JP3623083B2 - Facsimile server - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a facsimile server that can immediately know the reception of image data even from a remote location and does not require labor for monitoring the presence or absence of reception.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Facsimiles that read characters and graphics written on a manuscript as image information and send them to a specific destination are widely used in offices, factories, homes, and the like. In the conventional facsimile, the transmission / reception means and the printer are integrated, and the output destination is limited to this printer. In offices, etc., one facsimile or one department or one department is used on a floor and is shared by several to several tens of people.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
For this reason, a facsimile received original is delivered to the recipient when the person in charge is available or periodically looking around, or when the recipient is scheduled to receive in advance, the recipient himself / herself looks around. As described above, in the facsimile reception by the conventional facsimile apparatus, there is a problem that requires labor and time such as going around, delivering or picking up the reception to a distant place.
In addition, when several people need a facsimile received document, the necessary number of copies are copied by a copy machine after reception, which is troublesome. In addition, if a paper jam, paper pear, toner out, etc. occur during facsimile reception, it will take time until the receiver actually receives the output after the output is delayed even if the reception is complete unless it is cleared. There is a problem in that the reception efficiency of the facsimile is deteriorated.
[0004]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a facsimile server that can immediately recognize the reception of image data even from a remote location and does not require labor for monitoring the presence or absence of reception. This is the first purpose.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile server that does not require the trouble of copying the required number of copies of a received document.
Furthermore, a third object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile server with good usage efficiency.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided mail receiving means for receiving mail information relating to a transmission source of image data from a client computer connected via a LAN, a transmission source received by the mail receiving means, and a client computer which has transmitted the mail information. Are stored in association with each other, an image data receiving unit that receives image data via a public network, and a transmission source of the image data received by the image data receiving unit is the reception notification. When stored in the destination storage means, the first object is achieved by providing a facsimile server comprising a mail transmission means for notifying the corresponding client computer of the reception of image data by mail. Is.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile server according to the first aspect, the mail receiving means receives printer information relating to a predetermined client printer connected to the LAN from a client computer that has transmitted the mail information. The reception notification destination storage means stores the printer information received by the mail reception means in association with the client computer, and the transmission source of the image data received by the image data reception means is the reception notification destination storage. When stored in the means, the first object is achieved by transmitting and outputting image data to the corresponding client printer.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile server according to the second aspect of the present invention, the facsimile server according to the second aspect further comprises output number storage means for storing the number of output copies of the image data to be output to the client printer, and is stored in the output number storage means. The first object and the second object are achieved by transmitting the number of output copies together with the image data to the client printer to output the image data of the number of output copies.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the present invention, the client printer detects the non-outputable state while the image data cannot be output, and the client printer outputs the image data. The first object, the second object, and the third object are achieved by providing an output impossible notification means for transmitting a printer abnormality mail for notifying that the state is impossible to the client computer. is there.
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a facsimile server of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0007]
(1) Outline of the present embodiment The facsimile server 1 of the present embodiment includes a transmission source FAX number, an IP address (recipient IP address) of a predetermined client computer 21 and an output printer in advance in the reception notification file of the hard disk 13. The IP address and the number of output copies are stored correspondingly. When the facsimile is received, the receiver IP address and the output printer IP address are checked from the transmission source FAX number by the reception notification file on the hard disk 13. Then, a reception notification mail is transmitted to the client computer 21 having the receiver IP address via the LAN, and the image data and the number of output copies are transmitted to the printer having the output printer IP address to output an image. Accordingly, it is possible to know the reception of the facsimile even at a distance from the facsimile server 1 and obtain an image.
[0008]
(2) Details of this Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a facsimile server of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile server 1 according to the present embodiment is connected to a main control unit 11 and a public line network, and transmits / receives, encodes and decodes image data via the public line network. 12, hard disk 13, HD control unit 14 for controlling storage and reading of data to / from hard disk 13, network control unit 15 for transmitting / receiving data to / from client computer 21 and client printer 22 connected to LAN via LAN, image data Is provided with a FAX printer 16 for performing the printout.
