JP2002199021A - Internet facsimile communication system and internet facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable respective Internet facsimile equipment to know the e-mail address of one another to perform low-cost facsimile communication through the Internet. SOLUTION: A center device 30 is provided with a processing memory 30m for storing an INTFAX list table 30ma including the e-mail addresses of the respective Internet facsimile machines 20 and an INTFAX information table 30mb for machine information including the e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of the respective machines 20 and returns a registration information answer signal including the equipment information included in the information table 30mb on the basis of a registration information request signal from an Internet facsimile machine 20. The Internet facsimile equipment 20 performs facsimile communication with another Internet facsimile equipment 20 through the Internet by utilizing e-mail on the basis of the machine information returned from the center device 30.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an Internet facsimile communication system and an Internet facsimile apparatus for transmitting and receiving image data via the Internet using electronic mail.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an Internet facsimile communication system using an Internet facsimile apparatus for transmitting and receiving image data via the Internet using electronic mail has been described in ITU-T Recommendation T.30. 37. In this Internet facsimile machine,
The e-mail including the image data is transmitted to the center device (gateway device) on the transmitting side and the center device (gateway device) on the receiving side via the Internet by the SMTP method. To receive the e-mail including the image data, and print the received image data using the image recording unit.

[0003]

In a conventional Internet facsimile communication system, an Internet facsimile apparatus which wants to perform facsimile communication knows its telephone number when transmitting a facsimile to a destination Internet facsimile apparatus, but does not know an e-mail address. Otherwise, facsimile communication cannot be performed via the Internet, and ITU-T Recommendation Facsimile communication via the public telephone network is performed according to the 30 communication procedures, and the communication fee is expensive. In addition, an Internet facsimile apparatus that wants to perform facsimile communication is not an Internet facsimile apparatus via a certain Internet facsimile apparatus (that is, an ITU-T
Recommendation T. When transmitting to a general facsimile machine (which does not support 37 communication procedures) (hereinafter referred to as a facsimile machine), facsimile communication via a public telephone network is also necessary, and the communication fee is expensive.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in an Internet facsimile communication system, each Internet facsimile apparatus can know each other's e-mail address, and is less expensive than the conventional example via the Internet. An object of the present invention is to provide an Internet facsimile communication system and an Internet facsimile apparatus capable of performing facsimile communication.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an Internet facsimile communication system in which an Internet facsimile apparatus performs inexpensive facsimile communication with a destination facsimile apparatus via another Internet facsimile apparatus as compared with a conventional example. It is an object of the present invention to provide an Internet facsimile communication system and an Internet facsimile apparatus that can perform the above operations.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an Internet facsimile communication system in which a facsimile apparatus can perform a cheaper facsimile communication with a destination facsimile apparatus via the Internet than a conventional example. A communication system and an Internet facsimile apparatus are provided.

[0007]

An Internet facsimile system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of Internet facsimile apparatuses for performing facsimile communication via the Internet using electronic mail, an electronic mail address of each of the above Internet facsimile apparatuses, and a telephone. Store the information table of the device information including the number, after receiving the device information transmitted from each of the Internet facsimile devices, store the device information in the information table,
An internet facsimile communication system comprising: a center device for returning a registration information response signal including device information included in the information table based on a registration information request signal from each of the internet facsimile devices. And facsimile communication means for performing facsimile communication with another Internet facsimile device via the Internet using electronic mail based on the returned device information.

In the Internet facsimile communication system, the facsimile communication means is preferably connected to a predetermined communication network and transmits image data to at least one destination facsimile apparatus connected to the communication network. Transmits a registration information request signal including the telephone number of the destination facsimile device to the center device, and in response thereto, the center device transmits a registration information request signal from the facsimile communication means of each of the Internet facsimile devices. Based on the above, refer to the information table, select an Internet facsimile machine close to the destination facsimile machine,
The registration information response signal including the device information of the selected Internet facsimile device is returned. The facsimile transmission of the image data to the selected Internet facsimile device via the Internet using e-mail, and in response, the selected Internet facsimile device transmits the received image data to the selected Internet facsimile device. Facsimile transmission is performed to the destination facsimile apparatus via the communication network or another communication network.

In the Internet facsimile communication system, the facsimile communication means is preferably connected to a predetermined communication network, and transmits image data of a transfer request from at least one other facsimile apparatus connected to the communication network. When received together with the information of the destination facsimile machine, a registration information request signal including the telephone number of the destination facsimile machine is transmitted to the center apparatus. Based on the registration information request signal from the facsimile communication means, referring to the information table, select an Internet facsimile apparatus close to the destination facsimile apparatus, and register information including the apparatus information of the selected Internet facsimile apparatus. Returns answer signal And, in response thereto, the facsimile communication means of each Internet facsimile machine,
Facsimile transmitting the image data to the selected Internet facsimile device via the Internet using electronic mail based on the device information of the selected selected Internet facsimile device,
In response, the selected Internet facsimile apparatus transmits the received image data to the destination facsimile apparatus via the communication network or another communication network.

Further, in the Internet facsimile communication system, the center device preferably includes at least one of an identifier and a password of each Internet facsimile device in correspondence with the electronic mail address of each Internet facsimile device. Further storing a facsimile apparatus list table, wherein the center apparatus receives at least one of an identifier and a password transmitted from the Internet facsimile apparatus accessing the center apparatus, and stores the received identifier and password in the Internet facsimile apparatus list table The Internet facsimile device is authenticated for access right when the identifier and the password are compared with at least one of the password. Itoki characterized in that further comprising an authentication unit which does not give authentication access to the Internet facsimile machine.

[0011] In the Internet facsimile communication system, the facsimile communication means or the center device preferably encrypts the electronic mail before transmitting the electronic mail via the Internet.

Further, in the Internet facsimile communication system, preferably, any one of the plurality of Internet facsimile apparatuses has a center device for storing the information table.

Still further, in the above-mentioned Internet facsimile communication system, each of the above-mentioned Internet facsimile apparatuses preferably has a center device for transmitting and receiving electronic mail including image data therein. Instead, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, each of the Internet facsimile apparatuses preferably includes a center apparatus connected via a predetermined local communication network to transmit and receive e-mail including image data. It is characterized by.

An Internet facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of Internet facsimile apparatuses that perform facsimile communication via the Internet using electronic mail, and apparatus information including an electronic mail address and a telephone number of each of the Internet facsimile apparatuses. After storing the information table and receiving the device information transmitted from each of the Internet facsimile devices, storing the device information in the information table, based on the registration information request signal from each of the Internet facsimile devices, the information table An Internet facsimile device for an Internet facsimile communication system comprising: a center device that returns a registration information response signal including device information included in the e-mail based on the returned device information. Through the Internet using,
A facsimile communication means for performing facsimile communication with another Internet facsimile apparatus is provided.

In the above Internet facsimile apparatus, the facsimile communication means is preferably connected to a predetermined communication network, and transmits image data to at least one destination facsimile apparatus connected to the communication network. Transmitting a registration information request signal including the telephone number of the destination facsimile device to the center device, and in response to the request, the center device is returned from the center device and selected to be close to the destination facsimile device. In response to the registration information response signal including the device information of the Internet facsimile device, the facsimile communication means, based on the device information of the selected Internet facsimile device returned, utilizing the image data by e-mail The above selected interface via the Internet Characterized by facsimile transmission to the net facsimile apparatus.

