JPH04328955A - Facsimile printer communication exchange system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To configure a facsimile printer system at a low cost by using an existing network, so as to send facsimile communication with designation of an extension to a designated device via a changeover device. CONSTITUTION: When facsimile communication, including an extension number is given to a reception changeover device 26 from an external facsimile equipment 14 via a telephone line 12, a signal is processed by a PBX 20 and the data is sent to a facsimile equipment 22 with a designated telephone number via a network 24, and the data are printed out by the facsimile equipment 22. When no extension number has been designated, the reception changeover device 26 sends the facsimile communication to a local facsimile equipment 10, where the data are printed out. Thus, the cost of the system is reduced, and the system allows a designated extension facsimile equipment to execute printing out the facsimile communication data.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention relates to a facsimile machine, and more particularly, to a facsimile machine that receives facsimile communication addressed to a telephone number with an extension number through a telephone line from an external facsimile machine, and that also receives a facsimile communication addressed to a telephone number with an extension number from an external facsimile machine, and a plurality of printers connected by the extension number. This invention relates to a facsimile printer communication exchange system for sending this facsimile communication to one of the machines via a network and printing it out by a printer.

0002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Except for very small organizations, receiving facsimile communications is generally problematic. While the number of documents sent by facsimile is rapidly increasing, the way facsimiles process data sets has not kept pace with this demand. Placing a facsimile machine on each secretary's desk or in every location where facsimile documents need to be received is too costly. In most large organizations, one facsimile machine is located at one location and used by a wide range of users. Unlike copiers and filing, where most of the work is done by a full-time person, there is no one responsible for facsimile machines. No one's job is to monitor the receipt of documents and hand them over to designated recipients; it is generally assumed that someone else will. Therefore, important facsimile documents (which normally would not be faxed if they were not important) can be left in the document receiving slot of a facsimile machine for hours or even days until someone happens by and notices the document being received. It is not uncommon for this to happen.

Although most organizations have complex telephone switching systems that route incoming calls to the called person's desk, facsimile connection systems are primitive, as shown in FIG. Local facsimile machine 10 is connected to a dedicated telephone line 12 having a unique telephone number. Document 16 to local facsimile device 1
0, the external facsimile device 14 dials a unique number on the telephone line 12 and connects to the dedicated telephone line 1.
2 to the local facsimile device 22. In the facsimile machine 14, the document 16 is printed out by an installed printer and output as a document 16'.

The same situation exists for small users who are not willing or unable to invest in a personal facsimile machine. The number of telecommuters and self-employed people who work away from the office is constantly increasing. In addition to the cost of the device itself, there is also the issue of whether to use a second telephone line for the facsimile machine or a single line switching device that communicates facsimile and speech over a single telephone line. Installing a second telephone line is expensive, while a single line switching device is uncomfortable for the person sending faxes or making phone calls to the device. Furthermore, in almost all cases, operational considerations do not permit simultaneous connection of a facsimile device and a telephone receiving device to a single line switching device. In private businesses that rely on answering machines to answer for the secretary while the owner is away,
Such single line switching equipment cannot be used.

[0005] Most, if not all, of the above organizations and individuals are connected to some kind of network other than telephone lines. Many businesses utilize local area networks (LANs) for their computer systems. The entire building is also equipped with an AC power system. Self-employed households often have cables connected to cable distribution companies.

[0006]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] One of the objects of the present invention is to send received facsimile communications to a designated recipient.
The object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile transmitting and receiving system which generally has the same advantages as a telephone switching system, at an affordable cost, by transmitting the facsimile transmission and receiving system to or at least in the vicinity thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to receive a facsimile communication at a main telephone number to which a designated "extension number" is added at the beginning of the communication, and to transmit the received facsimile to a designated addressee at that location. To provide a system for sending facsimile communications via a network so that they can be printed out.

