114.

  The CPU 101 controls the operation of each part of the Internet facsimile machine 1 according to a control program stored in the ROM 102. The ROM 102 stores the control program for controlling the operation of each unit of the Internet facsimile machine 1 by the CPU 101. The RAM 103 stores various data such as setting information used for the operation of the Internet facsimile machine 1 in a readable and writable state, and also functions as a work area for the CPU 101. The HDD 104 is for storing image data transmitted and received by the facsimile function. Note that a telephone directory 104 a described later is also stored in the HDD 104.

  Although not shown, the operation unit 105 includes a start key for instructing the start of a document reading (scanning) operation, a numeric keypad for inputting a facsimile number and the number of copies, a character input key for inputting characters, Cursor keys for specifying the operation target are provided. Note that the operation unit 105 also includes a real-time transmission button 105a for switching between enabling / disabling of real-time transmission settings described later. The display unit 106 displays a touch panel type liquid crystal display (LCD) (operation panel) that displays various setting states and the operation state of the device 1 with characters and figures, and is turned on or off. An LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp is provided. The display of the liquid crystal display device changes according to the operation of each key provided in the operation unit 105 or the tap of the panel of the liquid crystal display device provided in the display unit 106, and to each key of the operation unit 105 corresponding to the display of this liquid crystal display device Various inputs can be performed by the above operation or by tapping the panel of the liquid crystal display device.

  An original reading unit 107 reads an image of an original and generates image data. Although not shown, for example, a flat bed scanner (FBS: Flat) that reads an original placed on a transparent original placing plate is used. Bed Scanner) and an automatic document feeder (ADF: Automatic Document Feeder) that conveys the document to read the document placed on the document tray.

  The image processing unit 108 performs processing such as color adjustment, color space conversion, and binarization on the image data output from the document reading unit 107. The codec 109 encodes (encodes) the image data processed by the image processing unit 108 and the like, and decodes (decodes) the encoded image data. The image data input to the codec 109 is encoded based on the JPEG, MH, MR, MMR, JBIG method, etc., and stored in the image memory 110. Further, the image data encoded by the codec 109 is further formed into an image file such as a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) -S file by the image processing unit 108 and stored in the HDD 104.

  The printer 111 prints out the image data read from the image memory 110 and decoded by the codec 109.

  The FAX communication unit 112 performs facsimile (FAX) communication of document image data, and includes a modem (MODEM-DEModulator) and an NCU (Network Control Unit) (not shown). The modem is, for example, a recommendation V.16 of ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector). Modulation and demodulation of transmission / reception data according to the 34 standard or the like. The NCU is a line network control device that controls a telephone line to make or cut a call, and is connected to the PSTN 2. The PSTN 2 is connected to a G3 facsimile apparatus 11 and the like in addition to the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 so that the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 can transmit or receive image data by facsimile communication with the G3 facsimile apparatus 11 or the like. Is possible.

  The LAN-I / F 113 enables the Internet facsimile machine 1 to be connected to the LAN 3. A client PC 4 or the like is also connected to the LAN 3, and the Internet facsimile machine 1 can communicate data with the client PC 4 or the like. The Internet facsimile machine 1 is connected to another Internet facsimile machine 12 provided on the Internet 7 via the LAN 3 and the router 6, and the TIFF-S format file is exchanged with the Internet facsimile machine 12. An e-mail attached with (image data) can be transmitted and received by SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).

  In such an Internet facsimile machine 1, in the normal facsimile communication mode, communication using the scanner transmission function and communication using the memory transmission function can be performed. The scanner transmission function is a function of transmitting the generated image data to the counterpart apparatus by facsimile communication in real time while reading the image of the document with the scanner provided in the document reading unit 107 and generating image data. On the other hand, with the memory transmission function, image data generated by reading an image of a document with the scanner of the document reading unit 107 is temporarily stored in the image memory 110, and after all the images of the document have been read, the image data This is a function for transmitting image data stored in the memory 110 to the partner apparatus by facsimile communication.

  The Internet facsimile machine 1 can perform communication using the direct SMTP transmission function and communication using the Internet facsimile transmission function in the electronic mail communication mode. The direct SMTP transmission function is a TIFF− generated by establishing a communication connection directly with a partner apparatus based on a global IP address without using the SMTP server 10 and reading an image of an original with the scanner of the original reading unit 107. This is a function for transmitting an E-mail attached with an S format image file in real time by SMTP. On the other hand, the Internet facsimile transmission function refers to sending an e-mail attached with a TIFF-S format image file generated by reading an image of a document with a scanner of the document reading unit 107 to the partner apparatus via the SMTP server by SMTP. It is a function to transmit. Note that the direct SMTP transmission function is a kind of Internet facsimile transmission function. However, in the following description, the Internet facsimile transmission function does not include the direct SMTP transmission function in order to distinguish between the two.

