KR20000016083A - Data transmission system and process for transmitting facsimiles - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: Disclosed is a process and system for transmitting long distance facsimiles which provides a subscriber with a lowered cost facsimile transmission. CONSTITUTION: The long distance facsimiles transmittance system (10) comprises: a plurality of points of presence (14); a virtual private network (VPN) (18); a routing and authorization database (22); and a billing and financial database (24), wherein a plurality of sending facsimile machines (26) and a plurality of receiving facsimile machines (34) are connectable to any of the plurality of points of presence and wherein the user transmits a facsimile with a signaling means via the sending facsimile machine (26) to the point of presence; the point of presence interpreting data in the signaling means and passing the data to the routing and authorization database (22); the routing and authorization database (22) authorizing and routing the facsimile and passing billing data to the billing and financial database (24) and wherein upon receiving routing and authorization, the point of presence routes the facsimile via the virtual private network to the destination facsimile machine.

Description

Data transfer system and facsimile transfer processing

Facsimile transmission systems are known. To date, these systems, primarily targeted at remote markets, have been settled by the customer's desire to be concerned with rate-saving alternatives for direct long distance calls. Typically, upon request for a transmission service, the sender is provided with a black box installed on the facsimile line between the facsimile machine and the telephone line.

Electronic transmission of documents to facsimile systems using both public and private telephone networks has become a routine. Fax transmission is now an essential task in many business activities. The facsimile message is typically sent over the apparent direct telephone link from the originating facsimile device to the receiving facsimile device. The receiving facsimile device may be a personal device or a central terminal that classifies and redistributes the messages to their correct destination.

One of the major concerns in current facsimile transmissions is security. Some of the facsimile documents are of a sensitive type, and it is desirable for the sender and / or receiver to have some control method that does not allow a third party to easily invade the faxed document. At present, the most common way to ensure security measures is to transfer documents between facsimile machines that are not part of a leased line, ie a public telephone network. Leased lines are expensive and obvious, and do not allow any adaptation in the document path. Another way to secure transmission is to use the mailbox feature to immediately print from a received fax machine and publish it for public viewing. Instead, the received fax is stored in an electronic mailbox and a complementary code (usually an individual) that can enter the mailbox. It can only be retrieved by the recipient with the identification number). This option helps prevent intrusion at the point of reception, but the transmission of the facsimile cannot also prevent a third party from eavesdropping on the telephone line. One of the drawbacks of the most recent facsimile systems is that facsimile messages are typically sent over a direct telecommunication line which is useful at the time of origin. This apparent direct connection is not the cheapest available connection, especially if the fax to be transmitted does not require an emergency. In many facsimile systems, time delay transmission selection may be used. This time delay selection allows the sender to select a convenient time with the lowest cost to send the fax document. This is known in the art for facsimile transmission systems which seek to overcome some of the problems with specialty direct links in the case of long distance / international calls and economical premiums.

US Patent No. 4,994,926 to Gordon et al. Discloses a facsimile telecommunications system that is compatible with existing facsimile terminals, which is an integral part of a switched telecommunications network system. ). All facsimile transmissions subscribed to the network are sent in SAFF located in the general geographic area of the originating equipment. These transmissions are temporarily stored in SAFF on large storage media. The subscriber to the system sends an incoming fax message to the associated SAFF. SAFF is a system of patents granted to originating facsimile machines and incoming facsimile Gordon and the like, where each subscriber is assigned a mailbox on their local SAFF. The incoming fax is stored in the mailbox, and the subscriber can periodically access the mailbox using the PIN number to receive the standby fax or to update the recipient's name to another called.

Further, the US patent issued to Gordon et al. Discloses a system capable of having a facsimile for a voice message change system, which converts a return fax into a voice mail message stored in an incoming voice mailbox. In addition, the patent of Gordon et al. Discloses a method for connecting between SAFFs. According to the method, the return control unit imposes an algorithm on each incoming facsimile document for checking a called number and a valid telephone trunk line resource. Choose the most effective combination of these trunks to transmit the.

US Pat. No. 4,941,170 to Hurst discloses a facsimile transmission system for transmitting documents over a telephone line using an electronic mail system. The e-mail system can be localized or distributed. The transmission is initiated by an originating facsimile machine that sends a mark sense cover sheet to the facsimile controller, the mark having a mark sense identifier printed thereon. The facsimile controller checks for the presence of the mark sense identifier, and if it does, the controller reads the coded identification information and the destination address. The controller then sends the identification and destination address and subsequently received document facsimile data to the e-mail system in the first form to retransmit to the one or more receiving facsimile devices via the same or different controller.

US Pat. No. 5,287,199 to Jocolio discloses a facsimile message processing and delivery system wherein a processor connected to the message processing and delivery system blocks each facsimile message destined for the recipient. The processor analyzes at least a portion of each piece of information that is blocked in order to collect the transmittal and call number. The processor then delivers the message to at least one of the other plurality of incoming facsimile terminals based on the transmission information collected from the message and the scheduled transmission information stored in the processor and provided by the receiver.

U. S. Patent No. 5,291, 546 to Zan et al. Discloses a facsimile message transmission system in which a message sent through a telephone system is previously designated at a facsimile recipient. The sender initiates a call to the facsimile recipient by sending a phone number to the facsimile recipient and dialing a phone number sufficient to determine the specific action that the facsimile message will be under the recipient's control. The telephone number is passed through the telephone system in the form of an address signal as part of the call initialization process. The fax receiving station has stored information relating to each possible incoming telephone address signal, i.e., the particular application taken for the call. The fax receiving station uses the stored information to determine what action to take on the received message. Upon receipt, the received message is processed according to the intended action.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel facsimile transmission method and system that obviates and mitigates at least one disadvantage of conventional facsimile transmission systems.

According to one aspect of the invention, there are a plurality of points of presence; Virtual private network; Path and authorization processing means; And a billing and financial processing means, wherein a plurality of transmitting facsimile machines and receiving facsimile devices can be connected to any of the plurality of points of presence, and the user is facsimile to the presence point via the sending facsimile device by means of signaling means. The presence point interprets the data in the signaling means and passes it to the path and authorization processing means, the path and authorization database grants the facsimile signal and provides a path and charges the billing data. Providing a facsimile transmission function at a reduced rate to the subscriber, which is passed to an establishment processing means and the path is provided and authorized to provide the path of the facsimile signal to the receiving facsimile device via the virtual dedicated network. A facsimile network system is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, comprising a subscriber transmitting a facsimile signal to at least one of a plurality of presence points by signal propagation means; Processing said signaling means and forwarding said signaling means to a path and authorization processing means; The path and authorization processing means granting the facsimile signal and providing a path; Returning the path provision and grant of the facsimile signal back to the at least one presence points; And providing the path of the facsimile signal to the destination station via the virtual dedicated network, wherein the at least one point of existence is provided with a method for transmitting a long distance facsimile through the facsimile transmission network at a reduced rate to the subscriber.