[0008]

[Means and actions for solving the problem] The above purpose is to
Receive facsimile communications sent over a telephone line from an external facsimile device to a telephone extension number, and send facsimile communications over a network to one of multiple printers with this extension number. data buffer means for receiving and holding digital data for the purpose of printing out by the printer of the lever; and two-way facsimile communication with the above-mentioned facsimile device via a telephone line for collecting and storing the extension number. interface means connected to the telephone line for establishing and maintaining the link, for using the link to receive communications from the facsimile machine, and for storing communication data in the data buffer means; and a data buffer. data communication logic means for removing data from the means and transmitting this data to the network in the form of packets designated by the extension; printer means for printing out the data in dots on a print medium; extension number identification means; an interface connecting the network and the printer identification code means for receiving data from the network in the form of packets having a receiver identifier that is the same as an extension number identifier of the printer device; and printing logic means for receiving packets containing data from the interface means and printing out pixel data contained in the packets by printer means; A facsimile printer communication exchange (PBX) consisting of a network connecting interface means and data communication logic means;
adcastExchange) system.

The PBX system of the present invention further comprises a basic two-way facsimile device, an input connected to a telephone line, a first output connected to the input of the interface means, and a second output connected to the input of the facsimile device. and switching means for normally connecting the telephone line to the first output, while connecting the telephone line to the second output if the extension number is not included in the predetermined location of the incoming call. . The switching means has logic for connecting the telephone line to the second output when the facsimile machine is enabled for communication, and the interfacing means includes logic for connecting the telephone line to the second output when the facsimile machine is in a communicative state; does not have an established facsimile communication link with all facsimile machines.

The data transmission logic means includes first logic means for transmitting a control packet containing control information to a selected one of the local printer devices and for transmitting the control information to a network designated by the extension number. has. Each interface means has second logic means for receiving control packets having a recipient identifier that is the same as the extension number identifier of the printer device and for manipulating control information contained in the control packets. Furthermore, each of the interface means has third logic means for sending a response packet containing response information to the data transmission logic means and for sending the response packet to a network connected to the data transmission logic means. The data transmission logic means also includes fourth logic means for receiving a response packet having a recipient identifier unique to the data transmission logic means and for manipulating information contained in the response packet.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As a telephone system having locally based switching capability for receiving incoming calls and transferring them to telephones connected by extension, the system of the present invention, designated by the reference numeral 18 in FIG. The system consists of a PBX device 20 connected to a plurality of inexpensive local facsimile printer devices via a PBX device. In an example,
The incoming switching device 26 switches incoming calls without an extension specification to the default local facsimile device 10, which defaults to the local facsimile device 10.
It is connected to the telephone line 12 by an incoming switching device 26 for external facsimile communication. As shown in FIG. 2, external facsimile device 14 is typically connected to telephone line 12. The telephone line 12 is connected to an incoming switching device 26 which is connected to a PBX device 20 by a telephone line 12' and to a local facsimile machine 10 by a telephone line 12''. If not, dial the general phone number assigned to the telephone line 12 that enters the incoming call switching device 26.As a result, document 1
6 is sent to the local facsimile machine 10 for printing. Document 1 to external facsimile device 14
6", a local facsimile machine 10 is used and connected to the telephone line 12 through an incoming switching device 26 in the usual manner. If so, the general telephone number assigned to the telephone line 12 entering the incoming switching device 26 is dialed together with the extension number (ie 2).In this case,
Incoming switching device 26 receives the call and sends the data via the network to #2 facsimile printer device 22, where it is printed out.

To understand the functionality of the system, reference may be made to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6-9. The incoming switching device 26 includes a two-position switch 28. In the default mode, the two-position switch 28 switches the selector 30 connected to the incoming telephone line 12 to one of the outputs connected to the telephone line 12' to the PBX device 20.
Connect to. When toggled by control logic 32, two-position switch 28 connects selector 30 to telephone line 12 to local facsimile machine 10.
control logic 32 senses both telephone lines 12' and 12'' and switches the connection. A typical example of control logic 32 is illustrated in FIG. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the various logic and interrelationships of components disclosed herein are merely representative of ways to carry out the invention. The scope of the invention is limited only by what is disclosed in the claims.

