JP4039406B2 - Facsimile server - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile server that can be connected to a communication network such as a LAN, and more particularly to a facsimile server having a function of distributing a received facsimile image to a directory of a client or other terminal.

  Recently, facsimile systems have been widely used in offices and the like, and play a useful role in data communication. Such a system is configured, for example, by connecting a facsimile server or a terminal device so-called client personal computer through a communication network such as a LAN. The facsimile server transfers data received by facsimile to the client personal computer, When data specifying a transfer destination is received from a personal computer, the received data is transmitted to the specified transfer destination.

  In such a facsimile server, the image data received by facsimile communication is directly transmitted to the client personal computer based on the facsimile destination information or stored in its own storage unit and sent from the client. Corresponding image data is transmitted upon request.

  However, when transferring image data received by facsimile to a client computer via e-mail, when the user wants to save the image data in the desired format in the folder on his computer, the user opens the e-mail and opens the attached file. Later, it had to be converted into a desired file format and saved in a folder, which was troublesome.

  In addition, when the facsimile server temporarily stores the image data in a predetermined storage location and the user accesses the storage location of the facsimile server and captures the image data, the image data is stored in the facsimile server until the user accesses. In the case where the number of received originals is large, there is a problem that a large-capacity storage unit is required and the entire apparatus becomes large.

For this reason, it has been proposed to distribute image data to a designated directory such as a client personal computer connected to a LAN based on received information such as sender information and destination information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-151889 A

  As described above, in the conventional facsimile server, the received image data is distributed to a designated directory such as a client personal computer connected to the LAN. However, there was a problem that repeated delivery and a heavy load on the facsimile server.

  Also, when a facsimile is received for a destination not registered in the distribution destination table of the facsimile server, the received image data cannot be distributed, so that the image data is stored in the facsimile server and, in some cases, other facsimiles. There was also a problem that it was impossible to receive.

  In addition, when registering facsimile sender information and folder names of client PCs as delivery destinations in the delivery destination management table, the user enters folder names etc. one by one on the small operation screen of the facsimile server display / operation unit. There is also a problem that registration takes time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a facsimile server capable of distributing received image data even when a distribution destination directory is not registered or a client personal computer is not operating. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, a facsimile server according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a distribution information storage unit in which received information, a distribution destination directory, a distribution time zone, and error processing contents are registered , a facsimile transmission / reception unit, A facsimile server that distributes a received image to a distribution destination directory registered in the distribution information storage unit on the basis of received facsimile information received by the control unit when a facsimile is received. And
When the received image is distributed, the control means determines whether the received information of the received facsimile is stored in the distribution information storage means, whether the distribution destination corresponding to the received information is in operation, and the current time is the above It is determined whether or not it is within the distribution time zone registered in the distribution information storage means, the received information of the received facsimile is stored in the distribution information storage means, and the distribution destination corresponding to the reception information is in an operating state, Only when the current time is within the delivery time zone, the control means delivers the received image to the delivery destination corresponding to the received information, and the received facsimile reception information is not stored in the delivery information storage means. The control means distributes the received image to a predetermined distribution destination, and the control is performed when the distribution destination corresponding to the reception information is not in operation or when the current time is not within the distribution time zone. Stage wherein the processing the received image based on the contents of the error processing which is registered in the distribution information storing unit.

The facsimile server of the invention according to claim 2 is the facsimile server according to claim 1, wherein a transfer destination at the time of error processing is registered in the distribution information storage means, and the control means at the time of error processing characterized by transferring the received image to the transfer destination registered in the information storage means.

  Further, the facsimile server of the invention according to claim 3 is the facsimile server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a file format at the time of delivery of the received image is registered in the delivery information storage means, and at the time of delivery of the received image, The control unit converts the received image into a file format registered in the distribution information storage unit and distributes the received image.

