WO2001060050A1 - Procede et systeme de communication bidirectionnelle telecopie-courrier electronique, et procede et systeme de souscription de nouveaux abonnes - Google Patents

Procede et systeme de communication bidirectionnelle telecopie-courrier electronique, et procede et systeme de souscription de nouveaux abonnes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001060050A1
WO2001060050A1 PCT/AU2001/000133 AU0100133W WO0160050A1 WO 2001060050 A1 WO2001060050 A1 WO 2001060050A1 AU 0100133 W AU0100133 W AU 0100133W WO 0160050 A1 WO0160050 A1 WO 0160050A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
message
facsimile
email
cover page
user
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2001/000133
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alex Koszo
Original Assignee
E.Com Global Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AUPQ5623A external-priority patent/AUPQ562300A0/en
Application filed by E.Com Global Limited filed Critical E.Com Global Limited
Priority to AU31437/01A priority Critical patent/AU3143701A/en
Publication of WO2001060050A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001060050A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N1/32358—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device using picture signal storage, e.g. at transmitter
    • H04N1/324—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device using picture signal storage, e.g. at transmitter intermediate the transmitter and receiver terminals, e.g. at an exchange
    • H04N1/32406—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device using picture signal storage, e.g. at transmitter intermediate the transmitter and receiver terminals, e.g. at an exchange in connection with routing or relaying, e.g. using a fax-server or a store-and-forward facility
    • H04N1/32411—Handling instructions for routing or relaying
    • H04N1/32416—Storage of instructions or retrieval of prestored instructions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
    • H04L51/06—Message adaptation to terminal or network requirements
    • H04L51/066—Format adaptation, e.g. format conversion or compression
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
    • H04N1/00209—Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00326—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a data reading, recognizing or recording apparatus, e.g. with a bar-code apparatus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
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    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00326—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a data reading, recognizing or recording apparatus, e.g. with a bar-code apparatus
    • H04N1/00328—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a data reading, recognizing or recording apparatus, e.g. with a bar-code apparatus with an apparatus processing optically-read information
    • H04N1/00331—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a data reading, recognizing or recording apparatus, e.g. with a bar-code apparatus with an apparatus processing optically-read information with an apparatus performing optical character recognition
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04N1/00326—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a data reading, recognizing or recording apparatus, e.g. with a bar-code apparatus
    • H04N1/00328—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a data reading, recognizing or recording apparatus, e.g. with a bar-code apparatus with an apparatus processing optically-read information
    • H04N1/00334—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a data reading, recognizing or recording apparatus, e.g. with a bar-code apparatus with an apparatus processing optically-read information with an apparatus processing barcodes or the like
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
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    • H04N1/00962—Input arrangements for operating instructions or parameters, e.g. updating internal software
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
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    • H04N1/00962—Input arrangements for operating instructions or parameters, e.g. updating internal software
    • H04N1/00973—Input arrangements for operating instructions or parameters, e.g. updating internal software from a remote device, e.g. receiving via the internet instructions input to a computer terminal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
    • H04L51/48—Message addressing, e.g. address format or anonymous messages, aliases
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N1/32101—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N1/32106—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title separate from the image data, e.g. in a different computer file
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0008—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
    • H04N2201/0015—Control of image communication with the connected apparatus, e.g. signalling capability
    • H04N2201/0024—Converting image communication control signals, e.g. group 3 facsimile protocol signals, to non-image communication control signals or vice versa
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0008—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
    • H04N2201/0065—Converting image data to a format usable by the connected apparatus or vice versa
    • H04N2201/0067—Converting to still picture data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0008—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
    • H04N2201/0065—Converting image data to a format usable by the connected apparatus or vice versa
    • H04N2201/0068—Converting from still picture data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
    • H04N2201/0086—Image transceiver
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
    • H04N2201/0093—Facsimile machine
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3204—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a user, sender, addressee, machine or electronic recording medium
    • H04N2201/3207—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a user, sender, addressee, machine or electronic recording medium of an address
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3204—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a user, sender, addressee, machine or electronic recording medium
    • H04N2201/3207—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a user, sender, addressee, machine or electronic recording medium of an address
    • H04N2201/3208—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a user, sender, addressee, machine or electronic recording medium of an address of an e-mail or network address
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
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    • H04N2201/3271—Printing or stamping
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3278—Transmission

Definitions

  • the present invention is broadly concerned with a method and system enabling persons without Internet access to send and receive messages via the Internet and, more specifically with Internet-based communication by means of a conventional facsimile apparatus.
  • a method for transferring messages between email addresses and facsimile machines including the steps of: allocating, by said service provider, an email address to one or more facsimile subscribers and recording said subscribers' facsimile machine telephone numbers; providing, by said service provider, each of said facsimile subscribers with one or more facsimile message headers, including a representative code in a machine-readable format; upon receiving a facsimile message including a header from a subscriber, by said service provider, retrieving one or more email addresses represented by said code and converting the message to a i electronic file format and electronically mailing the converted message to said one )r more retrieved email addresses; upon detecting an incoming email message to any of said email addresses allocated to a facsimile subscriber, by said service provider, extracting a return email address from said incoming email message and generating a facsimile message header including a code representative of said return email address in a machine-readable format and
  • a system for transferring messages between email addresses and facsimile machines including: means for detecting incoming email messages to subscriber allocated email addresses; means for producing a header associated with an incoming message, said header including a machine-readable code representative of the email address at which said incoming message originated; a database associating said subscriber allocated email addresses with subscriber information; means for transmitting said header and said message to a facsimile machine of a subscriber; means for receiving facsimile messages from subscribers, said facsimile messages including a header, wherein said header includes a machine-readable code representative of one or more email addresses; and means for converting a received facsimile message to an electronic format for electronically mailing to one or more email addresses.
  • a machine- readable message header for automatic routing of a message between two or more entities, including error correctable and coded data relating to the routing of said message, wherein said message header is for routing said message exclusively between said entities.