Preferably, the billing and financial processing means records data related to the facsimile transmission to issue a bill to the customer.

Advantageously, said point of presence comprises means for encoding said facsimile signal before providing a path and decoding means for decoding said facsimile signal before said facsimile signal arrives at a destination station.

Preferably, the presence point comprises compression means for compressing the facsimile signal transmitted to the destination via the virtual dedicated network.

Advantageously, said virtual private network comprises at least one T1 and / or T3 type communication connection coupled to a public switched telephone network.

Advantageously, said virtual private network comprises at least one public switched telephone network (PSTN) connection for facsimile transmission.

Advantageously, said virtual dedicated network comprises at least one Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) for facsimile transmission.

Preferably, the route and the authorization processing means provide the optimal route based on the route charge of the minimum fee.

Preferably, the accounting and financial processing means stores a routing target value that defines a set of rules for performing optimal route provision.

Preferably, the facsimile transmission to the called station is confirmed by the network to the subscriber.

Advantageously, the facsimile transmission system provides a subscriber with a number of extreme billing and reporting options for the demonstration of facsimile signals transmitted via the system for a preset time.

Advantageously, the facsimile transmission system comprises a station for personal service such that a subscriber can transmit a facsimile signal to the system and the receiver can receive the facsimile signal from a preselected source, rather than from the destination station facsimile device.

Preferably, the facsimile transmission system comprises audible means for allowing a user to increase or decrease the facsimile signal transmitted to the system via the sending facsimile device to the facsimile signal transmitted by the system.

Preferably, the signaling means is in a form that both the subscriber and the system can read.

Preferably, a key page is provided to confirm the subscriber and called station data to the system.

Preferably, the data input to the key page is in a form that both the subscriber and the system can read.

Preferably, the data input to the key page is in a predetermined position, and is in the form of a plurality of boxes corresponding to character and numeric data.

Preferably, the keypage is required for the subscriber to input and includes an authorization code provided in the path and authorization processing means.

Preferably, the keypage comprises a preset time interval for the keypage to be sorted and not available to the subscriber.

Also preferably, the facsimile transmission network comprises means for multi-casting facsimile transmissions, thereby allowing the subscriber to send one facsimile to multiple destination station facsimile devices.

An advantage of the facsimile transmission system of the present invention is that the subscriber only needs to turn one preset number when he / she wants long distance facsimile transmission. This preset number connects the sending fax machine to one of the preset presence points determined by the subscriber's subscription to the service.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the subscriber can pre-program the sending facsimile machine by the number of the presence point by means of the speed dial button, and thus can be connected to the system by pressing one button.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the subscriber can transmit the long distance fax to the destination station fax device via the sending fax device at a rate less than or equal to the cost of dialing the fax directly.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the facsimile transmission system is designed to process data related to facsimile transmissions optimally for many data formats and protocols, thereby operating at low cost.

The present invention relates to a facsimile routing system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a data transmission system for optimizing a transmission path without requiring any special hardware to be connected to an originating facsimile device for long distance transmission charge reduction or emergency communication. And to treatment.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram showing the structure of a facsimile transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a view showing the structure of a point of presence (POP) according to the embodiment of FIG.

3A shows signal means in the form of a key page according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

3b shows another signal means with another input means;

4 shows the system of FIG. 1 defined as functional areas of responsibility for path and authorization processing means and for billing and financial processing means;

5A illustrates partial transmission processing of a facsimile signal via system 10, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG.

5B illustrates a continuation of the process of FIG. 5A illustrating the transmission of a facsimile signal via system 10, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG.

5C illustrates a continuation of the process of FIG. 5B illustrating the transmission of a facsimile signal via system 10, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG.

The facsimile transmission system according to the present invention is indicated by reference numeral '10' in FIG. This system 10 is provided for the purpose of providing long distance facsimile transmission services to multiple subscribers. The system 10 provides a lower cost than conventional long distance facsimile transmission methods, thereby making a direct connection between the transmitting and receiving facsimile devices. As shown in the figure, a system generally includes a number of presence points (POP) 14, a virtual dedicated network (VPN) 18, a path / authorization database (RADB) 22, and billing and financial data. It is composed of a base (BFDB) 24. Multiple input means, such as transmission fax machine (SFM) 26, are attached to the system via any one of a number of POPs 14 via communication line 30. Similarly, a number of output means such as an incoming fax machine (DFM) 34 may be connected to any of a number of POPs 14 via an existing telephone line 38 operating on an existing public switched telephone network (PSTN) 32. Is connected to one.

Typically, the SFM 26 and the DFM 34 may be existing facsimile devices or facsimile modems connected to existing personal computer-operated facsimile software. As is well known to those skilled in the art, any facsimile device may operate as the SFM 28 and the DFM 34. However, for purposes of explanation, they are divided into those that transmit and receive. As in FIG. 1, SFM 28 represents a number of facsimile devices or each of which may be connected to system 10. SFM 28 and DFM 34 also represent a number of subscribers who wish to receive long distance fax transmissions, and those who receive fax signals via system 10. Indeed, the inventors of the present invention contemplate that the present system 10 is suitable for deployment on a global scale, which is cheaper than long distance facsimile transmissions anywhere in the world. With this in mind, therefore, it is assumed that hundreds of thousands of SFMs 20 and DFMs 34 can be connected to the system age at any time. The connection of the SFM 26 and the DFM 34 via the communication networks 30 and 38 need not be permanent and usually results in a temporary connection. In general, communication with the system 10 is only made when the subscriber SFM 28 wishes to facsimile the transmission or if the system 10 requests the facsimile transmission of one or more DFM 34. A number of POPs 14 represent the connection points to which the SFM 28 is connected to the system 10 and to which the system is connected to the DFM 34 for final transmission to the facsimile signaling destination. As pointed out previously, the POP 14 is the 'existence' of the system 10 that enables subscribers to connect to long distance facsimile services. For example, when a subscriber wants to send a long distance fax via system 10, the subscriber programs the SFM 28 by dialing a preset number of the POP 14 assigned to the subscriber. Accordingly, the system 10 routes the fax signal to the incoming fax number set by the subscriber via the VPN 18 with the best cost and time savings. An advantage of subscribing in system 10 is that subscribers can save money compared to direct faxing by long distance calls according to the cost savings. Features and advantages of the system 10 are described in more detail below.