In the above-mentioned Internet facsimile apparatus, the facsimile communication means is preferably connected to a predetermined communication network, and receives image data of a transfer request from at least one other facsimile apparatus connected to the communication network. When receiving the registration information request signal including the telephone number of the destination facsimile apparatus, the registration information request signal including the telephone number of the destination facsimile apparatus is transmitted to the center apparatus. In response to the registration information response signal including the device information of the Internet facsimile device selected to be close to the device, the facsimile communication means,
The image data is transmitted by facsimile to the selected Internet facsimile device via the Internet using electronic mail based on the returned device information of the selected Internet facsimile device.

Further, in the above Internet facsimile apparatus, the facsimile communication means preferably encrypts the electronic mail before transmitting the electronic mail via the Internet.

Further, the Internet facsimile apparatus preferably further comprises a center device for storing the information table.

Still further, in the above-mentioned Internet facsimile apparatus, preferably, a center apparatus for transmitting and receiving electronic mail is provided therein. Instead, the Internet facsimile apparatus preferably has a center device connected to a predetermined local communication network for transmitting and receiving electronic mail.

[0020]

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

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an Internet facsimile communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the Internet facsimile machine 20 and its peripheral devices.
3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the facsimile apparatus 60 of FIG.

In the Internet facsimile communication system according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, each of the Internet facsimile apparatuses 20A, 20B, 20
C (hereinafter generally referred to by the reference numeral 20) is connected to the Internet 40 and the public telephone network 50, has a mail server unit 31, has a mail server function, and has an IT
U.T. Recommendation T. 37 and T.I. This is a facsimile apparatus that supports 30 communication procedures and can perform facsimile communication according to them. The center device 30 is connected to the Internet 40 and includes a processing memory 30m, so that it has a function of storing an INTAX list and responding to a response in addition to a so-called Internet mail server function. Further, each facsimile device 60
A, 60B, 60C, 60D, and 60E (hereinafter, collectively denoted by reference numeral 60) are connected to the public telephone network 50,
TU-T Recommendation T. It does not support 37 communication procedures,
T. This is a facsimile apparatus that can perform facsimile communication via a public telephone network 50 in accordance with and supporting the communication procedures of 30.

In the following embodiment, of the facsimile machines 60 described above, the facsimile machines 60A and 60A
B is another Internet facsimile machine 20A, 2B.
Internet facsimile machine 20B compared to 0C
And a facsimile device 60
C and 60D are other Internet facsimile machines 2
0A and 20B, the facsimile device 60E is installed closer to the Internet facsimile device 20C.
Assume that it is installed closer to the Internet facsimile machine 20A as compared to B and 20C.
Here, being close means that the communication fee via the public telephone network 50 is lower.

First, the features of the Internet facsimile communication system according to the present embodiment will be outlined. As shown in FIG. 1, the Internet facsimile communication system includes three Internet facsimile apparatuses 20 that perform facsimile communication via the Internet using electronic mail, and a center apparatus 20 connected to the Internet 40. Be composed. Center device 3
0 is an INTAX list table 30ma including an electronic mail address, an ID (identifier), and a password of each Internet facsimile machine 20, and each of the Internet facsimile machines 2 as shown in FIGS.
INTFAX of device information including an e-mail address, a telephone number, and a receiving capability of 0 (in the present embodiment, the device information refers to an e-mail address, a telephone number, and a receiving capability of each Internet facsimile device 20).
The main control unit 1 includes a processing memory 30 m for storing the information table 30 mb therein, and after receiving registration information including device information transmitted from each Internet facsimile device 20, stores the information in the INTFAX information table 30 mb, Based on the registration information request signal from each Internet facsimile machine 20, a registration information response signal including the device information included in the INTFAX information table 30mb is returned. On the other hand, in each Internet facsimile machine 20, the main control unit 101
It is characterized in that facsimile communication is performed with another Internet facsimile machine 20 via the Internet using electronic mail based on the device information returned from 0. In the specification of the present application, INTFA
X means the Internet facsimile machine 20.

Also, the Internet facsimile apparatus 2
0 is connected to the public telephone network 50 and the main control unit 1
Transmits facsimile image data to be transmitted to at least one destination facsimile device 60 connected to the public telephone network 50, and transmits a registration information request signal including the telephone number of the destination facsimile device 60 to the center device. 30. In response, the center device 30
Refers to the INTAX information table 30mb based on the registration information request signal, selects the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 adjacent to the destination facsimile apparatus 60, and includes the apparatus information of the selected Internet facsimile apparatus 20 A registration information response signal is returned. In response to this, the main control unit 1 of the Internet facsimile machine 20 converts the image data into an SMTP (Simple Mail Transf
facsimile transmission to the selected Internet facsimile machine 20 via the Internet using e-mail using the
The selected Internet facsimile apparatus 20 transmits the received image data to the destination facsimile apparatus 60 via the public telephone network 50 by facsimile.

Further, the center device 30 receives the ID and the password transmitted from the Internet facsimile device 20 accessing the center device 30, and checks the ID and the password stored in the INTFAX list table 30ma, respectively. When the passwords match, authentication of the access right is given to the Internet facsimile machine 20. When the passwords do not match, authentication of the access right is not given to the Internet facsimile machine 20.

The main controller 1 of each Internet facsimile apparatus 20 and the center apparatus 30 encrypt the electronic mail by a predetermined encryption method before transmitting the electronic mail via the Internet 40. When an encrypted e-mail is received, the e-mail is decrypted by a decryption method corresponding to the encryption method. Further, each Internet facsimile machine 20 is characterized in that a mail server unit 31 which is a center device for transmitting and receiving electronic mail including image data is provided therein.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the Internet facsimile machine 20 of FIG.

The Internet facsimile communication system according to the first embodiment uses an Internet facsimile apparatus 20 for transmitting and receiving image data via the Internet using electronic mail, and uses an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) which is an electronic mail protocol. )
To perform facsimile communication. Since the Internet facsimile machine 20 includes the mail server unit 31, there is no need to access the outside using POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3). That is, when transmitting an e-mail, the main control unit 1 transfers the e-mail to the mail server unit 31, and in response, the mail server unit 31 transmits the e-mail to the local area network (hereinafter, referred to as SMTP) using SMTP. , LAN) 33, the router device 32, and the Internet 40 to transmit the data to the destination Internet facsimile device 20. On the other hand, when an e-mail is received, the Internet facsimile machine 20 to the Internet 40 and the router 3
The e-mail is received by the mail server unit 31 via the LAN 2 and the LAN 33, and in response to this, the mail server unit 31
Notifies the main control unit 1 of the reception of the e-mail. Therefore,
There is no need to access the outside using POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3).

Referring to FIG. 1, an Internet facsimile apparatus 20 is based on the conventional ITU-T Recommendation T.30. And a facsimile communication function such as G3 system using
ITU-T Recommendation T. 37, a facsimile communication function using electronic mail is provided. The main control unit 1 is specifically composed of a CPU, is connected to the following hardware units via a bus 13, controls them, and executes various software functions to be described later.
The image reading section 2 reads an original with a scanner using a CCD or the like, and outputs dot image data converted to binary black and white. The image recording unit 3 is a printer device of an electrophotographic system or the like, and prints out and records, as a hard copy, image data received from another Internet facsimile device 20 or facsimile device 60 by facsimile communication. The display unit 4 includes a liquid crystal display (LC)
D) or a display device such as a CRT display, which displays the operation status of the Internet facsimile machine 20, and displays image data of a document to be transmitted and received image data.

