JP3890288B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH WEB SERVER FUNCTION AND COMMUNICATION METHOD - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication apparatus such as a network facsimile apparatus that can be connected to a network such as a telephone line network, the Internet, or a LAN to transmit and receive facsimile data and electronic mail data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, personal computers, workstations, and fax servers are connected to a network to perform e-mail, homepage browsing, and facsimile transmission / reception.
[0003]
FIG. 18 shows a system configuration when facsimile transmission / reception is performed using a FAX server. The reception operation at the client machine (personal computer) is as follows. First, the FAX modem 1001 receives an incoming telephone line, captures image data, and passes it to the FAX server 1002. The FAX server software operating on the FAX server 1002 receives the image data and stores it as an image data file in the file server 1003 via the network. Up to this point, the accumulation of facsimile reception data is completed.
[0004]
In order to capture the received image data into the client machine 1004, the user activates a dedicated application on the client machine 1004 and reads an image data file from the file server 1003 via the network.
[0005]
Recently, a method of reusing facsimile reception data by combining an Internet FAX and a WWW server has been proposed. This uses a function of converting data received from a telephone line by an Internet FAX into an electronic mail.
[0006]
FIG. 19 shows a system configuration when facsimile transmission / reception is performed using an Internet FAX and a WWW server. The reception operation at the client machine will be described.
[0007]
First, image data received via the telephone line by the Internet FAX 1101 is converted into an email attachment file format within the Internet FAX and transmitted to the WWW server 1103 as an email attachment file.
[0008]
The e-mail transferred from the Internet FAX 1101 is received by the e-mail server 1102 via the network. The e-mail received by the e-mail server 1102 is transferred again to the destination WWW server 1103 via the network.
[0009]
The WWW server 1103 accumulates the attached file of the e-mail as image data and links it to a facsimile reception home page. Up to this point, the accumulation of facsimile reception data is completed.
[0010]
In order to capture the received data into the client machine 1104, the user starts a WWW browser on the client machine 1104 and accesses the facsimile reception home page of the WWW server 1103. Then, the image data file is read from the WWW server 1103 to the client machine 1104 via the network.
[0011]
When the image data downloaded to the client machine 1104 is broadcasted to a plurality of other terminals, the user performs the following work. When broadcasting to the terminal of the G3 facsimile apparatus, the client machine 1104 transfers the image to the printer, issues a print instruction, sets the image printed out from the printer to the facsimile apparatus, and sets the broadcast destination telephone number. After entering, press the send button. Also, when broadcasting to the terminal of the e-mail device, set multiple e-mail addresses for the e-mail software as e-mail addresses, attach image data to the e-mail body, and press the send button. .
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  The present invention can reduce network traffic due to data transfer and can be easily performed only by an instruction from a client machine.Communication device with web server function capable of setting handling of received document, and communication methodThe purpose is to provide.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In the present invention, first, FAX communication means to which a telephone line is connected, network control means to which a network is connected, storage means for storing data received via the FAX communication means or the network control means, Printing means for printing the data stored in the storage means;For data received via the FAX communication means,Whether to print on the printing unit, or to store in the storage unit without printing on the printing unit,Set upWeb server means for transmitting a setting screen to be settable to the terminal as an HTML file in response to a request from the terminal connected to the network, and according to an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file, The data received via the FAX communication unit is controlled by either printing the printing unit or storing the data in the storage unit without printing the printing unit. Second, FAX communication means to which a telephone line is connected, network control means to which a network is connected, storage means for storing data received via the FAX communication means or the network control means, and the storage Printing means for printing data stored in the means;For data received via the network control means,Whether to print on the printing unit, or to store in the storage unit without printing on the printing unit,Set upWeb server means for transmitting a setting screen to be settable to the terminal as an HTML file in response to a request from the terminal connected to the network, and according to an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file, The data received via the network control means is either controlled by the printing means or is stored in the storage means without being printed by the printing means. Third, FAX communication means to which a telephone line is connected, network control means to which a network is connected, storage means for storing data received via the FAX communication means or the network control means, and the storage Storage period of data received via the FAX communication means stored in the meansSet upWeb server means for transmitting a setting screen to be settable to the terminal as an HTML file in response to a request from the terminal connected to the network, and according to an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file, Determining the storage period of data received via the FAX communication means stored in the storage means; fourth, FAX communication means to which a telephone line is connected; network control means to which a network is connected; Storage means for storing data received via the FAX communication means or the network control means, and a storage period for the data received via the network control means stored in the storage meansSet upWeb server means for transmitting a setting screen to be settable to the terminal as an HTML file in response to a request from the terminal connected to the network, and according to an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file, Determining the retention period of the data received via the network control means stored in the storage means; fifth, a FAX communication means to which a telephone line is connected; a network control means to which a network is connected; In a communication method for storing data received via the storage means and printing the stored data by the printing means,For data received via the FAX communication means,Whether to print on the printing unit, or to store in the storage unit without printing on the printing unit,Set upA setting screen that can be set is transmitted to the terminal as an HTML file in response to a request from the terminal connected to the network, and is received via the FAX communication unit in accordance with an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file. The data is printed by the printing unit or is stored in the storage unit without being printed by the printing unit. Sixth, a telephone line In a communication method for storing data received via a FAX communication means connected to the network and a network control means connected to a network in a storage means, and printing the stored data by a printing means,For data received via the network control means,Whether to print on the printing unit, or to store in the storage unit without printing on the printing unit,Set upA setting screen that can be set is transmitted to the terminal as an HTML file in response to a request from the terminal connected to the network, and received through the network control unit in accordance with an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file. The data is printed by the printing means or is stored in the storage means without being printed by the printing means. Seventh, the telephone line Data received via the FAX communication means stored in the storage means in a communication method for storing data received via the FAX communication means connected to the network and the network control means connected to the network in the storage means Retention periodSet upIn response to a request from a terminal connected to the network, a setting screen that can be set is transmitted to the terminal as an HTML file, and the instruction stored from the storage unit is stored in accordance with an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file. The storage period of the data received via the FAX communication means is determined. Eighth, the data received via the FAX communication means connected to the telephone line and the network control means connected to the network is determined. In the communication method for storing in the storage means, the retention period of data received via the network control means stored in the storage meansSet upIn response to a request from a terminal connected to the network, a setting screen that can be set is transmitted to the terminal as an HTML file, and the instruction stored from the storage unit is stored in accordance with an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file. The storage period of the data received via the network control means is determined.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention includes storage means for storing a communication result report, and sending means for sending the communication result report to the terminal when receiving a display instruction for the communication result report by connection from the terminal. Take the configuration.
