JP3823986B2 - Internet facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an Internet facsimile machine that transmits and receives image data via the Internet using electronic mail.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an Internet facsimile communication system using an Internet facsimile apparatus that transmits and receives image data via the Internet using electronic mail is an ITU-T recommendation T.27. 37. In this Internet facsimile apparatus, an e-mail including image data is transmitted to the mail server apparatus (gateway apparatus) on the transmission side and the mail server apparatus (gateway apparatus) on the reception side via the Internet by the SMTP method. The apparatus accesses the mail server apparatus on the receiving side using the POP3 method, receives an electronic mail including image data, and prints the received image data using an image recording unit.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-127330. JP-A-11-261628.

  In the conventional Internet facsimile communication system, the image data is unilaterally sent from the transmission side to the reception side, so that the functions cannot be exchanged between the transmission side and the reception side. Therefore, there is a problem that the received image data cannot be reproduced or the function cannot be fully exhibited.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and provide an Internet facsimile machine capable of exchanging functions between a transmission side and a reception side in an Internet facsimile communication system.

An Internet facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is an Internet facsimile apparatus that performs facsimile communication via the Internet using electronic mail.
Each procedure signal of the facsimile communication procedure (T.30) is stored in an e-mail, and the same data for identifying a series of facsimile communication is included in the e-mail, and the facsimile communication procedure is performed on an e-mail basis. Thus, the communication device for exchanging the capabilities of the own facsimile machine and the counterpart facsimile machine using the electronic mail and transmitting image data based on the exchanged facsimile machine capability,
The communication means assigns one identical FAXID for each facsimile transmission, and sends an e-mail including the numbered FAXID and the name of each procedure signal of the facsimile communication procedure (T.30) to the other party. The facsimile communication of the image data by receiving an e-mail containing the FAXID and the name of each procedure signal of the facsimile communication procedure (T.30) transmitted from the other party's Internet facsimile device It is characterized by performing.

The Internet facsimile apparatus further comprises storage means for storing a FAXID management table, a communication history transmission table, and a communication history reception table,
The communication means is
When assigning one identical FAXID for each facsimile transmission, the numbered FAXID and the other party's e-mail address are stored in the FAXID management table;
When an electronic mail including first communication information including FAXID and the name of each procedure signal of the facsimile communication procedure (T.30) is transmitted to the other party's Internet facsimile machine, the first communication information is transmitted to the other party's Internet. Store in the communication history transmission table together with the e-mail address and communication time of the facsimile machine,
When an e-mail containing second communication information including the FAXID transmitted from the other party's Internet facsimile machine and the name of each procedure signal of the facsimile communication procedure (T.30) is received, the second communication information In the communication history reception table together with the e-mail address and communication time of the other party's Internet facsimile machine,
The facsimile communication procedure is performed on an e-mail basis.

  In the Internet facsimile apparatus, the communication means stores a plurality of procedure signals in one electronic mail.

  Further, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, the communication means stores a signal in a predetermined format including the name of each procedure signal of the facsimile communication procedure (T.30) in the extension header of the electronic mail, and uses the extension header. The facsimile communication procedure (T.30) is realized by exchanging received e-mails.

  Still further, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, the communication means describes the capability of the facsimile apparatus in the header of the electronic mail and exchanges it with a facsimile apparatus of the other party. Instead, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, the communication means describes the capability of the facsimile apparatus in the body of the electronic mail and exchanges it with the facsimile apparatus of the other party.

  Further, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, the communication means transmits image data to the facsimile apparatus of the other party with the image data included in the body of the electronic mail. Instead, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, the communication means includes image data included in the attached file of the electronic mail and transmits the image data to the facsimile apparatus of the other party.

  Further, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, the image data is in a TIFF format. Instead, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, the image data is in MH format, MMR format, JBIG format, or JPEG format.

  Still further, the Internet facsimile apparatus further includes mail server means for transmitting and receiving electronic mail via the Internet.

  Therefore, according to the Internet facsimile apparatus of the present invention, in the Internet facsimile apparatus that performs facsimile communication via the Internet using electronic mail, the capabilities of the own apparatus and the counterpart facsimile apparatus are exchanged using electronic mail. Exchange means and transmission means for transmitting image data based on the capabilities of each exchanged facsimile apparatus are provided. Therefore, according to the present invention, in the Internet facsimile communication system using electronic mail, image data can be transmitted after exchanging the capabilities of each other. Thereby, it is possible to make full use of the capability of the other party's Internet facsimile machine. Further, since facsimile communication by e-mail is performed using a facsimile communication procedure signal, it is possible to know on the transmission side whether or not the reception side has received it reliably.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same component.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the Internet facsimile communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the Internet facsimile machine 20 of FIG.

  The Internet facsimile communication system according to the first embodiment is similar to the communication system described in the section of the prior art, and uses an Internet facsimile apparatus that transmits and receives image data via the Internet using electronic mail. Facsimile communication is performed using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) which are electronic mail protocols. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the transmitting-side Internet facsimile machine 20A receives an e-mail including image data via the transmitting-side mail server device (gateway device) 31A and the Internet 40 on the receiving-side mail server device (gateway). Device) 31B in the SMTP format, and then the receiving side Internet facsimile machine 20B accesses the receiving side mail server device 31B in the POP3 format periodically, for example, at a predetermined cycle such as 30 seconds. An e-mail including data is received, and the received image data is printed using the image recording unit 3. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the Internet facsimile machines 20A and 20B have the functions of the transmission side and the reception side and are collectively denoted by the reference numeral 20, and are mail server apparatuses that send and receive electronic mail via the Internet 40. Reference numerals 31A and 31B have functions of a transmission side and a reception side, and are collectively denoted by reference numeral 31.