As shown in FIG. 9, control logic 32 is a continuous loop that constantly checks the status of telephone lines 12 and 12' and periodically checks the status of telephone line 12'' as appropriate. Decision Block 9.0
At 1, control logic 32 checks the ringing status of telephone line 12 to see if there is a ringing call. If there is no call, control logic 32 executes decision block 9.02.
Step 1 checks to see if the telephone line 12'' is "off hook", ie, if the local facsimile machine 10 is making an outbound call. If no calls are made to the outside, the control logic 32
returns to the beginning of the loop, decision block 9.01. Since the local printer device 22 cannot make calls to the outside, only these two points are checked in a stationary state.

When telephone line 12'' goes off-hook, control logic 32 executes decision block 9.03.
The process proceeds to check whether the telephone line 12' is in use, that is, whether a facsimile is being received. If in use, connect local facsimile device 10 to telephone line 1.
2, the control logic 32
returns again to the first decision block 9.01 of the loop. A local "busy signal" may also be issued from local facsimile machine 10 via telephone line 12''. If telephone line 12' is not busy, control logic 32 proceeds to action block 9.04 where The two-position switch 28 then switches to connect the telephone line 12 to the telephone line 12''. In this state, the local facsimile device 10 can send facsimiles to the outside in the usual manner. Control logic 32 proceeds to decision block 9.05 where control logic 32 remains in the loop and
It is monitored whether the local facsimile device 10 goes on-hook after the transmission is completed. When the local facsimile machine 10 goes on-hook, the control logic 32 proceeds to action block 9.06 and the two-position switch 28 returns to the default position where the telephone line 12 is connected to the telephone line 12' and returns to the first position of the loop. Return again to decision block 9.01.

Returning to decision block 9.01, when a call is sensed, control logic 32 proceeds to decision block 9.07. In this respect, Figure 3
Note that the PBX device 20 shown in FIG. 1 has an interface/extension retrieval logic 34 as a first step. The logic of decision block 9.01 is included at least in part in this interface/extension retrieval logic 34. In any event, when telephone line 12 is called and answered, control logic 32 and interface/extension collection logic 34 determine whether the extension number was dialed. After the called line is answered, the calling facsimile machine is paged with a series of inquiry tones to determine whether it has successfully established a connection with another facsimile machine and a communication link with this machine. It is necessary to wait for a relatively long time for a response carrier from the facsimile machine. In this manner, control logic 32 and interface/extension retrieval logic 34 make decisions in a manner very similar to conventional single line switching systems. For example, when an inquiry tone is received, the extension number does not follow. On the other hand, if a pulse tone is received within a predetermined time after the call is answered, then that number is an extension number. Most facsimile machines have a "manual" mode of operation in which an extension number is dialed to identify the receiving carrier before the sending facsimile machine begins the communication sequence. Manual mode is used to first dial the main telephone number and then enter the extension number following the answer before pressing the start button to begin the communication. It is also possible to use the automatic dialing device disclosed in the US Patent Application ``Interface Apparatus to Expand the Potential of Basic Facsimile Machines'' by the same inventor as the present invention.

When control logic 32 and interface/extension retrieval logic 34 notice that the extension number is missing, they proceed to action block 9.08 and send the ring signal to telephone line 12''. Control logic 32 then Proceeding to block 9.09 waits for the local facsimile machine 10 to respond. Upon receipt of a response, the control logic 32 proceeds to action block 9.04 as previously described where the two-position switch 28 connects the telephone line 12 to the Line 12”
Connect to. If no extension is specified in this manner, local facsimile machine 10 answers incoming calls in the normal manner and functions as a default printer. The above method is effective since every facsimile machine is equipped with at least one basic facsimile machine for external facsimile transmission, but of course in some cases one of the printer devices 22 may be omitted. It can also be specified as a printer.

