JPH03262252A - Mail adaptor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify the operation at the user terminal equipment side by sending a destination number or the like registered already to a mail center in a mail adaptor. CONSTITUTION:When a mail is sent from a subscriber terminal equipment 7 to a mail center while a subscriber ID and plural destination numbers of multiple address distribution destinations are registered by a registration means 3, the user uses a command means 5 to give a command of converting the registered information into a DP signal or a PB signal. Thus, registered subscriber ID and destination number or the like are converted into the DP signal or the PB signal by a signal conversion means 4 and the result is sent to a mail center via a telephone network from a network connection means 2. Thus, the terminal equipment 7 applies similar operation to the case of 1:1 transmission to the mail center when plural destinations are simultaneously distributed and then the operation procedure is simplified.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Summary] A mail adapter that mediates information transmission between a subscriber terminal device and a mail center in a mail system that transmits mail between a plurality of subscriber terminal devices via a mail center. Regarding the device, the purpose is to simplify the user's operation when transmitting mail, and the mail from the subscriber terminal device is stored in the mail center.
In a mail system for transmitting to a destination terminal device, a subscriber terminal connecting means for exchanging signals with the subscriber terminal device, and a network connecting means for exchanging signals between a telephone network and the subscriber terminal connecting means. , a registration means for registering at least subscriber identification information, a function code, and a destination number; a signal conversion means for converting the information registered in the registration means into a D P/P B signal; and a D P/P B signal for the signal conversion means. an instruction means for instructing conversion to a D P/P B signal; and a signal output for sending the converted D P/P B signal to a telephone network via the network connection means when signal conversion is instructed by the instruction means. and means.

[Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to a mail adapter device that mediates information transmission between a subscriber terminal device and a mail center in a mail system that transmits mail between a plurality of subscriber terminal devices via a mail center.

[Conventional technology]

2. Description of the Related Art Mail systems that manage the transmission of mail such as voice or facsimile messages sent from multiple subscribers have been put into practical use. A mail system temporarily stores mail sent from terminal devices in a mail center, and then sends the stored mail at a time and method specified by the user (for example,
It has a function of transmitting to a destination terminal device by one-to-one individual distribution, one-to-N broadcast distribution, etc.).

FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram of a conventional mail system.

A plurality of terminal devices 11a, l such as telephones and facsimiles
lb... are connected to the mail center device 13 via a network 12 such as a public telephone network or a private telephone network.

Generally, mail systems provide mail services to members who have registered in advance, and each member is assigned an individual subscriber identification number (ID).

When a user wants to send a mail to the mail center device 13, he or she operates the button on the telephone according to the following procedure.

(1) The user inputs the telephone number of the mail center.

(2) The mail center prompts you to enter your subscriber ID using voice guidance.

(3) The user operates the button and inputs the subscriber ID.

(4) Service instructions are prompted by voice guidance from the mail center.

(5) The user operates the button to instruct the service (individual transmission, broadcast transmission, etc.).

(6) The mail center prompts you to specify the destination using voice guidance.

(7) The user operates the button to specify the destination (input all destinations when sending a circular message).

(8) The mail center prompts for a message transmission instruction.

(9) The user sends a message by telephone or facsimile.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

As mentioned above, in order to transmit mail using the mail system, the user must operate the button and enter all the subscriber ID, service details, destination number, etc., which makes the input operation complicated. It was a hassle. Particularly in the case of 1-to-N broadcast transmission, there are problems in that the destination number must be input several times in succession, which not only makes the operation troublesome but also increases the possibility of erroneous operation. Furthermore, since the keys have to be operated many times, it takes time to actually transmit the message.

An object of the present invention is to simplify the user's operations when transmitting mail.

[Means to solve the problem]

FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining the principle of the present invention.

In the figure, subscriber terminal connection means 1 and network connection means 2
are connected to the subscriber terminal device 7 and the telephone network, respectively, and transmit signals from the subscriber terminal device 7 and the telephone network to each other.

The registration means 3 is means for registering at least subscriber identification information, function codes, and destination numbers, and is composed of, for example, a key input section for inputting information and a memory for storing input information.

The signal conversion means 4 converts the information registered in the registration means 3 into DP.
Convert double signal or PB double signal.

The instruction means 5 sends the signal converting means 4 a DP times signal or a P
Instructs to convert the B-fold signal.

The signal output means 56 sends out the DP multiplied signal or PB multiplied signal converted by the signal conversion means 4 to the telephone network via the network connection means 2.

