JPH0662160A - Communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To adapt a communication system to various mail box communications to improve the operability of a document taking-out person by designating a discrimination code to select and take out only specific information at the time of taking out facsimile information by a reception terminal. CONSTITUTION:A storage device 2 stores texts from a FAX terminal and a main control processor(MCP) 1 and functions as a FAX server, and an audio response unit 3 recognizes each indication information from the FAX terminal to the MCP 1 to report it to the MCP 1 and sends the indication from the MCP 1 to the FAX terminal and gives an indication to a FAX operator with a voice. Facsimile information and ID(identification code) of a FAX terminal 7 are stored in the designated storage area of the storage device 2 in accordance with contents of dial sent from the FAX terminal 7 connected to the audio response unit 3 through a terminal adapter 6. This ID is designated to select and take out only specific facsimile information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile communication system in which facsimile terminals are connected by a telephone network, and more particularly to a communication system having an image storage device in the center for storing and reading images from each facsimile terminal. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the use of facsimiles has been rapidly increasing, and large facsimile networks have been constructed. In such a network, a facsimile terminal is connected to a telephone network and a facsimile storage / conversion device is provided.
Simultaneous communication in which the same message is transmitted from one facsimile terminal to multiple facsimile terminals at a specified time, or one facsimile terminal registers the message with a predetermined identification code in the storage conversion device and is the same as other facsimile terminals. Utilization methods such as mailbox communication for extracting a registered electronic message by inputting an identification code have been developed.

[0003]

However, in the case of the above-mentioned conventional mailbox communication, the sender simply registers a message in the storage conversion device, and the receiver specifies the message after a while, thereby registering the message. It is only possible to use a communication mode such as taking out the electronic message, and it has been impossible to provide a system suitable for various communication services.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a communication system suitable for communication services utilizing various mailbox communication. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system that is highly convenient for the recipient by allowing the manuscript to be taken out inexpensively in a short time.

Another object of the present invention is, for example, an order for mail order, a reply to a questionnaire, which is conventionally carried out by mail.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system that can use the mailbox communication for applications such as quizzes and sweepstakes, and is convenient for the manuscript takers (in this case, mail-order sellers, questionnaire collectors, etc.).

[0006]

In order to achieve the above first object, the present invention has a plurality of storage areas, each center storing different facsimile information, and a desired storage area. Is designated and the facsimile information or facsimile information is transmitted to the designated storage area, a transmitting terminal for transmitting the facsimile information and an identification code for identifying the facsimile information, a receiving terminal for receiving the facsimile information in the designated storage area, and the receiving terminal transmits the facsimile information. At the time of taking out, the control means for controlling so as to select and take out only specific facsimile information by designating the identification code is provided.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned second object, the present invention has a plurality of storage areas and a center capable of storing a plurality of different facsimile information in each storage area.
Inputting a transmitting terminal for transmitting a first identification code designating a desired storage area and facsimile information, the first identification code designating a storage area and a second identification code assigned to each terminal. Thus, a receiving terminal for receiving facsimile information from a predetermined storage area in the center, and a control means for controlling, when the input of the receiving terminal is made, to sequentially retrieve the facsimile information having a long accumulated period. Be prepared.

[0008]

With the above structure, the present invention can provide a communication system suitable for communication services using various mailbox communication.

In particular, according to the above-mentioned first structure, when the receiving terminal takes out the facsimile information, only the specific facsimile information is taken out based on the identification code, so that only the desired manuscript can be taken out inexpensively in a short time. it can.

Further, according to the second configuration of the present invention, when the receiving terminal extracts the facsimile information, the facsimile information having a long accumulated period is sequentially extracted. Mailbox communication can be used for ordering, answering questionnaires, applying for quizzes, sweepstakes, etc. In addition, since the order of taking out is set as described above, preferentially process from the manuscript sent earlier. Is possible.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a main control processor (hereinafter referred to as MCP) for controlling the entire system, storing images, calculating charges, collecting charges, and collecting statistics. 2 stores telegrams from the FAX terminal and MCP1,
It has a telephone function of PB tone (tone of push button type telephone), and functions as a FAX server that stores the electronic message transmitted from the FAX terminal according to the instruction of MCP1 and transmits the stored electronic message to the FAX terminal that has requested it. The storage device 3, which recognizes various instruction information from the FAX terminal to the MCP1 by the PB tone, notifies the MCP1 and notifies the MCP1
The instructions from the storage device 2 are converted into PB tones and transmitted to the FAX terminal, and the FAX operator is instructed by voice.
A voice response device (hereinafter referred to as VRU) for controlling disconnection between a FAX terminal and a FAX terminal, 4 is an intelligent modem, and thereafter ITDM (Intelligence Time Division Mul).
tiplexer). Reference numeral 5 is a public telephone network, 6 is a subsequent facsimile (hereinafter referred to as FAX) 7, a dial function for the telephone network 5 and a voice response unit (VRU) 3 to access, and a communication charge for the FAX 7 is notified from the MCP 1. This is a terminal adapter (hereinafter referred to as ADP) that prints out this charge. 8 is different from FAX7, ADP
A general FAX that communicates by directly connecting to the VRU 3 through the telephone network 5 without going through 6, and a push-button telephone (hereinafter referred to as a PB telephone) 9 that communicates with the VRU through the telephone network 5.
Is. Note that the above-mentioned FAX terminal is ADP6 and FA
It represents the general name of X7 and general FAX 8.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the voice response device. The VRU 3 is composed of a communication management system and a voice response system, and the communication management system is controlled by the exchange control CPU 31, and is a station line circuit 32 connected to the telephone network 5, an extension circuit 33 connected to the storage device 2, and a station line circuit. 32 and extension circuit 33
Communication circuit switch 34 and MC for connecting or disconnecting with
It is composed of an RS-232C interface 35 connected to P1.

The voice response system is controlled by the voice control CPU 36, and the voice stored in the voice response ROM 37 according to the instruction from the MCP 1 input from the RS-232C interface 35 is transmitted via the central line circuit 32 and the telephone network 5 to the FAX.
7. Send to general FAX 8 or PB telephone 9. The voice processing PB tone processing unit 38 performs PB communication with the FAX 7.
Tones (numbers 0-9, #, *, and letters consisting of letters A to D) are used, and communication with the MCP1 is performed using ASCII code, so conversion between PB tone and ASCII code is required. Perform conversion processing. The voice processing PB tone processing unit 38 is provided with four lines.

The VRU 3 also performs the following operation together with the MCP 1. After sending the voice guidance, the interval of each PB tone sent from the FAX 7 side is monitored with a constant timer value, and if the next PB tone is not detected within this timer value, an error notification is sent to MCP1, and the Follow the instructions. Although this timer value can be set to a predetermined value, if the timer value is different depending on whether the PB tone to be transmitted is generated by ADP6 or FAX7, that is, the operator. It is desirable to make it possible. Specifically, PB generated by ADP6
The tone is T1, and the PB tone generated by FAX7 is T2.
Then, T1 <T2. This is because the response from the ADP6 is executed more quickly than the response from the FAX 7 (operator), so that T1 is shortened and efficient communication is performed.

The VR in the detection of the PB tone will be described below.
The operations of U3 and MCP1 will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 3
Is a flow chart showing the operation at the time of detecting the PB tone of VRU3 and MCP1. First, VRU3 is ADP6
Alternatively, when the PB tone sent from FAX 7 is received (ST1), this is immediately notified to the MCP side (ST
2).

On the other hand, when the MCP1 receives the signal notifying that the PB tone is received from the VRU3 (ST
3) It is determined whether this PB tone is transmitted from ADP6 or FAX7 (ST4), and if it is from ADP6, the timer value T1 is set to
In the case of FAX 7, the timer value T2 is set (ST5). In the case of the PB tone from the ADP6, a signal for instructing the PRU detection instruction and the setting of the timer value T1 is sent to the VRU3, and the MCP1 holds T1 as it is (ST6). Further, in the case of the PB tone from the FAX 7, the timer value T2 is held as it is (ST7), but this operation will be described later.