The advantage of the dialing system 10 whenever the subscriber wants long distance fax transmission is that the subscriber presses the same number each time for transmission or simply presses a programmed speed dial button. As a result, there is no need to dial long distance indicators, country and region codes, and incoming fax numbers. Thus, possible dialing errors can be prevented.

For illustration purposes, a number of POPs 14 may be characterized and described for three functions that can be estimated depending on the correlation for a given facsimile transmission. In particular, terms are as follows. Forward POP (FPOP) receives a facsimile signal from SFM 28 for transmission through system 10; Intermediate POP (IPOP) acts as a repeater located on the facsimile transmission path. Incoming POP (DPOP) refers to the POP 14 finally located in the path before the facsimile signal is transmitted to the RFM 34. The term may be used as the POP 14 in the context of the description.

For example, the connection of the SFM 28 and the FPOP 14 is provided on a communication line 30 with an existing telephone line operating on the PSTN. Using this type of communication, the facsimile transmission to the FPOP 14 is usually sent as an analog signal, as in the conventional manner.

Typically, the predetermined number and location of the FPOP 14 are assigned to the subscriber by service subscription. The decision of which of the plurality of FPOPs 14 to connect to is made by the system 10 and based on the subscriber's geographic estimate. However, in many cases, especially in the initial deployment of system 10 on a global scale, the closest FPOP 14 may be able to receive long distance calls, resulting in subscribers being charged.

To alleviate this burden and reduce the cost for long-range facsimile transmissions, the subscriber can be assigned a call-back service number.

For example, with the SFM located geographically remote from the FPOP 14, transmission over the communication line 30 using conventional approaches may not save money. The call-back service connects directly to the best rate-saving FPOP 14 located on the system 10 for subscribers that are geographically separated. The subscriber hangs up after calling the call-back service by one ring signal. The call-back service calls the subscriber again by adopting a route that allows the best rate savings for the call. When the subscriber responds to the call, another type of input means (SFM 28) can be thought of as a means of establishing a facsimile signal in communication with the F system 10. For example, in a situation where the subscriber does not personally own the facsimile device, the subscriber may take or send the facsimile, such as a retail kiosk or similar arrangement.

This kiosk will electrically transfer the facsimile to the system 10. Such an electrical conveying apparatus may include scanning means for electrically scanning the facsimile signal and transmitting it to the calculation means, and thereafter converting the scanned signal into text digital form by a conversion technique such as optical character recognition (OCR). have.

Such scanning and OCR techniques are well known in the art and will not be described in further detail. Alternatively, the facility may easily include an SFM 28 device, and in this example, the SFM 28 should be faxed to the facility so that it can be remotely controlled by the user and the user can access the system 10. .

It is further intended that such devices may be useful in countries where SFM and / or DFM devices are not common or in less commercialized countries. Moreover, long distance facsimile services can be sold to the general public and licensed to a convenient facility in which the goodwill is a subscriber, without the user having to personally subscribe to the system 10.

Other devices in this condition may further provide facsimile reception services via RFM 34 located in the facility. In such a case, the user may provide the subscriber with the RFM 34 facsimile number to transmit to the user as a long distance facsimile. The user then searches for a fax that was recently paid.

Another means of delivering the facsimile to the system 10 includes replacing the SFM 28 with electronic transmission means such as e-mails or Internet devices. Under these conditions, the subscriber sends the system via email or electronically via facsimile. One advantage of such a device is that it is in digital format before the document is sent to the predetermined FPOP 14. Conventional PSTN facsimile transmissions are analog and publicly accessible and do not guarantee confidentiality, but digital transmissions have the advantage that they can be encrypted for confidentiality. As with the subscriber, the system 10 may provide cryptographic software including subscriber email software and an encryption key. When the digital transmission is received by the FPOP 14, the fax transmission is decrypted with a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key provided to the subscriber. Each subscriber has a single secret key that analogizes to the personal identification number (PIN) employed for the banking card.

Under other conditions, if a large institution, such as a bank, law firm or large company, where thousands of facsimile pages are sent at one location during business hours each day, it may be advantageous to install FPOP 14 “substantially” as a subscriber group. In this case, the communication line 30 connected to the FPOP 14 can be facilitated through a private branch exchange (PBX) system or simply an internal telephone line. The FPOP 14 facsimile is further connected with a facsimile server sent from a personal computer operating across a local area network (LAN). Placing the FPOP 14 in a business facility as a component locally connected to a PBX system or a LAN facsimile server system provides the added benefit of increasing facsimile confidentiality. This is because the facsimile is received by the system 10 without being communicated via a conventional PSTN that is not secret but publicly accessible. However, system 10 provides cryptographic security to subscribers in all paths from FPOP 14 to DPOP 14. The encryption method of the facsimile transmission will be described in more detail next. Moreover, when the POP 14 is located in a business facility, the POP further acts as a local DPOP where the facsimile transmission enters before selecting a path internally via the facsimile server or regional department or central service RFM 34. If the final transmission between the DPOP 14 and the RFM 34 is embedded in the business institution, facsimile security is improved.

2 illustrates hardware components associated with one POP 14 (FPOP, IPOP, DPOP) that make up the components of system 10. As shown in the figure, the POP 14 generally includes a pair of processing means 104 and 104 ', a pair of terminals 108 and 108', a pair of communication means 112 and 112 'and a pair of modem banks 116 and 116'. do. As shown in the figure, the POP 14 is designed as a fully redundant system replaced by a corresponding redundant component when one component fails. Preferably, the hardware component including the POP 14 may be "hot-swappable", meaning that the redundant component takes over instantaneously without having to reboot the entire POP. As in most processing systems, the weakest link is usually the power source. In general, this is due to the availability of only one independent power source. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, a conventional backup power unit (not shown) can be included as a component of the POP 14 to mitigate processing failures due to power interference. Although the hardware configuration shown represents a fully redundant system, it is not always necessary to provide such a fully redundant component. Moreover, the POP 14 can still be used even if all or several redundant components are excluded from the design.

The processing means 104, 104 ′ may be any suitable computer, but the inventors have found that the Alpha Mini ™ computer from Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) or Spark from Sun Microsystems Corporation is a trademark. ; SPARC) It was determined that arithmetic means using a UNIX operating system such as a computer is preferable. As will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, the monitor 108, 108 'may be any suitable display means connected to and operable with the processing means 104,104'.