  • a cover page for automatic routing of a facsimile message between two or more entities including at least one representation of a machine-readable message header, said message header including error correctable and coded data relating to the routing of said message, wherein said cover page is insertable, independently of direction and in any page position of said facsimile message, and is for routing said message exclusively between said entities.
  • a method for delivery, by a service provider, of email messages to a facsimile apparatus of a subscriber to the delivery service said method including the steps of: assigning a unique email address to said subscriber, wherein said email address is associated with a facsimile number of said subscriber; upon receipt of an email message at said unique email address: retrieving and storing the email address of the sender of said email message; converting the format of said email message to a facsimile message format; generating a cover page for said facsimile message, wherein said cover page includes one or more representations of a machine-readable message header, said message header includes error correctable and coded data relating to the routing of said message and said cover page insertable independently of direction and in any page position of said facsimile message; and forwarding said facsimile message together with said cover page to said facsimile apparatus of said subscriber.
  • a method for delivery of facsimile messages from a subscriber to one or more destination email addresses by a service provider, said method including the steps of: extracting data from a cover page of said facsimile message and retrieving said one or more destination email addresses; converting the format of said facsimile message to an email message format; and sending the converted format message to said one or more destination email addresses; wherein said cover page includes one or more representations of a machine- readable message header, said message header including error correctable and coded data relating to the routing of said message and said cover page insertable independently of direction and in any page position of said facsimile message.
  • a method of acquiring new subscribers to a service whereby email can be sent and received by use of a facsimile apparatus said method including the steps of: receiving a request from an email user seeking to send email messages to a facsimile user; assigning an email address to said requested facsimile user and associating said email address with a facsimile number of said facsimile user; and sending a promotional message to said facsimile user.
  • a system for delivery, by a service provider, of email messages to a facsimile apparatus of a subscriber to the delivery service including: means for assigning a unique email address to said subscriber, wherein said email address is associated with a facsimile number of said subscriber; means for retrieving and storing the email address of the sender of an email message; means for converting the format of said email message to a facsimile message format; means for generating a cover page for said facsimile message, wherein said cover page includes one or more representations of a machine-readable message header, said message header includes error correctable and coded data relating to the routing of said message and said cover page is insertable independently of direction and in any page position of said facsimile message; and means for forwarding said facsimile message together with said cover page to said facsimile apparatus of said subscriber.
  • a system for delivery of facsimile messages from a subscriber to one or more destination email addresses, by a service provider including: means for extracting data from a cover page of said facsimile message and retrieving the one or more destination email addresses; means for converting the format of said facsimile message to an email message format; and means for sending the converted format message to said one or more destination email addresses; wherein said cover page includes one or more representations of a machine- readable message header, said message header including error correctable and coded data relating to the routing of said message and said cover page is insertable independently of direction and in any page position of said facsimile message.
  • a system for acquiring new subscribers to a service whereby email can be sent and received by use of a facsimile apparatus including: means for receiving a request from an email user seeking to send email messages to a facsimile user; means for assigning an email address to said requested facsimile user and associating said email address with a facsimile number of said facsimile user; and means for sending a promotional message to said facsimile user.
  • a computer program product incorporating a computer readable medium having a computer program recorded therein for delivery, by a service provider, of email messages to a facsimile apparatus of a subscriber to the delivery service
  • said computer program product including: computer program code means for assigning a unique email address to said subscriber, wherein said email address is associated with a facsimile number of said subscriber; computer program code means for retrieving and storing the email address of the sender of said email message; computer program code means for converting the format of said email message to a facsimile message format; computer program code means for generating a cover page for said facsimile message, wherein said cover page includes one or more representations of a machine- readable message header, said message header includes error correctable and coded data relating to the routing of said message and said cover page is insertable independently of direction and in any page position of said facsimile message; and computer program code means for forwarding said facsimile message together with said cover page to said fac
  • a computer program product incorporating a computer readable medium having a computer program recorded therein for delivery of facsimile messages from a subscriber to one or more destination email addresses, by a service provider, said computer program product including: computer program code means for extracting data from said cover page and retrieving the one or more destination email addresses; computer program code means for converting the format of said facsimile message to an email message format; and computer program code means for sending the converted format message to said one or more destination email addresses; wherein said cover page includes one or more representations of a machine- readable message header, said message header includes error correctable and coded data relating to the routing of said message and said cover page is insertable independently of direction and in any page position of said facsimile.
  • a computer program product incorporating a computer readable medium having a computer program recorded therein for acquiring new subscribers to a service whereby email can be sent and received by use of a facsimile apparatus
  • said computer program product including: computer program code means for receiving a request from an email user seeking to send email messages to a facsimile user; computer program code means for assigning an email address to a requested facsimile user and associating said email address with a facsimile number of said facsimile user; and computer program code means for sending a promotional message to said facsimile user.
  • a method for delivery, by a service provider, of a facsimile message under cover of a cover page, said facsimile message from a first facsimile user to one or more additional facsimile users said method including the steps of: receiving, by said service provider, said facsimile message from said first facsimile user; forwarding, by said service provider, said message via the Internet; and delivering, by said service provider, said facsimile message to said one or more additional facsimile users; wherein said cover page includes one or more representations of a machine- readable message header, said message header includes error correctable and coded data relating to the routing of said message and said cover page is insertable independently of direction and in any page position of said facsimile message.
  • a system for delivery, by a service provider, of a facsimile message under cover of a cover page, said facsimile message from a first facsimile user to one or more additional facsimile users said system including: means for receiving, by said service provider, said facsimile message from said first facsimile user; means for forwarding, by said service provider, said message via the Internet; and means for delivering, by said service provider, said facsimile message to said one or more additional facsimile users; wherein said cover page includes one or more representations of a machine- readable message header, said message header includes error correctable and coded data relating to the routing of said message and said cover page is insertable, independently of direction and in any page position of said facsimile message.