  The Internet facsimile machine 20 according to the first embodiment is an internet facsimile machine 20 that performs facsimile communication via the Internet using electronic mail, and the main control unit 1 is an ITU-T recommendation used in facsimile communication. Using the same communication procedure as the T-30 communication procedure, the capabilities of the facsimile machine of the other party are exchanged using e-mail, and image data is transmitted based on the capabilities of the exchanged facsimile machines. It is characterized by that. Here, the electronic mail includes a FAXID (facsimile communication identification number) which is data for identifying a series of facsimile communications. Further, the main control unit 1 describes the capability of the facsimile apparatus in the header (or text) of the electronic mail and exchanges it with the counterpart facsimile apparatus. Further, the main control unit 1 includes the image data in the body (or may be an attached file) of the electronic mail and transmits the image data to the facsimile machine of the other party. Here, the image data is preferably in TIFF format, MH format, MMR format, JBIG format, or JPEG format.

  In FIG. 1, a facsimile apparatus 20 has a facsimile communication function using a conventional G3 system and the like, and also a facsimile communication function using electronic mail. The main control unit 1 is specifically composed of a CPU, and is connected to the following hardware units via the bus 13 to control them, and executes various software functions to be described later. The image reading unit 2 reads a document with a scanner using a CCD or the like, and outputs dot image data converted into black and white binary. The image recording unit 3 is an electrophotographic printer or the like, and prints out image data received from another facsimile apparatus by facsimile communication as a hard copy and records it. The display unit 4 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or a CRT display, and displays the operation state of the facsimile device 20 and displays image data of a document to be transmitted and received image data. .

  The operation unit 5 includes character keys necessary for operating the facsimile apparatus 20, a dial keypad, a speed dial key, a one-touch dial key, various function keys, and the like. In addition, you may comprise so that a part or all of the various keys of this operation part 5 may be substituted by making the above-mentioned display part 4 into a touch panel system.

  The ROM 6 stores various software programs that are necessary for the operation of the facsimile apparatus 20 and executed by the main control unit 1 in advance. Further, these programs may be recorded on a recording medium such as a floppy disk, MO, DVD-RAM, etc., and loaded into the RAM 7 via the drive device as necessary to execute the programs. The RAM 7 is composed of an SRAM, and is used as a working area for the main control unit 1 to store temporary data generated when the program is executed. The CompactFlash (registered trademark) 8 has a role of a so-called image memory and a memory as a program recording medium, and includes a FAX ID management table 8a, a communication history transmission table 8b, a communication history reception table 8c, a transmission job, And an image data file 8d storing image data for each reception job. The clock circuit 9 measures the current date and time, and outputs the current date and time data to the main control unit 1 as necessary.

  The fax modem 10 is connected to the public telephone network 50 via the public telephone line L and has a function of a fax modem for normal facsimile communication. The fax modem 10 demodulates data of outgoing telephone number information received as an FSK signal. And output to the main control unit 1. An NCU (Network Control Unit) 11 is a hardware circuit that performs an operation of closing and opening a DC loop of an analog public telephone line L and having an automatic dial function. Is connected to the public telephone line L. Here, the NCU 11 detects the ID receiving terminal activation signal and the normal telephone call signal in the outgoing telephone number notification service, and transmits the primary response signal and the secondary response signal in the outgoing telephone number notification service as necessary. can do. The NCU 11 may be connected to a baseband transmission type digital line (for example, an ISDN line) via a predetermined terminal adapter and a DSU (Subscriber Line Termination Unit: Digital Service Unit).

  The LAN interface 12 is an interface circuit that performs signal and data signal conversion and protocol conversion in order to connect the facsimile apparatus 20 to a local area network 30 such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The mail server device 31 and the router device 32 are connected. Further, the router device 32 is connected to a mail server device (not shown) of the other party via the Internet 40. When the image data is sent from the facsimile apparatus 20 by attaching it to the mail text or the like, the mail is transmitted from the LAN interface 12 to the mail server apparatus 31 via the LAN 30, and then the mail server apparatus 31 sends the Internet mail to the LAN 30. The packet is transmitted to the destination facsimile machine via the router 32, the Internet 40, and the destination mail server (not shown). On the other hand, when receiving a packet of mail, it is received through the reverse route. The line connection to the Internet 40 is not limited to a dedicated line, but may be a dial-up connection using a public telephone line L.