  Furthermore, in the Internet facsimile apparatus 1, the real-time transmission setting can be switched between valid and invalid by operating a real-time transmission button 105a provided in the operation unit 105. In the normal facsimile communication mode, if the real-time transmission setting is valid, communication is performed using the scanner transmission function. If the real-time transmission setting is invalid, communication is performed using the memory transmission function. On the other hand, in the e-mail communication mode, if the real-time transmission setting is valid, communication is performed using the direct SMTP transmission function, and if the real-time transmission setting is invalid, communication is performed using the Internet facsimile transmission function.

  The Internet facsimile machine 1 can select a transmission destination based on the telephone book 104a recorded in the HDD 104 when communicating an image of a document in the normal facsimile communication mode and the electronic mail communication mode. it can. In the telephone directory 104a, at least one of a fax number, a mail address, and a global IP address is registered for each destination. In the normal facsimile communication mode, communication using the scanner transmission function or communication using the memory transmission function is performed based on the fax number registered in the telephone directory 104a. On the other hand, in the electronic mail communication mode, communication by the Internet facsimile transmission function is performed based on the mail address registered in the telephone directory 104a. Further, when performing communication using the direct SMTP transmission function in the e-mail communication mode, communication is performed based on the global IP address registered in the telephone directory 104a. The Internet facsimile machine 1 has a DDNS client function. When communication is performed using the direct SMTP transmission function in the e-mail communication mode, if only the mail address is registered in the telephone book 104a, the mail address is changed. An inquiry is made to the DDNS server 9 based on the domain name to acquire a global IP address, and communication is performed based on the acquired global IP address.

  In the following, referring to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 7, when the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 performs communication using the scanner transmission function, the memory transmission function, the direct SMTP transmission function, and the Internet facsimile transmission function, the CPU 101 An example of processing to be executed will be described. Each of the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 7 may be changed in order of execution if the present invention can be implemented even if the order of execution is changed.

  First, referring to FIG. 3, when the user performs an operation for communicating in operation mode 105 of Internet facsimile apparatus 1 in the facsimile communication mode, CPU 101 determines that the operation mode is facsimile communication mode (step S1: YES). ), It is determined whether or not the real-time transmission setting is valid (step S2). If it is determined that the real-time transmission setting is valid (step S2: YES), scanner transmission processing is executed (step S3). On the other hand, if it is determined that the real-time transmission setting is not valid, that is, invalid (step S2: NO), a memory transmission process is executed (step S4). When the user performs an operation to communicate with the operation unit 105 in the e-mail mode, the CPU 102 determines that the e-mail communication mode is set (step S5: YES), and whether the real-time transmission setting is valid. It is determined whether or not (step S6). If it is determined that the real-time transmission setting is valid (step S6: YES), direct SMTP transmission processing is executed (step S7). On the other hand, if it is determined that the real-time transmission setting is not valid (step S6: NO), an Internet facsimile transmission process is executed (step S8).