  • a computer program product incorporating a computer readable medium having a computer program recorded therein for delivery, by a service provider, of a facsimile message under cover of a cover page, said facsimile message from a first facsimile user to one or more additional facsimile users
  • said computer program product including: computer program code means for receiving, by said service provider, said facsimile message from said first facsimile user; computer program code means for forwarding,by said service provider, said message via the Internet; and computer program code means for delivering, by said service provider, said facsimile message to said one or more additional facsimile users;
  • said cover page includes one or more representations of a machine- readable message header, said message header includes error correctable and coded data relating to the routing of said message and said cover page is insertable independently of direction and in any page position of said facsimile message.
  • a method by which a subscriber to a service provider is able to utilise a facsimile machine to transmit a message to an email address including the steps of: a) the service provider providing a subscriber with facsimile message headers incorporating email addresses in a machine readable format; b) the service provider upon receiving a faxed message including a header from the subscriber retrieving one or more email addresses stored in the header and converting the message to an electronic file format; and c) electronically mailing the message to the retrieved email address or addresses.
  • the method further includes the steps of: d) the service provider allocating an email address to said subscriber and recording said subscriber's facsimile machine telephone number; e) the service provider upon detecting an incoming email message to said email address extracting the return email address from said message and generating a header incorporating said return email address in a machine readable format; f) transmitting said header and email message to the subscriber's facsimile machine allowing the subscriber to transmit by facsimile a reply message which includes the header to the service provider for processing according to steps b) and c).
  • the service provider may also host web pages for the subscribers, the web pages including the subscribers allocated email addresses so that browsers of the web page may transmit messages to the subscribers.
  • the method may further include the step of recording desired destination email addresses from the subscriber and providing the subscriber with a number of different header sheets each having a desired email address recorded in machine readable format upon it, whereby the subscriber may send messages to said email addresses by means of the service.
  • a single header sheet may be provided including a number of different possible destination email addresses recorded in machine readable format and configured to allow selection of one or more of said addresses by a subscriber.
  • a facsimile response to email service provider system including: incoming email monitoring means for monitoring email messages incoming to a plurality of subscriber allocated email addresses; header production means operative to produce a header associated with an incoming message incorporating a machine readable version of the email address at which said message originated; a database associating the subscriber allocated email addresses with subscriber facsimile machine telephone numbers and/or any other relevant information; facsimile machine transmitting means for transmitting said header and said message to said subscriber at said number; a facsimile machine receiving means for receiving faxes from subscribers to the service, said faxes including said header and a fax message; and data conversion means for converting said machine readable email address to an electronic format and for converting said fax message to an electronic format for electronically mailing to said email address.
  • the facsimile machine transmitting means may comprise a software module operative to convert the email message to a file format suitable for reception by a subscriber's fax machine.
  • the email message may be printed out and the facsimile machine transmitting means may simply comprise a fax machine operated in transmit mode.
  • the data conversion means may include a barcode reader or an optical character recognition device and software.
  • a fax header incorporating at least one destination email address in a machine readable format.
  • Fig. 1 shows a framework for bi-directional facsimile-to-email communications according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 shows an architectural block diagram of the Fax2e service provider of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 shows the routing of a message from an email user to a facsimile user
  • Fig. 4 shows the routing of a message from a web user to a facsimile user
  • Fig. 5 shows the routing of a message from a facsimile user to an email user or a web user;
  • Fig. 6 shows a referral sequence whereby an email user requests that a facsimile user become a subscriber of the I'ax2e service
  • Fig. 7 shows an event sequence for email-to-facsimile communication using the
  • Fig. 8 shows an event sequence for facsimile-to-email communication using the Fax2e service
  • Fig. 9 shows an event sequence for facsimile-to-facsimile communication using the Fax2e service
  • Fig 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system wherewith the Fax2e service provider of the present invention can be practiced;
  • Fig. 11 shows an exemplary cover page in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig. 12 is a high level system architecture diagram of a fax-to-email conversion system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 13 is a medium level diagram of the features and processes included within Item A of Fig. 12;
  • Fig. 14 is a medium level diagram of the features and processes included within Item B of Fig. 12;
  • Fig. 15 is a medium level diagram of the features and processes included within
  • Fig. 16 is a medium level diagram of the features and processes included within Item D ofFig l2;
  • Fig. 17 is a block diagram of a fax-to-email conversion system according to a further embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 1 shows a framework for bi-directional facsimile-to-email communications, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • An email user 110 sends an electronic mail (email) message to a facsimile user 170, who is a fax-to-email (Fax2e) subscriber with an email address allocated by the Fax2e service provider 140.
  • the email message is transmitted, via the Internet 130, from a Net-connected device to the Fax2e service provider 140.
  • the Net-connected device can be any Internet-enabled device including a Personal Computer, a Palm Computer, mobile phone, etc.
  • the Fax2e service provider 140 Upon receipt of the message, the Fax2e service provider 140 checks that the message is addressed to a valid subscriber email address. If so, the Fax2e service provider 140 stores the "Reply-to" email address and any other related email addresses from the message in a subscriber database (not shown) and then generates a fax header with a code for referencing the stored email addresses embedded therein, in a machine- readable format.
  • the format of the fax header is hereinafter described and may be rendered as a cover page, electronically or in hardcopy as a separate cover sheet.
  • the original message is converted to a file format suitable for reception by a fax machine (e.g. a TIFF file) and appended to the header or cover page.
  • the Fax2e service provider 140 either sends the message (with header or cover page) via the Fax2e service provider's own computer-based fax connection to the Public
  • PSTN Switched Telephone Network
  • Internet-based fax service provider PSTN 160, or via an Internet-based fax service provider
  • Such services distribute messages via their own computer-based fax connection to the PSTN 160.
  • the message is delivered as a fax to the dial-up number of the facsimile user 170 that was stored in the subscriber database (not shown).
  • the facsimile user's fax machine Upon receipt, the facsimile user's fax machine prints out the message and cover page as a single multi- page fax document.
  • the original message is generated by a web user 120 on a web-based form made available to web browsers of web users 120 via the Internet 130 by the Fax2e service provider 140.
  • a header or cover page is then generated and attached to the message by the Fax2e service provider 140 and faxed as described above.