[0015]
According to this configuration, the result transmitted in response to the instruction from the client is transmitted to the client as a communication result report, so that the user can know his / her transmission result on the client.
[0016]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided storage means for storing a communication result report and a menu screen for displaying the report, and sending the menu screen from the storage means to the terminal by connection from the terminal. When receiving an instruction to display the communication result report via the communication means, a configuration is provided that includes sending means for sending the communication result report.
[0017]
According to this configuration, the user can input a communication result report display instruction via the menu screen, and the user can know his or her transmission result on the client.
[0018]
In another aspect of the present invention, a communication result report and a menu screen for displaying the communication result report are connected as an HTML file, and the URL is input from the terminal, and the menu screen is displayed from the storage means. In addition to sending to the terminal, a configuration is provided that includes sending means for sending the communication result report upon receiving an instruction to display the communication result report via the menu screen.
[0019]
According to this configuration, the user can input a communication result report display instruction in the homepage format, and the user can know his or her transmission result on the client.
[0020]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication result report formed of an HTML file stored in the storage unit each time communication is performed by the communication unit in the transmission device according to the above mode. Updating means for updating.
[0021]
According to this configuration, the communication result report can be updated in real time.
[0022]
According to another aspect of the present invention, in the transmission device according to the aspect described above, the communication unit performs facsimile transmission.
[0023]
According to another aspect of the present invention, in the transmission device according to the above aspect, the communication means performs electronic mail transmission.
[0024]
According to another aspect of the present invention, in the transmission device according to the aspect described above, the menu screen includes an instruction screen for setting an address book.
[0025]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0026]
FIG. 1 shows functional blocks of the network facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment. A ROM 1, a RAM 3, and an external storage unit 4 are connected to the CPU 1 that operates on the operating system so as to be accessible from the CPU 1. Various programs such as a server-side processing program are stored in the ROM 2, and the RAM 3 is used as a work area for programs stored in the ROM 2. The external storage unit 4 stores compressed image data, HTML files, and the like.
[0027]
The network facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment includes a scanner unit 5, a printer unit 6, a panel unit 7, a compression / decompression unit 8, a FAX / voice communication unit 9, and a network control unit 10. Are configured to operate under the control of the CPU 1.
[0028]
In this network facsimile apparatus, the scanner unit 5 reads image data such as a document, and the printer unit 6 prints the read image data or the received image data. Also, the panel unit 7 allows the user to perform operations such as an image reading instruction and destination address input, and the compression / decompression unit 8 decompresses the received image data or compresses the read image data. . The FAX / voice communication unit 9 is connected to a telephone line to perform facsimile communication and voice communication, and the network control unit 10 is connected to a network to perform electronic mail communication.
[0029]
The programs stored in the ROM 2 include the HTML file generation unit 11, the WWW server unit 12, the electronic mail communication unit 13, and the TIFF conversion unit 14. The HTML file generation unit 11, the WWW server unit 12, the e-mail communication unit 13, and the TIFF conversion unit 14 are functions provided by the CPU 1 executing these programs. For convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. These functions will be described using reference numerals given to the program itself.
[0030]
The HTML file generation unit 11 is a functional block that converts a list of image data received by FAX and e-mail into an HTML file that can be viewed on a home page and registers the server.
[0031]
The WWW server unit 12 provides a server function such as communication with the WWW browser according to the HTTP protocol and delivery of homepage data (HTML file).