According to the facsimile server of the first and second aspects of the present invention, at the time of distribution of the received image, whether or not the received reception information of the facsimile is stored in the distribution information storage means, the distribution destination corresponding to the reception information is It is determined whether or not it is in an operating state, and whether or not the current time is within the distribution time zone registered in the distribution information storage means, the received facsimile reception information is stored in the distribution information storage means, and When the distribution destination corresponding to the reception information is in an operating state and the current time is within the distribution time zone, the received image is distributed, and when the received facsimile reception information is not stored in the distribution information storage means, When the received image is distributed to a predetermined distribution destination and the distribution destination corresponding to the reception information is not in operation, or when the current time is not within the distribution time zone, it is registered in the distribution information storage means. Since error processing of the received image based on the content to be processed can be processed even when receiving a facsimile to a destination that is not registered in the facsimile server of the distribution destination table, also when destination is operational only Because the received information is distributed, the facsimile server does not repeat the distribution over and over, and only the time period when the client PC of the distribution destination directory is normally operating is set as the distribution time period. Furthermore, since unnecessary distribution operations can be eliminated, the load on the facsimile server can be reduced and the contents of error processing can be registered, so that various error processing such as fax transfer, mail, etc. Transfer, storage in the management server, etc. can be selected.

  According to the facsimile server of the invention according to claim 3, when the received image is distributed, the received image is converted into a file format registered in the distribution information storage means and distributed. It can be converted into a desired file format and saved for each folder, and image data can be easily managed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the facsimile server of the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine having a facsimile function, a copy function, and a printer function will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration example of a system including a facsimile server, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the facsimile server.

  In the network configuration diagram shown in FIG. 1, 1 is a facsimile server (hereinafter referred to as a FAX server), 2, 3, 4,... Are client personal computers (hereinafter referred to as PCs), 5 is a public switched telephone network (PSTN), 6 Is a LAN (Local Area Network), and 7 is an Internet network. The FAX server 1 has a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image data encoded by the MR, MMR method, and the like, and an Internet facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image data encoded by the TIFF method and attached to an e-mail. The image data can be transmitted / received to / from another apparatus via the network.

  PCs 2, 3, 4... Have a communication function in LAN 6, can communicate with other devices via LAN 6, and are general facsimiles provided outside LAN 6 via FAX server 1 and PSTN 5. Facsimile communication with the apparatus (FAX) 8 is also possible. From this FAX 8, a call is made to the FAX server 1 by the facsimile number assigned to the FAX server 1, and a document is transmitted by designating one of the PCs as a destination by designating a subaddress assigned to each PC. Can do. The LAN 6 is also connected to the Internet network 7, and the FAX server 1 can transmit and receive mail via the Internet network 7.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the FAX server 1. As shown in the figure, the FAX server 1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a display / operation. Unit 14, reading unit 15, image memory 16, recording unit 17, codec 18, modem 19, network control unit NCU 20, LAN interface (I / F) 21, timer 22, and each unit is connected via a bus 23. ing.

  The CPU 11 controls each hardware part of the FAX server 1 via the bus 23 and executes various programs based on programs stored in the ROM 12. The ROM 12 performs various programs and operations necessary for the operation of the FAX server 1. Messages and the like are stored in advance. The RAM 13 is composed of SRAM or the like, and stores temporary data generated when the program is executed, and has a distribution management table storage area 24 as distribution information storage means for registering received information, distribution destination directories, and the like. is doing.

  The display / operation unit 14 includes a display unit that displays the operation state of the FAX server 1 and displays operation screens of various functions, and a plurality of keys for operating the FAX server 1. As described above, the display unit 31 includes an LCD display unit 31 and a number of operation keys. The LCD display unit 31 is provided with a touch panel switch, and by pressing an item part displayed on the LCD display unit 31, a corresponding item can be selected and a function can be executed. As operation keys, a numeric keypad 32, a start key 33, a reset key 34, a stop key 35, a plurality of one-touch dial keys 36, a cross key 37, a return key 38, a set key 39, a FAX switching key 40, a copy switching key 41, Various keys such as a scanner switching key 42 are provided. Note that some or all of these operation keys can be substituted by the LCD display unit 31.

  The reading unit 15 includes a reading document placing table such as an auto document feeder (ADF) or a flatbed scanner (FBS), reads a document with a scanner using a CCD or the like, and outputs dot image data converted into black and white binary. . The image memory 16 is configured by using a DRAM or the like, and stores image data to be transmitted or received image data or image data read by the reading unit 15, and a recording unit 17 is a printer device such as an electrophotographic system. The received data, copy original data, or print data transmitted from an external personal computer is printed out.