Referring to POP 14 communication, communication means 112, 112 'preferably include a suitable router, such as Model # 2501, manufactured by Cisco systems. Communication means 112, 112 'are used to communicate digital data, including associated data and facsimile, via VPN 18 to IPOP 14 and DPOP 14. In general, the path selector is used when communicating with the packet transmission network. Moreover, communication between POP 14 and RADB 22 is achieved via path selectors 112, 112 'and dedicated connections.

Preferably, the communication means 112, 112 'are configured to support a wide range of communication selection modes available for communication with the VPN 18. In fact, if more communication modes are supported by the communication means 112, 112 ', then the RADB 22 will have more available when optimizing the facsimile path selection for the most expensive and efficient path selection and / or immediately available path selection. Has options. For example, the available communication path selection types may include conventional PSTN, dedicated PSTN lines, ISDN lines, dedicated T1 or T3 lines, satellite communications, and the like.

Each of the modem banks 116, 116 'includes a number of modems and is sized to regulate the number of PSTN communication lines 30, 38 (telephone lines) required by the POP 14. The preferred device of the present invention is for modem banks 116, 116 'with a modem card such as model number TR114 manufactured by Brook trout. The inventors have determined that the average size of POP 14 requires an attachment of approximately 100 communication lines 30,38. This number of lines is sufficient for the SFM 26 and the RFM 34 to substantially exclude subscriber access opportunities that are experiencing busy signals or system delays. However, complex requirements depend on population, service performance or popularity and geographical location. Therefore, the sizing of the communication lines 30 and 38 must be determined based on the load requirements experienced by each POP 14 individually.

Initially, the configuration of FIG. 2 is appropriate for the POP 14 hardware configuration useful for initial configuration and deployment of system 10, and the described configuration is also intended to be very intensive. Therefore, since it is appropriate to assume that system 10 deployment can easily require 100,000 + POP 14 devices on a global scale, POP 14 is generally a single integrated device constructed to ensure rigorous environmental conditions. Is designed as. It is further intended that the distributed (thin) POP 14 structure can be employed to cover a wider area of consumption. For example, the modem banks 116, 116 ′ may be located at long distances of the processing means 104, 104 ′ and may communicate over dedicated connections. This condition may be where the POP 14 closest to the subscriber base is located in another area code requiring the subscriber base and where the long distance call to access the POP 14 is located. In this case, the modem banks 116 and 116 'may be located in the subscriber base area code to exclude the location condition of the long distance call to access the system 10.

Select path / authorize database

RADB 22 is a processing means that provides both routing and authorization of facsimile traffic that intersects with system 10. In this embodiment one RADB 22 is provided for communicating with each of the plurality of POPs 14 in the system. However, it is anticipated that the RADB 22 network can be installed to adjust the increased path selection and scheduling conditions through the expansion of the system 10 to the Pack Psychological Network worldwide. Under these conditions, the correct number of POPs 14 communicate directly with one RADB 22 that has been previously assigned. Given that the RADB 22 given in the current configuration shown in FIG. 1 can be configured as a fully redundant system that is smaller than the fully redundant system described for the POP 14 in order to prevent any system failure if any function fails. More intended. The method of scheduling and arbitration of the facsimile will be described in more detail below.

Other devices of the RADB 22 can separate traffic coordination conditions into a communication hub and secure the function of the RADB 22 as a function of route selection and scheduling.

Billing and Finance Database

The billing and financial database 24 is the processing means which mainly coordinates the business management of the system 10. For example, the facsimile path selection policy purpose, path selection ratio information, service policy purpose, consumer billing, subscriber contract, and management POP 14 management functions are managed by the BFDB 24. As an example of the functionality of the BFDB, Appendix A describes a number of data entities and their relationships, and a number of data entities may be included in the BFDB 24. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention does not in any way limit the data entities indicated in Appendix A as the entities may be additive by the available resource management structure of the system 10. Appendix B is a term that describes the functionality of each of the data entities that are illustrated schematically in Appendix A.

Signal transmission means

One condition of the subscriber use system 10 is that each fax transmitted carries signaling means. The signaling means displays a number of pieces of information on the system 10 for use by the system and includes a facsimile number of the DFM 34; Transmission options; Authorization code; And administrative information such as subscriber identification numbers, destination lists and / or prospective facsimile documents.

With respect to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the signaling means is in the form of a key page 200 as shown in FIG. 3A or alternatively in FIG. 3B. In use, the key edge 200 is attached to the facsimile as a leading page located in front of a conventional cover page. As shown in the figure, keypage 200 includes a number of data boxes, in which the subscriber puts in a number of data as indicated above. In particular, the key page 200 may include a dialing numeric data box 204, an authorization code data box 208, a time limit data box 212, and optionally a known destination list data box, and a known document data box (not shown). Not included). Also included in the key page 200 is at least one registration means arranged in a predetermined manner in the center of the upper side and the lower side of the key page 200. At least one registration means 202 is preferably in the form of a graph icon, which is shown in small visual form in the case of FIG. The registration means 202 is used to alert the system 10 so that the facsimile is just received and the SFM 28 indicates the direction of the key page. The orientation of keypage 200 is of significant importance when the system 10 needs some means of indicating how the data is read by the FPOP 14. For example, if the subscriber inserts the keypage 200 backwards into the SFM 28, the FPOP 14 needs to inform the keypage data contained in the multiple data boxes to be read backwards and converted retrospectively for interpretation. .

Keypage 200 also includes subscriber identification means 210, which is a barcode as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Subscriber identification means 210 is used to verify data with the system 10 indicating the justification of the subscriber using the keypage 200. For example, the keypage 200 may include data representing a timeout limit on the keypage. If the system 10 detects that the key page 200 has expired, the fax will not be authorized to transmit. The data contained in subscriber identifier 210 as a security feature is compared with authorization code 208 to determine the justification of the subscriber who wishes to use system 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of data boxes is similar in shape to a grid and sized to be writable in length of data required per data item. For example, a dialing numeric data box 204 containing data representing destination site facsimile numbers is sized to accommodate up to 24 numbers that the subscriber can accommodate long distance numbers including country code, area code and actual site number. Is made with. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, the dialing numeric data box 204 is formatted as a grid of 24 columns (width) x 14 columns (height). As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, a ten-row height is a size that can accommodate # and * characters, '·' characters, and 'cancel' characters, in addition to the numbers 0 through 9.

Similarly, if the authorization code is a number, the authorization code box 208 has a variable number of columns of similar size or width to 10 columns high, depending on the proper length of the appropriate authorization code.