[0032]
The e-mail communication unit 13 functions as an e-mail server in addition to sending and receiving e-mails via a network. The TIFF conversion unit 14 provides a function for converting encoded facsimile data and document file data into the TIFF format. When the scanner unit 5 or the stored facsimile data is transmitted by e-mail, it is converted into the TIFF format by the TIFF conversion unit 14 and an e-mail including the TIFF file as an attached file is created. That is, the TIFF file is converted into a text code and put in the data part of a complex structured mail such as MIME. On the other hand, when data received by e-mail is transmitted by facsimile, the electronic file portion of the e-mail is binary converted from a text code to a TIFF file. Further, the TIFF conversion unit 14 develops the TIFF file. If uncompressed, the compression / decompression unit 8 further transmits data subjected to compression processing such as MH.
[0033]
FIG. 2 shows a system configuration when the network facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment is connected to a telephone line and a network. In FIG. 2, a network facsimile apparatus 201 is connected to a telephone line and to a network via a network interface. By operating a WWW browser on the client machine 202, a homepage provided on the network facsimile apparatus 201 can be browsed.
[0034]
FIG. 3 shows functional blocks of the HTML file generation unit 11, the WWW server unit 12, the e-mail communication unit 13, the TIFF conversion unit 14, and the FAX / voice communication unit 9, and the flow of data processing between the blocks.
[0035]
In the WWW server unit 12, the WWW server communication unit 31 communicates with a WWW browser operating on the client machine 202 in accordance with the HTTP protocol. The command received by the WWW server communication unit 31 from the client machine 202 is analyzed by the CGI string analysis unit 32.
[0036]
The CGI string analysis unit 32 analyzes the CGI string included in the received data, passes the analysis result to the CGI application determination unit 33, and activates the corresponding CGI application 34. The CGI application 34 executes predetermined processing using the received data. The CGI application 34 includes applications such as transmission, HTML document deletion, editing and moving, address book generation, and device setting.
[0037]
The file sending unit 35 receives the file requested by the client machine 202 from the file management unit 36 and passes it to the WWW server communication unit 31. In the case of a file request for which CGI processing is not requested, the file sending unit 35 requests the file management unit 36 for the file.
[0038]
The HTML file generation unit 11 includes a document list generation unit 37 that generates an HTML file of a document list, and an address book generation unit 38 that generates an HTML file of an address book.
[0039]
The document list generation unit 37 creates an HTML file of the received list displaying the received e-mail and received FAX, and deletes, edits, moves, etc. a part of the HTML file according to a command and received data given from the CGI application 34. .
[0040]
The address book generation unit 38 modifies the HTML file of the address book according to the command and received data from the address book CGI application. The address book generation unit 38 also executes processing for incorporating the latest address table data into the HTML file of the address book when the power is turned on or when the contents of the address book are changed.
[0041]
The HTML file generation unit 11 includes a communication result list generation unit 39 and a status information generation unit 41. The communication result list generation unit 39 creates and updates an HTML file representing the communication result list by receiving log information indicating the communication result from the FAX / voice communication unit 9 and the e-mail communication unit 13. The status information generating unit 41 takes in status signals indicating their states (paper jam occurrence, toner shortage, communicating, etc.) from the scanner unit 5, the printer unit 6, the panel unit 7, and the FAX / voice communication unit 9, and the above-described units. An HTML file in which the state is registered is created / updated.
[0042]
The FAX / voice communication unit 9 includes a spooler 42, a communication control unit 43, and an accumulation processing unit 44. The spooler 42 receives a transmission processing instruction, a transmission document number or a temporary document, a FAX number of the destination terminal, and the like from the transmission CGI application. When the transmission document number is passed, the transmission data (image) of the corresponding document number is taken out from the external storage unit 4. The communication control unit 43 puts the image data passed from the spooler 42 into the transmission buffer, connects to the telephone line, and transmits it to the FAX number of the destination terminal. In the case of broadcast transmission, a plurality of FAX numbers to be broadcast destinations are spooled from the transmission CGI application to the spooler 42.
[0043]
The e-mail communication unit 13 includes a spooler 45, a communication control unit 46, and an accumulation processing unit 47. The spooler 45 receives a transmission processing instruction, a transmission document number or a temporary document, a mail address of a destination terminal, and the like from the transmission CGI application. When the transmission document number is passed, the transmission data of the corresponding document number is taken out from the external storage unit 4. The communication control unit 43 puts the image data passed from the spooler 42 into a transmission buffer, connects to various networks represented by the Internet by LAN or dial-up, and transmits the data to the address of the destination terminal. In the case of broadcast transmission, a plurality of electronic mail addresses that are broadcast destinations are spooled from the transmission CGI application to the spooler 42.
[0044]
Next, the operation of the network facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. In the following, description will be given separately for each operation of reception list generation, broadcast transmission of stored data, device setting, and communication result report creation.
[0045]
FIG. 4 shows a flowchart from data reception to reception list generation. This network facsimile apparatus registers a reception list of received data received by the FAX / voice communication unit 9 or the e-mail communication unit 13 on the homepage.
[0046]
When data reception occurs, it is determined whether the reception form is a telephone line or a network (ST401). The case where the electronic mail communication unit 13 receives an electronic mail is reception from the network. In this case, if the e-mail communication unit 13 receives an e-mail (ST402) and the attached data is image data in a TIFF (Tag Images File Format) format, which is a standard format of an image file, for example, “mail0001.tif”. A file name such as this is assigned and stored in the external storage unit 4 (ST407), and if it is audio data, a file name such as “audio0001.wav” is assigned and stored in the external storage unit 4 (ST407).