  The facsimile apparatus 20 of the present embodiment configured as described above has a facsimile communication function using electronic mail in addition to a normal G3 type facsimile communication function. In the former facsimile communication function, the dot image data read by the image reading unit 2 is encoded by software in accordance with an encoding method such as MH, MR, or MMR defined in the facsimile communication standard, and then the other party's destination. On the other hand, the encoded data received from the partner facsimile machine is also decoded into image data by software and output as a hard copy from the image recording unit 3. The latter facsimile communication function will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the FAXID management table 8a stored in the compact flash (registered trademark) 8 in FIG. In the present embodiment, the FAXID is a serial number indicating a series of one facsimile communication, and the one added with @ and the domain of the own station is transmitted as an X-FAXID signal. As shown in FIG. 3, the FAXID management table 8a is used to manage the numbering of the FAXID (take a new number) and manage the FAXID management table 8a for each X-FAXID. Mail address, and the start time and end time of the facsimile communication are stored. When the end time is “−”, this indicates that the facsimile communication has not ended.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the communication history transmission table 8b stored in the compact flash (registered trademark) 8 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the communication history transmission table 8b includes an ITU-T recommendation T.30 when a facsimile transmission is performed from its own station to the facsimile machine of the other party. Each time each signal using the same procedure signal as 30 is transmitted / received, the X-FAX ID, the mail address of the communication partner, the communication time, the signal type, TX (transmission) or RX (reception) for each signal. Is stored.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the communication history reception table 8c stored in the compact flash (registered trademark) 8 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the communication history reception table 8c includes an ITU-T recommendation T.264 when a facsimile is transmitted from the partner facsimile machine to the own station (that is, when a facsimile is received). Each time each signal using the same procedure signal as 30 is transmitted / received, the X-FAX ID, the mail address of the communication partner, the communication time, the signal type, TX (transmission) or RX (reception) for each signal. Is stored.

  In the first embodiment, a signal of the format X- (procedure signal name of T30 communication procedure of facsimile communication) is stored in the extension header of the e-mail. Specifically, X-DIS, X-DCS, T30 communication of facsimile communication is performed by using a header indicating a facsimile signal such as X-EOM and a calling signal (referred to as a facsimile transmission notification signal in this embodiment) and exchanging electronic mails using these headers. Perform the procedure on an email basis. Here, for example, X-FAXCALL is used as the header indicating the facsimile transmission notification signal. In addition, data that requires a data portion such as a DIS signal or a DCS signal may be described in a header such as X-DIS-205680443586, or may be described as a new header, or described in the text. Also good. Furthermore, the TCF signal does not have to be used in the communication procedure of T30, so it may not be used.

  Also, the image data is encoded in the TIFF format, MH format, MMR format, JBIG format, JPEG format, or the like, then MIME-converted and transmitted as a text or an attached file. When the image data is described in the TIFF format, the information corresponding to the DCS signal does not need to be separately transmitted because the information on the image data is described in the header of the TIFF format. Further, X-PIX or the like is added to the header to indicate image data. Here, the image data is transmitted as one e-mail for each page. Further, when electronic mail cannot be exchanged on the way, the transmitting-side facsimile apparatus 20 may attempt to re-send after a predetermined time from the page next to the page for which transmission has been completed, or may resend all pages.

  In addition, when the sending side sends the calling e-mail as described above, the sending side and the receiving side are e-mails for facsimile communication, and in order to uniquely recognize the current communication, Or, when the receiving side sends an e-mail that responds to the call, the FAXID that is the communication management information is added to the header of the mail and the communication management information is added to the header of the mail until the facsimile procedure is completed. To communicate. By using this FAXID, the transmission side and the reception side can simultaneously perform many-to-many facsimile communication.

  Next, an example of each header of the X-FAXCALL signal (facsimile transmission notification signal), the X-CSI signal, the X-TSI signal, and the X-CFR signal used in the present embodiment is shown below.

[Table 1]
――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
Message-ID: <37D50932.97EF2823@abc.co.jp>
Date: Tue, 07 Sep 1999 21:46:42 +0900
From: ifax@abc.co.jp
To: faxterminal@xyz.co.jp
Subject: InternetFAX
X-FAXCALL: Call for IFAX
X-FAXID: 00001@abc.co.jp
MIME-Version: 1.0
――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

[Table 2]
――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
Message-ID: <47D50932.87EF2823@xyz.co.jp>
Date: Tue, 07 Sep 1999 21:47:42 +0900
From: faxterminal@xyz.co.jp
To: ifax@abc.co.jp
Subject: InternetFAX
X-FAXID: 00001@abc.co.jp
X-CSI: 075-111-1234
X DIS: 0020EEF8C4809580808020
MIME-Version: 1.0
――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

[Table 3]
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Message-ID: <57D50932.97EF2823@abc.co.jp>
Date: Tue, 07 Sep 1999 21:48:30 +0900
From: ifax@abc.co.jp
To: faxterminal@xyz.co.jp
Subject: InternetFAX
X-FAXID: 00001@abc.co.jp
X-TSI: 075-111-2345
X-DCS: 830022F8C48004
MIME-Version: 1.0
――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

[Table 4]
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Message-ID: <48D50932.87EF2823@xyz.co.jp>
Date: Tue, 07 Sep 1999 21:48:52 +0900
From: faxterminal@xyz.co.jp
To: ifax@abc.co.jp
Subject: InternetFAX
X-FAXID: 00001@abc.co.jp
X-CFR: 84
MIME-Version: 1.0
――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

  Furthermore, an example of a communication procedure of facsimile communication according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 6, first, the Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits an X-FAXCALL signal (facsimile transmission notification signal or call signal) to the Internet facsimile machine 20B via the mail server apparatuses 31A and 31B, and responds thereto. Then, the Internet facsimile machine 20B sends an electronic mail of an X-CSI signal (called terminal identification signal) and an X-DIS signal (digital identification signal indicating the reception function or reception capability of the called terminal) to the Internet facsimile machine 20A. Send. Next, the Internet facsimile machine 20A sends a digital command signal indicating an X-TSI (transmission terminal identification signal) signal and an X-DCS signal (function command (referring to transmission function or transmission capability) from the transmission terminal) to the Internet facsimile machine 20B. In response, the Internet facsimile machine 20B returns an X-CFR signal (reception preparation confirmation signal) electronic mail to the Internet facsimile machine 20A.