On the other hand, when the VRU 3 receives the PB tone detection instruction signal from the MCP 1 (ST8), the timer value T1 is set (ST9), and the PB tone transmitted thereafter from the ADP 6 (this PB tone is registered or It indicates the terminal number etc. of the request source
(Generated in P6) in the receiving state. And A
Subsequent PB tone from DP6 (one note following)
Is received (ST10), and when it is determined that the PB tone is received, the MCP1 is immediately notified (ST11). Also, PB after that
If no tone is received, it is determined whether or not the reception pause time has reached the timer value T1 (ST12), and T
When it has not reached 1, it is still in the standby state in the receiving state, but when it has reached (timeout), the FAX 7 is notified of the timeout (ST13).

Further, when the MCP1 receives a signal notifying that the PB tone is normally received in ST11 (ST14), it is further discriminated whether or not there is a PB tone from the ADP 6 following it (ST15). , If it exists, it returns to the upstream of ST4, further sets the timer value T1 and continues to VRU3, and then continues to PB.
The same operation as described above is performed for the tone, and if it does not exist, the process ends. When the PB tone from the ADP6 is not received, the timer value T1 held in ST6 is used to wait in the receiving state (ST16) and error processing is performed (ST17).

On the other hand, the PB tone received in ST1 is F
In the case of the PB tone from AX7, MCP1 sets and holds the timer value T2 in ST5 as described above. Then, the PB tone that follows (the PB tone is registered, the BOX number at the time of extraction, the extraction ID
The operator waits in a receiving state for a signal directly input to the FAX 7). It is determined whether or not the subsequent PB tone (one tone of the PB tone) is received (ST14), and if it is received, it is determined whether or not the subsequent PB tone is present similarly to the PB tone from the ADP6. It is determined (ST15), and if it exists, the process returns to the upstream of ST4,
T2 is set again, and then the PB tone that follows is waited in the receiving state. If the PB tone from the FAX 7 is not received at ST14, the timer is kept waiting for the timer value T2 (ST16), and if not received during T2, error processing is performed (ST17).

In this way, if the timer value for monitoring the interval of each PB tone is different for the PB tone from the ADP 6 and the PB tone from the FAX 7,
Since the PB tone transmitted from the ADP 6 has a faster response than the PB tone transmitted from the FAX 7, it is possible to efficiently monitor the PB tone.

Further, the VRU3 is disconnected from the communication with the MCP1 due to the disconnection of the line between the VRU3 and the MCP1 or the like.
When the normal processing is not possible due to the instruction from CP1, a message indicating that the communication system is currently unavailable is output.

Further, music is transmitted to the FAX terminal when there is a request for reading out the registered message from the FAX terminal and preparations are made to transmit this message. This music response is M
The VRU 3 automatically stops when it receives the next command from the CP 1. This operation will be described in more detail below with reference to the operation flow chart of FIG.

In FIG. 4, when the VRU 3 receives a signal instructing to output an image from the FAX 7, it immediately sends it to the MCP 1 (ST1). When the MCP1 receives this signal (ST2), it sends a signal instructing to reproduce music to the VRU3 (ST3) and searches for a designated image (ST4). Then, the retrieved image is transferred to the storage device (ST5), and when this transfer is completed (ST6), the VRU3 is instructed to be transmitted to the FAX 7 (ST7).

On the other hand, when the VRU3 receives the music reproduction instruction signal of ST3 (ST8), the music is reproduced and FA
Music is transmitted to X7 (ST9). When the FAX transmission instruction signal transmitted from MCP1 is received in ST7 (ST10), the reproduced music is stopped (ST
11), stand by in the reception state of the image information sent from MCP1 (ST13). If the FAX transmission instruction signal is not received, it is determined whether or not another command is received (ST12), and if not, the music is further reproduced.

As described above, while the image information designated by the MCP1 is searched and is transferred to the storage device, V
Since the RU 3 reproduces music and sends it to the FAX 7, the operator can stand by without feeling uncomfortable during the search and transfer. This search,
The time required for transfer requires a great deal of the total communication time, and the above effect becomes remarkable.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the adapter (ADP) 6, and FIG. 6 is a detailed explanatory diagram of FIG. In FIG. 5, the communication unit 62 communicates with the VRU 3 via the FAX 7 and the telephone network 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the communication unit 62 has a dial editing function and an incoming call processing function. The dial editing function performs the next dial operation according to the contents of the dial sent from the FAX 7.

Registering a message in the storage device 2 or reading a message from the storage device 2 Dial transmission restriction Send ID (identification symbol) of FAX 7 Direct communication in which FAX 7 directly communicates with another FAX 7 or general FAX 8 There is a FAX start button on the main body, and when you press this button,
Connect the line between X7 and ADP6.

In the incoming call processing function, the ADP 6 is through for an incoming call from the telephone network 5, and no processing is performed. However, the incoming call is ignored while the ADP6 is in use and the power is cut off.

As shown in FIG. 6, the charge management unit 63 has a function of requesting the usage charge calculation to the MCP 1 and receiving the result, a direct communication charge calculation function, and a usage charge accumulation function. The FAX 7 registers the message in the storage device 2 or reads out the message of the registered message, and then the M via the VRU 3.
Ask CP1 to calculate the usage charge, receive the usage charge and usage time from MCP1, and display the usage charge on LCD (Liquid Cryst
al Display) 66, and a payment sheet for the usage fee and usage time is printed out from the recording unit 65. Also, F
When the AX 7 directly communicates with another FAX 7 or a general FAX 8, after receiving the direct communication command, the communication time is monitored, the charge is calculated, and the same display and printout by the LCD 66 as described above are performed. Further, it has a function of totaling usage charges for a predetermined time, that is, from what time to what time, or for one day, one month, etc., and prints it out from the recording unit 65, and outputs the totalized data to the MCP1 for a predetermined period (for example, one month). Send. When printing out the usage fee, not only the number is shown but also the bar code is displayed.

In the bar code, a matter indicating the place where the FAX 7 is installed, a matter indicating that the FAX communication is performed,
It includes items such as communication charges. This allows
When the FAX 7 is installed in a superstore or the like, the usage fee can be processed by the barcode reader together with the payment of the purchased product.

The above-mentioned usage fee calculation request / reception function and direct communication fee calculation will be described in more detail below with reference to the operation flow chart thereof.

FIG. 7 is an operation flow chart of the ADP 6 which executes the usage fee calculation request / reception function. In FIG. 7, first, the ADP 6 receives a signal indicating Off Hook from the FAX 7 (ST1), and then receives a command from the FAX 7 (ST2). This command is a command for instructing registration or extraction of accumulated images. Upon receiving this command, the ADP6 generates a command for center (MCP1) access including the terminal ID, stores the command, and stores (ST3) the MCP via the telephone network.
A call is made to notify 1 that there is a registration or retrieval request from the FAX 7 (ST4). Then MC
When a signal indicating permission for incoming call is received from P1 within a fixed time (ST5), the line with FAX 7 is temporarily disconnected (ST6). This is to prevent the user from knowing the sound of the PB tone generated when the ADP 6 sends the terminal ID etc. that has been stored and edited thereafter.
The line with 7 is disconnected. If the incoming permission signal is not received from MCP1 within a fixed time, the error report is edited (ST7) and this report is output (ST8). After completing the line disconnection process with FAX7, MC
When a PB tone indicating a center access command is sent to P1 (ST9) and then a signal indicating that the line with MCP1 is connected is received (ST10), the line with FAX7 disconnected in ST6 is connected again. Yes (ST1
1). Then, the image information is registered from the FAX 7 to the designated BOX number or the image information is taken out from the designated BOX number.

After this processing is executed, the ADP 6 receives the signal indicating On Hook from the FAX 7 (ST12),
A signal for requesting the charge notification is sent to MCP1 (S
T13). Then, upon receiving a signal returned from the MCP1 indicating the charge for this communication (ST1
4) Check this notification data (ST15), and if correct, edit it into a bar code (ST16). The edited version is used as a charge statement and a bar code is output (S
T17), which is further added to the aggregated data (S
T18). This tabulated data is used when tabulating the usage charges for the predetermined time, that is, from what time to what time, or for one day, one month, and the like.

FIG. 8 shows an example of output of the fee calculation sheet by the bar code calculated by the above operation. By outputting with a barcode, the communication charges can be processed by the barcode reader together with the payment of purchased products, and it is not necessary for the user to separately pay the communication charges, which is very convenient for the user. It will be convenient.

Next, A in direct communication charge calculation
The operation of DP6 will be described. Here, in the direct communication, the following billing processing is performed in order to cope with an erroneous operation such as a user's wrong telephone call, so that the AD
Before describing the operation of P6, the charging process will be described. This billing process corresponds to cases 1 to 6 as described below.