[0047]
On the other hand, when the FAX / voice communication unit 9 receives FAX data or voice data, it is received from the telephone line. In the case of reception from a telephone line, the FAX / voice communication unit 9 receives image data or voice data (ST403), and determines whether the received data is voice data (ST404). If the received data is encoded image data, the TIFF conversion unit 14 is requested to convert the encoded data into TIFF format (ST405). A file name (for example, “fax0001.tif”) is assigned to the received data (image data) converted into the TIFF format and stored in the external storage unit 4 (ST407). If the received data is audio data, the audio data is digitally converted (ST406), and the audio file with the file name is stored in the external storage unit 4 (ST407).
[0048]
Next, a communication result report creation process to be described later is executed (ST408). Then, it is determined whether or not only the print is set with reference to the apparatus setting (ST409). The FAX / voice communication unit 9 and the e-mail communication unit 13 extract and store device setting data indicating how to handle received data from the external storage unit 4 when the power is turned on. If it is set to print only, the received data is converted into a printable format and passed to the printer 6 to give a print instruction (ST410). After the printing process, the file management unit 36 is instructed to delete the received data (ST411). On the other hand, if it is not set to print only, it is determined whether or not it is set to save only (ST412). When the received data is downloaded to the client machine 202, it is only stored and does not need to be printed, so that "save only" can be designated as a device setting. If “save only” is set, the reception list creation process is executed without executing the print process (ST414). If the setting is not “save only”, a print process is instructed (ST413), and a reception list is created (ST414).
[0049]
The reception list creation process of step ST414 is realized by the HTML file generation unit 11 adding a file name to the reception list and updating the HTML file of the reception list.
[0050]
The update of the HTML file of the reception list will be specifically described. The document list generation unit 37 of the HTML file generation unit 11 updates the HTML file of the reception list. The document list generation unit 37 manages a reception list table stored in the external storage unit 4. FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the reception list management table. In the reception list table, a document number assigned in the order of reception and a document file name, a registration date, a sender, and a title are registered for each document number.
[0051]
The document list generation unit 37 receives the document file name, registration date, sender, and title from the received FAX / voice communication unit 9 or e-mail communication unit 13. The reception list is read out via the file management unit 36, the document number is added to the reception list, and the document file name, registration date, sender, and title are registered there. The reception list in which the document name of the reception data is registered is returned to the reception list table, and the reception list html (HTML file of the reception list) is read.
[0052]
FIG. 6 shows a source file of the reception list html created for the reception data received from the network. As shown in the figure, a comment line is inserted at the head of each reception list, and identification data indicating a reception form and a document number are described at the position of the comment line. Following the comment line, the document number, date / time, sender, and title are described in an HTML document.
[0053]
It is assumed that a list is generated in the HTML document in the same manner for the FAX reception list related to the image data received by FAX, the voice reception list related to the received voice data, and the like.
[0054]
As described above, when the FAX / voice communication unit 9 receives the FAX data or the e-mail communication unit 13 receives the e-mail, the document list generation unit 37 stores the data (sender, title, etc.) necessary for creating the list. Since the document list generation unit 37 reads the HTML file of the reception list from the external storage unit 4 and adds it to the reception list, the client machine 202 accesses the WWW server unit 12 to receive the latest reception in the homepage format. A list can be provided.
[0055]
Next, the operation of sending the data received and accumulated by the network facsimile apparatus to the client machine 202 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0056]
The network facsimile apparatus is in a standby state until a home page address (URL address) is input.
[0057]
Client machine 202 connected to the network activates a WWW browser (homepage browsing software) and enters the URL address of the network facsimile apparatus to access the homepage (ST701).
[0058]
In the network facsimile apparatus that has received the access, the WWW server unit 12 starts processing through the network control unit 10. The file sending unit 35 of the WWW server unit 12 receives a command requesting the main screen file (index html) of the home page received from the client machine 202, reads the file from the external storage unit 4, and reads the WWW of the client machine 202. Return to the browser (ST702). FIG. 8 shows a file relation table of HTML files registered in the external storage unit 4. Files necessary for displaying the home page are associated with the files on the main screen of the home page.
[0059]
When the WWW browser of the client machine 202 receives the file (html) of the home page main screen, the WWW browser analyzes the contents and sends a command for requesting a file necessary for displaying the home page to the WWW server unit 12 (ST703). ). For example, if the main screen of the home page as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed, each icon display of a fax received document, Internet received document, personal box, bulletin board document, address book, communication result report, user setting, and setting list The WWW server unit 12 is requested for files required for the above (such as sdoc.gif and kdoc.gif shown in FIG. 8).
[0060]
When WWW server unit 12 receives a file request necessary to display the main screen of the home page, it sends the file stored in external storage unit 4 to the WWW browser of client machine 202 (ST704). As a result, the home page of the network facsimile apparatus is displayed on the screen of the client machine 202 (ST705). The network facsimile apparatus waits until the next selection is made.