A timed data box 212 is provided to indicate the imminent time considerations of the fax to which the subscriber is sent. It is expected that a simple scale of 1 to 5, where the data box is represented by a 5 row by 1 column matrix, is used. The subscriber may indicate up to 5 or 1 on a gradual scale if very urgent, indicating to the system 10 that the facsimile is not urgent and, for example, a two day delivery time is possible. The timed data box 212 is generally important in that the fees paid by the subscribers for transmitting their facsimile by the system 10 are determined in accordance with some time urgency. Moreover, the description of the time limit causes the system 10 to withdraw from real-time facsimile transmission, which inevitably mitigates critical scheduling considerations at peak operating times.

The advantage of using the keypage 200 of FIG. 3A is that the subscriber simply writes the data necessary for the system 10 by shading the box corresponding to the correct alpha numeric data. This method is similar to the bubble card technology developed by IBM, but this method provides a means of delivering data to the system 10 so that the subscriber can read it easily and the system 10 can read it correctly. . Bubble card format offers the advantage of allowing users to quickly and easily enter the information needed for key pages without the special data format knowledge previously required for many methods such as conventional barcode technology.

Another keypage 200 embodiment is shown in FIG. 3B. In this case, the dialing numeric data box 204 is designed similar to the numeric dialing pad of a conventional telephone. This may be included as an additional feature that appeals to consumers who are not comfortable with conventional bubble data writing use. To write dialing data in the configuration of FIG. 3B, the subscriber simply strikes the marking instrument through the white rectangle in the middle of a predetermined number.

It is also contemplated that the keypages will be translated into digital documents in the same way as conventional predefined cover page libraries and / or address databases in the form of digital documents that fill in the margins or are coupled to facsimile software in conventional word processor programs. For example, the popular Delrina Winfax ^™ software program may include another, whereby when selecting a fax recipient from the integrated phone book feauture, the software automatically selects the appropriate keypage to be placed in front of the cover page of the fax. Make it. Standard subscriber data, as already described for paragraphs 204-220, are automatically sent to the keypage before each transmission in the input data from the setup window or configuration options similar to those already used to set the station ID.

In contrast, when using a software package such as facsimile software, the physical representation of the keypage 200 need not be generated. A dialog box is used to allow the subscriber to enter keypage data, which is automatically converted into a DTMF signal or forwarded to the facsimile as a T29 binary object of the data packet.

Although the key page 202 is preferred as a means of the signaling system 10 for incoming facsimile transmissions, there are a number of other signaling means that can be used with the same success. In particular, in one embodiment, touch-tone signaling may be used using conventional Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) and T.30 / T.130 standards. In this embodiment, the subscriber is expected to physically enter the keypage data by inputting the required data by a telephone keypad similar to conventional telephone mail type signaling.

Another signaling means that can be used with the same success is that of digital identification which provides a second level of security. In digital identification, such as direct inward dialing (DID), a subscriber group is assigned to the number block being dialed, which in turn is assigned to an individual in the group. Therefore, each member of the subscriber group has its own unique number and dials the FPOP 14 with this number. When combined with each subscriber authorization code, a second level of security is provided for unauthorized use of the system. For example, if an unauthorized person obtains a keypage 200 that has already been completed to include an authorization code by the subscriber, it is possible to use the subscriber's authorization code and two keypages 200. In this case, unauthorized use of the system would allow the bill to be sent to the subscriber for a fax that the subscriber does not transmit. However, by using the DID configuration, an unauthorized user requests FPOP 14 by dialing the assigned DID number or the system 10 does not accept the fax.

Other forms of signaling include handwritten signaling, typed keypage signaling, and verbal signaling, in which the subscriber receives data By hand, the POP 14 is provided with software for checking the handwritten text and converting it into digital data, and in typed keypage signaling, the subscriber can type in the data needed for the keypage 200 or Word processing, and the POP 14 then uses OCR or optical character recognition to convert the keypage data into digital data, and in verbal signaling, the subscriber tells the POP 14 the necessary information and voice recognition software Used to convert to digital format.

More complex signaling means may include a digital medium, where the subscriber completes the key page online by the personal computer when a modem connection with the POP 14 is established. Alternatively, the interactive signaling means may be used to complete an Internet web page or e-mail form that is sent to the POP 14 upon completion of the key page. The facsimile page can be sent attached to the key page in digital format.

As already indicated, each POP 14 is responsible for receiving the fax sent by the subscriber using the SFM 28 and sending the fax to the DFM 34. As shown in FIG. 2, each POP 14 function is not limited to receiving and sending faxes.

A method of transmitting a long distance facsimile according to the presently described embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in FIG. 4, a method of transmitting a long distance fax to a subscriber is generally indicated by reference numeral 300. However, this method assumes that the user subscribes to the service and subscribes to a contract agreement with the system 10 provider. Upon joining the system 10, subscribers have a number of options available to the subscriber, which includes selecting appropriate order billing, and customizing keypage options depending on the nature of the organization. Details of these options are described in more detail later.

The functional responsibilities of RADB 22 and BFDB 24 with respect to data flow through system 10 are illustrated in FIG. 4. As shown in the figure, the RADB 22 generally governs the routing of all facsimile transmissions between the FPOP 14 and / or the DPOP 14. When any one of the plurality of POPs 14 acts as an FPOP, a direction path selection and authorization communication is formed between the FPOP 14 and the path selection function between the RADB 22 as indicated by the head arrow among them. The path selection function of the RADB 22 is optimized in speed as shown in the figure, and the path selection between FPOP, IPOP and DPOP is determined by this path selection function. Moreover, the path selection function of the RADB 22 receives the path selection policy instruction from the BFDB 24. The path selection policy function of the BFDB 24 is determined by a set of rules based on optimized and available resources for analysis, available path selection, time of day and cost considerations. When the path selection policy is changed, the path selection function of the RADB 22 is adjusted accordingly. RADB 22 also sends detailed incoming calls for the database records generated for each facsimile transmission based on subscriber acknowledgment and acknowledgment and detailed record components of incoming calls for BFDB 24. These records in turn communicate with billing / service policy objectives. The billing / service policy objectives of the BFDB 24 are policy objectives that identify the underlying rule structure to determine billing procedures and / or ordering options subscriber entitlement codes and ordered subscriber safety features, if requested by the subscriber. The feedback mechanism is also included as a service component of the BFDB 24 and provides feedback to the service policy component. This allows the service policy to be adjusted so that the feedback better understands the needs of the account and / or subscriber. Although the path selection policy goal is determined by the expert system, the billing / service policy goal is a real manual method but nevertheless an interface is provided to adjust the service policy goal of the system 10 for improved performance.