[For production]

For example, when sending an e-mail from the subscriber terminal bag N7 to the mail center with subscriber ID and multiple destination numbers for broadcast delivery destinations registered, the user first uses the instruction means 5 to send the registered information to the mail center. Instructs conversion of DP times signal or PB times signal. Then, the registered subscriber ID, destination number, etc. are converted into a DP double signal or a PB double signal and sent from the network connecting means 2 to the mail center via the telephone network.

Therefore, on the subscriber terminal side, even if you want to send to multiple recipients at the same time, you only need to perform the same operation on the mail center as in the case of one-to-one transmission, which greatly simplifies the operation procedure. Ru.

〔Example〕

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

FIG. 2 is an external view of a facsimile mail adapter device (FMA) 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, although not particularly shown on the top of the device,
Registration to register the subscriber ID and password of the connected facsimile machine, the telephone number of the mail center device, the function code (code corresponding to mail functions such as individual delivery and circular delivery), and i-Rameters such as the destination telephone number. A control key 22 and a numeric keypad 23 consisting of numeric keys 0 to 9, a * key, and a # key are provided.

In addition, an operation key (mail key) 24 is provided on the front of the device and is operated by the user when sending a facsimile.
By turning on the mail key 24, the registered subscriber ID, function code, etc. can be converted into a D P/P B signal and transmitted to the mail center device.

Furthermore, a modular jack for connecting to a terminal device and a telephone line is provided on the rear side of the device.

Next, FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the mail adapter device 21. As shown in FIG. In the figure, the input section 25 includes the above-mentioned registration control key 22, mail key 24, etc., and registration data such as subscriber ID, function code, destination telephone number, etc. inputted from this input section 25 is stored in a non-volatile memory. EEPROM26
is memorized.

In this embodiment, although not particularly shown, the key human power section 25
is provided with individual keys for registering subscriber IDs, function codes, etc., and these individual keys and the numeric keypad 23 are operated to register IDs, passwords, etc.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the memory configuration of the EEPROM 26 in correspondence with the operation of individual keys, in which numerical values entered manually following each individual key are stored as registered data in the corresponding memory area. .

This EE, PROM 26 contains a 10-digit subscriber ID, 10
It has a memory area for storing a digit password, a 20-digit telephone number of the mail center device, a 5-digit function code, and a 400-digit parameter.

Returning to FIG. 3, the MPU 27 stores registered data in the EEFROM 2 according to the program stored in the ROM 2B.
This is a central processing unit that performs controls such as writing data to 6 and transmitting the registered data according to a predetermined communication procedure. R.A.M.
:29 is a memory that temporarily stores destination numbers and the like input from the user's facsimile.

The mail adapter device 21 also has registered data as a DP.
An NCU (network control unit) 30 that performs processing such as converting the signal into a /BP signal and transmitting it to the public telephone network, and an LS (line set) 31 that interfaces with the terminal device are provided. It is connected to the telephone network and terminal equipment.

Next, FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram of the mail system of the embodiment.

As shown in the figure, user facsimile lla, 11b
... and the network 12, a mail adapter device 21 is inserted. For example, user facsimile 1
1 to the mail center device 130, the mail adapter device 21
By operating the mail key 24, a call is made using the registered telephone number of the mail center device 13, and the subscriber ID number registered in the EEPROM 26,
The destination number etc. are automatically sent to the mail center device 13.

The mail adapter device 21 of this embodiment having the above configuration has the following functions.

(1) A calling function that calls the mail center device 13 using a pre-registered phone number.

(2) The mail adapter device 21 is the mail center device 13
A function that puts the connected facsimile on hold while communicating with the fax machine.

(3) A function for converting pre-registered subscriber ID, password, function code, and parameters into D P/P B signals and instructing the mail center device 13.

(4) Recognize the calling number of the user's facsimile device,
Ability to generate parameters. This is a function that outputs a calling number input from a user's facsimile as a destination number in the case of individual distribution, for example.

Here, the function code is a code determined corresponding to the mail function, and as shown in Figure 6, 1-to-1 individual distribution, 1-to-N broadcast distribution, time-specified individual distribution, and time-specified individual distribution. Codes for circular distribution, etc. are determined. For individual distribution, parameter registration is omitted and the calling number input from the user's facsimile is sent to the mail adapter device 21.
recognizes it and sends it to the mail center device 13 as a destination number. When performing broadcast distribution or time-specified broadcast distribution, the broadcast destination and designated time registered as parameters are transmitted to the mail center device 13.

Next, the operation for registering data in the mail adapter device 21 will be explained.

