JPH11215286A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate the need of a selecting operation and to simplify the operation of an information processor by selecting a 1st image transmission request to instruct an image sending server connected to a 1st network to send images or a 2nd image transmission request to instruct an image sending server connected to a 2nd network to send images. SOLUTION: A FAX transmission indication means M101 designates an optional file stored in a hard disk and then designates the telephone number of a destination to perform FAX transmission. A transmission request selection means M102 checks whether the destination exists within a country. If the destination exists within the country, a direct FAX transmission means M103 is started, which urges inputting of the address of a FAX server and requests an inputted address to perform direct FAX transmission. If the destination does not exist within the country, the means M102 starts an internet FAX transmission means M104.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile (hereinafter, referred to as "FAX") via a predetermined network.
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for transmitting image information such as image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a technique in which a fax is directly transmitted from a fax modem connected to a computer device. With this technology, when sending a document created by a word processor, etc., the created document is printed once,
Since fax transmission can be performed without reading by a fax device separate from the computer device, there is an advantage that the fax transmission operation can be simplified.

[0003] A plurality of computer devices connected to the LAN are connected to a single FAX also connected to the LAN.
A technique for performing FAX transmission via a server is also known.
According to this technology, it is possible to perform fax transmission from a plurality of computer devices over one line, and it is possible to reduce line subscription fees and suppress an increase in equipment.

In recent years, with the spread of the Internet, electronic mails and WWs have been stored in server devices on the Internet.
2. Description of the Related Art A technique for requesting FAX transmission using a W (World Wide Web) browser is known. According to this technology, FAX
By requesting the server device closest to the destination to send a fax, it is possible to send the fax at a lower cost than sending it directly from the source.

[0005] For example, when it is desired to transmit a fax to a foreign country, by transmitting the data via a server in the destination country, the communication fee of the domestic charge in the destination is sufficient, and the transmission can be performed at a lower cost than directly transmitting to the destination country by an international telephone. . When sending a fax to a foreign country, it is often inexpensive even if a request is made to a company that provides a server device.

[0006]

However, when facsimile transmission is performed via the Internet, the data is transmitted via another computer device on the way, so that there is generally a high risk of information leakage and emphasis is placed on airtightness. In many cases, fax transmission using a telephone network is performed in transmitting such documents and the like.

When a user uses the above-described conventional technology, a method of directly transmitting a fax from a computer device, a method of transmitting a fax via a fax server device connected to a LAN, or the like.
An operation of selecting a desired method from the X transmission method and the transmission method via a FAX server device on the Internet is required, and there is a disadvantage that the operation is complicated.

Further, when selecting a facsimile server connected to the network, it is necessary to specify the address of the server, and there is a problem that the operation is complicated.

Further, when selecting a facsimile server device,
It is necessary for the user to investigate and select a fee or to make a selection in consideration of confidentiality, which complicates the judgment.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an information processing apparatus made to solve such a problem. That is, the present invention provides image transmission instruction means for obtaining destination information for transmitting an image and outputting a transmission instruction for the image, and an image transmission requesting apparatus for transmitting an image transmission request to an image transmission server device connected to the first network. A first image transmission requesting unit, a second image transmission requesting unit for making an image transmission request to an image transmission server device connected to the second network, and a first image transmission based on the destination information obtained by the image transmission instruction unit Request means and second
The information processing apparatus includes a transmission request selection unit that selects one of the image transmission request unit.

In the present invention, one of the first image transmission requesting means and the second image transmission requesting means is selected by the transmission request selecting means based on the destination information obtained by the image transmission instructing means. Therefore, the user can perform image transmission via the image transmission server connected to the first network only by specifying the destination information alone, or via the image transmission server connected to the second network. The image transmission can be automatically selected.

[0012]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a computer device that is an information processing device of the present invention.

That is, the hardware of the computer device according to the first embodiment includes a CPU 101, a boot ROM
102, a hard disk 103, a RAM 104, a display 105, a keyboard / mouse 106, and a LAN interface 107.

When power is turned on, the CPU 101 operates as a boot ROM.
The software stored in 102 is executed. Further, the software stored in the hard disk 103 is loaded into the RAM 104 and executed by the software. The display on the display 105 is performed by the executed software, and the keyboard / mouse 106 is displayed.
The operator can perform an interactive operation by inputting from. Further, the software to be executed is connected to the LAN
To send and receive data.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the computer device according to the first embodiment. The computer device 201 according to the present embodiment is connected to a LAN 202 and can transmit a facsimile via a facsimile server device 204 also connected to the LAN 202.