[0009]
The main control unit 11 is connected to a transmission / reception unit 12, a hard disk 13, an HD control unit 14 as a data storage control unit, a network control unit 15, and a FAX printer 16 via a bus line 17 such as a data bus. The main control unit 11 controls the transmission / reception unit 12, the HD control unit 14, the network control unit 15, and the FAX printer 16 according to various programs stored in a storage unit (not shown) such as a ROM or the hard disk 13. Yes. The main control unit 11 detects when image data is not transmitted to the client printer 22 via the network control unit 15 and sends a printer error mail notifying that the client printer 22 is in an output impossible state to the network. It functions as an output impossible notification means that transmits to the client computer 21 via the control unit 15.
[0010]
The hard disk 13 includes a printer registration file, a spool file, and a reception notification file.
[0011]
FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the contents of the printer registration file.
As shown in FIG. 2, the printer registration file includes the number of printers (printer registration number) that can be connected to the facsimile server 1 of the present embodiment via the LAN and can receive image data received by the transmission / reception unit 12, and the FAX printer 16. IP address (FAX printer address), IP address (recipient IP address) of the client computer 21 connected to the facsimile server 1 of the present embodiment via the LAN, name (printer name) and IP address of each of the client printers 22 (Printer IP address) is stored. The printer name and the printer IP address are stored in correspondence with each other.
These FAX printer IP address, recipient IP address, printer name, and printer IP address are registered, stored, and saved by electronic mail by an administrator utility.
[0012]
FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the contents of a spool file.
As shown in FIG. 3, the spool file includes a transmission source facsimile number (reception source FAX number), a transmission source name, a reception time, the number of pages of received image data, and a paper size for each reception operation in the transmission / reception unit 12. Etc. are stored together with the image data. Note that the transmission source FAX number and the transmission source name are obtained from the protocol when connecting to the public line network.
[0013]
FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing the contents of the reception notification file.
In the reception notification file, as shown in FIG. 4, for each transmission FAX number, the receiver outputs the image data among the IP address of the client computer (recipient IP address), FAX printer IP address, or printer IP address. The printer address of the desired transmission destination (output printer IP address) and the number of output copies of the received image data (number of print copies) are stored, and function as a transmission destination storage section and an output copy number storage section.
FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic mail transmitted from the client computer to the facsimile server when registration in the reception notification file is performed.
The transmission source facsimile number, the receiver IP address, the output printer IP address, and the number of copies to the reception notification file are sent from the client computer 21 of the receiver IP address to the facsimile server 1 by electronic mail, and the transmission FAX number and the reception printer name. In addition, by transmitting the number of copies to be printed, the mail data and the printer registration data are obtained, stored, and saved.
[0014]
Next, the operation of the facsimile server according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.
[0015]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reception process when a facsimile is transmitted to the facsimile server 1 of this embodiment.
In the facsimile server 1 of the present embodiment, when the facsimile is transmitted and the transmission / reception unit 12 is connected to the public network (step 11; Y), the main control unit 11 acquires the transmission source facsimile number from the protocol, and the HD It is stored and saved in a spool file via the control unit 14 (step 12). Further, the transmission source name is acquired from the protocol, and stored and saved in the spool file via the HD control unit 14 (step 13). Subsequently, the received image data is sequentially stored in a spool file via the HD control unit 14 (step 14). The storage of the image data is continued until the line is disconnected (step 15; N). When the line is disconnected (Step 15; N), the total number of pages and the paper size are stored and stored in the spool file (Step 16), and the next reception is waited and the received image data is printed out. .
[0016]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of printout processing by the facsimile server of this embodiment.
When the reception process is completed, the main control unit 11 confirms whether or not the received image data has been stored in the spool file (step 21), and waits until the image data is stored (step 21; N). ). When it is confirmed that the image data is stored in the spool file (step 21; Y), it is checked whether there is a transmission source FAX number corresponding to the reception notification file (step 22). If there is a transmission source FAX number (step 22; Y), the receiver IP address, the output printer IP address, and the number of copies to be stored corresponding to the transmission source FAX number are acquired (step 23). ).
[0017]
If there is no transmission source FAX number in the reception notification file (step 22; N), the FAX printer IP address is set as the output printer IP address, and the number of copies is set at 1 (step 24).
[0018]
Next, the main control unit 11 detects the state of the printer (output printer) having the output printer IP address (step 25), and in the printer ready state (step 25; Y), the network control unit 15 is used. The image data is transmitted to the output printer (step 26).