PROCESS

A method of transmitting a long distance facsimile from a subscriber to a destination by the usage system 10 is described with reference to FIG. 5 and is generally indicated at 300. The first step in facsimile transmission by the system 10 is that the subscriber prepares the keypage 200 by completing the required data fields (block 304) as already described. The subscriber then locates the keypage 200 as the first page of the fax and inserts the document into the SFM 28 (block 308). In block 312 the subscriber then calls the system 10 by the assigned FPOP 14. The assignment of FPOP 14 to a particular subscriber depends on a number of factors. These factors include geographic relationships and / or long distance cost considerations as already described. Furthermore, in some cases when subscribers want to use the system 10 but are not located in the middle of an assigned FPOP 14, they call the information line providing the fax number of the FPOP 14 closest to them. Can hang.

At block 316, FPOP 14 responds to an incoming subscriber call and receives a fax to the system. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, when a facsimile is received at the FPOP 14, the facsimile is converted into a digital data stream from a conventional used analog facsimile protocol. The FPOP 14 recognizes the key page 200 as the first page of the fax by checking the registration means 202 (block 317). If the keypage is not verified, the FPOP 14 stops transmitting and / or sends an error report back to the subscriber SFM 26 if the subscriber facsimile number can be determined from the telephone connection (block 318). If the keypage has been verified, the method moves to block 320 where the FPOP 14 separates the keypage 200 from the facsimile. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the identification means is used to recognize the separated keypage 200 as a corresponding facsimile. At block 324, FPOP 14 assembles the data from keypage 200 into keypage packets. The association of the contents of the keypage packet with the system 10 will be described in detail below. As indicated by block 328, the FPOP 14 then moves this package to the ready queue for transmission to the RADB 22. The keypage packet is then sent to the RADB 22 at a predetermined interval for authorization (block 332).

The RADB 22 then receives the keypage packet. If authorization is accepted (block 340), the RADB 22 proceeds to prepare for facsimile routing (block 344). The route selection information is sent back to the FPOP 14 (block 348) with authorization at predetermined time intervals. If the grant is denied at block 340, the method moves to block 352 where a disapproval message is sent back to FPOP 14. The bitmap image of keypage 200 is then stored to be stored at block 356 and the copy image is sent to a queue for transmission to RADB 22 (block 357). Bitmap images in the queue are sent to RADB 22 and then to BFDB 24 at predetermined time intervals for recording and review purposes (blocks 359 and 359a).

Once the authorization message is returned to the FPOP 14 (block 358) in the process of blocks 348, 352, the FPOOP 14 SMS subscriber transmission (block 360 confirms and rejects the status message via fax). To the DFM 34 (formerly SFM 28), then the FPOP 14 compresses, encrypts and stores the facsimile (blocks 364, 368, 372) in preparation for transmission to the DFM 34. The compressed and encrypted fax enters the transmission queue at a predetermined time (block 374) by means of the urgent suppressor indicated in time by the suppression data block 212 of 200. In preparation for transmission, the fax then blocks Packetized at 378 and then transmitted via the UPN 18 (block 382) from the RADB 22 via the determined path selection, the communication mode employed by the UPN 18 at block 344. Determined by the path selection optimization performed by the RADB 22. These instructions are used to select paths. Attached to the kitted facsimile transmission, at block 386, the packetized facsimile transmission is received at IPOP 14 or DPOP 14. The transmitted facsimile has been received at DPOP 14 (block 390). If so, the facsimile waits to trim to send to DFM 34 (block 392.) Once the trimming message is received, the facsimile is then decrypted (block 394) and decompressed (block ( 398) and finally from DPOP 14 to DFM 34 (block 402).

DPOP 14 then confirms the facsimile transmission completion to BFDB 24 (block 404) and reports FPOP 14 at block 408. The FPOP 14 then sends a confirmation of the success or failure of the facsimile transmission to the subscriber via the DFM 34 (formerly SFM 28) (block 412), at which point the facsimile transmission is complete and the process is blocked (block 416). Ends in)

If a facsimile is received at the IPOP 14 at block 386, the decision at block 390 continues through the VPN 18 at the path selection where the facsimile transmission was determined by the RADB 22 (block 420). And the process moves back to block 386 until the DPOP 14 hits.

As shown at block 356, the FPOP 14 keypage 200 is stored and maintained in fixed storage as a bitmap image. There are two main purposes of converting keypages to BitMac images. First, the bitmap image of the keypage can be used to examine the purpose of the subscriber's confirmation of what has been sent through the system 10. Secondly, the bitmap image can be used for internal diagnostics checking to determine whether the FPOP 14 sends or delivers a facsimile for each instruction of the RADB 22.

As described above in connection with the processing shown in FIG. 5A, the events that occur at blocks 328 and 357 are situations in which packet data is queued before being sent to RADB 22. The basic reason for the queue is due to the fact that, given the global scale, hundreds of thousands of transactions can occur simultaneously. In addition, the system 10 has a central processing structure in which only one RADB 22 unit and one BFDB 24 unit serve a plurality of POPs 14. The present invention demonstrates that preferred communication methods include polling techniques. Thus, the RADB 22 polls each of the plurality of POPs 14 at predetermined time intervals. The connection time between the POP 14 and the RADB 22 occurs during discrete time intervals when a particular POP 14 is polled.

We have conceptualized this controlled polling as "heartbeat." A typical heartbeat occurs every four minutes. When the RADB 22 sends a heartbeat to a particular POP address, the FPOP 14 responds with a send request. Upon confirmation of the send request, the FPOP 14 sends the keypage packet queued at block 328 of FIG. The RADB 22 then processes these keypages to determine permission and dispatch as in blocks 336-352. Depending on the available system resources and the degree of congestion on the network, there may not be enough time for the RADB 22 to process the keypage request and return upon confirmation and screening. Thus, the FPOP 14 must wait until subsequent hert bits receive confirmation and dispatch. During the time interval that the FPOP 14 is connected to the RADB 22 and while waiting for confirmation and dispatch, the FPOP 14 further transmits the queued keypage 200 bitmap image in block 358 of FIG. Can be. This time interval can also be used to transmit diagnostic data to determine system integration.

There are five possible transfer modes that can be included for successful data transfer between the RADB 22 and the FPOP 14. The use of each mode is primarily determined by the size of the network, as determined by the number of FPOPs 14 connected to the RADB or the data congestion sent to the system 10.

The first mode of communication is a real time mode in which the FPOP 14 uses a disturbance signal to the RADB 22. In this case, the RADB 22 responds to the disturbing signal by opening a communication line at the request of the EPOP. This situation is also useful for small networks, but each of the plurality of FPOPs 14 controls the connection to the RADB 22.