Case 1 (OFF Ho of FAX 7
Polarity reversal 1 after ok, then 2100H within 60 seconds
z, and then On Hoo for more than 10 seconds
k or polarity inversion 2 is detected) In this case, it is assumed that normal direct communication is performed, and charging is performed based on the communication time and the communication distance. Case 2 (Polarity reversal 1 after OFF Hook of FAX7, 2100Hz is detected within 60 seconds after that,
On Hook or polarity reversal 2 is detected within 10 seconds after that. In this case, it is assumed that the user noticed an error in the dial or the document immediately after the transmission was started and stopped the transmission, and the charging is not performed.

Case 3 (OFF Ho of FAX 7
Polarity reversal 1 after ok, then On Ho within 60 seconds
ok or polarity reversal 2 is detected) In this case, since the user noticed that the user erroneously called the telephone and stopped the transmission, the charging is not performed.

Case 4 (OFF Ho of FAX 7
Polarity reversal 1 after ok, then 210 even after 60 seconds
In this case, 0 Hz is not detected.) In this case, it is determined that some trouble has occurred and the error report is output without charging.

Case 5 (OFF Ho of FAX 7
After ok, 2100Hz is detected without detecting polarity reversal,
Then, On Hook is detected for more than 10 seconds) In this case, from the 2100 Hz detection to On Hook, the charging process is performed on the information provider side as “free dial communication”.

Case 6 (OFF Ho of FAX 7
After ok, 2100Hz is detected without detecting polarity reversal,
In this case, On Hook is detected within 10 seconds) In this case, it is assumed that the user noticed an error such as a dial operation immediately after the start of the transmission in the "free dial communication" and stopped the transmission, and the charging is not performed.

As described above, by performing the charging process corresponding to each situation, it is possible to realize an excellent communication system that does not charge the user an unreasonable fee.
The operation of the ADP 6 when calculating the direct communication charge will be described below with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 9, first, ADP6 is FAX7.
From the Off Hook signal (ST
1) Next, the PB tone indicating the dial number from the FAX 7 is received (ST2). The number by the PB tone is scrutinized (ST3), and if the number is NG, an alarm sound is sent to the FAX 7 (ST4) and the charging process is not performed. As a result of the number examination, when it is determined that there is no NG, the dial number input is called (ST5), and then the presence or absence of polarity reversal indicating the incoming call from the receiving side is detected (ST6). When the polarity reversal is detected, it is detected whether or not the 2100 Hz signal is detected within 60 seconds after the polarity reversal is detected (ST7). When it is determined that the 2100 Hz signal is detected, the line with the FAX 7 is connected (ST8) and the billing process is started (ST9). After that, FAX7 On
Time billing is executed until a Hook is detected (ST1
0), if detected, terminate the billing process (ST1
1). Then, it is determined whether or not the time from the detection of the 2100 Hz signal in ST7 to the detection of On Hook in ST10 exceeds T3 (10 seconds) (ST1.
2). Here, when it is determined that the number exceeds the limit, this corresponds to case 1 described above, the charge is calculated based on the communication time (ST13), and the barcode editing as described in FIG. 7 is performed according to the calculation result. Output the payment statement by barcode.

Further, detection of a 2100 Hz signal (ST
When it is determined that the time T3 from 7) to the detection of On Hook (ST10) is within 10 seconds (ST12),
The billing process is canceled assuming that it corresponds to the case 2 (ST14).

When the 2100 Hz signal is not detected in ST7, it is determined whether or not the non-detected period exceeds a fixed time T4 (60 seconds) after the polarity inversion is detected (ST15). As a result of this determination, T4 (60
If the time is not exceeded and OnHook is detected (ST16), this corresponds to case 3 described above and the charging process is not performed. If the 2100 Hz signal is still not detected even after exceeding 60 seconds, error report editing and error report output processing as described with reference to FIG. Further, when the signal of 2100 Hz is detected without detecting the polarity reversal in ST6 (ST17), it is processed as free dial communication.
The steps up to ST12 of the charging process that follows, such as the line connection process with the FAX 7 (ST8), are the same as in case 1 above. Then, in this case, as in case 1 in ST12, it is determined whether or not the time from the 2100 Hz signal detection to the On Hook detection exceeds 10 seconds.
When it is determined that the time exceeds 0 seconds, the above case 5,
That is, it is assumed that the "toll-free communication" has been performed, the information provider side is charged, the user is charged a low terminal usage fee (ST18), and the barcode is output.

Further, as in case 5, the polarity reversal is not detected in ST6, the 2100 Hz signal is detected in ST17, and the on-hook signal is detected within 10 seconds in ST12.
If it is detected, the billing process is canceled because it corresponds to the case 6 described above (ST14).

If there is no polarity reversal within a certain period of time and no 2100 Hz signal is detected, error processing is performed as described above.

As described above, when the direct communication charge is calculated, whether or not to execute the charging process is determined according to various situations. Therefore, the charging process is inappropriate for the user, for example, the user makes an error. It is possible to prevent a case where the user tries to send a manuscript and notices it immediately after sending, and stops the sending.

The above is the main function of the charge management unit 63.
Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the error management unit 64 loses power,
It has a recording paper break processing function, a communication error charge processing function, and an error counting function. When the power is cut off due to a power failure or disconnection of the outlet, the FAX 7 and the telephone network 5 are disconnected. Further, even when there is no recording paper in the recording unit 65, the paper cutout is detected and the cut state is maintained. Also, the error command notified from the VRU 3 by the PB tone is recognized and an error report is output. If the command ends abnormally without receiving an error command or F
An error report is also output when the handset is placed on the AX7 side. Also, if a communication error occurs during direct communication, an error report is output and free payment is performed. These error reports are totaled in a predetermined period and printed out from the recording unit 65.

From the keyboard 67, an instruction such as printout of a charge for a predetermined period is input. Further, the control unit 61 controls each of the above devices.

The above is a description of the structure and operation of each part of the ADP 6. Here, in order to explain the above-mentioned usage charge calculation in more detail, the registration and retrieval of image information are divided into normal and abnormal ADP 6, VRU3, MCP1
Each operation will be described.

FIG. 10 is an operation flow chart showing the operation of the charging process of each of these devices when the registration and retrieval of the image information are normally performed. In FIG. 10, when ADP6 detects On Hook of FAX 7 (ST1), V
Sends a signal to RU3 requesting notification of charges (ST
2).

On the other hand, the VRU 3 always sends the connection status signal to the MCP 1 during the connection with the FAX 7 (ST3),
The end of FAX communication is detected from the result of ST1 (ST
4), Send FAX end notification to MCP1 (ST
5). After that, it waits in the reception state of the signal requesting the charge notice from the ADP6, and when it detects that this signal is received (ST6), it immediately sends out the PB tone notifying the charge request notice to the MCP1. Do (S
T7).

Further, in the MCP 1, the communication status, that is, the monitoring of the registration or retrieval operation of the image information (ST8) is performed in S.
It is performed by receiving the signal of T3. When the FAX end notification signal from the VRU 3 is detected (ST9), the communication number is counted (ST10), and the charge is calculated according to the communication number (ST1).
Perform 1). After this operation is completed, the PB tone from the VRU 3 (signal sent by ST7) is waited in a receiving state, and when this signal is detected (ST1
2), VRU3 the communication charge data calculated in ST11
(ST13).

When the VRU 3 receives this communication charge data (ST14), it also sends it to the ADP 6 (ST15). When the ADP6 receives the communication charge data from the MCP1 and VRU3 (ST16), the communication charge data is checked in the same manner as in FIG. 7 (ST17),
It is edited as bar code data (ST18), and a bill payment statement by bar code is output (ST19).

FIG. 11 is an operation flow chart showing the operation of the billing process of each of the above-mentioned devices when there is an abnormality at the time of registration of image information. In this case, no charge is made unless all images are registered, as will be described later.

That is, the ADP 6 is VR as in FIG.
When sending a signal to U3 to request a fee notification, VR
Upon receipt of this (ST6), U3 immediately sends a PB tone to notify that the charge request notification has been sent to MCP1 (ST7) (this operation is also similar to the operation described in FIG. 10).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the MCP 1 is abnormal during the monitoring of the registration operation of the image information (ST8), the VCP after that is detected.
After detecting the FAX end notification signal from RU3 (ST9),
The error content is checked (ST10). In this error content check, particularly when a plurality of pages are registered, if a communication error occurs in the middle of the pages, the normally received page is discarded and the error content is analyzed without performing the charging process. Then, when the signal indicating the charge notification request is received from the VRU 3, the fact that the registration process is in error is sent to the VRU 3 (ST11).