  Referring to FIG. 4, in the scanner transmission process, first, CPU 101 displays telephone book 104a on display unit 106, and accepts selection of a destination for transmitting a facsimile (step S11). A list of destinations registered in the phone book 104a is displayed on the display unit 106 in order, for example, in order, and the user selects a destination by tapping the touch panel of the display unit 106. When the destination is selected by the user, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a fax number registered in association with the selected destination (step S12). If it is determined that the fax number does not exist (step S12: NO), error processing is executed (step S13). In this error processing, a message indicating that the fax number is not registered at the selected destination is displayed on the display unit 106, and a warning sound is output from a speaker (not shown).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a fax number exists (step S12: YES), a fax number registered in association with the selected destination is accepted (step S14). When the fax number is received, the CPU 101 then makes a call based on the received fax number and establishes a communication connection with the partner apparatus (step S15). After establishing the communication connection, the CPU 101 next determines whether or not a document exists in the document reading unit 107 (step S16). If it is determined that there is a document (step S16: YES), the document reading unit 107 is driven to read the image of the document (step S17) to generate image data, and the generated image data is transmitted to the partner apparatus in real time. (Step S18). Thus, until it is determined that there is no original in the original reading unit 107 (step S16: NO), the reading of the original, generation of the image data, and transmission of the image data are repeated. If it is determined that there is no document in the document reading unit 107 (step 16: NO), the communication connection with the partner apparatus is disconnected (step S19), and the scanner transmission process is terminated.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in the memory transmission process, first, CPU 101 displays telephone book 104a on display unit 106, and accepts selection of a destination for transmitting a facsimile (step S21). A list of destinations registered in the phone book 104a is displayed on the display unit 106 in order, for example, in order, and the user selects a destination by tapping the touch panel of the display unit 106. When a destination is selected by the user, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a fax number registered in association with the selected destination (step S22). If it is determined that the fax number does not exist (step S22: NO), error processing is executed (step S23). In this error processing, a message indicating that the fax number is not registered at the selected destination is displayed on the display unit 106, and a warning sound is output from a speaker (not shown).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a fax number exists (step S22: YES), a fax number registered in association with the selected destination is accepted (step S24). When the fax number is received, the CPU 101 next determines whether or not a document exists in the document reading unit 107 (step S25). Then, while it is determined that a document exists in the document reading unit 107 (step S25: YES), the document reading unit 107 is driven to read an image of the document (step S26) to generate image data. The image data generated in this way is stored in the image memory 110. Next, when it is determined that there is no document in the document reading unit 107 (step S24: NO), the CPU 101 makes a call based on the fax number received in step S24 and establishes a communication connection with the partner apparatus. Then, the image data stored in the image memory 110 is transmitted to the partner apparatus (step S28). When the transmission of the image data is finished, the communication connection with the partner apparatus is disconnected (step S29), and the memory transmission process is finished.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in the direct SMTP transmission process, first, CPU 101 causes display unit 106 to display telephone book 104a, and accepts selection of a destination to send an e-mail (step S31). On the display unit 106, a list of destinations registered in the telephone directory 104a is displayed, for example, in order. At this time, the display unit 106 displays a list of only the destinations registered with the global IP address and / or mail address associated with each other. Then, the user selects a destination by tapping the touch panel of the display unit 106. When a destination is selected by the user, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a global IP address registered in association with the selected destination (step S32). If it is determined that a global IP address is registered (step S32: YES), a global IP address registered in association with the selected destination is accepted (step S33). On the other hand, if it is determined that the global IP address is not registered (step S32: NO), the mail address registered in association with the selected destination is accepted (step S34), and the domain name of the accepted mail address is set to DDNS. It transmits to the server 9 and acquires the global IP address of the partner device as a response (step S35).

  When the acceptance of the global IP address in step S33 or the acquisition of the global IP address in step S35 is completed, the CPU 101 next determines whether or not a document exists in the document reading unit 107 (step S36). Then, while it is determined that a document exists in the document reading unit 107 (step S36: YES), the document reading unit 107 is driven to read an image of the document (step S37) to generate image data. The image data generated in this way is stored in the image memory 110. Next, when it is determined that there is no document in the document reading unit 107 (step S36: NO), the CPU 101 generates a TIFF-S format image file based on the image data stored in the image memory 110 ( Further, an e-mail is generated (step S39), and a TIFF-S image file is attached to the e-mail (step S40). When the e-mail to be transmitted is completed in this way, the CPU 101 establishes a communication connection with the counterpart device based on the global IP address received in step S33 or the global IP address acquired in step S35 (step S41). The electronic mail with the image file attached is transmitted by SMTP (step S42). When the transmission of the e-mail is completed, the communication connection with the partner apparatus is disconnected (step S43), and the direct SMTP transmission process is terminated.

  Referring to FIG. 7, in the Internet facsimile transmission process, first, CPU 101 displays telephone book 104a on display unit 106, and accepts selection of a destination to which an e-mail is transmitted (step S51). On the display unit 106, a list of destinations registered in the telephone directory 104a is displayed, for example, in order. At this time, the display unit 106 displays a list of only the destinations registered in association with the mail addresses. Then, the user selects a destination by tapping the touch panel of the display unit 106. When a destination is selected by the user, the CPU 101 receives a mail address registered in association with the selected destination (step S52).