If the extension number is sent as part of a series of incoming calls, the incoming call is
Processed by 0. As shown in FIG. 3, the PBX device 2
0 is initially equipped with a facsimile modem 36 connected to telephone line 12' for receiving data from and transmitting data on telephone line 12' in the conventional manner. Facsimile modem 36 is connected to interface/extension collection logic 34, which will be described below. The interface/extension retrieval logic 34 performs the normal handshaking functions necessary to establish a connection with the sending facsimile machine.
ons). Additionally, the interface/extension retrieval logic 34 strips the extension number from received facsimile communications and stores it for later use, as well as from pixel data information contained in the incoming content from the sending facsimile machine. The control information is removed and the line portion of the received pixel data is stored in buffer 38.

In a general facsimile machine, when a connection is established with the sending facsimile machine, the logic that controls the printing part simply receives data and outputs it to the print head on the line based on the line. . The printing process takes place within the same device and is directly connected to the printing logic. When the facsimile machine is powered on and ready, the printer is also powered on and ready by definition. Thus, the printing logic immediately knows that a line of pixel data has been output, and recognizes and receives the next line of data. In the PBX device 20 of the present invention, the problem is not as simple as in general facsimile devices. A local printer is connected via some kind of network. The logic never assumes that the purpose of the PBX machine 20 is to make the sending facsimile machine think it is transmitting to a regular facsimile machine, while also receiving data from the sending facsimile machine and transmitting to the local This is printed out using a printer. Therefore, buffer 38 must be large enough to accommodate the maximum amount of data sent by the sending facsimile machine until the receiving facsimile machine signals an acceptance before the next facsimile transmission.

Data communications logic 40 is connected on one side to interface/extension collection logic 34 and on the other hand to network interface logic 42. Network interface logic 42
connects the network 24 and the network in use via a network modem 44 as appropriate. Here, the network will be explained. network 24
A variety of things can be used. How to connect to and use such media for data communication will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The specific media used in network 24 and the manner in which it is attached are not inherently new to the present invention, and will not be discussed here for the sake of simplicity and redundancy. LAN is available in companies,
This is preferred for digital data communication purposes and is easy to use. If a LAN is not available, a coaxial cable or a pair of wires can be used. For example, a spare line from telephone wiring can be used, but if such a spare line is not possible, an AC power line may also be used. AC power lines are already installed and can be used generally by any company. Since the printer device 22 must be connected to the output side of an AC power source to obtain power, it is easy to house the interface device in the same case. Techniques for connecting facsimile communications via AC power lines may include, for example, devices sold under the trademark Phonex.

As already mentioned, the network 24 is
You can also use your cable television company's coaxial cable network. For some local cable television network companies, this becomes a side business. Just as many companies have a post office box separate from their mailbox, local cable TV companies can provide each company with a primary facsimile number with an extension. The extension number is
In reality, it is attached to the local printer device 22 of the present invention, which is provided with a dedicated line and connected to the central PBX device 20 by the company's cable network.
A customer identification number or extension number is provided.

Network connection logic 42 and network modem 44 load messages onto and drop messages from network 24, depending on the type of network 24 used. ``contention resolution''
)" is well known to engineers in the field of networks, so its explanation will be omitted. This can be accomplished by a person skilled in the art without extensive experimentation. In addition to determining the presence or absence of an extension number as previously described, the major difference from the prior art regarding facsimile reception and printout is the data transmission logic 40 and the logic of the local printer device 22, which will now be described. Data transmission logic 40 exchanges data with local printer device 22 in a manner using packet data as shown in FIGS. 6-8. Because it is possible to operate internal data exchange links over network 24, the following method is reliable and valid in currently commonly used computer-to-computer message exchange environments. The use of message packets also allows multiple users to communicate simultaneously. As described in more detail below, messages from different input sources are sent to the relevant extensions and printed out.