[0061]
It waits for the user's desired icon to be selected on the client machine 202 on which the main screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. For example, it is assumed that “Internet reception list” is selected from the display data. When the “Internet reception list” icon is selected, a file request for the Internet reception list linked to the icon display position is generated (ST706).
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 8, the HTML file (idoc.html) of the Internet received document screen is linked to the icon (idoc.gif) of the “Internet reception list”. The WWW browser is idoc. An Internet reception list can be displayed from html. In the WWW server unit 12, idoc. When an html file request is received, the corresponding file is read from the external storage unit 4 and sent to the client machine 202 (ST707).
[0063]
The WWW browser of client machine 202 displays the “Internet reception list” screen (Internet reception document screen) in accordance with the “Internet reception list” HTML file received from WWW server unit 12 (ST708).
[0064]
FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the Internet received document screen. The received document screen shown in the figure displays a document number of received data registered in the reception list, a check button for selecting each document number, and attached information of each document. Further, a frame menu including transmission processing is displayed. As shown in FIG. 8, each file is associated with another file for executing processing (for example, transmission) corresponding to the menu.
[0065]
On the client machine, the user selects a desired document number from the Internet received document screen (ST709). The network facsimile apparatus requested for the file of the selected document number transmits the corresponding image data file (ST710). Depending on the file format, the downloaded file may not be displayed on the client machine 202. For example, when a TIFF file is downloaded to a client machine 202 that cannot display a TIFF format file (ST711), the file is displayed via a helper application for displaying the TIFF file (ST712) (ST713).
[0066]
In the above example, the case where the data received on the network is displayed has been described. However, when an audio file is selected, the linked audio data is reproduced from the speaker of the client machine. The voice data includes voice data received from the outside and voice data that is included in the handset of the network facsimile apparatus. The voice data can be linked to a home page or transmitted to the outside.
[0067]
Next, the operation when the network facsimile apparatus performs broadcast transmission will be described. FIG. 11 shows a series of flowcharts from the client to the network facsimile apparatus instructing broadcast transmission to broadcast to the destination.
[0068]
In FIG. 11, the processing (ST701 to ST708) from when the client accesses this network facsimile apparatus using a URL until the reception list is displayed is as described with reference to FIG.
[0069]
Assume that an Internet received document is displayed on the client machine 202 in step ST708. The user selects a document number for broadcast transmission from the Internet received document shown in FIG. 10 (ST1101). When FAX reception data is transmitted from other reception data stored in the network facsimile apparatus to another terminal (including broadcast transmission), a FAX reception document screen is displayed as a reception list. The FAX reception document screen is configured in the same manner as the Internet reception document.
[0070]
When the check button corresponding to the document number to be transmitted is selected on the Internet received document screen and the send button is pressed, the selected document number is held in the client machine, while the send button is displayed as shown in FIG. A file request for a transmission instruction screen file (pnl.snd.html) associated with is issued (ST1102). The HTML document constituting the Internet reception document screen is linked from the transmission button to the transmission instruction screen file (pnl.snd.html).
[0071]
In response to the file request for the transmission instruction screen file (pnl.snd.html), the WWW server unit 12 retrieves the transmission instruction screen file from the external storage unit 4 and sends the file to the client machine 202 (ST1103). The client machine 202 receives the transmission instruction screen file from the WWW server unit 12 and opens a window for the transmission instruction screen (ST1104).
[0072]
FIG. 12 shows the configuration of a transmission instruction screen displayed according to the transmission instruction screen file. A box for inputting the document number of the received data to be transmitted, the fax number of the transmission destination and / or the mail address is provided.
[0073]
In step ST1105, data (document number, facsimile number, mail address, etc.) necessary for transmission is input, but the document number to be transmitted selected and stored in step ST1101 is automatically inserted into the document number box. If the destination terminal is a facsimile machine, enter the facsimile number in the destination fax number box. If the destination terminal is an electronic mail apparatus, the mail address is entered in the destination mail address box.
[0074]
In addition, a facsimile number and a mail address can be input using an address book. The address book is stored in the external storage unit 4 of the network facsimile apparatus in the HTML format, and is downloaded from the network facsimile apparatus and displayed on the transmission instruction screen so that it can be selected by pressing the Reload button. ing.
[0075]
When broadcasting to a plurality of terminals, a plurality of facsimile numbers or e-mail addresses entered in a fax number box or e-mail address box are input separated by commas. Even when a plurality of document numbers are selected in step ST1101, a plurality of document numbers are input separated by commas.
[0076]
If both a fax number and a mail address are input, the information is broadcast to the facsimile apparatus and the electronic mail apparatus. When only one fax number or mail address is entered, normal facsimile transmission or mail transmission is performed.
[0077]
When the “OK” button provided on the transmission instruction screen shown in FIG. 12 is pressed, a CGI processing request is sent to the WWW server unit 12 (ST1106). In response to the CGI processing request, the CGI string for instructing the transmission CGI application, the document number input on the transmission instruction screen, the facsimile number, the mail address, or the like is URL encoded and sent to the WWW server unit 12.
[0078]
In response to the CGI processing request, the WWW server unit 12 executes the transmission CGI application and transmits the specified document to the specified destination (ST1107). After the transmission is completed, the end file is transmitted to the client machine 202 (ST1107). The client machine 202 receives the end file and displays a completion display (ST1108).