  When the e-mail address is accepted, the CPU 101 next determines whether or not a document exists in the document reading unit 107 (step S53). Then, while it is determined that there is a document in the document reading unit 107 (step S53: YES), the document reading unit 107 is driven to read an image of the document (step S54) to generate image data. The image data generated in this way is stored in the image memory 110. Next, when it is determined that there is no document in the document reading unit 107 (step S53: NO), the CPU 101 generates a TIFF-S format image file based on the image data stored in the image memory 110 ( Further, an electronic mail is generated (step S56), and a TIFF-S image file is attached to the electronic mail (step S57). The e-mail address received in step S52 is described in the e-mail address field generated in step S56. Then, the electronic mail to which the image file is attached is transmitted to the partner apparatus via the SMTP server 10 (step S58), and the Internet facsimile transmission process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 of the present invention, when the real-time transmission setting is valid and electronic mail communication is performed by the direct SMTP transmission function, the global IP address registered in the telephone directory 104a, Alternatively, when communication is performed using the global IP address acquired based on the mail address registered in the telephone book 104a as the destination, and the real-time transmission setting is invalid and electronic mail communication is performed using the Internet facsimile transmission function, the telephone book 104a Communicate with the e-mail address registered in. Therefore, there is only one telephone book 104a, which is convenient because it is not necessary to select the telephone book 104a when using the direct SMTP transmission function and when using the Internet facsimile transmission function. In addition, when a global IP address and a mail address are registered as one destination in the telephone directory 104a, an appropriate one of the global IP address and the mail address is automatically used, which is convenient. Furthermore, the distinction between using the scanner transmission function or the memory transmission function in the facsimile communication mode and the distinction between using the direct SMTP transmission function or the Internet facsimile transmission function in the electronic mail communication mode are made. Both are performed by enabling / disabling the real-time transmission setting that is switched by operating the real-time transmission button 105a, so that the interface is common in the facsimile communication mode and the e-mail communication mode, which is convenient.

The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified within the scope of the idea of the invention. For example, in the above-described example, the mail address used for communication by the direct SMTP transmission function and the mail address used for communication by the Internet facsimile transmission function are registered in the telephone directory 104a without distinction. However, these mail addresses may be distinguished and registered in the telephone directory 104a. In this way, when communicating by the direct SMTP transmission function, only the destination registered with the mail address used for the communication by the direct SMTP transmission function is displayed on the display unit 106 and communicated by the Internet facsimile transmission function. In this case, only the address registered with the mail address used for communication by the Internet facsimile transmission function can be displayed on the display unit 106 to prompt the user to select the address. Occurrence can be further suppressed.

  The present invention is applicable to, for example, an Internet facsimile machine having a memory transmission function and a scanner transmission function in facsimile communication, and an Internet facsimile transmission function and a direct SMTP transmission function in electronic mail communication.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the network in which the internet facsimile apparatus 1 which concerns on this invention is installed. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an Internet facsimile machine 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a CPU 101 when performing facsimile communication or electronic mail communication in the Internet facsimile apparatus 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a CPU when executing scanner transmission processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the process which CPU101 performs when performing a memory transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the process which CPU101 performs when performing a direct SMTP transmission process. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a CPU when executing Internet facsimile transmission processing.

Explanation of symbols

1 Internet facsimile machine 101 CPU
103 RAM
105 Operation unit 105a Real-time transmission button 106 Display unit 107 Document reading unit

Claims (3)

An internet facsimile apparatus having a scanner transmission function and a memory transmission function in facsimile communication, and a direct SMTP transmission function and an Internet facsimile transmission function in electronic mail communication,
In the facsimile communication mode,
If the real-time transmission setting is valid, perform facsimile communication with the scanner transmission function. If the real-time transmission setting is invalid, perform facsimile communication with the memory transmission function.
When in email communication mode,
If the real-time transmission setting is valid, e-mail communication is performed by the direct SMTP transmission function based on the global IP address registered in the telephone book. If the real-time transmission setting is invalid, the mail address registered in the telephone book An internet facsimile apparatus, which performs electronic mail communication by an internet facsimile transmission function based on the above.   When performing e-mail communication with the direct SMTP transmission function, if only the mail address of the other party is registered in the telephone directory, the global IP address of the other party is set from the DDNS server based on the domain name of the mail address. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   When communication is performed using the direct SMTP transmission function, a list of only the destinations stored in the telephone directory in which the global IP address and / or mail address is stored is displayed on the display device, and the destination is selected. When the communication by the Internet facsimile transmission function is performed, a list of only the addresses stored in the telephone directory in which the mail address is stored is displayed on the display device to prompt the selection of the address. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 2.

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