  • Similar web forms may also be used by various classes of user in order to update or administer the subscriber database and service.
  • the facsimile user 170 simply attaching the received cover page to a reply message and faxing both to the Fax2e service provider 140 fax number, via the PSTN 160.
  • the previously described process is then performed in reverse and the message is subsequently forwarded on to the email address or addresses embedded in the Fax2e header on the cover page.
  • Fig. 2 shows an architectural block diagram of the Fax2e service provider 140 of
  • the Fax2e service provider 140 includes a Fax2e server 220, connected to a subscriber database 230.
  • the subscriber database 230 is used to store information relating to subscribers and the parties the subscribers communicate with.
  • the Fax2e service provider 140 further includes a mail server 210, a web server 240 and a facsimile server 250.
  • the mail server 210 and the web server 240 are for performing Internet based communication with email and web users and are thus both connected to the Internet 130.
  • the facsimile server 250 is for performing facsimile communications with facsimile users and is thus connected to the PSTN 160.
  • Fig. 3 shows the routing of a message from an email user to a facsimile user.
  • An email user 110 sends an email message to a facsimile user 170, who is a subscriber to the Fax2e service, using an email client (e.g. Netscape Messenger, Eudora, Hotmail, etc.).
  • the Fax2e service provider 140 creates and maintains an email address for each facsimile user 170 who is a subscriber.
  • the email message is transmitted via a Net-connected device 310 to the mail server 210 of the Fax2e service provider 140.
  • the Net-connected device 310 can be any Internet-enabled device, including a Personal Computer, a palm Computer, mobile phone, etc.
  • the mail server 210 Upon receipt of the message, the mail server 210 forwards the message to the
  • Fax2e server 220 which checks whether the message is addressed to a valid subscriber email address. If the message is addressed to a valid subscriber, the Fax2e service provider 140 processes the email message by storing the "Reply-to" email address, and any other related email addresses from the message, in the subscriber database (not shown) and then generates a fax header with a coded reference to the stored addresses.
  • the coded reference is embedded in the header in a machine-readable format.
  • the format of the fax header is hereinafter described and may be rendered electronically or as a hardcopy on a separate cover page.
  • the original message is then converted to a suitable file format for facsimile transmission (e.g. TIFF) and appended to the header or cover page.
  • TIFF facsimile transmission
  • the Fax2e server 210 then extracts a fax number that corresponds to the destination email address, from the subscriber database (not shown), and proceeds to process and forward the converted fax message via the facsimile server 250 and PSTN 160.
  • the message is delivered as a fax to the fax machine 320 of the facsimile user 170, which prints out the message and cover page as a single multi-page fax document.
  • a message can be generated by a web user 120, as shown in Fig. 4.
  • a web user 120 may be a Fax2e Customer Service Representative, a Fax2e Reseller or any person with access to the Internet 130.
  • the web user 120 uses a web-based application made available to the web browser of web server 120 via the Internet 310 by the Fax2e service provider 140. Use of the application is as simple as filling out a form using any web client (e.g. Microsoft Internet Explorer or Nescape Navigator).
  • the form when submitted by the web user 120 via a Net-connected device 410 over the Internet 130, is received by a web server 240 of the Fax2e service provider 140 and forwarded to the Fax2e server 220.
  • the Fax2e server 220 Upon receipt of the message, the Fax2e server 220 checks whether the message is addressed to a valid subscriber email address. If the message is addressed to a valid subscriber, the Fax2e service provider 140 processes the email message by storing the "Reply-to" email address, and any other related email addresses from the message, in the subscriber database (not shown) and then generates a fax header with a coded reference to the stored addresses. The coded reference is embedded in the header in a machine- readable format. The format of the fax header is hereinafter described and may be rendered electronically or as a hardcopy on a separate cover page. The original message is then converted to a suitab e file format for facsimile transmission (e.g. TIFF) and appended to the header or cove r page.
  • TIFF facsimile transmission
  • the Fax2e server 210 then extracts a fax number that corresponds to the destination email address, from the subscriber database (not shown), and proceeds to process and forward the converted fax message via the facsimile server 250 and PSTN 160.
  • the message is delivered as a fax to the fax machine 320 of the facsimile user 170, which prints out the message and cover page as a single multi-page fax document.
  • the original message sender can be replied to by the facsimile user 170 simply attaching the cover page to a reply message and faxing both to a fax number at the Fax2e service provider 140 via the PSTN 160 (providing a reply email address was specified in the web-based form).
  • the facsimile server 250 receives and forwards the fax message (inclusive of cover page) to the Fax2e server 220, which converts the message into an electronic file format (e.g. AdobeTM Acrobat PDF format).
  • the message is then forwarded to the mail server (not shown) for transmission on to the email address or addresses referenced in the fax header on the cover page, via the Internet 130.
  • the message is received by the addressee as an email message.
  • Conversion of the fax message involves extraction of a destination email address from the subscriber database, using the code embedded in the header.
  • the destination email address may be directly embedded in the header, in which case the destination email address is extracted and converted to an electronic data format by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) apparatus and techniques.
  • OCR Optical Character Recognition
  • Other forms of coding may also be employed, such as barcodes.
  • Fig. 5 shows the routing of a message from a facsimile user to an email user or a web user.
  • a facsimile user 170 Upon subscription to the Fax2e service, a facsimile user 170 is allocated a Fax2e email address which is linked to the fax number of the facsimile user 170. The facsimile user 170 is then able to receive email messages as fax messages, together with a cover page, via a fax machine 320 of the fasimile user 170.
  • the facsimile user 170 faxes back the response message under cover of the cover page received.
  • the message and cover page are sent from the fax machine 320 of the facsimile user 170 via the PSTN 160, to the Fax2e service provider 140.
  • the message and cover page are received by the facsimile server 250 of the Fax2e service provider 140 and forwarded to the Fax2e server 220 for processing.
  • the Fax2e server 220 converts the message into electronic format (e.g. PDF), extracts the destination email address from the cover page or the subscriber database (not shown) and then forwards the converted message to the mail server 210.