The operation unit 5 includes character keys, dial numeric keys, speed dial keys, one-touch dial keys, various function keys, and the like necessary for operating the Internet facsimile machine 20. The display unit 4 may be configured to be a touch panel type so that some or all of the various keys of the operation unit 5 can be substituted.

The ROM 6 stores various software programs necessary for the operation of the Internet facsimile machine 20 and executed by the main control unit 1 in advance. In addition, these programs are recorded on a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, an MO, a DVD-RAM or the like, and are loaded into the RAM 7 via the drive device as needed to execute the programs. You may. The RAM 7 is composed of an SRAM, and the main control unit 1
Used as a working area for storing temporary data generated during execution of a program. The compact flash (registered trademark) 8 has a role of a so-called image memory and a memory as a program recording medium, and includes an image data file 8a. In addition, the clock circuit 9
The current date and time are measured, and data on the current date and time is output to the main control unit 1 as necessary.

The fax modem 10 is connected to a public telephone line L
1 is a modem connected to the public telephone network 50 via a telephone 1 and has the function of a fax modem for ordinary facsimile communication. The modem demodulates the data of the telephone number information received as an FSK signal and outputs it to the main controller 1. I do. An NCU (Network Control Unit) 11 is a hardware circuit that performs closing and opening operations such as a DC loop of an analog public telephone line L1 and has an automatic dial function. Is connected to the public telephone line L1. Here, the NCU 11
In addition to detecting an ID receiving terminal activation signal and a normal telephone call signal in the calling telephone number notification service, it can transmit a primary response signal and a secondary response signal in the calling telephone number notification service as needed. Note that NC
The U11 may be connected to a baseband transmission type digital line (for example, an ISDN line) via a predetermined terminal adapter and a DSU (Digital Service Unit).

The mail server unit 31 is connected to the router 32 via the LAN 33. Further, the router device 32
Is connected to a destination center device (not shown) via the Internet 40. When sending image data from the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 by attaching the image data to a mail body or the like, the mail server unit 31 transmits the Internet mail to the LAN 33, the router 32,
The packet is transmitted to the destination Internet facsimile machine 20 via the Internet 40 and the destination center device (not shown). On the other hand, when receiving an e-mail packet, the e-mail is received by the mail server unit 31 from the destination Internet facsimile machine 20 via the Internet 40, the router device 32 and the LAN 33, and in response to this, the mail server unit 31 Notifies the main control unit 1 of the reception of the e-mail. The line connection to the Internet 40 is not limited to a dedicated line or the like, but may be a dial-up connection using the public telephone line L1.

The thus configured Internet facsimile apparatus 20 of this embodiment has a facsimile communication function using e-mail and a facsimile relay function using e-mail, in addition to a normal facsimile communication function such as the G3 system. have. In the former facsimile communication function, the dot image data read by the image reading unit 2 is encoded by software according to an encoding method such as MH, MR, MMR, etc. defined in the standard of the facsimile communication, and then the destination Internet. The data is transmitted to the facsimile machine 20 or the facsimile machine 60, while the destination Internet facsimile machine 2
0 or encoded data received from the facsimile device 60 is also decoded into image data by software and output from the image recording unit 3 as a hard copy.

In the latter facsimile communication function using e-mail, image data is in TIFF format,
Or, MH format, MMR format, JBIG format or J
After encoding in the PEG format or the like, it is MIME-converted and attached to the e-mail (or may be inserted into the text)
Send as When an e-mail attached with image data is received from another Internet facsimile apparatus 20, the inverse facsimile conversion is performed, and then the facsimile is decrypted and recorded using the image recording unit 3 of the terminal itself. Print on paper. Further, when relay-forwarding to another facsimile device 60, Mail and the telephone number of the destination are inserted in the mail body.

Further, in the latter facsimile communication function using electronic mail, when an electronic mail (with image data attached) of a transfer relay instruction from another Internet facsimile apparatus 20 to the facsimile apparatus 60 is received, After performing the inverse conversion of MIME, the encoded image data is transmitted to the designated facsimile apparatus 60 via the public telephone network 50 via T.50. Facsimile transmission is performed using the communication procedure of No. 30. In response to this, the facsimile apparatus 60 receives the facsimile image data, executes facsimile encoding processing, and prints it on recording paper using the image recording unit 103 of its own terminal.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the facsimile apparatus 60 of FIG. In FIG. 3, a facsimile apparatus 60 is a conventional ITU-T recommendation T.30. A facsimile communication function such as a G3 system using the G.30 is provided. The main control unit 101 is specifically configured by a CPU, is connected to the following hardware units via a bus 113, controls them, and executes various software functions to be described later. A main control unit 101, an image reading unit 102, an image recording unit 103, a display unit 104, an operation unit 105, a ROM 10
6, RAM 107, compact flash 108, clock circuit 109, fax modem 110, and NCU
Reference numeral 111 denotes the main control unit 1, the image reading unit 2,
Image recording unit 3, display unit 4, operation unit 5, ROM 6, RAM
7, the compact flash 8, the clock circuit 9, the fax modem 10, and the NCU 11 have the same configuration and operation except for the following points. (1) The main control unit 101 does not perform facsimile communication using electronic mail. (2) The compact flash 108 includes the image data file 108a shown in FIG. (3) The NCU 111 is connected to the public telephone network 50 via the public telephone line L2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the processing memory 30m of the center device 30 in FIG. 4, a center device 30 includes a digital computer such as a CPU and a communication interface circuit, and a processing memory 3 shown in FIG.
0 m or the like. The processing memory 30m
An NTFAX list table 30ma and an INTFAX information table 30mb are stored.

FIG. 5 shows an INTAX list table 3 stored in the processing memory 30m of the center device 30 in FIG.
It is a figure showing an example of 0ma. As shown in FIG.
The TFAX list table 30ma stores the INTAX
This is an information table necessary for implementing a list storage and response function for a response, and is an Internet facsimile apparatus 2 registered and authenticated in the INTAX list.
Includes the email address, ID, and password for 0. Such information is stored in, for example, the center device 30
Is manually input in advance locally.

FIG. 6 shows the INTFAX information table 30 stored in the processing memory 30m of the center device 30 in FIG.
It is a figure showing an example of mb.

As is clear from FIG. 6, the INTFAX information table 30mb is a table including device information relating to each Internet facsimile device 20 registered in the INTFAX list. including. Here, the receiving capability is used when generating image data to be transmitted to the destination Internet facsimile machine 20. It includes the method (MH, MR, MMR, etc.) and the maximum resolution (dpi) of the image reading unit 2.

This INTFAX information table 30 mb
Is registered by the registration information from each Internet facsimile machine 20 registered in the INTAX list, and again, the same Internet facsimile machine 20 is registered.
When receiving registration information from
Registered in the X information table 30mb. Therefore, the center device 30 has an INTFAX information table 30 mb, and each Internet facsimile device 20 transmits the data to another destination Internet facsimile device 20 or the Internet facsimile device 2.
0, the registration information request signal is transmitted to the center device 30 when transmitting to the destination facsimile device 60, and in response to this, the center device 30 When searching for the facsimile machine 20, it is possible to make a determination by looking at the area code (area code) or country code in the telephone number in the INTFAX information table 30mb.