[0079]
FIG. 13 shows a schematic operation until the CGI application process is executed in the WWW server unit 12. The WWW server communication unit 31 operates according to the HTTP protocol, thereby receiving a request from the client machine 202 via the network and returning a response. Requests received by the WWW server communication unit 31 are roughly divided into two types according to commands: file requests and CGI processing requests.
[0080]
The received data (request) received by the WWW server communication unit 31 is given to the CGI string analysis unit 32. CGI string analysis unit 32 analyzes the CGI string of the received data (ST1300). In the case of a file request, since there is no CGI string, the file sending unit 35 takes out the corresponding file from the external storage unit 4 based on the document number included in the received data and returns it to the client (ST1301).
[0081]
The CGI string analysis unit 32 decodes the URL encoded part of the received data (ST1302). Decoded data that is the analysis result of the CGI string is passed to the CGI application determination unit 33. If the CGI process is requested for the decoded data but the application name is not specified, the CGI application determination unit 33 determines an error (ST1303, ST1304). If an error is determined, an error notification is sent to the file sending unit 35, an HTML file for error notification is taken out from the external storage unit 4, and sent to the client machine (ST1305).
[0082]
The CGI application determination unit 33 determines the CGI application specified in the CGI string. First, when it is determined that a transmission CGI application is designated (ST1306), the transmission CGI application is activated, received data is passed, and transmission processing described later is executed (ST1307). If it is determined that the device setting CGI application is designated (ST1308), the device setting CGI application is activated to receive the received data, and device setting processing described later is executed (ST1309). Although not shown in FIG. 13, if other CGI applications supported by the WWW server unit 12 according to the present embodiment are instructed, those CGI applications are executed.
[0083]
FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of transmission processing (ST1307) in the network facsimile apparatus. The transmission CGI application receives the reception data including the document number, the facsimile number of the transmission destination, or the mail address received from the client machine 202 from the CGI application determination unit 33.
[0084]
It is determined whether there are a plurality of documents to be sent in one transmission (ST1401). When a plurality of document numbers are selected from the reception list in step ST1101 (FIG. 12) or a plurality of document numbers are entered in the document number box in step ST1105, a plurality of documents are designated in the determination of ST1401. Judge.
[0085]
When a plurality of document numbers are designated on the transmission instruction screen, the transmission data corresponding to each document number is merged into one document (ST1402). By merging a plurality of documents into one document, a plurality of designated documents can be sent in one communication. The merged document is treated as a temporary document. When only one document is designated, the merge process is not necessary.
[0086]
Next, it is determined whether to send a facsimile or electronic mail to a destination terminal. It is determined whether or not a facsimile number is entered in the facsimile number box on the transmission instruction screen (ST1403). If a facsimile number has been input, facsimile transmission is executed (ST1404).
[0087]
The procedure of facsimile transmission will be specifically described. The transmission CGI application transfers the temporary document, facsimile number, and facsimile transmission command to the spooler 42 of the FAX / voice communication unit 9. In the case of broadcast transmission, a plurality of facsimile numbers are spooled in the spooler 42. The spooler 42 inputs the temporary document storage address and the facsimile number to the communication control unit 43. In the case of broadcast communication, a plurality of spooled facsimile numbers are sequentially transferred to the communication control unit 43 together with the storage address of the temporary document. The communication control unit 43 connects to the facsimile number given from the spooler 42 and transmits the temporary document by facsimile. After data transmission to all destinations is completed, the temporary document is deleted.
[0088]
If a plurality of documents are not specified on the transmission instruction screen, a temporary document is not created. When the designated document is one document, the document number is input to the spooler 42 as it is. In this case, the spooler 42 takes in a document corresponding to the designated document number from the external storage unit 4 via the file management unit 36.
[0089]
The setting whether or not to leave the transmitted document in the external storage unit 4 is registered on the ROM, and the setting data is loaded onto the memory of the FAX / voice communication unit 9 and the e-mail communication unit 13 when the power is turned on. As described above. If the setting is “delete”, the spooler 42 instructs the file management unit 36 to delete the document from the external storage unit 4.
[0090]
When the facsimile transmission is completed, the communication control unit 43 notifies the communication result list generation unit 39 of the HTML file generation unit 11 of the transmission result (normal end, abnormal end) as log information. Communication result list generation unit 39 adds the received log information to the communication result list (ST1405). For this reason, when the log information is received, the communication result file created with the HTML document is taken out from the external storage unit 4. Log information is added to the extracted communication result file, and then stored in the external storage unit 4.
[0091]
When the facsimile transmission process as described above is completed, an electronic mail transmission process is executed. In the e-mail transmission process, it is determined whether or not an e-mail address is entered in the e-mail address box on the transmission instruction screen (ST1406). If a mail address has been input, e-mail transmission is executed (ST1407). If no e-mail address is entered, no e-mail device is designated as the destination terminal, and therefore e-mail transmission is not performed.
[0092]
The procedure until the transmission CGI application supplies the storage address or document number of the temporary document and the mail address to the spooler 45 of the electronic mail communication unit 13 is the same as the facsimile transmission procedure. In the case of electronic mail, it can be sent to multiple mail addresses in one communication. Therefore, in the case of broadcast transmission, the spooler 45 passes all mail addresses to the communication control unit 46 at once. If a document other than the TIFF format is designated, the document is transmitted after being converted into the TIFF format.