The user first operates the individual keys and the numeric keypad 23 to register the telephone number of the mail center device 13, his/her subscriber ID, and function code. At this time, register a password if necessary.

Next, register the parameters, but if you want to register destinations for broadcast distribution, separate the destination numbers with the # key,
Insert "# code" between each number.

Furthermore, when registering the time and destination for time-specified individual distribution, first input the time data in the order of "month, day, hour, minute." At this time, if only the time data is input, the time will be specified as an absolute time, and if a "# code" is inserted at the beginning of the time data, the time will be specified as a relative time. In this case, since it is an individual delivery,
Only the time is required for parameter registration, and the calling number of the user's facsimile is added as a parameter to the destination number.

Furthermore, if you want to register the time and destination for time-specified broadcast delivery, enter the time data and press the # key to select "#".
After inserting the "code", enter the destination numbers for the number of destinations to be broadcasted, separated by "# code".

Next, the operation of transmitting a message from the user facsimile to the mail center device 13 via the mail adapter device after registration as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the user presses the mail key 24 of the mail adapter device 21, then puts the user's facsimile machine in an off-hook state and inputs the destination number. Then, the dial tone (D
If T) is returned, turn on the facsimile transmission switch and make a call.

This calling signal is output to the telephone network via the mail adapter device 21, and the mail center device 13 is called (RING) by the network.

At this time, a ring tone (RBT) is output to the user facsimile machine to notify that the call is in progress.

Then, when the called mail center device 13 enters the off-footer state, a connection between the mail adapter device 21 and the mail center device 13 is established. Next, the subscriber ■D, password, function code, and parameters (destination number, designated time, etc.) registered in advance by the user are converted into a PB signal and sent from the mail adapter device ff121 to the mail center device 13.

At this time, for example, if the mail adapter device 21 has a function code for broadcast delivery or time-specified broadcast delivery registered as an e-mail function, the user facsimile will receive the function code registered at the beginning of the parameter. Broadcast distribution can be performed simply by entering the destination number. That is, the destination number input from the user facsimile is compared with the first destination number in the parameter storage area of the EEPROM 26, and if they match, the subsequent destination number is sent from the mail adapter device 21 to the mail center device 13. .

When the transmission of the registered data is completed, the mail adapter device 21 connects the line between the user facsimile and the mail center device 13, and enables messages to be sent between the two.

As mentioned above, the telephone number of the mail center device 13,
By registering the subscriber ID, mail function code, destination number, etc. in the mail adapter device 21, and inserting the mail adapter device 21 between the user terminal device and the telephone network, e.g. When instructing broadcast distribution, the user terminal device only needs to perform the same operations as for one-to-one individual distribution. Therefore, the user's operating procedure when broadcasting to a large number of destinations can be greatly simplified.

In the above embodiment, the case where there is only one type of broadcast delivery destination was explained, but of course, if a key for selecting multiple broadcast delivery destinations is provided and a corresponding memory area is provided, different combinations of destinations can be selected. It is also possible to select and deliver to a specific group of destinations.

Further, the present invention is applicable not only to facsimile mail but also to other mail systems such as voice mail.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, when simultaneously delivering to multiple destinations,
Since the mail adapter device transmits the registered destination number and the like to the mail center on behalf of the user terminal device, operations on the user terminal device side are greatly simplified.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining the principle of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of a mail adapter device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of the mail adapter device. FIG. 4 is a memory configuration diagram of an EEPROM. , Fig. 5 is a system configuration diagram of the e-mail system of the embodiment, Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between e-mail functions and parameters, Fig. 7 is the operation sequence of the e-mail system, and Fig. 8 is the conventional e-mail system. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a mail system. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Subscriber terminal connection means, 2... Network connection means, 3... Registration means, 4... Signal conversion means, 5... Instruction means, 6... Signal output means.

Claims (1)

[Claims] Accumulating mail from subscriber terminal devices in a mail center,
In a mail system that transmits to a destination terminal device, a subscriber terminal connection means (1) that sends and receives signals to and from the subscriber terminal device, and a telephone network and a network that sends and receives signals between the subscriber terminal connection means. a connection means (2); a registration means (3) for registering at least subscriber identification information, a function code, and a destination number; and a signal conversion means for converting the information registered in the registration means (3) into a DP/PB signal. means (4); instruction means (5) for instructing the signal conversion means (4) to convert into a DP/PB signal; and when signal conversion is instructed by the instruction means (5), the converted DP A mail adapter device comprising: signal output means (6) for transmitting the /PB signal to a telephone network via the network connection means (2).