  Then, the Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits an X-PIX e-mail including the image data of the first page to the Internet facsimile machine 20B, and then the X-MPS signal (the image data of the next page is present). Send multi-page signal) e-mail. In response to this, the Internet facsimile machine 20B returns an electronic mail of the X-MCF signal (message confirmation signal indicating that the message has been completely received in response to the X-MPS signal) to the Internet facsimile machine 20A. To do. Further, the Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits an X-PIX signal e-mail including the image data of the second page to the Internet facsimile machine 20B, and then the X-EOP signal (end of procedure indicating completion of transmission of image data). Signal). In response to this, the Internet facsimile machine 20B returns an X-MCF signal (message confirmation signal indicating that the message has been completely received in response to the X-EOP signal) to the Internet facsimile machine 20A. The Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits an X-DCN signal (cut command signal) to the Internet facsimile machine 20B, and ends the series of facsimile communications.

  In the communication procedure of FIG. 6, a process 100B indicating that there is image data of the next page is executed following the transmission process 100A of the image data of one page, and then a transmission process 100C of the image data of two pages is executed. Has been. As a result, a transmission process 101 for transmitting image data for two pages is executed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the Internet facsimile communication system using electronic mail, it is possible to transmit image data after performing mutual capability exchange. Thereby, it is possible to make full use of the capability of the other party's Internet facsimile machine. Further, since facsimile communication by e-mail is performed using a facsimile communication procedure signal, it is possible to know on the transmission side whether or not the reception side has received it reliably.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a communication procedure of facsimile communication according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a transmission process executed by the Internet facsimile machine 20 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a reception process executed by the Internet facsimile machine 20 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a header-specific process (step S19) which is a subroutine of FIG. is there. Further, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a first time-out process which is an interrupt process executed every predetermined time by the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment.

  The Internet facsimile machine 20 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 2, and the main control unit 1 uses its own e-mail as shown in FIG. The capability of the previous facsimile machine is exchanged, and image data of one page or a plurality of pages is transmitted using one electronic mail based on the capability of each exchanged facsimile machine. Further, the main control unit 1 receives the image data transmitted using the e-mail and executes the predetermined reception processing shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Specifically, the main control unit 1 decodes the received image data. When printing on recording paper using the image recording unit 3 (step S22 in FIG. 10) and no error occurs (NO in step S22A), the result of the above-described reception process (the image data is reliably received and decoded) X-MCF signal (message confirmation signal) e-mail indicating this is transmitted to the facsimile machine of the other party (step S23). On the other hand, when an error occurs in decoding and some or all of the received image data is incomplete (YES in step S22A), an X-PPR (partial page signal) e-mail indicating a retransmission request is sent to the destination. The data is transmitted to the facsimile machine (step S22B).

  Further, the main control unit 1 receives the image data transmitted using the e-mail, that is, when the X-FAXCALL signal is received (YES in step S14 in FIG. 9), the Internet such as the image recording unit 3 or the like. When image data cannot be received due to a trouble in the facsimile apparatus 20 and the incoming call is rejected (YES in step S14A), an X-DCN signal (disconnect command signal) e-mail indicating that reception is not possible is sent to the facsimile apparatus of the other party. Send to. Furthermore, when an e-mail is transmitted by the transmission process of FIG. 8 or the reception process of FIGS. 9 and 10, when an e-mail to be returned cannot be received within a predetermined elapsed time from the transmission ( If YES in step S32 of the first timeout process in FIG. 11, the facsimile communication is interrupted (step S33).

  Next, a communication procedure of facsimile communication according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7, first, the Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits an X-FAXCALL (facsimile transmission notification signal) to the Internet facsimile machine 20B via the mail server apparatuses 31A and 31B, and in response to this, the Internet facsimile machine 20B. Transmits X-CSI and X-DIS signals to the Internet facsimile machine 20A. Next, the Internet facsimile machine 20A sends image data of X-TSI, X-DCS, and X-PIX signals (including image data of all pages in TIFF format and multi-page format), X-EOP to the Internet facsimile machine 20B. In response to this, the Internet facsimile machine 20B transmits an X-MCF (with reception result) signal to the Internet facsimile machine 20A. Here, the X-MCF signal is a message confirmation signal, which is an acknowledgment to the previous X-EOP signal and indicates that the message has been completely received. In other words, the result of the executed reception process (that is, the image data has been reliably received and decoded) is shown. Further, in response to the X-MCF signal, the Internet facsimile machine 20A returns an X-DCN signal to the Internet facsimile machine 20B.