The second data transmission mode is that acknowledgment and selection occurs on the heartbeat sent by the RADB 22. This mode includes the FPOP 14 sending key page packets and receiving confirmation and screening instructions before the discrete time interval has passed. This is the preferred mode when each of the multiple FPOPs 14 is not required to wait more than a successful heartbeat.

When using the third communication mode, the first bit time key page is sent to the RADB 22 and confirmation is returned, but there may not be enough time to complete the sorting instruction before the discontinuous time interval has passed. Therefore, the completion of the selection instruction is returned in the second bit communication with the FPOP.

The fourth communication mode is that the RADB 22 is sent from the confirmation RADB 22 to the EPOP 14 at the first bit and the selection instruction is returned at the second bit.

In the fifth communication mode, the key page packet is transmitted from the RADB 22 to the FPOP 14 together with the diagnosis and the arbitrary bitmap image transmission and the confirmation selection is returned at the second bit initiated by the RADB 22. This mode of communication is useful at high rates of time due to processing requirements located on the RADB 22 when connecting to POPs 14 in large networks.

The sixth communication mode is that the POP 14 must wait for a third or subsequent heartbeat from the RADB 22 before confirmation is returned.

Upon separation of the keypage 200 from the facsimile at block 320 as described above with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C, the POP 14 assembles a keypage packet. Preferably, the keypage packet includes request data extracted and interpreted from the data box included in the keypage 200. By using this approach, the packet size can be reduced to reduce the extra data required to play the keypage 200 in its full form. In addition, the key page 200 is converted into a bitmap image as a whole at block 356 for auditing purposes. Such a bitmap image can be easily transmitted in real time by the RADB 22 and the FPOP 14 depending on the data transmission congestion rate, thereby reducing or mitigating processing requirements on the RADB 22 during peak periods of congestion.

Typically a keypage packet contains the following data items: POP confirmation; Time stamp; Request to send; Time priority; User confirmation; Checking documents; Final destination; And description. More or fewer data items may be included depending on the nature of the facsimile transmission. However, it is desirable that all data required for RADB 22 to handle a given grant and path selection be included in one packet to process the process. It is also desirable that keypage packets be transmitted at the highest level between the FPOP 14 and the RADB 22 in connection with diagnostic data transmission and bitmap image transmission.

RADB 22 returns an acknowledgment for a particular facsimile transmission with data representing one of four possible states. Specifically, a clear signal indicates that the POP 14 is allowed to transmit the identified facsimile along the upcoming path selection path. An unclean signal indicates that a particular facsimile transmission has not been approved for path selection, indicating that the FPOP 14 will hold the facsimile. When the RADB 22 does not have enough time to complete the authorization request, a third unknown condition may occur, instructing the POP 14 to wait for further instructions.

Finally, a fourth acknowledgment occurs when the RADB 22 returns a data indication indicating that the FPOP 14 is free to use during the confirmed fax transmission. In this situation, the POP 14 is required to make its own decision about authorizing the transmission and routing of the fax. This situation arises when operating in default mode where path selection is determined using the final DPOP 14 path selection lookup table.

As described above with respect to FIG. 5, the facsimile is finally sent from the DPOP 14 to the DFM 34 at block 402. Several cases during this phase can occur when attempting a facsimile transmission to the DFM 34. The facsimile file transmitted when the DPOP 14 is successful in transferring to the DFM 34 is deleted from the memory of the DPOP 14. If there is a problem with the transmission, the DP0P 14 can retry a fixed number of times to successfully attempt a successful transmission. However, there may be a situation where a fax signal is not detected and the DPOP 14 makes a number of tones or is not detected as a fax line. Under this case retries can be made to attempt successful transmission. The decision regarding the number of consecutive retries depends in particular on any local rules or rules governing the location and retries of the DPOP. For example, a rule in some countries may limit the number of retries because the owner of the non-fax line may encounter many annoying retries when a non-fax line is detected. This makes complaining inevitable and creates negative public reactions. Thus, each DPOP 14 is programmed with a basic set of instructions adapted to local control rules and rules regarding long distance communication.

If the DPOP 14 fails to successfully send the facsimile to the DFM 34, the acknowledgment to the FPOP 14 and the RADB 22 will be a failure status signal. A notification to the subscriber upon notification of failure by the POP 14 is sent at block 412. The failure status report may include an indication of the customer's options or the type of failure, such as an indication of a busy signal or non-fax line.

The system 10 further comprises error detection means, in the case of one of a number of possible failures for components connected to the system. In the event of a heartbeat failure from the RADB 22, a number of POPs 14 may switch the default mode in which route selection does not automatically transition to the outgoing service via the VPN 18. In general, the heartbeat failure indicates that the RADB 22 went offline indicating potentially the last failure of the system 10. Thus, a second possible solution for preventing this type of failure includes a second sufficiently many RADB 22 system of the same kind as described with respect to POP 14. The advantage of maintaining a sufficiently full system configuration is that the second machine can act as an active boot server that can be used to automatically diagnose and reboot failed components. This also ensures that the system 10 fails only if both machines are down at the same time or in turn. The system 10 is preferably configured to be able to go back online in the event of a failure without a person touching.

The system 10 also includes a diagnostic and remote service system that enables the maintenance of multiple POPs 14 at remote locations. For example, system 10 is preferably configured such that one of the plurality of POPs can be automatically rebooted remotely from a remote location. The diagnostic system also works to verify the status of the device at any given time and to verify the status of the software. It is desirable for the remote control system to remotely initialize the device if software exchange fixation and / or updates can be made from the remote console and one of the many systems fails to go online in the event of another failure.

The facsimile transmission network of the present invention uses in-band and out-band signaling method modes. Specifically, in-band signaling is used in connection with the facsimile protocol between the FPOP 14 and between the DPOP 14 and the RFM 34 in the SFM 28. Out-of-band communication may be used within the network to allow the system to operate outside of real time in accordance with the time constraints associated with a particular facsimile passing through system 10. The out-of-band signaling and associated time constraints of each facsimile allow for the scheduling and routing of the facsimile variable to the demands imposed on the processing power of the system 10 at a given time.

In addition, the facsimile transmission system of the present invention operates the centralized system where the RADB 22 and the BFBD 24 are located at the center of the system to control the operation of a plurality of POPs 14 attached thereto. This type of system is desirable in that multiple POPs are connected to maintain schedule integrity.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the presently preferred embodiments, it will be apparent that many modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Appendix A

Appendix B

Information

Fill out the fax group

Explanation

List of fax groups for the bill The fax group is a set of predefined fax numbers for sending faxes

Fill out the bill

Explanation

Contains a list of bills per customer. Customers can have multiple bills. Each statement belongs to a part

Write address type master

Explanation

List of possible address types (eg, home office shipment, reception, etc.)