  • the mail server 210 sends the message via the Internet 130 to the recipient (i.e. either a email user 110 or a web user 120).
  • a user may register a number of pre-determined destination email addresses for communication with. Once those addresses have been registered, the subscriber is faxed a number of different header or cover sheets, each having the desired email addresses already associated with a particular header or cover sheet. This allows the subscriber to send messages to these pre-determined email addresses without having to receive an email from those addresses in the first place.
  • a number of numbered checkboxes might be provided and the subscriber given the option of registering an email address corresponding to each checkbox with the service. For each subscriber the email address to checkbox relationship is recorded in a database at the Fax2e service provider. Upon receiving a fax header or cover page, an OCR module determines the appropriate email addresses for the message by reference to the database. Such an arrangement provides a similar function to the address book or contacts list offered by most email applications.
  • Fax2e service provider 140 can be implemented by means of software executed on a computer system.
  • the Fax2e service provider 140 can operate with a high degree of automation and minimal human intervention.
  • a significant advantage of the described system is that users may send international email messages and faxes for the cost of a local call, as long as the service phone number of the Fax2e service provider is locally available. This is because interstate or international re-transmission is handled by the Fax2e service provider via the Internet. Accordingly, there is a substantial incentive for all fax machine owners and users to subscribe to the Fax2e service.
  • a further benefit is that subscribers are able to maintain a website anywhere in the world and manage the website locally via a fax machine. This service could well include a website hosted in an international directory for small to medium size businesses previously unable to participate in the e-commerce revolution.
  • a cover page is structured in such a manner, that it may be inserted by a facsimile user in any page position of a multiple page facsimile transmission and independently of orientation (i.e. the cover page may be fed or scanned from top-to-bottom or bottom-to top).
  • the Fax2e service provider In producing a header or cover page, the Fax2e service provider generates a unique multiple line code as shown in Fig. 11 and reproduced below: ECOMECOMECOMECOMECOMECOMECOMECOM
  • the first line contains the four letter sequence 'ECOM', repeatedly. This sequence acts as a message identifier and indicates to the Fax2e server that the following one or more lines contain a unique code, also in a repeated fashion.
  • the second line contains a string often characters positioned between the delimiting letters 'X', in a repeated fashion. The characters may be numeric and/or alphanumeric, resulting in a vast number of potential combinations.
  • the string of characters represent a unique identification code, unique to a particular facsimile user, and are used to extract relevant information from the database of the Fax2e service provider.
  • the information may include any of, but is not limited to, the following:
  • facsimile user's dial-up number 3. the Fax2e email address (fax number at Fax2e.com) and records pertaining to the facsimile user
  • the Fax2e service provider generates a facsimile cover page that contains various information, sandwiched between two copies of the unique multiple line header previously described, (i.e. the two copies of the multiple line header are located near the top and bottom of the cover page).
  • the information contained between the two copies of the unique multiple line header may include any of, but is not limited to, the information stored in the database, as described above.
  • the code in the multiple line header is generated using an algorithm that allows both error detection and correction. This ensures that the Fax2e server can read and translate the code, using known Optical Character Recognition (OCR) techniques and/or software, even in the event that the cover page is only partially received. Partial reception may, for example, result from poor transmission quality. As a result of the error correction incorporated, only one third of the code is necessary to be read for correct interpretation. Repetition of the code in the fax header provides additional assurance of correct interpretation. Furthermore, the OCR techniques employed enable the cover page to be machine read, even if the header is upside down, as can be seen at the bottom of the exemplary cover page shown i n Fig. 11.
  • OCR Optical Character Recognition
  • the fax header is significantly more reliable than, for example, simply attempting to scan a textual email address or barcode at a location on the cover page.
  • a variation of the previously described cover page can also be employed in a similar service provider system for delivering fax messages from one fax user to another fax user, via the Internet.
  • the destination email address is replaced with the destination fax number (including international and/or local area codes).
  • a fax user in Tokyo, Japan might have a fax cover page for communicating with a specific fax user in the USA.
  • the fax user in Tokyo sends a fax message together with the appropriate cover page to a local Fax2e access number in Tokyo.
  • the fax message is then forwarded via Fax2e's IP network to the USA and faxed to the destination fax number, without the cover page.
  • the telecommunication carrier cost of delivering the fax message is thus reduced to the cost of a local call.
  • Figs. 6 to 9 show various event sequences as users of the Fax2e service communicate with one another and the Fax2e service provider.
  • Each entity e.g. the various users and elements that make up the Fax2e service provider
  • Interactions between the different entities are shown as horizontal lines with arrowheads indicating the direction of flow of the interactions.
  • Fig. 6 shows a referral sequence, whereby an email user 610 requests that a facsimile user 620 becomes a subscriber to the Fax2e service 630. Such a request enables a free trial of the Fax2e service by a facsimile user 620 to be initiated by an email user 610.
  • the email user 610 seeks to communicate with a facsimile user 620 who is not an existing subscriber to the Fax2e service
  • the email user 610 submits the facsimile number of the facsimile user 620 to the Fax2e service provider 630, at step 651.
  • the request for registration as a subscriber is typically submitted by means of a web browser, via the Internet, and is received by the web server 633 of the Fax2e service provider 630.
  • information pertaining to the request is forwarded to the Fax2e server 631.
  • the Fax2e server 631 creates an email address for the facsimile user 620 and logs this event in the subscriber database 632, at step 653.
  • the subscriber database 632 responds with a validation result and any necessary associated information.
  • a response is forwarded by the Fax2e server 631 to the web server 633 for transmission via the Internet to the email user 610, at step 656.
  • the response is received on the web browser of the email user 610.
  • the Fax2e server generates a free trial offer fax message and forwards this message to the facsimile server 635.
  • the message is sent by the facsimile server 635 to the fax number of the facsimile user 620 via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), at step 662.
  • PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
  • the Fax2e server 631 also generates a confirmation email message and forwards this message to the email server 634, at step 671.