  In the communication procedure according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, image data including a plurality of pages is transmitted using one electronic mail (procedure 102 in FIG. 7). Compared to the case of transmitting one electronic mail for each page of image data as in the embodiment (the procedure 101 in FIG. 6), the communication procedure can be greatly simplified.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a transmission process executed by the Internet facsimile machine 20 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, first, a document is set in step S <b> 1 and a transmission destination is designated using the operation unit 5. In step S2, the original image is read using the image reading unit 2, stored in the image data file 8d, and encoded. In step S 3, a new FAX ID is assigned based on the FAX ID management table 8 a and written in the FAX ID management table 8. In step S4, an electronic mail of an X-FAXCALL signal (facsimile transmission notification signal) is transmitted to the transmission destination via the mail server device 31 by the SMTP method, and the content of the signal is written in the communication history transmission table 8b. The transmission process ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a reception process executed by the Internet facsimile machine 20 according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 9, first, in step S11, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous access to the mail server device 31, and the processing in step S11 is repeated until YES is obtained. When YES is determined in the step S11, the mail server device 31 is accessed in a step S12, and an electronic mail is downloaded and received by the POP3 method. Next, the header of the received e-mail is analyzed in step S13, the contents of the signal are written in the communication history reception table 8c, and it is determined in step S14 whether or not the e-mail of the X-FAXCALL signal has been received. When YES, the process proceeds to step S14A, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S14A, it is determined whether or not the image data cannot be received due to a trouble in the Internet facsimile machine 20 such as the image recording unit 3 or direct mail or SPAM mail. First, an X-DCN signal (disconnect command signal) e-mail is transmitted, the contents of the signal are written in the communication history reception table 8c, and the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if NO in step S14A, an e-mail of an X-DIS signal (digital identification signal) including the capability of the own device is transmitted to the other party in step S15, and the content of the signal is written in the communication history reception table 8c. Return to S11.

  In step S16, the previous communication is specified by searching the communication history transmission table 8b and the communication history reception table 8c based on the FAXID of the received electronic mail, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous electronic mail transmission in step S17. If NO, the process advances to step S19 to execute a header-specific process which is a subroutine of FIG. 10, and then returns to step S11. On the other hand, if YES in step S17, an error notification report is output using the image recording unit 3 in step S18, and an X-DCN signal (disconnect command signal) e-mail is transmitted to the other party. The contents are written in the communication history transmission table 8b, and the process returns to step S11.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing header-specific processing (step S19), which is a subroutine of FIG. In FIG. 10, first, what is the signal HD in the header of the electronic mail received in step S21 is determined, and the process branches as follows according to the signal HD in the header.
(A) When HD = X-DCS, X-PIX, X-EOP, the process proceeds to step S22.
(B) When HD = X-DCN, the process proceeds to step S24.
(C) When HD = X-DIS or X-PPR, the process proceeds to step S25.
(D) When HD = X-MCF, the process proceeds to step S26.
(E) When HD = other signal, predetermined other processing is executed in accordance with the signal in step S27, and the process returns to the original main routine.

  In step S22, the received image data is decoded and printed using the image recording unit 3. In step S22A, it is determined whether an error has occurred in the encoding process, the recording process, or the like. Proceeding to S22B, an X-PPR signal (partial page signal) e-mail is transmitted in order to request retransmission, the contents of the signal are written in the communication history reception table 8c, and the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if NO in step S22A, an e-mail of an X-MCF signal (message confirmation signal) is transmitted to the other party in step S23, and the content of the signal is written in the communication history reception table 8c. Return to. In step S24, it is determined that the facsimile communication is finished, the end time of the communication is written in the FAXID management table 8a, the contents of the received signal are written in the communication history transmission table 8b, and the process returns to the original main routine. . In step S25, an X-DCS, X-PIX, X-EOP signal and an electronic mail of image data matched to the other party's functional capability are transmitted to the other party, and the contents of these signals are written in the communication history transmission table 8b. In step S26, an X-DCN signal (disconnect command signal) e-mail is transmitted to the other party, the contents of the signal are written in the communication history transmission table 8b, and the process returns to the original main routine.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a first timeout process which is an interrupt process executed every predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) by the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 11, in step S31, the communication history transmission table 8b and the communication history reception table 8c are searched to identify a reply-waiting facsimile communication. In step S32, whether a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the last e-mail transmission. If NO, the process proceeds to step S33. If NO, the first time-out process is terminated. In step S33, it is determined that the facsimile communication is forcibly interrupted, and the end time of the communication is written in the FAX ID management table 8a at the time of own station transmission, and the X-DCN signal (at the time of own station transmission or destination transmission). (Disconnect command signal) e-mail is transmitted to the other party, the content of the signal is written in the communication history transmission table 8b or the communication history reception table 8c, and the first time-out process ends.

  Note that in the X-MCF signal used in this embodiment, the reception date and time, the processing after reception (printing, transfer, accumulation, etc.), the reception result, etc. may be described. Information such as the reception capability and reception result of the Internet facsimile machine 20 may be described in the header of the electronic mail or in the text. Further, in addition to the receivable paper size and resolution, the reception capability of the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 may describe whether or not a plurality of pages can be received, the maximum mail capacity, and the like. The apparatus 20 transmits a TIFF file for each page according to the partner device, or transmits it as a TIFF file by dividing it into several pages. In this case, an e-mail as a reception result is received for each e-mail. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the Internet facsimile machine 20 on the receiving side can designate a request for resending a page with an error in the reception result for all pages or page units, and the Internet facsimile machine 20 on the transmitting side is requested. Resend as street.