Here, the FAX server device 204 may be a so-called multifunction device having a plurality of functions, such as a copying machine, a FAX, and a printer, which is a device having a FAX server function. Further, it is also possible to transmit a facsimile via a facsimile server device 205 connected to the Internet 203.

FIG. 3 is a software configuration diagram in the first embodiment. The computer device according to the first embodiment includes software including a facsimile transmission instruction unit M101, a transmission request selection unit M102, a direct facsimile transmission unit M103, and an Internet facsimile transmission unit M104.

Next, such a software configuration (FIG. 3)
The operation of the computer device according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the operator specifies an arbitrary file stored in the hard disk by the FAX transmission instructing means M101, and further specifies a telephone number of a destination to perform FAX transmission (step S101).

Next, the transmission request selecting means M102
It is checked whether the destination is domestic (step S10).
2). If the destination is domestic (step S10
(Yes in 2), the transmission request selection unit M102 activates the direct FAX transmission unit M103.

The direct facsimile transmission means M103 prompts the operator to input a facsimile server address, and requests direct facsimile transmission from the input address (step S103). If the destination is not in Japan (No in step S102), the transmission request selection unit M102 activates the Internet FAX transmission unit M104.

Internet FAX transmission means M104
Prompts the operator to input the address of the FAX server, and requests Internet FAX transmission from the input address (step S104).

Here, the direct fax transmission is LA
N is a method of transmitting a fax from a fax server connected to the N.
Salutation (IB, a protocol between devices)
(M company) or the like is known.

[0024] Internet FAX transmission is a method of transmitting a FAX from a FAX server connected to the Internet, such as a method of requesting transmission using Internet mail or an HTTP (HyperText).
A method of requesting transmission using Transfer Protocol (Transfer Protocol) is known.

According to the first embodiment, the operator can perform FAX transmission via the corresponding FAX server only by inputting the destination and the address without being aware of the domestic FAX and the foreign FAX. It becomes possible.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of software used in the information processing device according to the second embodiment. That is, in the second embodiment, FAX transmission instructing means M101, transmission request selecting means M102, direct FAX transmitting means M103,
It is the same as the first embodiment in that it has an Internet FAX transmission unit M104, but it has a first table storage unit M1
05.

FIG. 6 shows the first table storage means M10.
5 is a conceptual diagram of table data stored in No. 5. FIG. That is, the table data includes the telephone number F101 part and the FA number.
It shows the correspondence with the X transmission request method F102.

For example, for a telephone number starting with “0011”, “mail-to”, ie, the Internet F
Indicates that an AX transmission request is made. Also, "0011",
For telephone numbers other than those starting with "00144", use "direct
t ", that is, a request for direct fax transmission.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. That is, in the operation of the second embodiment, step S201 is provided instead of step S102 of the operation of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

First, the operator specifies an arbitrary file stored in the hard disk by the FAX transmission instructing means M101, and further specifies a telephone number of a destination to perform FAX transmission (step S101).

Next, the transmission request selecting means M102
It is checked whether the head of the telephone number of the designated destination matches the telephone number of the table data (see FIG. 6), and if it matches, the fax transmission request method of the matching element is "di
Rect "is checked (step S201).

Here, if it is "direct" (Yes in step S201), a direct fax transmission request is executed (step S103), and if it is not "direct" (No in step S201), the Internet F
An AX transmission request is executed (step S104).

According to the second embodiment, the operator can perform FAX transmission via the corresponding FAX server only by inputting the destination and the address without being aware of the domestic FAX and the foreign FAX. It becomes possible.

In the second embodiment, a load means for loading table data stored in the first table storage means M105 from an arbitrary information server device (not shown) may be provided.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of software used in the information processing device according to the third embodiment. That is, the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a fax transmission instructing unit M101, a transmission request selecting unit M102, a direct fax transmission unit M103, and an Internet fax transmission unit M104 are provided.
Same as the embodiment, except that the first address storage unit M10
6 is different.

In the first embodiment, the direct fax transmitting means M103 and the Internet fax transmitting means M1
04 prompts the operator to input the address of the FAX server and makes a FAX transmission request to the input address. However, in the third embodiment, the first address storage means is provided before the input is prompted to the operator. FAX transmission is requested to the server device indicated by the address stored in M106.