  • the email server 634 sends the confirmation message to the email user 610 via the Internet.
  • the confirmation message includes notification of the email address that was created for the facsimile user 620 by the Fax2e service provider 630.
  • Fig. 7 shows the sequence of events for an email-to-fax communication using the Fax2e service.
  • an email user 710 sends an email message to a Fax2e service provider-created email address of a facsimile user 720.
  • the email message is received by the email server 734 of the Fax2e service provider 730 and forwarded to the Fax2e server 731, at step 752.
  • the Fax2e server 731 validates and logs the event in the subscriber data base 732.
  • the subscriber database 732 responds with a validation result and any information necessary to forward the message. Such information typically includes the facsimile number of the facsimile user 720.
  • the Fax2e server 731 converts the email message into a format suitable for receipt by a facsimile machine and generates and appends a Fax2e coded cover sheet.
  • the converted message and appended cover sheet are forwarded to the facsimile server 735.
  • the facsimile server 735 sends the fax message to the facsimile number of the facsimile user 720, at step 756.
  • the facsimile server 735 also sends a transmission receipt to the Fax2e server 731, at step 761.
  • the transmission receipt is used to calculate the cost to be charged to the account of the facsimile user 720 and this information is transferred to the subscriber database 732, at step 762.
  • the subscriber database 732 responds with a validation result at step 763.
  • Fig. 8 shows an event sequence for facsimile-to-email communication using the
  • a facsimile user 820 sends a facsimile message including a Fax2e cover sheet to a Fax2e service fax number, via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
  • PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
  • the facsimile message is received by the facsimile server 835 of the Fax2e service provider 830.
  • the facsimile message is forwarded to the Fax2e server 831 for processing, at step 852.
  • the Fax2e server 831 validates and logs the event in the subscriber database 832.
  • the subscriber database 632 responds with a validation result and any data necessary to forward the message to an email user 610.
  • the Fax2e server 831 removes the Fax2e cover sheet from the message and uses the coded portion thereof to extract the destination email address of email user 610 from the subscriber database 832, as previously described.
  • the Fax2e server 831 also converts the message into PDF format (AdobeTM Acrobat document). Then, at step 855, the converted document is forwarded to the email server 834 at step 855.
  • the email server 834 sends sends the message as an email to the email address of the email user 610.
  • information can be forwarded to other services and/or gateways for processing (e.g. the JFAX commercial facsimile service, an EDI gateway, etc), at step 857.
  • other services and/or gateways e.g. the JFAX commercial facsimile service, an EDI gateway, etc.
  • the transmission receipt is used to calculate the cost to be charged to the account of the facsimile user 820 and this information is submitted to the subscriber database 832, at step 858.
  • the subscriber database 832 responds with a validation result to the Fax2e server 831.
  • Fig. 9 shows an event sequence for facsimile-to-facsimile communication using the Fax2e service.
  • a facsimile user 910 sends a facsimile message, including a coded Fax2e cover sheet, to a Fax2e service fax number.
  • the facsimile message is received by the facsimile server 925 of the Fax2e service provider 920 and forwarded to the Fax2e server 921 for processing, at step 932.
  • the Fax2e server 921 validates and logs this event in the subscriber database 922.
  • the subscriber database 922 responds with a validation result and any information necessary to forward the facsimile message, at step 934.
  • the Fax2e server 921 removes the Fax2e cover sheet and uses the coded infomiation thereon to extract the destination fax number from the subscriber database 922.
  • the message is then converted into PDF format and forwarded to the email server 924, at step 935.
  • the message is then sent by the email server 924 of the Fax2e service provider 920 to the email server 964 of another remote Fax2e service provider 960, via the Internet (not shown).
  • the message is forwarded to the Fax2e server 961 at step 971.
  • the message is converted into a format suitable for reception by a facsimile machine and sent to the facsimile server 965.
  • the message is sent by the facsimile server 965 to the facsimile user 950 via the PSTN, at step 973.
  • the facsimile server 965 sends a transmission receipt to the Fax2e server 961.
  • the transmission receipt is used to calculate the cost to be charged to the account of the facsimile user 950 and this information is submitted to the subscriber database 962, at step 975.
  • the subscriber database 962 responds with a validation result.
  • the individual Fax2e service providers 920 and 960 can communicate with one another, typically by the Internet, an Intranet, or a dedicated communications link, for the exchange of information (e.g. information relating to subscribers).
  • An email user sends an electronic mail message to a fax response to email service provider (FR2E) subscriber (Fax User, Item D) which is transmitted via a Net-connected device to a Mail Server of the email user (Item B).
  • the Net-connected device can be any Internet-enabled device including a Personal Computer, a Palm Computer, Mobile Phone etc.
  • the message is then transmitted via the Internet to the FR2E Service (Item A).
  • the service (Item A) checks whether the message is addressed to a valid Subscriber email address. If that is the case, the FR2E service (Item A) then copies the "Reply-to" email address and any other related email addresses from the message and then generates a FR2E header with these addresses embedded in a machine readable format. The message is then converted to a file format which is suitable for a fax machine (e.g. a TIFF file).
  • a file format which is suitable for a fax machine (e.g. a TIFF file).
  • the FR2E Service (Item A) then evaluates whether to directly send the message and the header via the FR2E Service's own computer-based fax connection to the phone network, or via an Internet-based fax service (e.g. JFax is one such commercially available service). If selected, this service would then distribute the message via the service's own computer-based fax connection to the standard phone network. Either way, the message and the FR2E header are then delivered as a fax to the fax user's phone number which was stored in the FR2E subscriber database. The fax user's facsimile machine then prints the message and the FR2E header out as one single multi-page fax document.
  • JFax Internet-based fax service
  • a fax user (Item D) has received a FR2E header
  • the fax user can simply reply to the original message sender (e.g. email user or web user, if a reply email address was specified in the form) by attaching the FR2E header to a reply message and faxing both to the FR2E Service Fax Number.
  • the previously described process is then completed in reverse and the message is then forwarded on to the email address or addresses embedded in the FR2E header.