[0019]
If the output printer is not in an output ready state due to paper jam, paper pear, out of toner, etc. (step 25; N), it is detected whether a predetermined time has passed (step 25). 26) If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step 31; N), the process waits for a predetermined time by repeating from step 25 until timeout occurs. When a predetermined time elapses and a time-out occurs (step 31; Y), if the printer abnormal mail is not transmitted (step 32; N), the printer abnormal mail is transmitted to the recipient (step 33). Repeat from 25. If the printer abnormality mail has already been transmitted, and if the transmission source FAX number is not registered in the reception notification file and the reception IP address has not been acquired (step 32; Y), the printer abnormality mail is transmitted. Step 25 is repeated as it is.
FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a printer abnormality mail.
As shown in FIG. 7B, in the printer abnormality mail, a printer abnormality message and a printer name are displayed.
[0020]
When the image data is transmitted to the output printer (step 26), the image data is output. If the output for all pages and all copies is not completed (step 27; N or step 28; N), the process from step 25 is repeated.
When the output of all copies for all pages is completed (step 27; Y and step 28; Y), if the recipient IP address is acquired, the main control unit 11 sends the received mail by the network control unit 15. The information is transmitted to the output printer IP address (step 29), the information registered in the reception notification file is discarded (step 30), and if the recipient IP address is not acquired, the printout process is terminated.
FIG. 7C is a diagram showing a reception mail. As shown in FIG. 7C, in the reception mail, the transmission source FAX number is displayed together with a message indicating that the reception is completed.
[0021]
As described above, according to the facsimile server 1 of this embodiment, when the transmission / reception unit 12 receives facsimile data, a reception notification is transmitted and displayed by electronic mail to a predetermined client computer via the LAN. It is possible to know the reception at a location away from the server, and it is not necessary for the person in charge or the scheduled recipient to look around, and the labor for that can be eliminated.
According to the facsimile server 1 of the present embodiment, the image data received by the transmission / reception unit 12 is transmitted to a pre-registered client printer and printed out, so that an image printed out at a location away from the facsimile server is obtained. It is possible to eliminate the labor for the person in charge to distribute the printout image and for the receiver to go to pick it up.
[0022]
According to the facsimile server 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of images can be automatically output from the received image data, so that the trouble of making a copy can be saved.
[0023]
According to the facsimile server 1 of the present embodiment, when an error that cannot be output occurs in a printer that outputs received image data, this error is automatically notified by electronic mail, so that a time loss between reception and output is avoided. Good use efficiency can be obtained.
[0024]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, It can change suitably, unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention.
For example, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 11 and the HD control unit 14 as the data storage control unit are provided separately, but the main control unit 11 may also function as the HD control unit 14. .
In the present embodiment, the hard disk 13 is provided with a spool file and used as a data storage unit. However, the data storage unit may be configured by other storage means such as RAM or EAPROM that can read and write image data.
In this embodiment, one network control unit 15 transmits the reception notification mail to the client computer 21 via the LAN and the image data is transmitted to the client printer 22 via the LAN. The first network control unit that controls the transmission of the reception notification mail and the second network control unit that controls the transmission of the image data may be separate control units.
[0025]
In this embodiment, the hard disk 13 includes a spool file and functions as a data storage unit, and also includes a reception notification file and functions as a transmission destination storage unit. However, the data storage unit and the transmission destination storage unit are different from each other. You may comprise by the memory | storage means.
In the present embodiment, the hard disk 13 is provided with a reception notification file as a transmission destination storage unit. However, the transmission destination storage unit may be configured by a readable / writable storage unit such as a PROM, for example. In this case, it is preferable that the destination storage unit can hold the memory even after the facsimile server is turned off. However, if the facsimile server is normally kept in the ON state, it may be a RAM or the like. it can.
[0026]
In the present embodiment, the hard disk 13 includes a reception notification file and functions as a transmission destination storage unit. However, the reception notification mail may be transmitted to all client computers 21 without including the transmission destination storage unit. In this case, if the sender name is displayed in the reception notification, the receiver can be registered and this is efficient.
A transmission source name may be registered in the reception notification file instead of the transmission source FAX number, and the corresponding client printer and output printer may be detected from the transmission source name.
In this embodiment, the hard disk 13 is provided with a reception notification file and functions as a transmission destination storage unit. However, even if the reception notification of all image data is transmitted to a specific person in charge, the person in charge looks around. Can be reduced.