Thus, the operator only needs to input the telephone number of the destination, and the F through the corresponding FAX server.
AX transmission can be performed.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of software used in the information processing device according to the fourth embodiment. That is, the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a fax transmission instruction unit M101, a transmission request selection unit M102, a direct fax transmission unit M103, and an Internet fax transmission unit M104 are provided.
Same as the embodiment, except that the first server storage unit M107
And a second table storage means M108.

FIG. 10 shows a second table storage means M108.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of table data stored in the storage device. That is, the table data includes the telephone number F101 part and the FA number.
It shows a correspondence relationship with the address F103 of the X server device.

For example, for a telephone number starting with “0011”, “us-fax.com” is the address of the FAX server, and for a telephone number starting with “00144”, “euro-fax.co.uk” is written. Indicates that it is a fax server address.

Next, according to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation in the embodiment will be described. That is, in the operation in the second embodiment, the FAX server selection process in step S202 is provided before the Internet FAX transmission request process in step S104 of the operation in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

First, the operator specifies an arbitrary file stored in the hard disk by the FAX transmission instructing means M101, and further specifies a telephone number of a destination to perform FAX transmission (step S101).

Next, the transmission request selecting means M102
It is checked whether the destination is domestic (step S10).
2). If the destination is domestic (step S10
(Yes in 2), the transmission request selection unit M102 activates the direct FAX transmission unit M103.

If the destination is not domestic (step S10)
(No in 2), the first server selection means M107 selects a FAX server to be used using the table data stored in the second table storage means M108 (step S).
202).

Next, the transmission request selection means M102 activates the Internet FAX transmission means M104 and requests Internet FAX transmission to the address of the FAX server selected in the previous step S202 (step S10).
4).

According to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to automatically specify an address for Internet FAX transmission based on the telephone number input by the operator and perform FAX transmission. Operation can be reduced.

In the fourth embodiment, a loading means for loading the table data stored in the second table storage means M108 from an arbitrary information server device (not shown) may be provided.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of software used in the information processing device according to the fifth embodiment. That is, in the fifth embodiment, FAX transmission instructing means M101, transmission request selecting means M102, direct FAX transmitting means M103,
It is the same as the first embodiment in that it has an Internet facsimile transmission means M104, but has a second server selection means M10.
9 and a second address storage means M110.

The second address storage means M110 includes:
The addresses of a plurality of fax servers are stored. Fifth
In the embodiment, the FAX server of the address stored in the second address storage unit M110 is inquired of the fee for FAX transmission, and the returned fee is F
The feature is that the AX server is selected.

Next, according to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation in the embodiment will be described. That is, in the operation in the fifth embodiment, steps S301 to S306 are provided before the Internet FAX transmission request processing shown in step S104 of the operation in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

First, the operator specifies an arbitrary file stored in the hard disk by the FAX transmission instructing means M101, and further specifies a telephone number of a destination to perform FAX transmission (step S101).

Next, the transmission request selecting means M102
It is checked whether the destination is domestic (step S10).
2). If the destination is domestic (step S10
(Yes in 2), the transmission request selection unit M102 activates the direct FAX transmission unit M103.

On the other hand, when the destination is not in Japan (No in step S102), the lowest fee and the FAX server are set to a non-selected state (step S301).

Next, it is checked whether there is any FAX server that has not been inquired of the second address storage means M110 (step S302). When there is a fax server that has not been inquired (step S3
02, Yes), and inquires of the FAX server about the fee (step S303).

Here, the minimum fee has not been set (minimum fee = 0).
Or the responded fee is lower than the stored lowest fee (Yes in step S304), the fax server is selected as a candidate (step S305).

The steps S303 to S305
Is repeated while the FAX server which has not inquired the second address storage means M110 remains. If there is no FAX server for which no inquiry has been made (No in step S302), it is checked whether a candidate FAX server has been selected (step S306).

If the candidate FAX server is selected (Yes in step S306), the Internet FAX
A transmission request (step S104) is executed. On the other hand, if no candidate fax server has been selected (step S3
06, No), a direct fax transmission request (step S
103) is executed.

According to the fifth embodiment, when performing Internet FAX transmission based on a telephone number input by an operator, it is possible to automatically select a FAX server with the lowest transmission fee and perform FAX transmission. Become.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 is a system configuration diagram of a computer device which is an information processing device according to the sixth embodiment. In the system configuration in which the computer device 201 according to the sixth embodiment operates, an information server 206 is added to the system configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

In the sixth embodiment, the information server 206
, The computer device 201 obtains information on a FAX server device that makes a transmission request, and makes a FAX transmission request to the obtained server device.