  The codec 18 encodes and decodes in accordance with a predetermined protocol, encodes the read original image data by the MH, MR, or MMR method, and decodes the image data received from the outside. In addition, encoding and decoding are also performed in correspondence with the TIFF method, which is an image format generally used as a file that can be attached to an e-mail. The modem 19 is connected to the bus 23 and has a function as a fax modem capable of facsimile communication. The modem 19 is also connected to the NCU 20 connected to the bus 23. The NCU 20 is hardware that closes and opens an analog line, and connects the modem 19 to the PSTN 5 as necessary.

  The LAN interface 21 is connected to the LAN 6 and receives data from an external PC 2 or the like or a signal from the Internet network 7 via the LAN 6, while transmitting signals and data to the LAN 6. Execute interface processing such as protocol conversion. Further, the timer 22 measures the current time.

  The FAX server 1 has the above-described configuration. When the image data received by e-mail is transmitted by facsimile, the attached file of the received e-mail, for example, the image file of the TIFF method or the like is decoded by the codec 18. Further, the data is encoded according to the MR format and transferred to G3FAX8 or the like by facsimile transmission via PSTN5.

  On the other hand, in the distribution management table storage area 24, as shown in FIG. 4, "Reception information", "Distribution destination folder", "Distribution time zone", "Format", "Error processing", and "Transfer destination" A table having each of the above fields is stored, and each setting can be registered in the RAM 13 by a user input from a distribution management table registration screen displayed on the LCD display unit 31.

  In this case, in the “Reception Information” column, the FAX number obtained from the TSI (transmission terminal identification signal) transmitted from the sender, the sub-address obtained from the received facsimile, and the “from” shown in the mail header of the received e-mail The reception information specified from the address after “is registered. In the “Delivery Destination Folder” field, a directory consisting of the folder name of each PC to which the image data is delivered is registered, and in the “Delivery Time Zone” field, the time for delivery to the delivery destination directory set by the user is registered. Band information is registered. In the “Format” column, a file format for converting image data when distributing facsimile received image data to the distribution destination directory is registered, and in the “Error processing” column, the distribution destination is not in an operating state. If the image data could not be delivered to the delivery destination, such as when an error occurred during delivery, for example, processing such as mail transfer is registered, and the error handling is displayed in the “Forward” column. The transfer destination at the time is registered.

Next, the operation at the time of registration in the distribution management table will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the user instructs the distribution management table registration function from the operation screen of the LCD display unit 31, the CPU 11 displays a distribution information input screen as shown in FIG. 6A on the display unit 31. The received information is input by inputting the other party's FAX number or the like (step 101). In this case, since the reception log is displayed by pressing the selection button at the right end of the “reception information” column, the reception information can be appropriately selected from the reception log.

  Next, the user inputs distribution destination information by inputting the distribution destination host name and shared folder name in the “distribution destination” field (step 102). Also in this case, by pressing the selection button at the right end of the “Destination” column, a list of host names and shared folder names on the network is displayed as shown in FIG. 6B. A delivery destination can be selected by pressing a desired folder name. This eliminates the need for the user to enter numbers and alphabets on the small display unit while performing the ten-key switching operation, so that the delivery destination can be easily registered in the delivery management table of the RAM 13.

  Thereafter, when the user selects an arbitrary file format such as G3, TIFF, PDF or the like in the “file format” field (step 103) and then presses the “OK” field, the CPU 11 displays these pieces of information in the distribution management table. After registration, the distribution time zone input screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. On this screen, when the user selects “always” displayed on the screen, or selects “time zone designation” or “day of week designation” and inputs the time zone or day of the week, the user presses the “OK” field. The CPU 11 registers the distribution time zone information in the distribution management table (step 104), and then displays an error processing input screen shown in FIG.

  On this error processing input screen, when “Mail transfer”, “FAX transfer” or “Save to administrator server” is selected and the “OK” field is pressed, the CPU 11 registers this error processing information in the distribution management table. (Step 105). When “mail transfer” or “FAX transfer” is selected, the information is registered in the distribution management table as “transfer destination” by inputting the mail address or FAX number in the corresponding column.