[0027]
The facsimile server 1 may not be provided with a FAX printer, and the image data may be always output from the client printer 22 connected to the LAN.
Even if the image data is not always output to the client printer 22 but is always output by the FAX printer 16, it is possible to immediately know the reception of the image data even from a remote place, and the effect of not requiring the effort to look around for the reception or not. Can get.
[0028]
Search the reception notification file, detect the corresponding transmission source FAX number, and if there is no transmission source FAX number, send mail to all the client computers to acquire the recipient IP address and the number of copies. Good.
The number of copies to be printed may not be stored in the reception notification file, and may always be one. In particular, when one client computer is assigned to one person, if one copy is output to each recipient, it is not necessary to register the number of print copies in advance.
[0029]
The reception notification mail may display a transmission source name instead of the transmission source FAX number. Further, since the receiving printer is predetermined and the receiver already knows, it is not necessary to display it. The number of print copies may not be displayed.
[0030]
The printer abnormal mail of the destination printer may be transmitted to all client computers.
[0031]
The client computer 21 may be a word processor having such a function as long as it is connected to the LAN and can transmit and receive data via the LAN. The client computer 21 and the client printer 22 may be integrated.
The client printer 22 may not be directly connected to the LAN, but may be connected to the LAN via the client computer 21.
In the present embodiment, if the transmission / reception unit 12 is provided and transmission and reception of a facsimile are possible, only the reception unit may be provided instead of the transmission / reception unit 12 and only reception may be performed.
[0032]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the facsimile server of the first aspect of the present invention, when the receiving unit receives the facsimile data, the reception notification is transmitted and displayed to a predetermined client computer via the LAN. Therefore, it is possible to know the reception at a place away from the facsimile server, and it is not necessary for the person in charge or the scheduled recipient to look around, and labor for that can be eliminated.
[0033]
According to the facsimile server of the second aspect, the image data received by the receiving unit is transmitted to the pre-registered client printer and printed out, so that the image printed out at a location away from the facsimile server. The person in charge distributes the printout image, and the labor for the receiver to go to take can be eliminated.
[0034]
According to the facsimile server of the third aspect of the invention, since a desired number of images can be automatically output from the received image data, it is possible to save the trouble of making a copy.
[0035]
According to the facsimile server of the fourth aspect of the present invention, when an error that cannot be output to the printer that outputs the received image data occurs, this error is automatically notified, so that a time loss between reception and output is avoided. And good use efficiency can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a facsimile server of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the contents of a printer registration file in the embodiment of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the contents of a spool file in the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing the contents of a reception notification file in the embodiment of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of reception processing when a facsimile is transmitted to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of printout processing according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
7 is a view showing an example of electronic mail transmitted and received in the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein (a) is an example of electronic mail transmitted from a client computer to a facsimile server when registering in a reception notification file; (B) is a diagram showing an example of a printer abnormal mail, (c) is a diagram showing an example of a received mail.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile server 11 Main control part 12 Transmission / reception part 13 Hard disk 14 HD control part 15 Network control part 16 FAX printer 17 Bus line 21 Client computer 22 Client printer

Claims (4)

Mail receiving means for receiving mail information relating to the transmission source of image data from a client computer connected via a LAN;
A reception notification destination storage unit that stores the transmission source received by the mail reception unit and the client computer that has transmitted the mail information in association with each other;
Image data receiving means for receiving image data via a public network;
A mail transmission means for notifying the corresponding client computer of the reception of the image data by mail when the transmission source of the image data received by the image data reception means is stored in the reception notification destination storage means;
A facsimile server comprising: The mail receiving means receives printer information relating to a predetermined client printer connected to the LAN from a client computer that has transmitted the mail information,
The reception notification destination storage means stores the printer information received by the mail reception means in association with the client computer,
The image data received by the image data receiving unit is transmitted to the corresponding client printer and output when the transmission source of the image data is stored in the reception notification destination storage unit. 1. The facsimile server according to 1. Output number storage means for storing the number of output copies of the image data to be output to the client printer;
3. The facsimile server according to claim 2, wherein the number of output copies stored in the output number storage means is transmitted to the client printer together with the image data to output the image data of the number of output copies. When the client printer cannot output image data, it detects the output disabled state and sends a printer error mail notifying that the client printer is in an output disabled state to the client computer. 4. The facsimile server according to claim 2, further comprising notification means.

Images