Here, the information of the FAX server device obtained as a response includes a FAX transmission request method and the like in addition to the address.

FIG. 15 is a software configuration diagram in the sixth embodiment. That is, in the second embodiment, the FAX
Transmission instruction means M101, transmission request selection means M102, direct fax transmission means M103, Internet FA
It is the same as the first embodiment in that it has an X transmission means M104, but differs in that it has a third server selection means M111 and a third address storage means M112.

The third address storage means M112 has
The address of the information server 206 is stored, and the third server selection unit M111 inquires the information server 206 about the information of the FAX server device.

Next, according to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation in the embodiment will be described. In the operation of the sixth embodiment, steps S401 to S403 are provided before the Internet FAX transmission request process shown in step S104 of the operation of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

First, the operator specifies an arbitrary file stored in the hard disk by the FAX transmission instructing means M101, and further specifies a telephone number of a destination to perform FAX transmission (step S101).

Next, the transmission request selecting means M102
It is checked whether the destination is domestic (step S10).
2). If the destination is domestic (step S10
(Yes in 2), the transmission request selection unit M102 activates the direct FAX transmission unit M103.

On the other hand, if the destination is not in Japan (No in step S102), the third server
An inquiry is sent to the information server 206 (see FIG. 14) stored in the address storage unit M112 for information on the FAX server device (step S401).

The information to be inquired here includes information on the fee for transmission as described above, information on a service area for performing FAX transmission, and the like.

If the third server selecting means M111 receives a response from the information server 206 and a normal response is obtained (Yes in step S403), the Internet FAX
A transmission request (step S104) is executed. For example, FAX transmission is performed to a FAX server device with the lowest transmission fee from the obtained information. Further, since the information sent from the information server 206 includes the address of the FAX server device and the FAX transmission request method as described above, it is necessary for the operator to input the address and the FAX transmission request method. FAX transmission can be automatically performed to the corresponding FAX server device without any need.

On the other hand, if a normal response cannot be obtained from the information server 206 (No in step S403), a direct FAX transmission request (step S103) is executed.

According to the sixth embodiment, when performing Internet FAX transmission, it becomes possible to perform FAX transmission via an optimal FAX server device based on information transmitted from the information server 206.

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The software configuration used in the information processing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment is the same as the software configuration used in the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In this case, the transmission request selection unit M102 selects whether to request direct FAX transmission or Internet FAX transmission based on the degree of confidentiality required at the time of transmission.

The operation of the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 11 shows an operation flowchart of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. That is, in the operation according to the second embodiment, step S102 of the operation according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.
Step S501 is provided instead of.

First, the operator specifies an arbitrary file stored in the hard disk by the FAX transmission instructing means M101, and further specifies a telephone number of a destination to perform FAX transmission (step S101).

At this time, in this embodiment, the confidential level (for example, numerical value) of the FAX document to be transmitted specified by the operator is obtained by the FAX transmission instructing means M101.

Next, the transmission request selecting means M102
Depending on the obtained confidentiality level, Internet F
It is determined whether to execute the AX transmission request (step S104) or the direct FAX transmission request (step S103) (step S501).

That is, in this example, if the security level of the FAX document input by the operator exceeds “3” (Yes in step S501), a direct FAX transmission request is made (step S103), and the security level becomes “3”. "
In the following cases (No in step S501), an Internet FAX transmission request is made (step S104).

According to the seventh embodiment, when a certain level of confidentiality is required in accordance with the confidentiality level specified by the operator, a highly confidential direct FAX transmission request is selected, and the confidentiality is reduced. When it is not necessary, a low-confidential Internet FAX transmission request can be selected, and FAX transmission suitable for confidentiality can be automatically selected.

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram of software used in the information processing device according to the eighth embodiment. That is, in the eighth embodiment, FAX transmission instructing means M101, transmission request selecting means M102, direct FAX transmitting means M103,
It is the same as the first embodiment in that it has an Internet FAX transmission unit M104, but differs in that it has an encryption unit M113.

The encrypting means M113 is provided under a specific condition under the direct fax transmitting means M103 or the Internet F
This is executed by the AX transmission unit M104, and encrypts the FAX transmission request message to be transmitted.

Next, the operation of the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the operation according to the eighth embodiment, steps S502 to S503 are provided before the direct fax transmission request processing shown in step S103 of the operation according to the seventh embodiment shown in FIG.
Steps S504 to S505 are provided before the Internet FAX transmission request processing indicated by 104.