Upon receipt of this error notification (ST12), the VRU3 further sends this to the ADP6 (ST).
13). Then, the ADP6 receives this (ST1
4) Check the notification data, edit the barcode and output an error report.

As described above, when an abnormality occurs during the registration process, the image is discarded and the charge is free.

Next, FIG. 12 shows a billing process when an abnormality occurs during the take-out process. In FIG. 12, VRU3
When receiving the signal requesting the charge notification from the ADP6 (ST6), it immediately sends this to the MCP1 (S).
T7).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the MCP 1 is abnormal during the monitoring of the image information fetching operation (ST8), after the subsequent detection of the FAX end notification signal from the VRU 3 (ST).
9) Count the number of normally transmitted images (ST
10) (This operation is different from the operation when the registration is abnormal in FIG. 11). This counting operation is, for example, to count up to a page normally fetched when a communication error occurs on an intermediate page when fetching a plurality of pages to perform billing processing. If it cannot be taken out, it is not counted.

Thereafter, the communication charge is calculated based on this count value (ST11), and the signal for instructing the charge request from the VRU 3 is waited in the receiving state. Then S
When the signal transmitted at T7 is received (ST12), ST
The communication charge data calculated in 11 is sent to the VRU 3 (ST13). After that, the same operation as that of FIG.
The ADP 6 receives the communication charge data via the RU 3 (ST14, ST15) (ST16), edits the bar code (ST18), and outputs the settlement statement (ST19).

In other words, when the takeout is abnormal, unlike the case when the registration is abnormal, the number of sheets taken out normally is charged.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a FAX message board which is one of the usage forms of this embodiment. The users A and B know the message board NO in advance, and one of them registers the message in the message board. Then, the other reads the registered electronic message based on this message NO. At this time, it is advisable to read the message on the other side after confirming whether the message of the message board NO is registered by the PB telephone 9. As described above, both the registrant and the retriever are charged. Moreover, the period during which the electronic message is registered in the MCP1 is predetermined, and the registered electronic message is deleted when the period elapses. Therefore, P
When making an inquiry using the B telephone 9, the registration date and time and the retrieval deadline can be confirmed.

The operation of this inquiry will be described below with reference to FIG.
Will be explained. In FIG. 14, first, the user is PB.
The telephone 9 sends a signal (ST1) for requesting an inquiry to the center (MCP1) and a signal (ST2) for instructing a BOX number to be inquired.

On the other hand, at the center, immediately after the telegram registration process is completed (ST3), the writing of the registration date and time and the extraction deadline of this telegram to the BOX management file is completed (ST4). Then, when the signals transmitted in ST1 and ST2 are received (ST5, ST6), a process of reading information about the designated BOX number from the BOX management file is performed (ST7). Then, the registration date and time of the designated BOX number and the take-out time limit are checked from the read data (ST8), and this is edited as voice guidance (ST9). The edited voice guidance is sent to the user (PB telephone 9) (ST10), and the line with the PB telephone 9 is disconnected (ST11).

The user can easily confirm the registration date and time and the extraction deadline by listening to the voice guidance sent out (ST12).

FIG. 15 is a communication sequence diagram showing the procedure of the inquiry processing by the PB telephone for further detailed explanation. In FIG. 15, (a)
When the handset of PB telephone 9 is lifted and the numeric keypad is pressed (b), an RBT signal is sent from telephone network 5 (c), and then in (d) this service from the public telephone network is charged. Guidance will be sent to you. Then, in (e), a 16 Hz signal is output from the telephone network 5 to the VRU 3, and the VRU 3
3 notifies the MCP 1 as an incoming call notification. When the reception is permitted from MCP1 in (f), VRU3 guides the mail BOX number transmission procedure by voice. In (g), the PB telephone 9 notifies the mail box number to the MCP1 via the VRU3, and the MCP1 checks this and if OK,
In (h), the electronic message of the mail BOX number is registered, and the registration date and time and the deadline for taking out the message are announced by voice. Then, the communication ends in (i).

Next, with respect to another usage form of this embodiment,
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a FAX bulletin board which is one usage form of the present embodiment.
Information exchange and IP (Inf
For the purpose of providing information on companies, a BOX number valid for the contract period can be registered by opening a BOX in advance, and the registrant registers and retrieves the manuscript using this BOX number and password as keys. The person takes out the original by the BOX number. In FIG. 16, A is a registrant, and B, C, and D are retrievers.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a FAX post office box which is one usage form of this embodiment. By opening a BOX in advance, it is possible to register a BOX number valid for the contract period in the center. The center mentioned here is composed of the MCP 1, the storage device 2, and the VRU 3 shown in FIG. The registrant registers the original with this BOX number as a key, and the takeout person takes out the original with the BOX number and password. In FIG. 17, A, B, C
Represents this registrant. The manuscript taker D takes out the manuscript with the BOX number, which is the PO box number, and the password.

FAX bulletin board and F
The AX post office box will be described in detail together with the FAX message board described above.

In the present invention, the BOX is used for each usage pattern.
The number of manuscripts that can be stored inside is different. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the number of documents that can be registered in the mail box for each usage pattern. In FIG. 18, (a) shows the case of using the FAX message board, (b) shows the case of using the FAX post office box, and (c) shows the case of using the FAX bulletin board. As is clear from the figure, when used in a message board or a PO box, a plurality of manuscripts can be registered in one BOX. Specifically, when using the message board service, 5 manuscripts can be registered for 5 pages each.
When using the PO Box service, 100 pages of manuscripts can be registered for each 5 pages. In the case of the post office box service, this is used in a service form in which a specific company such as a mail-order seller opens a BOX and an unspecified person such as a purchaser performs mail-order sales by registering a manuscript such as an applied postcard. Therefore, a large number of manuscripts that can be registered are set. On the other hand, when used as a bulletin board, only one original can be registered in one BOX. In the case of the bulletin board service, unlike the post office box service, there are many unspecified persons who take out the manuscript. Therefore, in order to make sure that the taker knows the BOX number and the manuscript stored in the BOX, one 1 for BOX
Only general manuscripts can be registered. In particular,
Since the bulletin boards are often used by companies for distributing advertisements to users, it is important to make sure the users know the correspondence between BOX numbers and manuscripts. It has a particularly great effect on the use of the above.

Next, a document registration operation in the above message board service will be described with reference to FIG. The flow on the left side of FIG. 19 shows the operation of the FAX terminal, and the flow on the right side shows the operation of the MCP 1, the storage device 2, and the VRU 3 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the center) that are the centers.

In FIG. 19, first, the FAX terminal calls the center with a specific TEL number (TEL number corresponding to the message board service) (ST1). F at the center
A signal for notifying an incoming call from the AX terminal is waiting in a receiving state, and when this notification is received (ST2), voice guidance is sent to the FAX terminal (ST3). The guidance sent out here is "This is the FAX center. It's registration. Please check the manuscript set. Message board is 1
Please press # and #, PO Box 2 and #, bulletin board 3 and #, and Mark Sheet PO Box 4 and #. It is. When the FAX terminal receives this guidance (ST4), the service user inputs the service code (ST5). Here, 1 and # are input to use the message board service. The center is waiting for this service code in a receiving state, and when it receives the service code (ST6), it recognizes that it is a message board service (ST7), and faxes at ST1.
It is determined whether or not the TEL number sent from the terminal is the corresponding number (number that can use the message board) (ST8),
If not applicable, send out voice guidance (ST
9) End all operations. This guidance says, "Message board service is not available for this phone number.
Please check the usage method again before using. It is. When it is determined in ST8 that the TEL number is applicable, voice guidance is sent to the FAX terminal (ST10). This guidance is "Registering a message board. If you make a mistake, press * and #. If it is correct, enter your BOX number and press #." FA
When the X terminal receives this voice guidance (ST1
1), enter the BOX number (ST12). And
The center stands by in the reception state of this BOX number, and when this BOX number is received (ST13), the BOX
The management database is read (ST14), and it is determined whether the designated BOX number can be registered (ST1).
5). In this embodiment, five originals can be registered in one BOX as described above, but if the number of originals exceeds this limit, that is, if the number of originals is not within the registered number, the voice guidance is sent to the FAX terminal (ST16). , All operations are finished. This guidance is "Because the BOX capacity is exceeded, it is not possible to register in the specified BOX. Please check the usage method again before using it." Also,
If it is determined in ST15 that the registration number is within the range, FAX
The voice guidance is sent to the terminal (ST17). This guidance says, "The BOX number is XXX. You can register up to 5 manuscripts at a time.
Please press and #. It is.