  In the above embodiment, “Received information”, “Destination”, and “File format” are input simultaneously on the screen of FIG. 6, but these can be registered on separate input screens. Further, all information registered in the distribution management table may be input on one screen.

  When registration is performed as described above, when facsimile is received, FAX information is automatically distributed by using the file copy function of SMB, which is one of the file sharing protocols. When this automatic distribution is performed, The operation of the FAX server 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the SMB shared folder is a shared folder that employs SMB and has a writable access right set and is made public on the network.

  The CPU 11 of the FAX server 1 always determines whether or not G3 FAX and IFAX have been received (step 201). When the FAX is received, the received image data is demodulated by the modem 19, and then the image memory 16 (Step 202). Next, the CPU 11 extracts reception information from data transmission source information or destination information such as TSI (transmission terminal information) information and CallerID information, and the reception information is registered in the distribution management table stored in the storage area 24. It is determined whether or not there is (step 203). If it is determined that the received information is not registered in the distribution management table, the CPU 11 converts the received image data stored in the image memory 16 into a file format (for example, a TIFF format file) that can be attached to an e-mail. Then, an attached file for electronic mail is created, and the mail attached with the created attached file is transmitted to the destination included in the destination information (step 204).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 203 that the received information is registered in the distribution management table, the CPU 11 extracts the distribution time zone of the received information table, and the current time counted by the timer 22 is It is determined whether or not it is within the delivery time zone (step 205). If the current time is not within the delivery time zone, the CPU 11 extracts the error processing item from the table of received information. For example, if it is “mail transfer” or “FAX transfer”, the CPU 11 E-mail transmission or facsimile transmission is performed with respect to the e-mail address or FAX number registered in (step 206).

When mail transmission is performed, the CPU 11 converts the received image data stored in the image memory 16 into a file format that can be attached to an e-mail (for example, a TIFF format file) and attaches the e-mail as described above. A file is created, and the created attachment is attached to an e-mail and sent to a registered e-mail address.
In the case of facsimile transmission, the CPU 11 controls the modem 19 and the NCU 20 to send the registered destination dial number to the PSTN 5, and when communication is established, the received image data stored in the image memory 16 is transmitted to the modem. After modulation at 19, the NCU 20 sends a facsimile to the other party through the PSTN 5.

  If it is determined in step 205 that the distribution time zone of the received information table is set to “always” or the current time is within the distribution time zone, the CPU 11 determines the name service protocol of NetBIOS. Is used to determine whether the distribution destination PC is operating (step 207). If it is determined that the distribution destination PC is not operating, the CPU 11 proceeds to step 206 and executes error processing similar to the above. If it is determined that the distribution destination PC is operating, the CPU 11 converts the image data stored in the image memory 16 into an image file format set in the reception information table, for example, a PDF file. After conversion into the format (step 208), the SMB file copy function allows the designated shared folder of the distribution destination host set in the reception information table via the LAN I / F 21 and LAN 6, for example, “\\ Distribution to “PC1 \ doc2” (step 209).

As a result, the received image is distributed only when the current time is within the distribution time zone and the distribution destination PC is in operation, so the facsimile server does not repeat the distribution many times. Can be reduced. Also, when the distribution destination PC is not in operation, or when the current time is not within the distribution time zone, the received image is transferred to the transfer destination, so that the image data is not stored in the facsimile server and the image memory overflows. Can be prevented.
Furthermore, when the received image is distributed, the received image is converted into the file format registered in the distribution management table and distributed, so the user converts the received image data into a desired file format and saves it for each folder. Image data can be easily managed.

  In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the received information is not registered in the distribution management table, the received image is sent by e-mail, but when it is determined that the received information is not registered in the distribution management table. In addition, the received image can be distributed to a predetermined distribution destination, for example, a directory of the administrator server. The operation of the FAX server 1 when the received image is distributed to the directory of the administrator server will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, the CPU 11 of the FAX server 1 always determines whether or not G3 FAX and IFAX have been received (step 301). When a fax is received, the received image data is demodulated by the modem 19. Thereafter, it is stored in the image memory 16 (step 302). Next, the CPU 11 extracts the reception information from the data transmission source information or the destination information, and determines whether or not the reception information is registered in the distribution management table stored in the storage area 24 (step 303). If it is determined that the received information is not registered in the distribution management table, the CPU 11 designates the directory of the administrator server as the distribution destination (step 304). In this case, for example, “G3” is automatically designated as the image file format.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 303 that the received information is registered in the distribution management table, the CPU 11 extracts the distribution time zone of the received information table, and the current time measured by the timer 22 is It is determined whether or not it is within the distribution time zone (step 305). If the current time is not within the distribution time zone, the CPU 11 performs error processing such as mail transmission or facsimile transmission in the same manner as described above (step 306).