Further, the center device 30 receives the ID and the password transmitted from the Internet facsimile device 20 accessing the center device 30, and checks the ID and the password stored in the INTFAX list table 30ma, respectively. In addition, the authentication function has an authentication function of giving access right authentication to the Internet facsimile device 20 when they match, and not giving access rights authentication to the Internet facsimile device 20 when they do not match. As a result, access to the Internet facsimile machine 20 from an unauthenticated Internet facsimile machine can be prevented. The verification for authentication may be performed using any one of the ID and the password.

Further, the main control unit 1 of each Internet facsimile machine 20 and the center device 30
Before transmitting the e-mail via the Internet 40, the e-mail is encrypted by a predetermined encryption method such as, for example, ID-NIKS, and when the encrypted e-mail is received, the e-mail is Is decrypted by a decryption method corresponding to the encryption method. Thereby, communication security can be improved.

In the Internet facsimile communication system configured as described above, one center device 30 having an SMTP mail server function has INTFA
It has a function of storing the X list and responding to the request. Therefore, when each Internet facsimile apparatus 20 transmits to another Internet facsimile apparatus 20 or facsimile apparatus 60, it transmits a registration information request signal to the center apparatus 30 and returns to the center apparatus 30. The device information including the electronic mail address, the telephone number, and the receiving ability of the Internet facsimile device 20 to be transmitted can be known from the registration information response signal including the device information of the above.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a registration process executed in the Internet facsimile communication system of FIG. In FIG. 7, for example, as shown in 201, the Internet facsimile apparatus 20A
0, the center device 30 receives this,
INTFAX information table 30 mb in processing memory 30
Register by overwriting and saving (however, save when newly installed).

[0048]

[Table 1] ――――――――――――――――――――― From: ifax01@abcde.com To: ifax@maillist.com Subject: ifax info E-mail address: ifax01 @ abcde .com Phone number: 03-3123-1234 Reception ability: A3, MMR, 400dpi ―――――――――――――――――――――

In FIG. 7, for example, the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 B
When the e-mail of the registration information shown in Table 2 is transmitted to the center device 30, the center device 30 receives the e-mail and registers it by overwriting and saving it in the INTFAX information table 30mb in the processing memory 30 (however, when newly installed). Is saved).

[0050]

[Table 2] ――――――――――――――――――――― From: ifax02@xyz.com To: ifax@maillist.com Subject: ifax info E-mail address: ifax02 @ xyz .com Phone number: 075-672-8242 Reception ability: B4, MMR, 400dpi ―――――――――――――――――――――

Further, in FIG. 7, for example, the Internet facsimile apparatus 20C transmits the electronic mail of the registration information shown in Table 3 to the center apparatus 3 as shown in 203.
0, the center device 30 receives this,
INTFAX information table 30 mb in processing memory 30
Register by overwriting and saving (however, save when newly installed).

[0052]

[Table 3] ――――――――――――――――――――― From: ifax03@fhi.com To: ifax@maillist.com Subject: ifax info E-mail address: ifax03 @ fhi .com Phone number: 06-6123-4568 Reception ability: A3, MMR, 600dpi ―――――――――――――――――――――

The registration process shown in FIG.
Using the function of the X list, the device information of all the Internet facsimile devices 20 is stored in the center device 30, and based on the device information, it is possible to effectively relay the facsimile communication of the image data using the electronic mail. . This will be described later in detail.

Each of the Internet facsimile apparatuses 20 transmits an e-mail of registration information describing its own apparatus information to the INTFAX list when newly installed or when its own apparatus information is changed. As a result, the center device 30 sets the INTAX list table 30m
The device information of all the Internet facsimile devices 20 stored in “a” can be grasped.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing an INTAX transmission process executed in the Internet facsimile communication system of FIG. This INTFAX
In the transmission process, as shown in FIG. 8, the facsimile machine 60
When the facsimile transmission instruction is given to C, the Internet facsimile apparatus 20A sends the registration information request signal shown in Table 4 to the center apparatus 3 as shown in 301.
Send to 0.

[0056]

[Table 4] Registration information request signal ――――――――――――――――――― From: ifax01@abcde.com To: center@ifax.com Subject: ifax request 0774-20-1234 =? ―――――――――――――――――――

In response to this, the center device 30
The nearest Internet facsimile device 20C closest to the destination facsimile device 60C is selected from the toll-free telephone number information of the telephone number in the NTFAX information table 30mb, and the device information of the selected Internet facsimile device 20C shown in Table 5 is displayed. A registration information response signal including the registration information is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 20A.

[0058]

[Table 5] Registration information response signal ――――――――――――――――――― From: center@ifax.com To: ifax01@abcde.com Subject: ifax info 0774-20-1234 = ｛E-mail address: ifax03@fhi.com Phone number: 06-6123-4568 Reception ability: A3, MMR, 600dpi｝ ―――――――――――――――――――

In response, Internet facsimile apparatus 20A includes transmission information as shown in Table 6.
The relay transfer instruction email with the image data attached
As shown at 204 in FIG. 6, the data is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 20C.

[0060]

[Table 6] ――――――――――――――――――――― Mail FAX = 0774-20-1234 ――――――――――――――――― ―――― Attached file: Image data ―――――――――――――――――――――

In response to this, the Internet facsimile apparatus 20C receives the e-mail, performs MIME inverse conversion of the attached image data, extracts the encoded image data, and then extracts the encoded image data. Through the public telephone network 50 and T.P. Facsimile transmission is performed to the destination facsimile device 60C using the communication procedure of No. 30. Then, after receiving the image data, the facsimile device 60C executes a facsimile decoding process,
The image of the encoded image data is printed on recording paper using the image recording unit 103. As a result, facsimile transmission via the Internet 40 to the nearest Internet facsimile device 20C close to the destination facsimile device 60C can greatly reduce the communication fee from the Internet facsimile device 20A to the facsimile device 60C. The destination facsimile device 60
Is the facsimile device 60E closest to the terminal itself, the Internet facsimile device 20A transmits the encoded image data to the T.A. 30
Facsimile transmission to the destination facsimile apparatus 60E using the communication procedure described above.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the INTFAX broadcast transmission process executed in the Internet facsimile communication system of FIG. For example, Table 7
When an Internet facsimile apparatus 20A instructs the facsimile apparatus 60 having the five telephone numbers shown in FIG. 5 to perform broadcast transmission, the Internet facsimile apparatus 20A transmits a registration information request signal shown in Table 7 in FIG. As shown at 302, the data is transmitted to the center device 30.

[0063]

[Table 7] Registration information request signal ――――――――――――――――――― From: ifax01@abcde.com To: center@ifax.com Subject: ifax request 075-672-1234 =? 075-672-2345 =? 0774-20-1234 =? 06-6752-5524 =? 03-3123-4568 =? ――――――――――――――――――― ( Note) The telephone numbers of the above five destinations correspond to the facsimile machines 60A-60E.