When the FAX terminal receives this voice guidance (ST18), the confirmation code # is input (ST).
19).

On the other hand, after transmitting the voice guidance in ST17, the center waits in a receiving state for the confirmation code sent from the FAX terminal, and when receiving this (ST20),
The voice guidance is transmitted (ST21). The guidance is "Begin registering the manuscript. Press the start button and return the handset."

When the FAX terminal receives this guidance (ST22), the transmission of the document is started (ST23), and the center registers the transmitted document in the designated BOX (ST24).

The above is the operation of the FAX terminal and the center of the document registration operation in the message board service.
The operation of taking out a document in the message board service will be described.

20 and 21 are flow charts showing the operations of the FAX terminal and the center in the above-mentioned take-out operation. In FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, first, the FAX terminal calls the center with a specific TEL number (TEL number corresponding to the message board service) (ST1). F at the center
A signal for notifying an incoming call from the AX terminal is waiting in a receiving state, and when this notification is received (ST2), voice guidance is sent to the FAX terminal (ST3). The guidance sent here is "This is the FAX center. It's taken out. Please enter the BOX number and press #."

When the FAX terminal receives this guidance (ST4), the service user inputs the BOX number in which the original to be taken out is stored (ST5). The center waits in the receiving state for this BOX number, and when the BOX number is received from the FAX terminal (ST6), the BOX management database is accessed (ST7) and the designated BOX is designated.
It is determined whether or not a document is stored in X (ST
8). If there is no document in the designated BOX, voice guidance is sent to the FAX terminal (ST9),
End all operations. The guidance is "The specified BOX number is not currently registered. Please check the usage method again before using." B at ST8
When the document exists in the OX, the voice guidance is sent (ST10). This guidance is "The BOX number is XXX. When it is correct, press #, and when it is incorrect, press * and #."

When the FAX terminal receives this voice guidance (ST11), it inputs the confirmation code # (ST).
12).

On the other hand, the center, after transmitting the voice guidance in ST10, waits in a receiving state for the confirmation code sent from the FAX terminal, and when receiving this (ST13),
The voice guidance is transmitted (ST14). This guidance is "We are currently looking into this. There are X and Y copies of (music) manuscript. To eject all, press #, and to specify pages, press 1 and #." In addition,
The voice guidance sends music to the designated BO
This is because the user does not feel uncomfortable because the time for retrieving the X manuscript is relatively long (this is shown in FIG. 4 above).
Also explained. ) When you receive this guidance (S
In T15), the user designates the page of the original to be taken out according to the guidance (ST16). Upon receiving the page designation code (ST17), the center performs the following operation when the page is designated. That is, first, the voice guidance for instructing the user to input the first page is transmitted (ST18), and when the signal for instructing the first page is received from the FAX terminal (ST19), the user is further instructed to input the last page. The voice guidance is sent (ST20). The voice guidance and the instructions are "Please insert the first page and press #" and "Enter the last page and press #". Then, when a signal designating the last page is received from the FAX terminal (ST21), voice guidance is transmitted (ST22). This guidance is from page XX to Y
It is taking out up to page Y. When it is correct, press #, and when it is incorrect, press * and #. It is. After that, FA
When the confirmation code # is received from the X terminal (ST23), the extraction fee is calculated and it is determined whether the fee is 10,000 yen or more (ST24). If it is 10,000 yen or more, voice guidance is sent (ST25), and all operations are ended. This guidance is "The fee has exceeded 10,000 yen and cannot be retrieved." When the charge is less than 10,000 yen, the voice guidance is sent (ST26), the designated pages are arranged in order from the first page of the last registered document (ST27), and sent to the FAX terminal (ST).
28).

If it is determined in ST17 that the page has not been designated, the process proceeds to the upstream of ST24, and the retrieval fee is checked.

Further, the voice guidance is "
in preparation. (Music) Originals can be taken out. The retrieval fee is XX yen. Push the start button and put the handset back. It is.

As described above, the upper limit of the withdrawal fee is set so that the withdrawal process cannot be executed if the upper limit is exceeded, because the convenience at the time of payment is taken into consideration. Generally, a FAX terminal for performing this type of service is installed in a small-scale store such as a convenience store, and it is often impossible to settle a certain amount of money (settlement by a barcode). In order to eliminate such inconvenience, execution is canceled when the extraction fee exceeds a certain amount (10,000 yen in this embodiment), so that the settlement processing by the barcode can be dealt with. Is. In this embodiment, the upper limit amount of money is 10,000 yen, but it is also possible to set this amount to an appropriate amount (amount that can be settled).

Since the page of the original to be taken out can be designated, the user does not need to take out the unnecessary original, and the communication time and the communication charge can be reduced.

Next, an explanation will be given of the process of registering and taking out the original when the FAX post office box described in FIG. 17 is used. Generally, this post office box service is used for applications such as quizzes, sweepstakes, etc. or mail-order, etc., the person who opens the BOX and takes out the manuscript is a specific person such as a mail-order seller,
The person who registers the manuscript is an unspecified person such as a person who applies for a prize or a mail-order purchase.

22 to 24 are flow charts showing the operations of the FAX terminal and the center at the time of document registration in the post office box service. In these figures, first, the FAX terminal makes a call to the center with a specific TEL number (TEL number corresponding to the box of the PO Box service) (ST1). The center waits in a receiving state for a signal notifying of an incoming call from the FAX terminal, and if this notification is received (ST
2) Send out voice guidance to the FAX terminal (ST
3). The guidance sent here is "This is FAX
The center. It's registration. Please check the manuscript set. Press 1 and # for message boards, 2 and # for PO boxes, 3 and # for bulletin boards, and 4 and # for mark sheet PO boxes. It is.

When the FAX terminal receives this guidance (ST4), the service user inputs the service code (ST5). Here, enter 2 and # to use the PO Box service. The center waits for this service code in a receiving state, and when it receives the service code (ST6), it recognizes that it is a PO Box service (ST).
7) The voice guidance is sent (ST8). This guidance is "Registering a PO Box. If you make a mistake, * and #
Please press. If it is correct, enter the BOX number and press #. It is.

Upon receiving this guidance (ST9), the FAX terminal inputs the designated BOX number according to the guidance (ST10). After sending the voice guidance, the center is waiting for the BOX number in the receiving state.
When the BOX number is received from the terminal (ST11), BOX
The X management database is read (ST12). Then, in ST1, it is determined whether or not the TEL number transmitted from the FAX terminal is a corresponding number (a number that can use the designated BOX) (ST13), and if not, voice guidance is transmitted ( ST14), and end all operations. This guidance is "The specified BOX number cannot be used with this phone number. Please check the usage method again before using." Also, S
If it is determined at T13 that the TEL number is applicable, then it is determined whether the designated BOX is within the contract period (ST15). If it is not within the contract period, voice guidance is sent (ST16), and all operations are ended. The guidance is "The specified BOX number is not currently used. Please check the usage method again before using." If the designated BOX is within the contract period, then it is determined whether or not the original can be registered in the designated BOX (ST17). In this embodiment, unlike the message board service, 100 originals can be registered in one BOX.
That is, if it is not within the range of registered numbers, the voice guidance is sent to the FAX terminal (ST18), and all the operations are ended. This guidance is "The specified BOX number cannot be registered because the BOX capacity is exceeded. Please check the usage again and use it." Also, ST1
If it is determined in 7 that the registration number is within the range, it is further determined whether the acceptance condition is set (ST1).
9). The FA of the sender when the acceptance conditions are set
X terminal is a dedicated FAX in the service system (FA in Figure 1
X7) or a general FAX (FAX in FIG. 1)
8) is determined (ST20). If it is a dedicated FAX terminal in the service system, it is determined whether it belongs to the corresponding group (ST21). This limits, for example, a FAX terminal that can receive services to a dedicated FAX terminal installed in a store operated by a specific company. In other words, by eliminating the registration of manuscripts from outside the relevant group (sweepstakes, applications for mail-order sales, etc.), the person who takes out the manuscripts (often from a specific company) will be allowed Limits can be added, which has a great effect on advertising the above-mentioned specific companies.