[0093]
When the e-mail transmission is completed, the communication control unit 46 notifies the communication result list generation unit 39 of the HTML file generation unit 11 of the transmission result as log information. Communication result list generation unit 39 adds the received log information to the communication result list (ST1408).
[0094]
When both the facsimile number and the mail address are input, the above-described facsimile transmission and electronic mail transmission processes are executed.
[0095]
When the facsimile transmission and e-mail transmission processing is completed as described above, the HTML file of the processing completion message is transmitted to the client machine 202 (ST1409). When the transmission CGI application inputs the destination information (facsimile number, mail address) and the temporary document (storage location) or document number to the spoolers 42 and 45, the transmission CGI application requests the HTML file of the processing completion message from the file management unit 36, A request to send the file is sent to the file sending unit 35.
[0096]
As a result, the client machine 202 that issued the CGI processing request can receive the HTML file of the processing completion message, and can display the message to notify the user of the processing completion.
[0097]
Next, an operation for setting the handling (printing and saving) of a fax received document and a network received document will be described. When a user setting icon is selected from the home page main screen in step 706, a file request regarding an HTML file linked to the user setting icon is transmitted from the client machine 202 to the WWW server unit 12. In the WWW server unit 12 that has received the file request regarding the HTML file for user setting, the file sending unit 35 takes out the corresponding user setting html from the external storage unit 4 and sends it to the client machine 202.
[0098]
In the client machine 202, the WWW browser displays the user setting screen from the user setting html. FIG. 15 shows a configuration example of the user setting screen. On the user setting screen, three patterns can be set for handling of received documents for each fax received document and network received document. There are three types: (a) Print only setting, (b) Save only setting, and (c) Print and save setting. Further, the document storage period can be set for each fax received document and network received document. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the storage period is divided into one day, one week, and one month, but an arbitrary storage period may be set. When the user selects a document type, a document handling type, and a storage period on the user setting screen and selects a setting button, a CGI processing request for the device setting CGI application is sent to the WWW server unit 12 together with the setting data. Send.
[0099]
In the WWW server unit 12, the device setting CGI application is activated from the CGI application determining unit 33, and setting data is transferred. FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of apparatus setting processing relating to setting of a received document. The device setting CGI application is activated by the CGI application determination unit 33 and receives setting data regarding the setting of the received document.
[0100]
The device setting CGI application determines whether or not the setting data is set to (a) only print for each of the fax received document and the network received document (ST1601). If (a) only print setting is set for any received document, 1 is set to the flag of the setting table of the received document (ST1602). Flag = 1 means (a) only print setting. Further, (b) it is determined whether or not the setting is only for saving (ST1603). If any one of the received documents is set to (b) save only, 2 is set in the flag of the setting table of the received document (ST1604). Flag = 2 means (b) setting for saving only. If none of the steps ST1601 and ST1603 corresponds, 3 is set in the flag of the setting table of the received document (ST1605). Flag = 3 means (c) setting to print and save.
[0101]
The setting table with the flag set is transferred to the file management unit 36 and stored in the external storage unit 4. The storage area of the external storage unit 4 in which the setting table is stored is read by the file management unit 36 when the power is turned on, and the setting table is loaded into the spoolers 42 and 45.
[0102]
The apparatus setting CGI application also registers setting data in the setting-table and stores the setting data in the external storage unit 4 for setting the document retention period. Then, when the power is turned on, the file management unit 36 loads and periodically refers to the corresponding document to delete it.
[0103]
In this way, an HTML document screen for designating a document handling and document storage period by a user in response to a request from the client machine 202 is displayed on the client machine, and data input from the user and a device setting instruction are displayed on the WWW server unit 12 is reflected in the setting table, so that the handling of the document and the document storage period can be set by the same operation as accessing the home page from the client machine 202.
[0104]
When the communication result report icon is selected from the home page main screen in step ST706, a file request for the communication result html linked to the communication result report is transmitted from the client machine 202 to the WWW server unit 12. In the WWW server unit 12 that has received the file request relating to the HTML file for user setting, the file sending unit 35 takes out the corresponding communication result html from the external storage unit 4 and sends it to the client machine 202.
[0105]
In the client machine 202, the WWW browser displays the screen of the communication result report from the communication result html. FIG. 17 shows a screen example of the communication result report. In this network facsimile apparatus, when facsimile communication and electronic mail communication are performed, the transmission result and the reception result are input to the communication result list generation unit 39 in the form of log information. The communication result list generating unit 39 constantly updates the communication result html based on the log information of the transmission result and the reception result. Therefore, the latest communication result is displayed by creating a communication result report based on the communication result html. The communication result includes a reception number serially assigned to transmission data and reception data, communication date and time, destination, number of sheets, communication type (transmission, reception), communication time, mode, and communication status.
[0106]
Thus, since the communication result report is created as an HTML document and linked to the main screen of the home page, the communication result report can be easily viewed on the client machine 202.