  In facsimile communication using e-mail in this embodiment, the receiving-side Internet facsimile apparatus 20 receives a call mail for facsimile communication while performing facsimile communication with a transmitter on an e-mail basis. If the response cannot be made, for example, an e-mail indicating “currently in communication” with a header such as an X-FAXBUSY signal may be returned. At this time, when the Internet facsimile machine 20 on the transmission side receives it, it performs redial processing, or the reception side ignores it when it receives the e-mail of the X-FAXCALL (call) signal. Here, the Internet facsimile machine 20 on the transmission side transmits an X-FAXCALL signal e-mail several times or performs redial processing if there is no response for a predetermined time.

  Further, in the facsimile communication using the electronic mail in the present embodiment, the time-out time when the Internet facsimile machines 20 wait for the electronic mail may be determined in advance according to the phase, or desired for the electronic mail to be transmitted. The waiting time to be performed may be described.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the main control unit 1 uses the electronic mail to exchange the capabilities of the own machine and the counterpart facsimile machine, and the exchange is performed. The image data of one page or a plurality of pages is transmitted using one electronic mail based on the capability of each facsimile apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to transmit image data with a transmission procedure that is simplified as compared with the first embodiment. In addition, image data can be transmitted after the mutual exchange of capabilities, and the capabilities of the other party's Internet facsimile machine can be fully utilized. Further, since facsimile communication by e-mail is performed using a facsimile communication procedure signal, the transmission side can know whether or not the reception side has been received reliably based on a signal such as an X-MCF signal. it can.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a procedure signal compression method when transmitting image data of one page, which is executed by the Internet facsimile communication system according to the third embodiment, and is a sequence showing a communication procedure of facsimile communication. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a procedure signal compression method when transmitting image data of two pages, which is executed by the Internet facsimile communication system according to the third embodiment. FIG.

  The Internet facsimile machine 20 according to the third embodiment has a configuration similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and the main control unit 1 operates for each page of image data as shown in FIGS. In this case, the capabilities of the facsimile machine of the other party are exchanged using electronic mail, and image data is transmitted based on the capabilities of the exchanged facsimile machines. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, when transmitting one page of image data, the main control unit 1 sends an X-TSI signal (transmission terminal identification signal) and an X-DCS signal (function command signal). Along with the image data of the one page, it is transmitted using one electronic mail. As shown in FIG. 13, when transmitting image data of a plurality of pages, the main control unit 1 uses an X-TSI signal (transmission terminal identification signal) and an X-DCS signal (function command signal) as the first. After the image data of the page is transmitted using one electronic mail, the X-DCS signal (function command signal) is transmitted using the single electronic mail together with the image data of the second and subsequent pages.

  Further, in the third embodiment, the main control unit 1 does not have the capability of the own machine and the other party's facsimile apparatus for the next page of image data even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the previous image data. When it cannot be exchanged (YES in step S62 in FIG. 17), the image data of the immediately preceding page is retransmitted (step S63).

  Next, a procedure signal compression method when transmitting one page of image data will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 12, the Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits an X-FAXCALL signal to the Internet facsimile machine 20B, and in response, the Internet facsimile machine 20B sends X-CSI and X-DIS signals to the Internet facsimile machine 20A. Send back. Next, the Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits X-TSI, X-DCS, X-PIX (for example, TIFF format for one page) and X-EOP signals to the Internet facsimile machine 20B, and in response to this, the Internet The facsimile machine 20B returns an X-MCF signal to the Internet facsimile machine 20A. Further, the Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits an X-DCN signal to the Internet facsimile machine 20B. This completes the communication procedure for facsimile communication when transmitting one page of image data.

  Furthermore, a procedure signal compression method when transmitting two pages of image data will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 13, the Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits an X-FAXCALL signal to the Internet facsimile machine 20B, and in response, the Internet facsimile machine 20B sends X-CSI and X-DIS signals to the Internet facsimile machine 20A. Send back. Next, the Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits X-TSI, X-DCS, X-PIX (for example, TIFF format on the first page), and X-EOM signal to the Internet facsimile machine 20B, and in response, the Internet facsimile machine The apparatus 20B returns X-MCF and X-DIS signals to the Internet facsimile apparatus 20A. Further, the Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits X-DCS, X-PIX (for example, TIFF format on the second page), and X-EOP signal to the Internet facsimile machine 20B. An X-MCF signal is returned to the facsimile machine 20A. Then, the Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits an X-DCN signal to the Internet facsimile machine 20B. This completes the communication procedure of facsimile communication when transmitting two pages of image data. Note that image data of a plurality of pages of three or more pages is also transmitted in the same manner as in FIG.

  In the communication procedure according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12, X-TSI, X-DCS, X-PIX (for one page), and X-EOP signal are transmitted using one electronic mail ( Therefore, the X-TSI, X-DCS signal, X-PIX (for one page), and X-EOP signal are sent to different e-mails as in the first embodiment of FIG. The communication procedure can be greatly simplified as compared with the case of transmitting using (the procedure of 100A in FIG. 6). Also, in the communication procedure according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 13, as indicated by reference numeral 111, the communication procedure is compared with that in the first embodiment of FIG. 6 (the procedure 101 in FIG. 6). It can be greatly simplified.

  FIGS. 14 to 16 are flowcharts showing header-specific processing (step S19A), which is a subroutine executed by the facsimile machine 20 according to the third embodiment.