  • An email user sends an email message to a FR2E subscriber (item D).
  • This message is received by the FR2E Mail Server which checks the FR2E database to see if the message is addressed to a valid Subscriber email address. If the message is addressed to a valid Subscriber, the FR2E Service processes the email by copying the "Reply-to" email address and any other related email addresses from the message and then generating a FR2E header with these addresses embedded in a machine readable format for example as a barcode. The message is then converted to a suitable file format (e.g. TIFF).
  • TIFF suitable file format
  • the FR2E Service (item A) then checks the Database for the fax number which corresponds to the email address.
  • the FR2E Service then processes the fax and distributes the message via a fax gateway to the phone network.
  • the message and the FR2E header are then delivered as a fax to the Fax User (Item D).
  • a facsimile machine of the fax user (Item D) then prints the message and the FR2E header out as one single multi-page fax document.
  • the message can be generated by a web user (Item C).
  • the web user fills out a web-based form made available to web browsers via the World Wide Web (WWW).
  • WWW World Wide Web
  • the form when submitted by the web user, is received and processed by the FR2E Web Server.
  • the message and FR2E header are generated and faxed as described above.
  • the fax user can simply reply to the original message sender (e.g. email user or web user, if reply email address was specified in the form) by attaching the FR2E header to a reply message and faxing both to the FR2E Service Fax Number.
  • the FR2E Fax Gateway receives the fax message and header, processes the fax thereby converting the message into an electronic file format, and the message is then forwarded on to the email address or addresses embedded in the FR2E header via the FR2E Mail Server. The message is received by the addressee as an email.
  • the conversion of the fax message and header involves reading the destination email from the header.
  • the destination email may be barcoded on the header in which case the destination email would be extracted and converted to an electronic data form by a barcode scanner.
  • optical character recognition apparatus and techniques could also be used.
  • An email user sends an email message to a FR2E Subscriber using any email client (eg Netscape Messenger, Eudora, HotMail etc) which is transmitted via a Net-connected device to a Mail Server.
  • the Net-connected device can be any Internet- enabled device including a Personal Computer, a Palm Computer, Mobile Phone etc.
  • the message is then transmitted via the Internet to the FR2E Service (Item A).
  • the FR2E service (Item A) processes and converts the message into a fax and FR2E header and sends the converted message to the fax user (Item D).
  • the message and the FR2E header are then delivered as a fax to the fax user's phone number which is stored in the FR2E Subscriber Database.
  • a facsimile machine of the fax user (Item D) then prints the message and the FR2E header out as one single multi-page fax document.
  • a web user may be a FR2E Customer Service Representative, a FR2E Reseller or any person browsing the WWW. Each of these people can send a message to a FR2E subscriber (Item D) via a web-based Application.
  • This Application is as simple as filling out a form using any Web Client (eg Microsoft Internet Explorer or Nescape Navigator). The form, when submitted by the web user, is transmitted via a Net- connected device via the Internet to the FR2E Service (Item A).
  • the FR2E service (Item A) processes and converts the message into fax and FR2E header sends the converted message to the fax user (Item D).
  • the message and the FR2E header are then delivered as a fax to the fax user's phone number which is stored in the FR2E Subscriber Database.
  • a facsimile machine of the fax user (Item D) then prints the message and the FR2E header out as one single multi-page fax document.
  • a fax user Upon subscription to the FR2E Service, a fax user (Item D) is allocated an FR2E email address which is linked to a fax number of the fax user (Item D). The fax user (Item D) can then receive an email, which presents itself as a fax and a FR2E header, via the facsimile machine of the fax user (Item D).
  • the fax user creates the response and faxes back the response under cover of the same FR2E header.
  • This message and header are sent from the fax user's (Item D) facsimile machine via the standard phone network to the FR2E Service (Item A).
  • the FR2E service processes and converts the message into an electronic file and sends the converted message to the original message sender.
  • FR2E service 1 includes a database 8 of subscriber fax numbers and allocated email addresses.
  • the FR2E service is connected to the Internet 4 and is able to receive email messages via the Internet at any of the allocated email addresses.
  • the allocated address is noted and the corresponding fax number is retrieved from the database 8.
  • the header may include image registration marks, standard optical character recognition ready text and perhaps a high contrast set of symbols similar to a bar code.
  • the contents of the email message and the header are then transmitted as a facsimile message by fax transmission module 10.
  • the fax transmission module could simply comprise a conventional fax machine or alternatively the facsimile could be transmitted using known computer software.
  • the electronic files containing the header and message may be forwarded to a further service which converts the message and file to facsimile format and transmits to the appropriate fax number.
  • the message and header are transmitted via the standard telephony network 12 to the subscriber's fax machine where the header 16 and message 18 are finally printed out.
  • the subscriber Upon receiving the header and message the subscriber reads the message and if a response is required writes out a response message 20.
  • the response message is faxed under cover of the same header by the subscriber to fax machine 22 of the FR2E provider. Fax machine 22 reproduces the header 16A and the message 20A.
  • the message is scanned by scanner 24 and an image file 26 of the message, for example a TIFF format file, is produced.
  • the header is processed by optical character recognition module 28 in order to extract the data contained in the header. Alternatively, depending on the format chosen to store the data module 28 may comprise a bar code reader or some other apparatus arranged to extract the header data.
  • the header data includes the email address of originating PC 6.
  • E-mail message compiler 30 produces an email from the data provided by OCR module 28. An attachment to the email is the TIFF message file. The email is then transmitted over the internet to personal computer 6 by conventional means.
  • FR2E service 1 may be implemented by means of software executed on a computer.
  • a user may register a number of pre-defined destination email addresses that they wish to be able to transmit messages to. Once those addresses have been registered the subscriber is then faxed a number of different header sheets each having the desired email addresses already embedded within them. This allows the subscriber to send messages to these predefined email addresses without having to receive an email from those addresses in the first place.