[0107]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce network traffic due to data transfer, from the client side.It is possible to easily set the handling of received documents by simply instructing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a network facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a system in which the network facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment is connected to a client machine.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a part of processing flow in the network facsimile apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an operation from reception to reception list generation in the network facsimile apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a reception list management table.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of data in a source file of a reception list html
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a transmission operation of data received and accumulated by the network facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a file relation table of HTML files managed by the network facsimile apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a home page main screen provided by the network facsimile apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an Internet received document screen provided by the network facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation until transmission completion in the network facsimile apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a transmission instruction screen presented in the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the WWW server communication unit in the network facsimile apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of transmission processing in the network facsimile apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a user setting screen presented in the embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of apparatus setting processing in the network facsimile apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a communication result report screen presented in the embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a facsimile transmission / reception system using a FAX server.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a facsimile transmission / reception system using an Internet FAX and a WWW server.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 CPU
2 ROM
3 RAM
4 External storage
5 Scanner section
6 Printer section
7 Panel section
8 Compression / decompression section
9 FAX / Voice Communication Department
10 Network controller
11 HTML file generator
12 WWW server
13 E-mail communication department
14 TIFF converter
31 WWW Server Communication Department
32 CGI string analyzer
33 CGI app decision section
34 CGI applications
35 File sending part
36 File Management Department
37 Document list generator
38 Address book generator
39 Communication result list generator
41 Status information generator

Claims (8)

FAX communication means to which a telephone line is connected, network control means to which a network is connected, storage means for storing data received via the FAX communication means or the network control means, and stored in the storage means Printing means for printing data, and data received via the FAX communication means, the printing means is printed, or the printing means is not printed, but is stored in the storage means, the setting screen for the configurable, in response to a request from a terminal connected to the network, comprising a web server means for transmitting the HTML file to the terminal, according to an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file The data received via the FAX communication means is printed on the printing means or printed on the printing means. Wherein either the state stored in the storing means without allowing the web server function communication device that performs one of control. FAX communication means to which a telephone line is connected, network control means to which a network is connected, storage means for storing data received via the FAX communication means or the network control means, and stored in the storage means Printing means for printing data, and data received via the network control means, the printing means is printed, or the printing means is not printed, but is stored in the storage means, the setting screen for the configurable, in response to a request from a terminal connected to the network, comprising a web server means for transmitting the HTML file to the terminal, according to an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file The data received via the network control means is printed by the printing means, or Or a state in which is stored in the storage unit without printing on the printing unit, the web server function communication device that performs one of control. FAX communication means to which a telephone line is connected, network control means to which a network is connected, storage means for storing data received via the FAX communication means or the network control means, and stored in the storage means the setting screen to the configurable storage period of FAX communication means data received via, in response to a request from a terminal connected to the network, and a web server means for transmitting the HTML file to the terminal And a communication device with a web server function for determining a retention period of data received via the FAX communication means stored in the storage means in accordance with an instruction from a terminal based on the HTML file. FAX communication means to which a telephone line is connected, network control means to which a network is connected, storage means for storing data received via the FAX communication means or the network control means, and stored in the storage means the setting screen for the configurable retention period of the data received via the network control means in response to a request from a terminal connected to the network, and a web server means for transmitting the HTML file to the terminal And a communication device with a web server function for determining a retention period of data received via the network control means stored in the storage means in accordance with an instruction from a terminal based on the HTML file. In the communication method of storing data received via a FAX communication means to which a telephone line is connected and a network control means to which a network is connected in a storage means, and printing the stored data by a printing means, the FAX relative received via the communication means data, whether to print on the printing means, or a state of being stored in the storage means without printing in the printing unit, the setting screen to the configurable, In response to a request from a terminal connected to the network, an HTML file is transmitted to the terminal, and data received via the FAX communication unit is transmitted to the printing unit in accordance with an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file. The control of either printing is performed, or the state is stored in the storage unit without being printed by the printing unit. Cormorants communication method using the web server function. In a communication method for storing data received via a FAX communication means connected to a telephone line and a network control means connected to a network in a storage means, and printing the stored data by a printing means, the network relative received data via the control unit, or to print on the printing means, or a state of being stored in the storage means without printing in the printing unit, the setting screen to the configurable In response to a request from a terminal connected to the network, the printing means transmits data to the terminal as an HTML file and receives data via the network control means in accordance with an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file. Or print to the storage means without printing to the printing means. Communication method using the web server function for square control. A FAX communication unit for a telephone line is connected, in a communication method to be stored in the storage unit the received data via the network control means the network is connected, via the FAX communication unit stored in the storage means received setting screen to the configurable storage period of the data, in response to a request from a terminal connected to the network, and sends the HTML file to the terminal, according to an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file, A communication method using a web server function for determining a retention period of data received via the FAX communication means stored in the storage means. In a communication method for storing data received via a FAX communication means connected to a telephone line and a network control means connected to a network in a storage means, the data is received via the network control means stored in the storage means. a setting screen for the configurable data retention period was in response to a request from a terminal connected to the network, and sends the HTML file to the terminal, according to an instruction from the terminal based on the HTML file, the A communication method using a web server function for determining a retention period of data received via the network control means stored in a storage means.

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