In FIG. 14, first, what is the signal HD of the header of the email received in step S41 is determined, and the process branches as follows according to the type of the signal HD of the header.
(A) In FIG. 14, when HD = X-DIS, X-PPR, the process proceeds to step S42.
(B) In FIG. 15, when HD = X-DCS, X-PIX, and X-MPS, the process proceeds to step S47.
(C) In FIG. 15, when HD = X-DCS, X-PIX, X-EOP, the process proceeds to step S50.
(D) In FIG. 15, when HD = X-DCS, X-PIX, X-EOM, the process proceeds to step S52.
(E) In FIG. 16, when HD = X-MCF, the process proceeds to step S56.
(F) If HD = other signal in FIG. 16, predetermined other processing is executed in accordance with the signal in step S58, and the process returns to the original main routine.

  In step S42 in FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not there is a next page in the facsimile transmission, and then in step S43, it is determined whether or not the resolution or the like is changed in the facsimile transmission based on the received signal. If YES in step S42, the process proceeds to step S44. If NO in step S42 and YES in step S43, the process proceeds to step S45. If NO in step S42 and NO in step S43, the process proceeds to step S46. In step S44, an X-DCS, X-PIX, X-EOP signal and an e-mail of image data corresponding to the capability of the counterpart device are transmitted to the counterpart, and the contents of these signals are written in the communication history transmission table 8b. Return to the main routine. In step S45, an X-DCS, X-PIX, X-EOM signal and an electronic mail of image data corresponding to the capability of the partner device are transmitted to the partner, and the contents of these signals are written in the communication history transmission table 8b. Return to the original main routine. Further, in step S46, an X-DCS, X-PIX, X-MPS signal and an electronic mail of image data corresponding to the capability of the counterpart device are transmitted to the counterpart, and the contents of these signals are written in the communication history transmission table 8b. Return to the original main routine.

  The image data received in step S47 of FIG. 15 is decoded and printed using the image recording unit 3, and it is determined in step S48 whether or not an error has occurred in the encoding process or the recording process. Advances to step S55, while if NO, advances to step S49. Next, in step S49, an X-MCF signal (message confirmation signal) e-mail is transmitted to the other party, the contents of the signal are written in the communication history reception table 8c, and the process returns to the original main routine. Also, the received image data is decoded in step S50 and printed using the image recording unit 3, and it is determined whether an error has occurred in the encoding process or the recording process in step S51. While the process proceeds to step S55, the process proceeds to step S49 when NO. Furthermore, the image data received in step S52 is decoded and printed using the image recording unit 3. In step S53, it is determined whether or not an error has occurred in the encoding process or the recording process. While the process proceeds to step S55, the process proceeds to step S54 if NO. In step S54, an X-MCF, X-DIS signal electronic mail is transmitted to the other party, the contents of the signal are written in the communication history reception table 8c, and the process returns to the original main routine. In step S55, an X-PPR signal (partial page signal) e-mail is transmitted to the other party, the content of the signal is written in the communication history reception table 8c, and the process returns to the original main routine.

  In step S56 in FIG. 16, it is determined whether or not there is a next page. If YES, the process proceeds to step S42 in FIG. 14, whereas if NO, the process proceeds to step S57. In step S57, an X-DCN (disconnect command signal) e-mail is transmitted to the other party, the contents of the signal are written in the communication history transmission table 8b, and the process returns to the original main routine.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a second timeout process which is an interrupt process executed every predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) by the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 17, in step S61, the communication history transmission table 8b is searched to identify a reply-waiting facsimile communication immediately after image data transmission. In step S62, a predetermined time (from the previous e-mail transmission of image data) is specified. For example, it is determined whether or not 5 minutes or more have elapsed. If YES, the process proceeds to step S63. If NO, the second timeout process is terminated. In step S63, X-DCS, X-PIX, X-EOP, and the e-mail of the image data of the immediately preceding page in accordance with the partner function are transmitted to the partner, and the contents of these signals are transmitted to the communication history transmission table 8b. The second time-out process is finished.

  In the third embodiment, the transmitting-side Internet facsimile machine 20 includes an X-DCS signal including image data information to be transmitted, and an X-MPS, X-EOP or X-EOM signal as the next instruction signal. Are transmitted using one electronic mail, the communication procedure can be greatly shortened. Further, the communication procedure can be further shortened by attaching the image data to the e-mail describing the X-DCS signal. When the image data of the X-PIX signal is converted to the TIFF format or the like, since the image data information is described in the header portion of the TIFF format, it is not necessary to add the X-DCS signal separately. Furthermore, information such as the reception capability and reception result of the Internet facsimile machine 20 on the receiving side may be described in the header of the electronic mail or in the text.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in the second time-out process in FIG. 17, when the exchange of e-mails becomes impossible on the way, the Internet facsimile machine 20 on the transmission side next to the page that has been transmitted. Attempts to resend after a predetermined time from the page. Alternatively, all pages may be retransmitted.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the main control unit 1 uses the e-mail for each page of image data, and the facsimile of the own machine and the other party. The capacities of the apparatuses are exchanged, and image data is transmitted based on the capacities of the exchanged facsimile apparatuses. Therefore, it is possible to make full use of the capability of the other party's Internet facsimile machine. Further, since facsimile communication by e-mail is performed using a facsimile communication procedure signal, it is possible to know on the transmission side whether or not the reception side has received it reliably.