  • a number of numbered checkboxes might be provided and the subscriber be given the option of registering an email address corresponding to each checkbox with the conversion service. For each subscriber the email address to checkbox relationship would be recorded in a database at the bureau. Upon receiving a fax header OCR module 28 would then determine the appropriate email addresses for the message by reference to the database. Such an arrangement provides a similar function to the address book or contacts list offered by most email applications.
  • a significant advantage of the described system is that its users may send international email messages and faxes for only the cost of a local call as long as the service phone number of the FR2E provider is available locally. This is because the interstate or international re-transmission will be handled by the conversion service via the internet. Accordingly, there is a substantial incentive for all fax machine owners and users to subscribe to the conversion service.
  • a further benefit is that subscribers are able to maintain a website anywhere in the world and manage it locally via a fax machine. This service could well include a website hosted in an international directory for small to medium size businesses previously unable to participate in the e-commerce revolution.
  • the Fax2e service provider can be implemented using a computer program product in conjunction with a computer system 1000 as shown in Fig. 10.
  • the Fax2e service provider can be implemented as software, or computer readable program code, executing on the computer system 1000.
  • the computer system 1000 includes a computer 1050, a video display 1010, and input devices 1030, 1032.
  • the computer system 1000 can have any of a number of other output devices including line printers, laser printers, plotters, and other reproduction devices connected to the computer 1050.
  • the computer system 1000 can be connected to one or more other computers via a communication interface 1064 using an appropriate communication channel 1040 such as a modem communications path, an electronic network, or the like.
  • the network may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an Intranet, and/or the Internet 1020.
  • the computer 1050 includes the control module 1066, a memory 1070 that may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM), input/output (I O) interfaces 1064, 1072, a video interface 1060, and one or more storage devices generally represented by the storage device 1062.
  • the control module 1066 is implemented using a central processing unit (CPU) that executes or runs a computer readable program code that performs a particular function or related set of functions.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • the video interface 1060 is connected to the video display 1010 and provides video signals from the computer 1050 for display on the video display 1010.
  • User input to operate the computer 1050 can be provided by one or more of the input devices 1030, 1032 via the I/O interface 1072.
  • a user of the computer 1050 can use a keyboard as I/O interface 1030 and/or a pointing device such as a mouse as I/O interface 1032.
  • the keyboard and the mouse provide input to the computer 1050.
  • the storage device 1062 can consist of one or more of the following: a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, CD-ROM, magnetic tape or any other of a number of nonvolatile storage devices well known to those skilled in the art.
  • Each of the elements in the computer system 1050 is typically connected to other devices via a bus 1080 that in turn can consist of data, address, and control buses.
  • the process of converting and automatically delivering messages between email and facsimile users and the process of creating message headers and facsimile cover pages can be effected by instructions in the software that are carried out by the computer system 1000.
  • the software may be implemented as one or more modules for implementing the method steps.
  • the software may be stored in a computer readable medium, including the storage device 1062 or that is downloaded from a remote location via the communications interface 1064 and communications channel 1040 from the Internet 1020 or another network location or site.
  • the computer system 1000 includes the computer readable medium having such software or program code recorded such that instructions of the software or the program code can be carried out.
  • the computer system 1000 is provided for illustrative purposes and other configurations can be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The foregoing is merely an example of the types of computers or computer systems with which the embodiments of the invention may be practised.
  • the processes of the embodiments are resident as software or a computer readable program code recorded on a hard disk drive as the computer readable medium, and read and controlled using the control module 1066.
  • Intermediate storage of the program code and any data including entities, tickets, and the like may be accomplished using the memory 1070, possibly in concert with the storage device 1062.
  • the program may be supplied to the user encoded on a CD-ROM or a floppy disk (both generally depicted by the storage device 1062), or alternatively could be read by the user from the network via a modem device connected to the computer 1050.
  • the computer system 1000 can load the software from other computer readable media. This may include magnetic tape, a ROM or integrated circuit, a magneto-optical disk, a radio or infra-red transmission channel between the computer and another device, a computer readable card such as a PCMCIA card, and the Internet 1020 and Intranets including email transmissions and information recorded on Internet sites and the like.
  • the foregoing are merely examples of relevant computer readable media. Other computer readable media may be practised without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
  • the Fax2e service provider can be realised in a centralised fashion in one computer system 1000, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems.
  • Computer program means or computer program in the present context mean any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation or b) reproduction in a different material form.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computing Systems (AREA)
  • Facsimiles In General (AREA)
  • Facsimile Transmission Control (AREA)

Abstract

Selon l'invention, des communications bidirectionnelles télécopie-courrier électronique peuvent être acheminées automatiquement, par le biais de réseaux de communications, au moyen d'une en-tête de message lisible par ordinateur comprenant une référence codée se rapportant à des informations d'adresse. L'en-tête de message peut être incorporée dans une page de couverture pouvant être utilisée de façon répétée pour acheminer des messages exclusivement entre des entités spécifiques, notamment des utilisateurs de courrier électronique et de télécopie, des terminaux d'ordinateur, des télécopieurs, des réseaux de communications, des dispositifs connectés en réseaux, etc. Le procédé et le système de l'invention permettent en outre des communications de télécopieur à télécopieur utilisant le protocole Internet, et la souscription de nouveaux abonnés auprès d'un prestataire desdits services de communications.
PCT/AU2001/000133 2000-02-14 2001-02-14 Procede et systeme de communication bidirectionnelle telecopie-courrier electronique, et procede et systeme de souscription de nouveaux abonnes WO2001060050A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU31437/01A AU3143701A (en) 2000-02-14 2001-02-14 Bi-directional facsimile-to-email communication method and system, and method and system of acquiring new subscribers therefor

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPQ5623A AUPQ562300A0 (en) 2000-02-14 2000-02-14 Facsilile response to e-mail system
AUPQ5623 2000-02-14
US19836200P 2000-04-19 2000-04-19
US60/198,362 2000-04-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001060050A1 true WO2001060050A1 (fr) 2001-08-16

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US9699127B2 (en) 2012-06-26 2017-07-04 Open Text Sa Ulc System and method for sending, delivery and receiving of digital content
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