In response to this, the center device 30
From the toll-free telephone number information of the telephone number in the NTFAX information table 30mb, the Internet facsimile machine 20 adjacent to the destination facsimile machine 60 is selected as follows. That is, the center device 30 is
It is determined that the Internet facsimile machine 20B is the nearest Internet facsimile machine with respect to the facsimile machine 60A and the 075-672-2345 (facsimile machine 60B).
C) and 06-6752-5524 (facsimile apparatus 60D), it is determined that the Internet facsimile apparatus 20C is the nearest Internet facsimile apparatus, and 03-312.
3-4568 (the facsimile apparatus 60E) determines that the terminal is the nearest Internet facsimile apparatus. Then, the center apparatus 30 returns a registration information response signal including the apparatus information of the selected Internet facsimile apparatuses 20B and 20C shown in Table 8 to the Internet facsimile apparatus 20A as indicated by 302 in FIG.

[0065]

[Table 8] Registration information response signal ――――――――――――――――――― From: center@ifax.com To: ifax01@abcde.com Subject: ifax info 075-672-1234 , 075-672-2345 = ｛E-mail address: ifax02@xyz.com Phone number: 075-672-8242 Reception ability: B4, MMR, 400dpi｝ 0774-20-1234,06-6752-5524 = ｛E-mail address ： Ifax03@uji.com Phone number ： 06-6123-4568 Reception ability ： A3, MMR, 600dpi｝ 03-3123-4568 = ｛E-mail address ： ifax01@abcde.com Phone number ： 03-31231234 Reception ability ： A3, MMR, 400dpi} ―――――――――――――――――――

In response to the registration information response signal, the Internet facsimile apparatus 20A transmits the relay transfer instruction e-mail including the transmission information in the mail body and the image data attached thereto as shown in Table 8, as shown in FIG. As shown at 205, the data is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 20B. In response, Internet facsimile apparatus 20B transmits the received image data to public telephone network 50 via public telephone network 50 in the same manner as described above. Facsimile transmission is performed to the facsimile apparatuses 60A and 60B using the communication procedure of No. 30.

[0067]

[Table 9] ――――――――――――――――――――― Mail FAX = 075-672-1234; 075-672-2345 ――――――――――― ―――――――――― Attached file: Image data ―――――――――――――――――――――

The Internet facsimile apparatus 2
0A includes the transmission information in the mail body as shown in Table 10, and transmits the relay transfer instruction e-mail with the image data attached to the Internet facsimile apparatus 20B as indicated by 206 in FIG. In response, Internet facsimile apparatus 20B transmits the received image data to public telephone network 50 via public telephone network 50 in the same manner as described above. 3
Facsimile apparatuses 60C and 60C using the communication procedure of
Facsimile transmission to D.

[0069]

[Table 10] ――――――――――――――――――――― Mail FAX = 0774-20-1234; 06-6752-5324 ――――――――――― ―――――――――― Attached file: Image data ―――――――――――――――――――――

Further, the Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits the image data to be transmitted to the T.A. Facsimile transmission is performed to the nearest facsimile device 60E using the communication procedure of No. 30.

As described above, the INTFAX shown in FIG.
In the broadcast transmission processing, the telephone number of the destination facsimile apparatus 60 to be transferred is described to each of the Internet facsimile apparatuses 20B and 20C, an e-mail having image data as an attached file is created and transmitted. By performing facsimile transmission from each of the devices 20B and 20C to the facsimile device 60 at the final destination, broadcast transmission can be efficiently processed and communication costs can be saved.

In the above embodiment, whether or not relaying via another Internet facsimile apparatus 20 may be performed in accordance with the source or destination facsimile apparatus 60 is determined based on the source or destination telephone number for which relaying is permitted. A table described in the number may be stored in advance. Whether or not relaying via another Internet facsimile apparatus 20 may be performed may be set for each communication.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, each Internet facsimile apparatus 20 requests the center apparatus 30 for the apparatus information of the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 by using a registration information request signal.
In response to this, based on the registration information response signal from the center device 30, the main control unit 1 can perform facsimile communication with another Internet facsimile device 20 via the Internet using electronic mail. .
Therefore, the respective Internet facsimile apparatuses 20 can know each other's e-mail addresses, and can perform facsimile communication via the Internet at a lower cost than in the conventional example.

The Internet facsimile apparatus 2
The main control unit 1 of the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 transmits image data to be transmitted to the center apparatus 30 by facsimile transmission to at least one destination facsimile apparatus 60 connected to the public telephone network 50. The main control unit 1 requests information by a registration information request signal, and, based on the registration information response signal returned from the center device 30 in response to the request, transmits the image data via the Internet using electronic mail. Facsimile transmission to the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 selected by the center apparatus, and in response thereto, the selected Internet facsimile apparatus 20 transmits the received image data via the public telephone network 50 to the destination facsimile apparatus 6.
Send facsimile to 0. That is, transmission can be performed via the Internet 40, and the Internet facsimile machine 20 close to the facsimile machine 20 on the receiving side can be selected. Therefore, the Internet facsimile machine 20 can perform inexpensive facsimile communication with another general facsimile machine via another Internet facsimile machine 20 as compared with the conventional example. In other words, at least the facsimile machine on the receiving side transmits the T. It can be a general facsimile machine that does not support 37 communication procedures,
Inexpensive facsimile communication can be realized.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an Internet facsimile communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the Internet facsimile communication system according to the second embodiment, as compared with the system of FIG.
0 further comprises a facsimile device 60Z connected to
The transmission instruction information is transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 60Z to the Internet facsimile apparatus 20A.

That is, when the main control unit 1 of the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 receives the image data of the transfer request together with the information of the destination facsimile apparatus 60 from the facsimile apparatus 60Z, the main control unit 1 sends the apparatus of the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 to the center apparatus 30. Information is requested by a registration information request signal, and in response to this, the center device 30
The main control unit 1 transmits the image data to the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 selected by the center apparatus 30 via the Internet using electronic mail based on the registration information response signal returned from In response, the selected Internet facsimile machine 20 transmits the received image data to the destination facsimile machine 60 via the public telephone network 50 by facsimile.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that, as described above, (1) the facsimile device 60Z is further provided near the internet facsimile device 20A, and (2) the internet facsimile device 20 Has the function of transferring image data of facsimile communication to another facsimile device 60 based on the transfer instruction information from the facsimile device 60, and (3)
After the fax modem 10 detects the call signal,
Facsimile machine 6 on the calling side as the second dial signal
This is to detect and receive the telephone number information of the DTMF signal transmitted from 0, and output this information to the main control unit 1. When detecting the polarity inversion after the calling-side calling signal is stopped, the transmitting-side facsimile apparatus 60 transmits, for example, the telephone number information of the facsimile apparatus 60 of the final destination using the DTMF signal.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing the INTFAX transfer and broadcast transmission processing executed in the Internet facsimile communication system of FIG.
In the INTFAX transfer and broadcast transmission processing of FIG.
For example, the facsimile device 60Z adjacent to the Internet facsimile device 20A detects the polarity reversal after the dialing of the Internet facsimile device 20A is performed and the calling signal of the transmitting side is stopped, as shown at 208 in FIG. At this time, for example, as the transfer instruction information shown in Table 10, the telephone number information of the facsimile device 60 of the final destination is transmitted using the DTMF signal.