<Modification>
In the above embodiment, the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 and the mail server apparatus 31 are configured as separate apparatuses on both the transmission side and the reception side, but as shown in FIG. You may comprise with the internet facsimile apparatus 120A, 120B with a mail server function which has a function. Further, at least one of the transmission side and the reception side may be configured by the Internet facsimile machines 120A and 120B with a mail server function. Here, by providing a mail server function for sending and receiving electronic mail via the Internet, it is not necessary to use the POP3 protocol on the receiving side, and communication can be performed using only the SMTP protocol, thereby further reducing the communication time. it can.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an Internet facsimile communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the Internet facsimile machine 20 of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the FAXID management table 8a stored in the compact flash (trademark) 8 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the communication log | history transmission table 8b stored in the compact flash (trademark) 8 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the communication history reception table 8c stored in the compact flash (trademark) 8 of FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the communication procedure of the facsimile communication which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the communication procedure of the facsimile communication which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission process performed by the internet facsimile apparatus 20 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the reception process performed by the internet facsimile apparatus 20 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process classified by header (step S19) which is a subroutine of FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a first timeout process which is an interrupt process executed every predetermined time by the Internet facsimile machine 20 according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the compression method of the procedure signal at the time of transmitting the image data of 1 page performed with the internet facsimile communication system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, Comprising: It is a sequence diagram which shows the communication procedure of facsimile communication. It is a figure which shows the compression method of the procedure signal at the time of transmitting the image data of 2 pages performed with the internet facsimile communication system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, Comprising: It is a sequence diagram which shows the communication procedure of facsimile communication. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st part of the process classified by header (step S19A) which is a subroutine performed by the facsimile apparatus 20 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd part of the process classified by header (step S19A) which is a subroutine performed by the facsimile apparatus 20 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd part of the process classified by header (step S19A) which is a subroutine performed by the facsimile apparatus 20 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a second timeout process which is an interrupt process executed every predetermined time by the Internet facsimile machine 20 according to the third embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the internet facsimile communication system which concerns on a modification.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... main control part,
2. Image reading unit,
3 ... image recording unit,
4 ... display part,
5 ... operation part,
6 ... ROM,
7 ... RAM,
8 ... Compact Flash (registered trademark),
8a ... FAXID management table,
8b ... communication history transmission table,
8c: Communication history reception table,
8d: Image data file,
9: Clock circuit,
10. Fax modem,
11 ... NCU,
12 ... LAN interface,
13 ... Bus
20, 20A, 20B ... Internet facsimile machine,
30 ... LAN,
31, 31A, 31B ... mail server device,
32 ... Router device,
40 ... Internet,
50 ... public telephone network,
120A, 120B ... Internet facsimile machines with mail servers.
L: Public telephone line.

Claims (10)

In an Internet facsimile machine that performs facsimile communication via the Internet using electronic mail,
Each procedure signal of the facsimile communication procedure (T.30) is stored in an e-mail, and the same data for identifying a series of facsimile communication is included in the e-mail, and the facsimile communication procedure is performed on an e-mail basis. Thus, the communication device for exchanging the capabilities of the own facsimile machine and the counterpart facsimile machine using the electronic mail and transmitting image data based on the exchanged facsimile machine capability,
The communication means assigns one identical FAXID for each facsimile transmission, and sends an e-mail including the numbered FAXID and the name of each procedure signal of the facsimile communication procedure (T.30) to the other party. The facsimile communication of the image data by receiving an e-mail containing the FAXID and the name of each procedure signal of the facsimile communication procedure (T.30) transmitted from the other party's Internet facsimile device the execution,
The internet facsimile machine
Storage means for storing a FAXID management table, a communication history transmission table, and a communication history reception table;
The communication means is
When assigning one identical FAXID for each facsimile transmission, the numbered FAXID and the other party's e-mail address are stored in the FAXID management table;
When an electronic mail including first communication information including FAXID and the name of each procedure signal of the facsimile communication procedure (T.30) is transmitted to the other party's Internet facsimile machine, the first communication information is transmitted to the other party's Internet. Store in the communication history transmission table together with the e-mail address and communication time of the facsimile machine,
When an e-mail containing second communication information including the FAXID transmitted from the other party's Internet facsimile machine and the name of each procedure signal of the facsimile communication procedure (T.30) is received, the second communication information In the communication history reception table together with the e-mail address and communication time of the other party's Internet facsimile machine,
An Internet facsimile machine characterized in that the facsimile communication procedure is performed on an e-mail basis . The communication means is the internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storing a plurality of instructions signals to one email. The communication means stores a signal in a predetermined format including the name of each procedure signal of the facsimile communication procedure (T.30) in the extension header of the e-mail, and exchanges e-mails using the extension header. 3. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a facsimile communication procedure (T.30) is realized. The communication means is the internet facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that describes the ability of the facsimile apparatus in the header of the e-mail exchange with a destination facsimile apparatus . The communication means is the internet facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that describes the ability of the facsimile apparatus to the body of the e-mail exchange with a destination facsimile apparatus . Said communication means, Internet facsimile according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that to transmit the image data by including the image data in the body of the e-mail to the facsimile apparatus of the destination apparatus. Said communication means, Internet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that to transmit the image data by including the image data to the e-mail attachment to the facsimile apparatus of the destination Facsimile device. The image data is Internet facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a TIFF format. The image data is, MH format, MMR format, Internet facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a JBIG or JPEG format. Internet facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a mail server means for transmitting and receiving e-mail via the Internet.

Images