Write a comment comment master

Explanation

Contains a list of predefined comments that can be automatically inserted by the system. Comments are referenced by their IDs and inserted into the trial path table. The challenge comment master table contains the communication of the ID and the verbal content of the comment.

Write path

Explanation

Stores information about attempted route at each distribution attempt. Each trial path is a series of links

Billing

Explanation

Contains address and telephone / fax / e-mail information from the invoiced entry for services provided to the customer

Enter customer address

Explanation

Customer Address List. Customers can have different addresses

Customer Contract

Explanation

Contains information about the details of the contract with the customer

Customer Part Entry

Explanation

Sublist in Customer's Organizational Structure

Fill out customer email

Explanation

Customer email address list

Customer List

Explanation

Include a list for each customer. Each customer can have an unlimited number of rosters.

Customer phone call

Explanation

Each customer includes a phone / fax number

Customer input

Explanation

Main record for the customer. Multiple sets of information about customers are created from independent tables related to these "primary" tables

Custom Master Entry

Explanation

Customer Form List. Each customer is assigned one form.

Distribution

Explanation

Contains information about the distribution for key jobs. In case of faxing, your ship may be present for the whole key job.

Distribution attempt

Explanation

Distribution Attempts List for Distribution If there is a failure, there may be your distribution for the distribution.

Discount policy

Explanation

The discount policy includes provisions that specify discount values based on other variables (reference values).

Enter DPOP fax number

Explanation

Contains a list of fax numbers (country code, area code, part of a fax number) and associates them with the incoming POP. There may be multiple incoming POPs for a fax number.

DPOP priority type writing

Explanation

Contains a list of predefined incoming POP priorities. This information plays a role in selecting the appropriate incoming POP for a given fax number if there are multiple optional incoming POPs.

Email type master entry

Explanation

List of possible email types. Each email address has one form (home, business, accounting department, etc.).

Error master entry

Explanation

This table contains error codes (IDs) and audio descriptions of the errors. The table that stores the errors that occurred during operation inserts only a predetermined error code into this table.

Fill in fax group number

Explanation

Restrict fax numbers (including country and region codes) to fax groups.

Key Job Entry

Explanation

A table containing information about key jobs is the event on the key page.

Language Master Entry

Explanation

Contains a list of languages handled by the system.

Link cost entry

Explanation

Include cost structure per link based on date, time, etc.

Fill out the link

Explanation

This is a master table that restricts links with a combination of FromPOP and TOPOP. The same link can be used for different transmission paths.

Telephone line cost entry

Explanation

Includes a structure of telephone line cost per POP based on telephone line number, date, and time.

Phone master entry

Explanation

List for potential phone / fax (eg home, office, car, mainfax, accounting fax, etc.)

Presence address entry

Explanation

Contains information about the POP address

POP Master Entry

Explanation

The POP master table is the central table of the POP specification. Other forms of POP exist in other tables related to this master table.

Enter local master

Explanation

The phone defines the country, area code, and area of the phone book. The account belongs to an area.

Area rate entry

Explanation

Include information about the local cost structure.

Transmission path link writing

Explanation

Include information about the local cost structure.

Transmission path link writing

Explanation

List of links in a certain path (POP 1 to POP 2) This list defines the selection path.

Enter transmission path master

Explanation

Contains information about the transmission path. This is the central table that collects the standards for the transmission path. The transmission path consists of transmission path links. There can be several different transmission paths between the same sending and receiving POPs.

Transmission Path Priority Entry

Explanation

Contains a list of transmission path priorities assigned to the transmission paths. This preferential type plays an important role in the selection of the appropriate transmission path among several variants.

Claims (20)

In a computer implemented environment, a subscriber transport network for facsimile transmission that provides subscribers with added value and / or low terminal facsimile transmission, Multiple present points; Virtual private network; Path selection and authority processing means; Billing and financial processing means; A plurality of transmit facsimile devices and a plurality of receive facsimile devices are accessible to any one of the plurality of present points, and a user transmits the facsimile using signaling means to the present point through the transmit facsimile device; The current point interprets the data in the signaling means to send the data to the path selection and authorization processing means, and the path selection and authorization database authorizes and routes the facsimile to request billing and financial processing means. And route selection of the facsimile to the receiving facsimile device via the virtual personal network if the path selection and authority have been received. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the billing and financial processing means records data relating to facsimile transmission to bill the subscriber. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the current point comprises decrypting means for decrypting the facsimile before reaching the destination and encrypting means for encrypting the facsimile prior to path selection. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the current point comprises compression means for compressing the facsimile for transmission to a destination. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the facsimile transmission to the destination is confirmed by the subscriber by a status report sent to the facsimile device. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for multicasing fax transmissions, wherein the subscriber can transmit one fax to multiple known receiving fax machines. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a broadcast means, wherein a subscriber is allowed to transmit the fax from the transmitting fax machine to a plurality of unknown receiving fax machines via the system. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of customer order billing and reporting selections selectable by the subscriber for verification of the fax transmitted over the system in accordance with a predetermined time point. Further comprising a station for personal service, wherein a subscriber transmits the facsimile to the system and a subscriber's receiver is capable of receiving the facsimile from a preselected source unlike the subscriber's receive facsimile device. System characterized. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising settlement means, wherein the subscriber can verify the fax transmitted to the system via a transmission fax machine for the fax transmitted by the system. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a key page is used to identify subscriber and received data for the system. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the data contained on the keypage is in a format readable by the subscriber and the system. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the data contained on the keypage is in alphanumeric format and is in the form of a number of boxes located at predefined locations and the subscriber can read by the system by shading the appropriate boxes. And write data. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the virtual private network includes a communication connection to a call-back service. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the virtual private network includes a communication connection for facsimile transmission over an internet connection. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the virtual private network comprises a public switched telephone network (PSTN) connection for facsimile transmission. The system of claim 1, wherein the virtual private network comprises at least one Integrated Information Services Network (ISDN) for facsimile transmission. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said route selection and authorization processing means optimizes route selection based on a least cost route selection. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said path selection and authorization processing means optimizes path selection for facsimile transmission relative to distribution speed. In a computer implemented environment, a method for transmitting data representing a facsimile at a low cost to a subscriber via a data transmission network, Iii) the subscriber transmitting the fax to signaling means at least one of the plurality of present points; Ii) processing the signaling means by at least one current point to transmit the processed signaling means to a path selection and authority processing means; Iii) the path selection and authorization processing means authorizing and facilitating the facsimile; Iii) returning the facsimile path selection and authority to at least one current point; Iii) routing the facsimile to a destination via a virtual private network at least one current point.