To initiate a transmission from PBX device 20 to one of local printer devices 22, data transmission logic 40 sends a control packet 46, shown in FIG. Control packet 46 begins with an extension field 48 containing the designated recipient's extension number. Next, the local printer device 2 to which the PBX device 20 is specified
A control field 50 follows containing control information to be sent to 2. End flag 52 indicates the end of packet 46. If all packets of a given length have already been used, the end flag 52 will most likely be removed. In this way, the data transmission logic 40 from the PBX device 20 first asks the other party's facsimile device if it is ready. Each printer 22 is provided with network logic 40 that connects with network 24 on the one hand and network interface logic 42 on the other hand. Network modem 44 and network interface logic 42 are substantially identical, and printing logic 56 connected to network interface logic 42 includes additional logic. The control packet 46 is sent via the network 24 and exists in any of the printer devices 22. Local printer device 22 (or local printer device 22 (or
Only local printer devices 22) that include an extension number will respond to the control packet 46. The identification code for each local printer 22 is read by a set of thumb fields (
(thumbwheels) 58 makes it easy to set up.

To respond to the readiness question, when the facsimile machine is ready to respond, the printing logic 56 of the machine is activated in FIG.
A response packet 60 shown in FIG. Data transmission logic 4
0 receives no response, a "telephone line error" message is displayed on the receiving side's single facsimile machine (local facsimile machine 10). Depending on the situation (such as when a cable TV company is equipped with a PBX device 20), if the specified local printer device 22 cannot receive the communication, the default local facsimile device 20 is used to send the communication, as in the case where there is no extension number. return. Sent response packet 60
begins with a PBX flag 62 that directs the communication message to PBX device 20 rather than other local printer devices 22 . Next to the PBX flag 62 is an extension field 4 containing the identification code of the local printer device 22 that responds.
8, a response field 64 containing information sent from the local printer device 22 to the PBX device 20, and an end flag 52. In the first example, the response is a message that says, "I am here to receive your message and print it out." The message is then a confirmation that "the last message was correctly received and executed. You are ready for the next step" which effectively passes the information to the PBX device 20.

When the PBX device 20 is connected to the designated printer device 22, the data transmission logic 40 sends the pixel data from the buffer 38 to the local printer device 22, where it is printed by the thermal printer 66. will be held. Transmission of pixel data is performed via pixel packets 68 as shown in FIG. Each pixel packet 68 has an extension field 4 used to send it to the designated recipient.
8 and ends with an end flag 52 indicating the end of the communication. Between these is a data field 70 containing pixel information to be printed out by thermal printer 66. The data originally sent by the sending facsimile device is either sent to the local printer device 22 and read by the printing logic 56, or reformatted by the data communication logic 40 for printing by the printing logic 56 at a connected printer 66. be done. The latter method is preferable because the local printer device 22 is comprised mostly of readily available components with custom logic that is pre-installed in the PBX device 20.

As previously mentioned, large devices need to receive and print large numbers of messages from many devices simultaneously. The device described above can only exchange information with one external facsimile device at a time. In order to receive multiple inputs, the components of PBX device 20 of FIG. 3 must be provided equally for each of the incoming telephone lines in the manner shown in FIG. A toll line 72 from the telephone company is input to rotary logic 74 provided by the telephone company. In such well-known telephone devices, the user receives a rotary sequence of numbers for a fee.
ers). The caller dials the first phone number, but if the first phone number is in use, the rotary logic 74 indicates that it is in use (all phone numbers are in use).
will automatically search the list of available phone numbers for that location and pick up the available number. In such a double track PBX device, each PBX device 20 is housed in one common case if possible.