[0079]

[Table 11] Transfer instruction information ――――――――――――――――――――― 075-672-1234 075-672-2345 0774-20-1234 06-6752-5524 03- 3123-4568 ―――――――――――――――――――――

In response, Internet facsimile machine 20A transmits a registration information request signal shown in Table 7 to center apparatus 30 as shown at 303 in FIG. In response, the center device 30 transmits the INTFA
The Internet facsimile machine 20 adjacent to the destination facsimile machine 60 is selected as follows from the toll-free telephone number information of the telephone number in the X information table 30mb.
That is, the center apparatus 30 sends the Internet facsimile apparatus 2 to 075-672-1234 (facsimile apparatus 60A) and 075-672-2345 (facsimile apparatus 60B).
0B is determined to be the nearest Internet facsimile machine, and 0774-20-1234 (facsimile machine 60C) and
06-6752-5524 (facsimile machine 60D), Internet facsimile machine 20C is determined to be the nearest Internet facsimile machine, and 03-3123-4568.
(Facsimile device 60E) determines that its own terminal is the nearest Internet facsimile device. Then, the center device 30 returns a registration information response signal including the device information of the selected Internet facsimile devices 20B and 20C shown in Table 8 to the Internet facsimile device 20A as indicated by 303 in FIG.

In response to the registration information reply signal from center device 30, internet facsimile device 20A
Are 205, 206 and 2 in FIG. 9 according to the first embodiment.
The same processing as 07 is executed. Thereby, the image data transmitted from the facsimile machine 60Z on the transmitting side is broadcast-transmitted to the facsimile machines 60A-60E of the final destination.

In the above example of FIG. 11, the broadcast transmission is performed, but the same applies to the transmission to one facsimile machine 20.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the functions and effects of the first embodiment, the general facsimile apparatus 60 is replaced by another general facsimile apparatus 60.
Can be transmitted via the Internet 40, and the facsimile apparatus 60 on the transmitting side can transmit the broadcast transmission to one Internet facsimile apparatus 20, and the facsimile apparatuses on the transmitting side and the receiving side Since each of the devices 60 can select the Internet facsimile device 20 in proximity, the broadcast transmission can be efficiently processed and the communication cost can be saved.

In the above-described second embodiment, the calling-side facsimile apparatus 60 dials the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 adjacent to the calling-side facsimile apparatus, and detects the polarity reversal after the calling-side calling signal is stopped. Sometimes, as the transfer instruction information, the telephone number information of the facsimile device 60 of the final destination is transmitted using the DTMF signal, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the final method of the transfer instruction information is transmitted using the following method. The destination telephone number may be transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 20. (1) NSS which is a non-standard signal of facsimile communication procedure
The final destination telephone number of the transfer instruction information is stored and transmitted in the signal frame. (2) The telephone number of the final destination of the transfer instruction information is printed on a page of the facsimile communication image data in a font of a predetermined size or more by a printer of a word processor and transmitted, and the OCR in the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 is transmitted.
Read by function.

In the above-described second embodiment, the Internet facsimile machine 20 sends a user ID to the transmission source facsimile machine 60 using a DTMF signal.
D, a password or the like may be transmitted for authentication. Alternatively, the authentication may be performed using an NSS signal or a SUB (sub address) signal, which is a non-standard signal of facsimile communication, or a source telephone number (using a transmission telephone number notification service or the like). In these cases, it is necessary for the Internet facsimile machine 20 to store, in the compact flash 8, an authentication table such as a telephone number, an ID, and a password for the facsimile machine 60 to be authenticated.

<Modification> In the above embodiment, the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 and the center apparatus 3
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one of the plurality of Internet facsimile apparatuses 20 may be configured to have the function of the center apparatus 30.

In the above embodiment, the mail server unit 31 that transmits and receives an electronic mail via the Internet 40 is provided inside. This eliminates the need for the receiving side to use the POP3 protocol,
Since communication can be performed using only the SMTP protocol, communication time can be further reduced. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an external mail server device 31a may be provided as shown in an Internet facsimile device 20a in FIG. 12 according to a modification. In FIG. 12, a LAN 33 is connected to a bus 13 of the Internet facsimile machine 20a via a LAN interface 12 that performs signal conversion and protocol conversion of signals and data, and a mail server device 31a is connected to the LAN 33. Here, the LAN 33 may be, for example, a WAN or a predetermined local communication network connected to the Internet facsimile machine 20a.

In the modification of FIG. 12, the main control unit 1
When transmitting an e-mail, the e-mail is transmitted via the LAN interface 12 using SMTP, and in response, the mail server device 31a transmits the received e-mail via the LAN 33, the router device 32, and the interface 40. To the destination center device or Internet facsimile device 20. On the other hand, when receiving an e-mail, the main control unit 1 sets POP3 (Post Off
Using the Ice Protocol 3), the LAN interface 12 and the LA
The e-mail is received by accessing the mail server 31a via N33 and downloading the e-mail stored in the mail server 31a.

In the Internet facsimile communication system according to the above embodiment, the Internet 40
Are connected to three Internet facsimile machines 20, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least a plurality of Internet facsimile machines 20 may be connected.

In the Internet facsimile communication system according to the above embodiment, the public telephone network 50
Although the facsimile apparatuses 60 are connected, when facsimile communication is performed between the Internet facsimile apparatuses 20, the facsimile apparatuses 60 are unnecessary. Further, when the facsimile device 60 transmits or receives a call, at least one facsimile device 60 may be used. Further, when a facsimile device 60 transmits and receives a call at another facsimile device 60, at least two facsimile devices 60 are required.

The Internet browser according to the above embodiment
In the x-millimeter communication system, 5
Facsimile machines 60 are connected,
As an example, the Internet facsimile machine 20
A receives the facsimile device 60E via the first circuit switching network.
Is connected to the Internet facsimile machine 20B.
Facsimile machines 60A, 60A via the second circuit switching network
0B and the Internet facsimile machine 20
C receives the facsimile device 60 via the third circuit switching network.
C, 60D. Where the first, second,
The third circuit switched network may be different or the same.
May be. That is, each Internet facsimile machine
Between the facsimile device 60 and the facsimile device 60.
Are connected by a communication network such as a predetermined circuit switching network.
Just fine.

In the above embodiment, when each Internet facsimile apparatus 20 issues a transfer instruction (transmission information signal) of facsimile image data to another Internet facsimile apparatus 20 by using an electronic mail, as shown in Table 6. As shown in Tables 9 and 10, the transfer instruction (M
Although (ail) is described in the body of the mail, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be described in the header of the e-mail. For example, a subject of an e-mail header or a dedicated header (for example, X-ifax) may be used.

[0093]

As described in detail above, according to the Internet facsimile communication system of the present invention, a plurality of Internet facsimile apparatuses for performing facsimile communication via the Internet using electronic mail, and the above-mentioned Internet facsimile apparatuses After storing the information table of the device information including the e-mail address and the telephone number, after receiving the device information transmitted from each of the Internet facsimile devices, store the device information in the information table, from the respective Internet facsimile device And a center device for returning a registration information response signal including the device information included in the information table based on the registration information request signal of the Internet facsimile communication system. Based on the device information, through the Internet using e-mail, and a facsimile communication means for performing other Internet facsimile apparatus and a facsimile communication. Therefore, according to the present invention, in an Internet facsimile communication system, each Internet facsimile apparatus can know each other's e-mail address, and can perform facsimile communication via the Internet at a lower cost than in the conventional example. .