If the calling FAX terminal is out of the range of the corresponding group, voice guidance is sent (ST2
2), end all operations. This guidance is "The specified BOX number cannot be registered from the shop you are using. Please check the usage method again before using."

If it is in the applicable group in ST21, it is then determined whether or not the calling FAX terminal is installed in the applicable area (ST23). This is to place restrictions on the installation location of terminals that can receive services (terminals that can register manuscripts). Specifically, for example, only dedicated FAX terminals installed in Tokyo can use services. To do. As a result, it is possible to place restrictions on applicants for sweepstakes and mail-order sales depending on the area such as a residence, and it is possible for the mail-taker and other document retrievers to effectively utilize various services.

In this case as well, in the same way as ST21, the voice guidance is sent out if it is outside the corresponding area (ST2
4) End all operations.

If it is determined in ST20 that the source FAX terminal is a general FAX, it is determined whether or not the general FAX can use the original registration of the PO Box service (ST25). When the service cannot be used in the general FAX, the voice guidance is transmitted (ST26), and all the operations are ended. For this guidance, refer to "Specified B
The OX number is a dedicated FAX number. Please check the usage method again before using. It is. General FA
If it is available in X as well, it is determined whether or not it is within the corresponding area as in ST23 (ST27), and if it is outside the corresponding area, voice guidance is transmitted (ST28), and all the operations are ended. For this guidance, refer to "Specified B
The OX number cannot be used from the telephone you called because the area of use is limited. Please check the usage method again before using. It is.

If it is in the corresponding area, as in ST23, it is within the acceptance period, that is,
It is determined whether the manuscript can be registered (ST)
29). If it is not within the acceptance period, voice guidance is sent (ST30), and all operations are ended. This guidance is "The designated BOX number has expired. Please check the usage method again before using." If it is within the reception period, it is then determined whether it is within the reception time, that is, whether it is time to register the document (ST31). If it is not the reception time, the voice guidance 〓 is transmitted (ST32), and all the operations are ended. This guidance is "The specified BOX number cannot be registered because it is outside the reception hours. Please check the usage again and use it."

As described above, by limiting the acceptance period or the acceptance time, it is possible to realize an effective service for the manuscript taker (specific company), such as validating only the applicant who has sent within the period. .

If it is within the reception time in ST31, then it is determined whether or not it is within the range of possible communication numbers (ST33). This is the person who established the BOX (specific companies, etc.)
By setting the number of originals that can be registered in the BOX in advance, the number of originals that can be registered within a fixed period is limited. By doing so, it is possible to realize a service in which the first-come-first-served number of applicants such as a prize or a mail order is effective. It should be noted that when the number of available letters is exceeded, the voice guidance 〓 is transmitted (ST34), and all the operations are ended. For this guidance, refer to "Specified BOX
The number has exceeded the planned number and cannot be registered. Please check the usage method again before using. It is. If it is within the range of possible communication, F
The data is sent to AX7 or general FAX 8 (ST35).
This guidance is "The BOX number is XXX. You can register 5 manuscripts at a time. When it is correct, press #, and when it is incorrect, press * and #." When the FAX terminal receives this voice guidance (ST36), the confirmation code # is input according to the guidance, or
Input the ID number that identifies the user (ST37). Then, the center determines whether only # or number + # is received (ST38), and when number + # is input, voice guidance 〓 is transmitted (ST3).
9). This guidance is "Use your registered ID. I
The D number is XXXX. When it is correct, press #, and when it is incorrect, press * and #. It is. After that, when the signal indicating the confirmation code # is received from the FAX terminal (S
T40), voice guidance 〓 is sent (ST41), F
The original transmitted from the AX terminal is received (ST4
2). The above is the FA when registering the manuscript in the PO Box service.
The operation of X7, 8 and the center ends. The guidance is "Begin to register the manuscript. Press the start button and return the handset."

Although all the acceptance conditions are described in this embodiment, any one of the acceptance conditions may be set. For example,
It is also possible to set only the reception period so that it can be received from all areas. This can be flexibly determined in consideration of the use by the person who opened the BOX.

Next, the operations of the FAX terminal and the center in taking out the original at the time of the post office box service will be described. 25 and 26 show the FA in the above take-out operation.
It is an operation | movement flowchart of X terminal and center. 25 and 26, first, the FAX terminal calls the center with a specific TEL number (a TEL number corresponding to the box of the PO Box service) (ST1). The center is waiting for a signal to notify the incoming call from the FAX terminal,
Upon receiving this notification (ST2), voice guidance is sent to the FAX terminal (ST3). The guidance sent here is "This is the FAX center. It's taken out. Please enter the BOX number and press #."

When the FAX terminal receives this guidance (ST4), the service user inputs the BOX number in which the original to be taken out is stored (ST5). The center is waiting for this BOX number in a receiving state. When the BOX number is received from the FAX terminal (ST6), the BOX management database is accessed (ST7) and the designated BOX is reached.
It is determined whether or not a document is stored inside (ST
8). If there is no document in the designated BOX, voice guidance is sent to the FAX terminal (ST9),
End all operations. This guidance is "The specified BOX number is not currently registered. Please check the usage method again before using." ST8
If there is a document in the BOX, it is then determined in ST1 whether or not the TEL number sent from the FAX terminal is the corresponding number (a number that can use the designated BOX) (ST10). If not applicable, voice guidance is transmitted (ST11), and all operations are ended.
This guidance is "The specified BOX number cannot be used with this phone number. Please check the usage method again before using." When the TEL number is the corresponding telephone number, it is further determined whether or not the designated BOX is within the contract period (ST12). If it is not within the contract period, send out voice guidance (ST1
3) End all operations. This guidance is "The specified BOX number is not currently registered. Please check the usage method again before using."
When the designated BOX is within the contract period, the voice guidance is sent to the FAX terminal (ST14). This guidance is "The BOX number is XXX. If you make a mistake *
Please press and #. If correct, enter password #
Please press. It is.

When the FAX terminal receives this voice guidance (ST15), the password which is the peculiar number of the taker is input (ST16).

On the other hand, in the center, after transmitting the voice guidance in ST14, the password sent from the FAX terminal is waiting in a receiving state, and if this is input (ST1
7), voice guidance is sent (ST18). This guidance is "I'm looking right now. (Music)". Note that the voice guidance sends music because it takes a relatively long time to check the number and the number of originals of the designated BOX, and thus the takeout person does not feel uncomfortable.

At the center, when searching for a document to be taken out,
It is determined whether or not this is the manuscript with the ID described at the time of registration of the PO Box service manuscript (ST19). Manuscript is ID
If not, voice guidance is sent (S
T20). This guidance is "There are X copies and Y copies of the original." In the case of a document with an ID, voice guidance is sent (ST21), and the ID number sent from the FAX terminal is waited in the receiving state. This guidance says, "There are X copies and Y copies of the original. Among them, there are XX copies and YY copies of the original with ID.
Please push ID number and # when you specify D and take out. It is. After that, when the center receives the ID number and # or # (ST22), the following operation is performed according to the input contents. That is, if the input is a number (ID number) + # (ST
23) Perform output processing of the designated ID document (ST2
4). If the input is * + 0 + # (ST25), output processing is performed for all originals without ID (ST26). Also, the input is **
In the case of * + # (ST27), output processing of all originals with ID is performed (ST28). If only # is input (ST29), output processing of all originals registered in the BOX is performed (ST30).

In this way, by setting various original take-out modes, the take-out person can effectively use the service such as taking out only the original required by the take-out person.

After completion of these output processes, voice guidance is sent (ST31), and designated pages are arranged in order from the first page of the original document registered (S31).
T32), and transmits to the FAX terminal (ST33). When it is determined in ST19 that there is no document with ID, the voice guidance is transmitted in ST31, and thereafter, the same operation as described above is performed.