[0026]

As explained above, the facsimile printer exchange (PBX) system of the present invention transfers facsimile communications sent from an external facsimile device to a two-position switch between two types of outputs in an incoming switching device. If an extension number is attached to the facsimile communication, the facsimile communication is sent to one of the local facsimile machines that has this extension number using some existing network, and is printed out using a thermal printer. If no extension number is added, the facsimile communication is sent to a local facsimile machine that performs normal facsimile transmission and printed out there. Because it uses an existing network, equipment installation costs can be kept low.
If an extension is specified, the facsimile communication is guaranteed to be delivered to the designated recipient, which prevents the facsimile communication from being forgotten.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional facsimile communication system via a dedicated telephone line.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a facsimile communication system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functions of a facsimile printer communications exchange (PBX) device and two printer devices.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a telephone line switching device between a facsimile printer exchange (PBX) device and a facsimile machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram representing the functionality of a facsimile printer exchange (PBX) system.

FIG. 6 is a diagram representing a control packet for sending control information from a facsimile printer exchange (PBX) device to a printer.

FIG. 7 is a diagram representing a pixel packet for sending pixel information from a facsimile printer exchange (PBX) device to a printer.

[Figure 8] Replacing the printer with a facsimile printer (PB
X) A diagram representing a response packet for sending feedback information to a device.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart representing the switching logic of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Local facsimile device 12 Telephone line 12' Telephone line 12" Telephone line 14 External facsimile device 16 Document 16" Document 18 Facsimile printer exchange (PBX) system 20 Facsimile printer exchange (PBX) device 22 Local facsimile printer device 24 Network 26 Incoming switching device 28 2-position switch 46 Control packet 60 Response packet 68 Pixel packet

Claims (9)