First, the operator specifies an arbitrary file stored in the hard disk by the FAX transmission instructing means M101, and further specifies a telephone number of a destination to perform FAX transmission (step S101).

At this time, in this embodiment, the confidential level (for example, numerical value) of the FAX document to be transmitted specified by the operator is obtained by the FAX transmission instructing means M101.

Next, the transmission request selecting means M102
When the obtained security level exceeds “3”, the process proceeds to step S502, and when the obtained security level is “3” or less, the process proceeds to step S504 (step S501).

If the security level is higher than "3" in step S501 (Yes in step S501), it is further checked whether the security level is higher than "5" (step S501).
502). If the confidential level is greater than “5” (Yes in step S502), the FAX transmission request is encrypted (step S503).

If the confidential level is not greater than "5" (No in step S502), a direct FAX transmission request is made without encrypting the FAX transmission request (step S1).
03).

On the other hand, if the confidential level is not higher than “3” in step S501 (N in step S501)
o) Further, it is checked whether the confidential level is greater than "0" (step S504). If the confidential level is greater than "0" (Yes in step S504), the FAX transmission request is encrypted (step S505).

If the confidential level is not greater than "0" (No in step S504), an Internet FAX transmission request is made without encrypting the FAX transmission request (step S104).

According to the eighth embodiment, it is possible to automatically select a fax transmission request path and encryption according to the confidential level specified by the operator, and perform fax transmission according to the confidential level. Become like

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 20 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer device which is an information processing device according to the ninth embodiment. The ninth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in including a CPU 101, a boot ROM 102, a hard disk 103, a RAM 104, a display 105, a keyboard / mouse 106, and a LAN interface 107, but differs in having a FAX modem 108. .

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram of a system in which a computer as an information processing apparatus according to the ninth embodiment operates. The difference from the system configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is that the facsimile server 204 connected via a LAN
And the computer device 20 of the present embodiment.
1 is directly connected to the telephone network 207 via the FAX modem 108 (see FIG. 20).

FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram of software used in the information processing apparatus according to the ninth embodiment. The difference from the software configuration used in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
The point is that it has X transmitting means M201. FAX transmission means M
The FAX 201 directly performs FAX transmission using the FAX modem 108 (see FIG. 20).

Next, the operation of the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. That is, the ninth
In the operation according to the embodiment, a facsimile transmission process (step S601) is performed instead of the direct facsimile transmission request process illustrated in step S103 of the operation according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG.
The point is to do.

First, the operator specifies an arbitrary file stored in the hard disk by the FAX transmission instructing means M101, and further specifies a telephone number of a destination to perform FAX transmission (step S101).

Next, the transmission request selecting means M102
It is checked whether the destination is domestic (step S10).
2). If the destination is domestic (step S10
2), the transmission request selection unit M102 activates the FAX transmission unit M201, and transmits the FAX document to the FAX modem 10.
8 (see FIG. 20).

If the destination is not domestic (step S10)
(No in 2), the transmission request selection means M102 activates the Internet FAX transmission means M104. The Internet FAX transmission unit M104 prompts the operator to input the address of the FAX server, and requests the input address for Internet FAX transmission (step S104).

According to the ninth embodiment, the domestic F
FAX transmission can be performed by automatically selecting FAX transmission by the FAX modem 108 for AX and Internet FAX transmission for FAX destined for foreign countries.

In the ninth embodiment, the facsimile transmission processing (step S601) is mainly performed instead of the direct facsimile transmission request processing of the operation in the first embodiment. Instead, the fax transmission processing (step S60)
The same applies to the case where 1) is performed.

Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer device which is an information processing device according to the tenth embodiment. The tenth embodiment is characterized in that the LAN interface 107 having the hardware configuration in the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 20 is not provided.

FIG. 25 is a configuration diagram of a system in which a computer as an information processing apparatus according to the tenth embodiment operates. The difference from the system configuration of the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 21 is that the connection from the telephone network 207 to the Internet 203 via the access point 208 is made instead of the connection via the LAN.

The operation in the tenth embodiment is the same as the operation in the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. Such tenth
Depending on the embodiment, the fax is sent from the computer 201
At the time of transmission, even if the computer device 201 is not directly connected to the LAN, a dial-up connection to the access point 208 via the telephone network 207 enables
An Internet FAX transmission request can be made via the Internet 203.