Next, a description will be given of the document registration / retrieval process when the FAX bulletin board described with reference to FIG. 16 is used. FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the operations of the FAX terminal and the center at the time of document registration at the bulletin board service. In FIG. 27, first, the FAX terminal calls the center with a specific TEL number (TEL number corresponding to the BOX of the bulletin board service) (ST1). The center is waiting for a signal to notify the incoming call from the FAX terminal,
Upon receiving this notification (ST2), voice guidance is sent to the FAX terminal (ST3). The guidance sent out here is "This is the FAX center. It's registration. Please check the manuscript set. The message board is 1 and #,
Press 2 and # for PO Boxes, 3 and # for bulletin boards, and 4 and # for Mark Sheet PO Boxes. It is.

When the FAX terminal receives this guidance (ST4), the service user inputs the service code (ST5). Here, enter 3 and # to use the bulletin board service. The center is waiting for this service code in a receiving state, and when receiving the service code (ST6), it recognizes that it is a bulletin board service (ST
7) The voice guidance is sent (ST8). This guidance says, "It's a bulletin board registration. If you make a mistake, * and #
Please press. If it is correct, enter the BOX number and press #. It is.

Upon receiving this guidance (ST9), the FAX terminal inputs a designated BOX number according to the guidance (ST10). After sending the voice guidance, the center is waiting for the BOX number in the receiving state.
When the BOX number is received from the terminal (ST11), BOX
The X management database is read (ST12). Then, in ST1, it is determined whether or not the TEL number transmitted from the FAX terminal is a corresponding number (a number that can use the designated BOX) (ST13), and if not, voice guidance is transmitted ( ST14), and end all operations. This guidance is "The specified BOX number cannot be used with this phone number. Please check the usage method again before using." Also,
If it is determined in ST13 that the TEL number is applicable, then it is determined whether or not the document can be registered in the designated BOX (ST15).

This is to determine whether or not the designated BOX is within the contract period. If it is not within the contract period, the voice guidance is sent to the FAX terminal and all the operations are finished (ST16). ). This guidance is "Cannot register to the specified BOX. Please check the usage again and use." When the BOX designated in ST15 is in the contract period, the voice guidance is transmitted (ST19). This guidance is "BO
The X number is XXXX. You can register 10 manuscripts at a time. If you make a mistake, enter * and #. If you make a mistake, enter the password and press #. It is. When the FAX terminal receives this voice guidance (ST20), the password and # are input according to the guidance (ST21).

On the other hand, in the center, after sending the voice guidance, the password and # from the FAX terminal are waiting in the receiving state, and when this is received (ST22), the voice guidance is transmitted (ST23). The document transmitted from the FAX terminal side is received (ST24).

The guidance is "Begin to register the manuscript. Press the start button and return the handset." This completes the operations of the FAX terminal and the center at the time of document registration in the bulletin board service.

Next, the operation of the FAX terminal and the center when the document is taken out in the bulletin board service will be described with reference to FIG.
It will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this service, the manuscript taker is an unspecified user who is informed of the BOX number.

In these figures, first, the FAX terminal calls the center with a specific TEL number (TEL number corresponding to the BOX of the bulletin board service) (ST1). The center waits in a receiving state for a signal notifying the incoming call from the FAX terminal, and when receiving this notification (ST2),
The voice guidance is sent to the FAX terminal (ST3).
The guidance sent here is "This is the FAX center. It's taken out. Please enter the BOX number and press #."

When the FAX terminal receives this guidance (ST4), the service user inputs the BOX number in which the original to be taken out is stored (ST5). After sending the voice guidance, the center waits in a receiving state for the BOX number. When the BOX number is received from the FAX terminal (ST6), the BOX management database is read (ST7). Then, it is determined whether or not the document is registered in the BOX corresponding to the designated number (ST
8) If not registered, voice guidance is transmitted (ST9), and all operations are ended. This guidance is "The specified BOX number is not currently registered. Please check the usage method again before using."

When the original exists in the designated BOX, the TEL number sent from the FAX terminal in ST1 is the corresponding number (the number that can use the designated BOX).
(ST10), if not applicable, voice guidance is sent (ST11), and all operations are terminated. For this guidance, refer to "Specified BOX
The number is not available for this phone number. Please check the usage method again before using. It is. When it is determined in ST10 that the TEL number is applicable, it is then determined whether or not the designated BOX is within the contract period (ST12). If it is not within the contract period, voice guidance is sent (ST13), and all operations are ended. This guidance is "The specified BOX number is not currently registered." Specified BOX
If is within the contract period, it is further determined whether or not the acceptance condition is set (ST14). When the acceptance condition is set, it is determined whether the source terminal is a dedicated FAX (FAX7 in FIG. 1) in the service system or a general FAX (FAX8 in FIG. 1) (ST15). . If it is a dedicated FAX terminal in the service system, it is determined whether it belongs to the corresponding group (ST16). This restricts the FAX terminals that can receive services, for example, to the FAX terminals installed in a store operated by a specific company.

Then, when the calling terminal is out of the range of the corresponding group, the voice guidance is transmitted (ST1
7) End all operations. This guidance is "The specified BOX number cannot be retrieved from your store."

[0118] If the group is in the applicable group in ST16, then it is determined whether or not the calling terminal is installed in the applicable area (ST17). This is to place restrictions on the installation location of FAX terminals (terminals that can take out originals) that can receive services. Specifically, for example, only FAX terminals installed in Tokyo can use the service. To do.

In this case as well, in the same way as in ST17, voice guidance is sent out if it is outside the corresponding area (ST1
9) End all operations.

In ST15, the source terminal is a general FAX.
If it is determined that the normal FAX is available, it is determined whether or not the general FAX can use the document extraction of the bulletin board service (ST20). When the service cannot be used in the general FAX, the voice guidance is transmitted (ST21) and all the operations are ended. For this guidance, refer to "Specified B
The OX number is a dedicated number for the XXX company. It is.
If it can also be used in a general FAX, it is determined whether or not it is within the corresponding area as in ST18 (ST22), and if it is outside the corresponding area, voice guidance is sent out (ST
23), end all operations. This guidance is "The specified BOX number cannot be used from the telephone you called because the area of use is limited."

If it is in the corresponding area, as in ST18, within the acceptance period, that is,
It is determined whether or not it is the period during which the original can be taken out (ST24). If it is not within the acceptance period, voice guidance is sent (ST25), and all operations are ended. This guidance is "The acceptance period for the specified BOX number has expired." If it is within the acceptance period, it is then determined whether it is the acceptance time, that is, the time when the document can be taken out (ST26). If it is not the reception time, the voice guidance is transmitted (ST27) and all the operations are ended. For this guidance, refer to
The X number cannot be retrieved because it is outside the reception hours. "
Is.

As described above, by limiting the acceptance period or the acceptance time, it is possible to realize an effective service for the manuscript registrant (specific company), such as validating only the retriever who has sent only within that period. .

If it is within the reception time in ST26, it is then determined whether or not it is within the range of the number of communications that can be taken out (ST28). This limits the number of persons who have opened a BOX and registered the originals (such as a specific company) who can take out the originals from the BOX in advance. That is, by adding such a limitation, it is possible to realize a service in which only the first-come-first-served extractors are effective. In addition, when the available number (the number of persons to be taken out) is exceeded, the voice guidance 〓 is sent (ST
29), terminate all operations. This guidance is "The specified BOX number has exceeded the planned number and cannot be taken out." If it is within the range of possible communication, voice guidance 〓 is FAX 7 or general FAX 8
(ST30). This guidance is "The BOX number is XXX. It is # when it is correct, * when it is incorrect.
Please press and #. It is. When the FAX terminal receives this voice guidance (ST31), the confirmation code # is input according to the guidance, or the ID number and # for identifying the user are input (ST32). On the other hand, the center waits for a signal from the FAX terminal in a receiving state, determines which of # or a number (ID number) + # is received (ST33), and performs the following processing based on this determination result. To do. That is, when the signal indicating the ID number + # is received, the voice guidance 〓 is transmitted (ST34). The guidance is "You use the takeout ID. The ID number is XXX. When it is correct, press #, and when it is incorrect, press * and #." After that, when a signal indicating #, which is a confirmation code, is received from the FAX terminal (ST35), voice guidance 〓 is transmitted (ST36). This guidance is "There are XX originals." On the other hand, when only # is received in ST33, the voice guidance 〓 of ST36 is transmitted.