  If it is determined in step 305 that the distribution time zone of the reception information table is set to “always”, or the current time is within the distribution time zone, or the distribution destination designation in step 304 has been completed. In this case, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the distribution destination PC is operating (step 307). However, the following operation is the same as the operation of the flowchart of FIG.

  In this way, if the received information is not registered in the distribution management table and the received image is distributed to a predetermined distribution destination, for example, the directory of the administrator server, it is registered in the distribution destination table of the facsimile server. Even when a facsimile for a destination that has not been received is received, the received image data can be distributed.

  In the above embodiment, TIFF, PDF, and G3 are given as examples of image file formats to be registered in the distribution management table. However, various other file formats can be registered, and distribution management is also possible. Instead of registering the image file format in the table, the image file format can be converted into a predetermined file format, for example, the TIFF format and distributed.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it is possible to select any one of “mail transfer”, “FAX transfer”, and “save to the administrator server” as the error setting. It is also possible to select an error action.
In the above embodiments, the example in which the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine having a copy function and a printer function has been described. However, the facsimile server of the present invention has a single-function facsimile server that does not include a recording unit or a reading unit. It is also possible to apply to.

It is a figure which shows the example of a network structure of the system provided with the facsimile server. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the facsimile server of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation panel of a facsimile server. It is a figure which shows an example of a delivery management table. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action at the time of registration to a delivery management table. It is a figure which shows an example of a delivery information input screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a delivery time slot | zone input screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an error process input screen. It is a flowchart which shows an effect | action when automatic delivery of FAX information is performed. It is a flowchart which shows an effect | action at the time of delivering a received image to an administrator server, when the facsimile with respect to the destination unregistered in a delivery management table is received.

Explanation of symbols

1 Facsimile server (FAX server)
2, 3, 4 Client PC (PC)
5 PSTN
6 LAN
7 Internet 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Display / Operation Unit 15 Reading Unit 16 Image Memory 17 Recording Unit 18 Codec 19 Modem 20 NCU
21 LAN I / F
22 Timer 23 Bus 24 Distribution management table storage area

Claims (3)

A delivery information storage means for registering received information, delivery destination directory, delivery time zone, and error processing contents ; a facsimile transmission / reception means; and a control means for controlling the above-mentioned units. A facsimile server that distributes a received image to a distribution destination directory registered in the distribution information storage unit based on reception information of a received facsimile;
When the received image is distributed, the control means determines whether the received information of the received facsimile is stored in the distribution information storage means, whether the distribution destination corresponding to the received information is in operation, and the current time is the above It is determined whether or not it is within the distribution time zone registered in the distribution information storage means, the received information of the received facsimile is stored in the distribution information storage means, and the distribution destination corresponding to the reception information is in an operating state, Only when the current time is within the distribution time zone, the control means distributes the received image to the distribution destination corresponding to the reception information, and the received facsimile reception information is not stored in the distribution information storage means. The control means distributes the received image to a predetermined distribution destination, and the control is performed when the distribution destination corresponding to the reception information is not in operation or when the current time is not within the distribution time zone. Fax server stage is characterized in that processing the received image based on the contents of the error processing which is registered in the distribution information storing unit. A facsimile server according to claim 1, the transfer destination at the time of error processing in the distribution information storing unit is registered, the control means at the time of the error handling, the received image to the transfer destination registered in the delivery information storage unit A facsimile server characterized by forwarding .   3. The facsimile server according to claim 1, wherein a file format at the time of distribution of the received image is registered in the distribution information storage unit, and the control unit stores the received image in the distribution information storage unit at the time of distribution of the received image. A facsimile server characterized by being converted into a registered file format and distributed.

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