Also, as in the ninth embodiment, a fax addressed to Japan
FAX transmission by FAX modem 108, FA addressed to foreign countries
X automatically selects an Internet FAX machine and F
AX transmission processing can be performed.

[0103]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects. That is, there is no need to select a desired method from a method of directly sending a fax from a computer, a method of sending a fax via a fax server connected to a LAN, and a method of sending a fax via a fax server on the Internet. Thus, the operation can be simplified. Also, F connected to the network
When selecting an AX server device, it is not necessary to specify the address of the server device, and the operation is simplified. Further, when selecting a FAX server device, it is not necessary for the user to investigate and select a fee or to select it in consideration of confidentiality, which simplifies the operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram in which the first embodiment operates.

FIG. 3 is a software configuration diagram of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a software configuration diagram of a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a table according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a software configuration diagram of a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a software configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a table according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a software configuration diagram according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a system configuration diagram in which the sixth embodiment operates.

FIG. 15 is a software configuration diagram according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a software configuration diagram of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an operation flowchart of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a hardware configuration diagram of a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a system configuration diagram in which the ninth embodiment operates.

FIG. 22 is a software configuration diagram of a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an operation flowchart of the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a hardware configuration diagram of a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a system configuration diagram in which the tenth embodiment operates.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 CPU, 102 boot ROM, 103 hard disk, 104 RAM, 105 display
Reference numeral 106: keyboard / mouse, 107: LAN interface, 108: FAX modem, 201: computer device, 202: LAN, 203: Internet, 20
4 FAX server device, 205 FAX server device, 2
06: information server device, 207: telephone network, 208: access point, F101: telephone number, F102: FAX
Transmission request method, F103: address, M101: FAX
Transmission instruction means, M102 ... transmission request selection means, M103
... Direct FAX transmission means, M104 ... Internet FAX transmission means, M105 ... First table storage means,
M106: first address storage means, M107: first server selection means, M108: second table storage means, M10
9: second server selection means, M110: second address storage means, M111: third server selection means, M112: third
Address storage means

Claims (10)

[Claims] An image transmission instructing means for obtaining destination information for transmitting an image and outputting a transmission instruction of the image, and a first image transmission requesting an image transmission server device connected to a first network. Image transmission requesting means; second image transmission requesting means for making an image transmission request to an image transmission server device connected to a second network; and the first image transmission requesting means based on the destination information obtained by the image transmission instruction means. An information processing apparatus comprising: a transmission request selection unit that selects one of an image transmission request unit and the second image transmission request unit. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the destination information includes a part of a telephone number. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first network comprises a public line, and said first image transmission requesting means directly transmits an image via said public line. 4. A configuration according to claim 1, further comprising a first table storage unit that stores a table indicating a correspondence relationship between the destination information and the first image transmission request unit or the second image transmission request unit. Wherein the transmission request selection means selects one of the first image transmission request means and the second image transmission request means using a table of the first table storage means. Processing equipment. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first address storage unit that stores an address of the image transmission server device, wherein the first image transmission request unit selected by the transmission request selection unit. An information processing apparatus characterized in that one of the address and the second image transmission request means is obtained from the first address storage means, and the image is transmitted to the address. 6. The configuration according to claim 1, further comprising: a second table storage unit that stores a table indicating a correspondence relationship between the destination information and the address of the image transmission server device. An information processing apparatus, comprising: first server device selecting means for selecting an address of the image transmission server device using a table. 7. In addition to the configuration according to claim 1, when a plurality of image transmission server devices are connected to the first network or the second network, each address of each image transmission server device is stored. A second address storage unit, and a predetermined image transmission server device based on a fee for image transmission inquired to some or all of the addresses of the plurality of image transmission server devices stored in the second address storage unit. An information processing apparatus comprising: a second server device selecting means for selecting. 8. The configuration according to claim 1, further comprising: a third address storage unit that stores an address of an information server device connected to a network; and wherein the third address storage unit stores an address corresponding to the address stored in the third address storage unit. An information processing apparatus comprising: a second server device selecting unit that selects an image transmission server device based on various conditions related to image transmission inquired to the information server device. 9. The image transmission instructing means obtains confidentiality degree information in the transmission of the image, and the transmission request selecting means obtains the confidentiality degree information based on the confidentiality degree information obtained in the image transmission instructing means. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the one image transmission request unit and the second image transmission request unit is selected. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first image transmission requesting unit or the second image transmission requesting unit is configured to output the image in accordance with a degree of confidentiality based on the confidentiality degree information. An information processing apparatus characterized by performing encryption of an image.