In the Internet facsimile communication system, the facsimile communication means is preferably connected to a predetermined communication network and transmits image data to at least one destination facsimile apparatus connected to the communication network. Transmits a registration information request signal including the telephone number of the destination facsimile device to the center device, and in response thereto, the center device transmits a registration information request signal from the facsimile communication means of each of the Internet facsimile devices. Based on the above, refer to the information table, select an Internet facsimile machine close to the destination facsimile machine,
The registration information response signal including the device information of the selected Internet facsimile device is returned. The facsimile transmission of the image data to the selected Internet facsimile device via the Internet using e-mail, and in response, the selected Internet facsimile device transmits the received image data to the selected Internet facsimile device. Facsimile transmission to the destination facsimile device via the communication network or another communication network. Therefore, according to the present invention, in an Internet facsimile communication system, it is possible for an Internet facsimile apparatus to perform inexpensive facsimile communication to a general facsimile apparatus of a destination via another Internet facsimile apparatus as compared with a conventional example. it can. In other words, at least the facsimile machine on the receiving side transmits the T. It can be a general facsimile machine that does not support 37 communication procedures,
Inexpensive facsimile communication can be realized.

In the Internet facsimile communication system, the facsimile communication means is preferably connected to a predetermined communication network, and transmits image data of a transfer request from at least one other facsimile apparatus connected to the communication network. When received together with the information of the destination facsimile machine, a registration information request signal including the telephone number of the destination facsimile machine is transmitted to the center apparatus. Based on the registration information request signal from the facsimile communication means, referring to the information table, select an Internet facsimile apparatus close to the destination facsimile apparatus, and register information including the apparatus information of the selected Internet facsimile apparatus. Returns answer signal And, in response thereto, the facsimile communication means of each Internet facsimile machine,
Facsimile transmitting the image data to the selected Internet facsimile device via the Internet using electronic mail based on the device information of the selected selected Internet facsimile device,
In response, the selected Internet facsimile apparatus transmits the received image data to the destination facsimile apparatus via the communication network or another communication network. Therefore, according to the present invention, in an Internet facsimile communication system, a general facsimile apparatus can perform inexpensive facsimile communication with a general facsimile apparatus of a destination via the Internet as compared with a conventional example. That is, the facsimile apparatuses on the transmitting side and the receiving side are in accordance with A general facsimile apparatus which does not support 37 communication procedures may be used, thereby realizing inexpensive facsimile communication.

Further, in the Internet facsimile communication system, the center device preferably includes at least one of an identifier and a password of each Internet facsimile device corresponding to the electronic mail address of each Internet facsimile device. Further storing a facsimile apparatus list table, wherein the center apparatus receives at least one of an identifier and a password transmitted from the Internet facsimile apparatus accessing the center apparatus, and stores the received identifier and password in the Internet facsimile apparatus list table The Internet facsimile device is authenticated for access right when the identifier and the password are compared with at least one of the password. Itoki further comprising authentication means does not give the authentication of access to the Internet facsimile machine. Therefore, according to the present invention, in addition to the above-described effects, for an Internet facsimile machine,
Access from an unauthenticated Internet facsimile machine can be prevented.

In the Internet facsimile communication system, the facsimile communication means or the center device preferably encrypts the electronic mail before transmitting the electronic mail via the Internet. Therefore, according to the present invention, in addition to the above effects,
Facsimile communication of electronic mail transmitted and received via the Internet is encrypted, and the security of the communication can be enhanced.

Further, in the Internet facsimile communication system, one of the plurality of Internet facsimile apparatuses has a center device for storing the information table. Therefore, according to the present invention, in addition to the above-described effects, it is not necessary to provide the center device as a separate device, so that the configuration of the Internet facsimile communication system can be simplified.

An Internet facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of Internet facsimile apparatuses for performing facsimile communication via the Internet using electronic mail, and apparatus information including an electronic mail address and a telephone number of each of the Internet facsimile apparatuses. After storing the information table and receiving the device information transmitted from each of the Internet facsimile devices, storing the device information in the information table, based on the registration information request signal from each of the Internet facsimile devices, the information table An Internet facsimile device for an Internet facsimile communication system comprising: a center device that returns a registration information response signal including device information included in the e-mail based on the returned device information. Through the Internet using,
A facsimile communication means for performing facsimile communication with another Internet facsimile apparatus is provided. Therefore, according to the present invention, in an Internet facsimile communication system, each Internet facsimile apparatus can know each other's e-mail address, and can perform facsimile communication via the Internet at a lower cost than in the conventional example. .

In the Internet facsimile apparatus, the facsimile communication means is preferably connected to a predetermined communication network, and transmits image data to at least one destination facsimile apparatus connected to the communication network. Transmitting a registration information request signal including the telephone number of the destination facsimile device to the center device, and in response to the request, the center device is returned from the center device and selected to be close to the destination facsimile device. In response to the registration information response signal including the device information of the Internet facsimile device, the facsimile communication means, based on the device information of the selected Internet facsimile device returned, utilizing the image data by e-mail The above selected interface via the Internet Facsimile transmission to the net facsimile apparatus. Therefore, according to the present invention, in an Internet facsimile communication system, it is possible for an Internet facsimile apparatus to perform inexpensive facsimile communication to a general facsimile apparatus of a destination via another Internet facsimile apparatus as compared with a conventional example. it can. In other words, at least the facsimile machine on the receiving side transmits the T. A general facsimile apparatus which does not support 37 communication procedures may be used, thereby realizing inexpensive facsimile communication.

In the above-mentioned Internet facsimile apparatus, the facsimile communication means is preferably connected to a predetermined communication network, and receives image data of a transfer request from at least one other facsimile apparatus connected to the communication network. When receiving the registration information request signal including the telephone number of the destination facsimile apparatus, the registration information request signal including the telephone number of the destination facsimile apparatus is transmitted to the center apparatus. In response to the registration information response signal including the device information of the Internet facsimile device selected to be close to the device, the facsimile communication means,
The image data is facsimile-transmitted to the selected Internet facsimile apparatus via the Internet using electronic mail based on the returned apparatus information of the selected Internet facsimile apparatus. Therefore, according to the present invention, in an Internet facsimile communication system, a general facsimile apparatus can perform inexpensive facsimile communication with a general facsimile apparatus of a destination via the Internet as compared with a conventional example. That is, the facsimile apparatuses on the transmitting side and the receiving side are in accordance with A general facsimile apparatus which does not support 37 communication procedures may be used, thereby realizing inexpensive facsimile communication.

Further, in the Internet facsimile apparatus, the facsimile communication means preferably encrypts the electronic mail before transmitting the electronic mail via the Internet. Therefore, according to the present invention, in addition to the above-described effects, facsimile communication of electronic mail transmitted and received via the Internet is encrypted, and the security of the communication can be enhanced.

Further, the Internet facsimile apparatus preferably further includes a center device for storing the information table. Therefore, according to the present invention, in addition to the above-described effects, it is not necessary to provide the center device as a separate device, so that the configuration of the Internet facsimile communication system can be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an Internet facsimile communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an Internet facsimile apparatus 20 of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a peripheral device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the facsimile apparatus 60 of FIG.

4 is a processing memory 30m of the center device 30 in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

5 is a processing memory 30m of the center device 30 in FIG.
It is a figure which shows an example of the INTFAX list table 30ma stored in.