[Claims] Claim 1: Receiving a facsimile communication sent via a telephone line from an external facsimile device to a telephone number with an extension number, and sending a facsimile communication to one of a plurality of printers having this extension number via a network. The purpose of this printer is to send facsimile communications and print them out using this printer. establishing and maintaining a two-way facsimile communications link with said facsimile machine via said telephone line for use of said link to receive communications from said facsimile machine and further storing communications data in data buffer means; interface means connected; c) data transmission logic means for removing data from the data buffer means and sending this data to the network in the form of packets specified in the extension; and d) printing the data by d1) dots. printer means for printing out on a medium; d2) printer identification code means for connecting the extension number identifier and the printer device; d4) interface means for connecting the network and printer identification code means for receiving data; and d4) printing logic means for receiving the packet containing data from the interface means and printing out pixel data contained in the packet by printer means. e) a network connecting interface means and data transmission logic means of each of the printer apparatuses. 2. Further comprising: a) a basic two-way facsimile device; and b) an input connected to a telephone line.
a first output connected to an input of the interface means and a telephone line normally connected to the first output and optionally a second output if an extension number is not included as part of the incoming call; a second output connected to an input of the facsimile machine for connection; and a second output connected to an input of the facsimile machine for connection. 3. The facsimile device further comprises an established facsimile communication link by means of a telephone line with the facsimile machine, wherein the facsimile machine is off-hook, ie, performing facsimile communications to the outside world, or the interface means utilizes the telephone line for facsimile communications. 3. The facsimile printer communication switching system of claim 2, further comprising switching means including logic for connecting the telephone line to the second output when the facsimile printer does not have a telephone line. 4. Further, a) a first data transmission logic for transmitting a control packet containing control information to a designated one of the local printer devices and transmitting the control packet to a network designated by an extension number; and b) interface means each having second logic means for receiving a control packet having a recipient identifier that is the same as the extension number of the printer device and processing information contained in the control packet. The facsimile printer communication exchange system according to item 1. 5. Interface means further comprising: a) third logic means for sending a response packet containing response information to the data transmission logic means and to a network to the data transmission logic means; b) 2. The facsimile printer communication and switching system of claim 1, further comprising data transmission logic means for receiving a response packet containing a recipient identifier unique to the data transmission logic means and processing information contained in the response packet. 6. Receiving a facsimile communication sent via a telephone line from an external facsimile device addressed to a telephone number with an extension number, and transmitting a facsimile communication sent via a network to one of a plurality of printers having this extension number. The purpose of this printer is to send a facsimile message and print it out using this printer. a telephone line for establishing and maintaining a two-way facsimile communications link with said facsimile machine through and for use of said link to receive communications from the facsimile machine and for storing communications data in data buffer means; c) data transmission logic means for removing data from the data buffer means and transmitting this data to the network in the form of packets specified in the extension; and d) for transmitting data by dot. printer means for printing out on a print medium; d2) printer identification code means for connecting the extension number identifier and the printer device; and d3) printer means for printing out on a print medium; d4) printing logic for receiving the packet containing the data from the interface means and printing out the pixel data contained in the packet by the printer means; e) a network connecting each interface means of the printer devices and the data transmission logic means, and f)
g) data sending logic means each having first logic means for sending a control packet containing control information to one of the local facsimile devices and to a network specified by an extension; g) an extension of the printer device; h) interface means for sending a control packet containing a recipient identifier identical to the number and for processing the information contained in the control packet; and h) sending a response packet containing response information to data sending logic means and for processing the information contained in the control packet. i) fourth logic for receiving the response packet having a recipient identifier unique to the data sending logic means and processing information contained in the response packet; A facsimile printer communication exchange system comprising: a data transmission logic means having a data transmission logic means; 7. Further comprising: a) a basic two-way facsimile device; b) an input connected to a telephone line; a first output connected to the input of the interface means; and typically a telephone line connected to the first output. and a second output connected to an input of the facsimile machine for connecting the telephone line to the second output when no extension number is specified as part of the incoming call. 7. The facsimile printer communication exchange system according to claim 6, wherein the facsimile printer communication exchange system comprises: 8. Further, the facsimile device is configured to perform off-hook or external facsimile communications, or the interface means establishes an established facsimile communications link over a telephone line with the facsimile machine for utilizing the telephone line for facsimile communications. 8. The facsimile printer communication switching system of claim 7 further comprising switching means including logic for connecting the telephone line to the second output if the facsimile printer does not have a telephone line. 9. Receiving a facsimile communication sent via a telephone line from an external facsimile device addressed to a telephone number with an extension number, and transmitting a facsimile communication to one of a plurality of printers having this extension number via a network. The purpose of this printer is to send a facsimile message and print it out using this printer. establishing and maintaining a two-way facsimile communications link with said facsimile machine via said telephone line for use of said link to receive communications from said facsimile machine and further storing communications data in data buffer means; c) data transmission logic means for removing data from the data buffer means and transmitting this data to the network in the form of packets specified in the extension; and d) transmitting the data by dots to the print medium. printer means for printing out; printer identification code means for connecting the extension number identifier and the printer device; a plurality of local printer devices comprising: interface means for connecting the network and printer identification code means; and printing logic means for receiving packets containing data from the interface means and printing out pixel data contained in the packets by means of printer means. and e
) a network connecting each interface means of the printer device and the data transmission logic means;
) transmitting a control packet containing control information to one of the local facsimile devices, with fourth logic means for receiving a response packet containing a unique recipient identifier and processing information contained in the response packet; and g) sending a response packet containing response information to the data transmission logic means and transmitting the response packet to the data transmission logic means. interface means for transmitting and processing information contained in the control packet including a recipient identifier that is the same as the extension number identifier of the printer device, with third logic means for transmitting to the network to the logic means; h) a basic two-way facsimile device; i) an input connected to a telephone line; a first output connected to the input of the interface means; typically connecting the telephone line to the first output and receiving incoming calls; and a second output for connecting a telephone line to the first output if no extension number is specified as part of the facsimile machine, or the interface means switching means including logic for connecting the telephone line to the second output when the telephone line does not have an established facsimile communication link with the facsimile device for utilizing the telephone line for facsimile communications; facsimile printer communication exchange system.