6 is a processing memory 30m of the center device 30 in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an INTFAX information table 30 mb stored in the storage device.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a registration process executed in the Internet facsimile communication system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing an INTAX transmission process executed in the Internet facsimile communication system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an INTAX broadcast transmission process executed in the Internet facsimile communication system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an Internet facsimile communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing an INTAX transmission and broadcast transmission process executed in the Internet facsimile communication system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an Internet facsimile apparatus 20a as a modification and peripheral devices thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main control part, 2 ... Image reading part, 3 ... Image recording part, 4 ... Display part, 5 ... Operation part, 6 ... ROM, 7 ... RAM, 8 ... Compact flash, 8a ... Image data file, 9 ... Clock Circuit: 10: Fax modem, 11: NCU, 12: LAN interface, 13: Bus, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C: Internet facsimile machine, 30: Center device, 30m: Processing memory, 30ma: INTFAX list table, 30mb ... INTFAX information table, 31: mail server unit, 31a: mail server device, 32: router device, 33: LAN, 40: Internet, 50: public telephone network, 60, 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60
Z: facsimile machine, 101: main control unit, 102: image reading unit, 103: image recording unit, 104: display unit, 105: operation unit, 106: ROM, 107: RAM, 108: compact flash, 108a: image data File 109 clock circuit 110 fax modem 111 NCU 113 bus L1, L2 public telephone line

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/32 H04N 1/32 F Z F term (Reference) 5C062 AA02 AA25 AA29 AA35 AB17 AB38 AB42 AC02 AC22 AC29 AC43 AE02 AF00 AF02 AF03 BA00 BD09 5C075 AB90 BA05 CA14 CA90 CD90 CF90 GG09 5K030 GA15 GA19 HA01 HA08 HB04 HC01 HC02 HD03 HD06 JT05 KA01 KA03 KA13 KA19 LD11 LD19 MB18 5K101 KK01 LL01 LL05 MM07 NN03 NN06 NN06 NN06

Claims (15)

[Claims] A plurality of Internet facsimile apparatuses for performing facsimile communication via the Internet using electronic mail, and an information table of apparatus information including an electronic mail address and a telephone number of each of the Internet facsimile apparatuses. After receiving the device information transmitted from each Internet facsimile device, store the device information in the information table, and include the device information included in the information table based on a registration information request signal from each Internet facsimile device. An Internet facsimile communication system including a center device that returns a registration information reply signal, wherein each of the Internet facsimile devices uses the e-mail based on the returned device information, and transmits and receives other information via the Internet. Inn Internet facsimile communication system characterized in that a facsimile communication means for nets facsimile device and facsimile communication. 2. The facsimile communication means, which is connected to a predetermined communication network and transmits image data to at least one destination facsimile apparatus connected to the communication network when facsimile transmission is performed. The center device transmits a registration information request signal including a telephone number to the center device, and in response, the center device transmits the information table based on the registration information request signal from the facsimile communication unit of each of the Internet facsimile devices. With reference to the Internet facsimile machine of the destination, an Internet facsimile machine in proximity to the destination facsimile machine is selected, and a registration information response signal including device information of the selected Internet facsimile machine is returned. Facsimile communication means Based on the device information of the selected Internet facsimile device, the image data is transmitted by facsimile to the selected Internet facsimile device via the Internet using e-mail, and in response to this, the selected Internet facsimile device is transmitted. 2. The Internet facsimile communication system according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile apparatus transmits the received image data to the destination facsimile apparatus via the communication network or another communication network. 3. The facsimile communication means is connected to a predetermined communication network, and at least one of the facsimile communication means is connected to the communication network.
When image data of a transfer request is received from two different facsimile machines together with information on a destination facsimile machine,
A registration information request signal including the telephone number of the facsimile machine of the destination is transmitted to the center apparatus. Referring to the information table, selecting an Internet facsimile apparatus adjacent to the destination facsimile apparatus, returning a registration information response signal including the apparatus information of the selected Internet facsimile apparatus, The facsimile communication means of each of the Internet facsimile apparatuses, based on the returned apparatus information of the selected Internet facsimile apparatus, converts the image data into the selected Internet facsimile apparatus via the Internet using electronic mail. Nihu Transmitting the received image data to the destination facsimile apparatus via the communication network or another communication network in response to the facsimile transmission. Item 2. An Internet facsimile communication system according to Item 1. 4. The center apparatus further stores an Internet facsimile apparatus list table including at least one of an identifier and a password of each Internet facsimile apparatus, corresponding to an electronic mail address of each of the Internet facsimile apparatuses. The center device receives at least one of the identifier and the password transmitted from the Internet facsimile device accessing the center device, and receives at least one of the identifier and the password stored in the Internet facsimile device list table. And, if they match, authenticate the access right to the Internet facsimile machine,
4. The Internet facsimile communication system according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication unit that does not authenticate the access right to the Internet facsimile apparatus when the numbers do not match. 5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile communication means or the center device encrypts the electronic mail before transmitting the electronic mail via the Internet. An Internet facsimile communication system according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of Internet facsimile apparatuses includes a center apparatus for storing the information table. Internet facsimile communication system. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the Internet facsimile apparatuses includes a mail server unit for transmitting and receiving an electronic mail including image data. An Internet facsimile communication system as described. 8. Each of the Internet facsimile apparatuses is connected via a predetermined local communication network, and includes mail server means for transmitting and receiving electronic mail including image data. 7. The Internet facsimile communication system according to any one of the items 6. 9. A plurality of Internet facsimile apparatuses for performing facsimile communication via the Internet using electronic mail, and an information table of apparatus information including an electronic mail address and a telephone number of each of the Internet facsimile apparatuses are stored. After receiving the device information transmitted from each Internet facsimile device, store the device information in the information table, and include the device information included in the information table based on a registration information request signal from each Internet facsimile device. An Internet facsimile device for an Internet facsimile communication system including a center device that returns a registration information response signal, and based on the returned device information, using the e-mail, Inter Internet facsimile apparatus characterized by comprising a facsimile communication means for performing Internet facsimile apparatus and a facsimile communication. 10. The facsimile communication means is connected to a predetermined communication network, and transmits facsimile image data to at least one destination facsimile apparatus connected to the communication network. A registration information request signal including a telephone number is transmitted to the center device. In response, the device information of the Internet facsimile device selected to be close to the destination facsimile device returned from the center device is transmitted. In response to the registration information reply signal including the facsimile communication means, the facsimile communication means, based on the returned device information of the selected Internet facsimile device, the image data is selected via the Internet using e-mail Facsimile transmission to an Internet facsimile machine Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the symptoms. 11. The facsimile communication means is connected to a predetermined communication network, and receives image data of a transfer request together with information of a destination facsimile device from at least one other facsimile device connected to the communication network. Transmitting a registration information request signal including the telephone number of the destination facsimile apparatus to the center apparatus, and in response to the request, the center apparatus is selected to approach the destination facsimile apparatus returned from the center apparatus. In response to the registration information response signal including the device information of the Internet facsimile device, the facsimile communication means, based on the device information of the selected Internet facsimile device returned, utilizing the image data by e-mail Internet facsimile machine selected above via the Internet Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the facsimile transmission to the. 12. The facsimile communication unit according to claim 9, wherein the electronic mail is encrypted before transmitting the electronic mail via the Internet.
The Internet facsimile apparatus according to any one of the above. 13. The system according to claim 9, further comprising a center device for storing said information table.
The Internet facsimile apparatus according to any one of the above. 14. An Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a mail server means for transmitting and receiving an e-mail including image data. 15. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a mail server connected to a predetermined local communication network for transmitting and receiving an electronic mail including image data. An Internet facsimile machine according to any one of the above.