When the FAX terminal receives this voice guidance 〓, it inputs a code designating the page of the original to be taken out (ST37). Upon receipt of this page designation code (ST38), the center performs the following operation when a page is designated. That is, first, the voice guidance 〓 which instructs the user to input the first page is sent (ST
39), when a signal for instructing the first page is received from the FAX terminal (ST40), voice guidance 〓 for instructing the user to input the last page is further transmitted (ST4).
1). The voice guidance 〓 and 〓 are "Please insert the first page and press #" and "Enter the last page and press #" respectively. And F
When a signal indicating the last page is received from the AX terminal (ST42), voice guidance 〓 is sent (ST4
3). This guidance is "Retrieving pages from XX to YY. When correct, press #, and when incorrect, press * and #." After that, when the confirmation code # is received from the FAX terminal (ST44), the extraction fee is calculated and it is determined whether the fee is 10,000 yen or more (ST45). Voice guidance 〓 for 10,000 yen or more
Is sent (ST46), and all operations are completed. This guidance is "The fee has exceeded 10,000 yen and cannot be retrieved." When the charge is less than 10,000 yen, the voice guidance 〓 is sent (ST47), and the designated original is sent to the FAX terminal (ST48). The voice guidance 〓 is "I am preparing now. (Music) manuscript can be taken out. The taking out fee is XX yen. Please push the start button and return the handset."

[0125] The reason why the upper limit of the withdrawal fee is set as described above and the withdrawal process cannot be executed when the upper limit is exceeded is the same as the withdrawal operation in the message board service.

In the bulletin board service as well, the upper limit amount of money is set at 10,000 yen, but it is also possible to set this amount to an appropriate amount (amount capable of settlement).

The operation of the center and the terminal in each service has been described above. Now, the order of taking out the originals of the message board service and the post office box service will be described. Figure 31 shows the order of taking out originals in the message board service.
FIG. 32 shows the order of taking out documents in the PO Box service. As is apparent from FIG. 31, in the message board service, the original document registered last is taken out. That is,
The original C registered in the third copy is taken out. This is often used for messages between users as a usage mode of the message board service, and since the last registered manuscript has the most desired contents to be messaged, the extraction order is set as described above.

On the other hand, in the case of the post office box service,
As shown in FIG. 32, the original A registered first is taken out. This is often used for mail-order sales and application for sweepstakes, etc. by unspecified persons as described above as the usage form of the PO box service. Therefore, it is necessary to preferentially process the original document registered first, and therefore the originals are taken out in this order.

33 and 34 show information in the BOX management database. Here, the contract start date and end date of the BOX, the maximum number of MAX registrations, and the like are set in advance.
Further, FIG. 34 shows information in the BOX management database when there is a reception condition. This has registered in advance the acceptance conditions set for each BOX opener. The area identification of the general FAX as described in the post office box service, the designation of the date and time when the manuscript can be registered, the time designation, the restriction of the manuscript that can be registered, and the like can be appropriately determined according to the usage form of the opener.

Next, a mark sheet PO Box will be described, which is a special form of use in the PO Box service. Figure 3
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a usage form of the mark sheet PO Box. A BOX number valid for the contract period can be registered by setting a BOX for the purpose of collecting a large amount of information such as collecting questionnaires, receiving requests, and ordering mail orders. The BOX number is notified to the user from the BOX contractor, the user registers the document with this BOX number as a key, and the takeout person (BOX contractor) takes out the document with the BOX number and password. The manuscript is OMR (Opt
Only an ical document reader can be used. The OMR document is image-recognized, the recognition result is converted into bit data, the OMR file is registered, and the OMR document is accumulated as image data in a normal image file.

In FIG. 35, first, a mark sheet post office box is opened, a BOX number is determined, and the user is notified. Enter the OMR original marked on the user mark sheet together with the BOX number. The BOX number and OM
The R sheet format numbers have a one-to-one correspondence. The image file of the transmitted OMR original document is stored for one week as a standard, and can be set to another value. The retriever enters the BOX number and password,
The data converted into bit data and registered in the OMR file or the data stored in the image file as image data is taken out.

Next, the operation at the time of document registration in the above-mentioned mark sheet post office box service will be described with reference to FIGS. 36 to 39. 36 to 39 are flowcharts showing respective operations of the MCP 1, the storage device 2, and the FAX terminal in the mark sheet post office box service. In these figures, first,
When the BOX number is entered from the FAX terminal (ST1),
The MCP1 receives this (ST2), and reads the data corresponding to the BOX number in the BOX management database (ST3). As a result of the reading, if it is determined that the reception is permitted, the reception permission instruction signal is sent to the FAX terminal and the storage device 2 (ST4). The storage device 2 stands by in the reception state of this reception permission signal, and when this signal is received (ST5), the CED signal is sent to the FAX terminal (S).
T6). On the other hand, when the FAX terminal receives the reception permission signal from the MCP 1 and the CED signal from the storage device 2, the FAX terminal
X transmission is started (ST7). The document transmitted here is an OMR sheet in which the user has written desired items. 1
When the transmission of the OMR sheet of the page is completed, it is further determined whether or not there is the OMR sheet original of the second page (ST.
8). If there is no second and subsequent pages, the EOP signal is sent to the storage device 2 (ST9), and if there is, the MPS signal or the EOM signal is sent to the storage device (ST10), S
Return to processing upstream of T7. In addition, F after the EOM signal is transmitted
The operation of the AX terminal will be described later (see FIG. 38).

On the other hand, the storage device 2 waits for the FAX transmission of ST7 in the receiving state, and when this transmission is received (S
T11), the OMR data is cut out in bit units and converted into predetermined data (data of 1 and 0) (ST1
2) Transfer this to MCP1 (ST13). After that, it is determined whether or not the EOP signal from the FAX terminal is received (ST14), and if not received, next,
It is determined whether the MPS signal or the EOM signal is received (ST15). When the MPS or EOM is received, it indicates that the next OMR sheet document is transmitted from the FAX terminal, so the MCP 1 is informed that the OMR sheet document of the next page is transmitted (ST1
6).

On the other hand, when the MCP1 receives the converted OMR data (ST13) from the storage device 2, it checks whether or not this corresponds to the designated BOX number (ST17). This is OM for each BOX
The format of R data is predetermined and ST2
O sent in the BOX number format entered in
It is to check whether or not the MR data matches. If the result of the check is that it is correct, then it is checked whether or not there is a page check (ST18). This check is to check whether or not a plurality of OMR sheet originals are prepared and satisfy one requirement.

In order to explain this in more detail, an example of using the OMR sheet will be described.

(A) 1 Requirement Plural Sheets A sheet satisfying one requirement for the first time when all the plural sheets are prepared, and if even one sheet is missing or the page order is input differently, it is regarded as an OMR recognition error. All seats are invalid. In this case, it is determined in ST18 that there is a page check.

(B) One requirement, one sheet A sheet satisfying one requirement permits a line connection. In this case, it is determined in ST18 that there is no page check.

(C) 1 Requirement Plural sheets (without page check) A sheet satisfying one requirement only when all of the plural sheets are prepared, but recognized as a normal sheet even if there are missing pages. Is. In this case, ST18
It is determined that there is no page check.

As described above, the page is checked in ST18 according to each usage example. If it is determined that the page is checked, it is checked whether the OMR data transferred in ST13 is for the first page (ST19).
If the result of this check is that it is the first page, it is determined whether or not image information is present in the OMR sheet document (ST20).

The case where image information is added to this OMR sheet document will be described in more detail.

As described above, the mark sheet post office box service is often used for mail order orders and questionnaire responses. When used in this type of form, OMR sheet manuscripts are used for order sheets and answer sheets. It When used as a purchase order or answer sheet, as shown in FIG. 40, information used as data (mark information recording area such as product number and answer number) and information used as image information as it is (address of the orderer) , A name, other contents not included in the answer word group, and the like (corresponding to I1 and I2 in FIG. 40) are required to be mixed.

The OMR sheet manuscript shown in FIG. 40 is used as an order form for mail order, and as is clear from the figure, the address of the orderer and I2 are set in the image information area I1. Contains special notes that are other contents not included in the mark information.

In the present embodiment, a mixed OMR sheet original can be used by cutting and receiving an area for recognizing data of an OMR sheet original and an area treated as an image. FIG. 41 is a flow chart showing an operation of dividing a data area when using this type of OMR sheet. Note that this operation is executed by the storage device 2. In FIG. 41, first, when the OMR recognition mark (T0 in FIG. 40) is detected from the data transmitted from the FAX terminal (data transmitted in ST7 in FIG. 36), the FAX original received indicates that it is an OMR sheet original. It recognizes and waits for the detection of the first timing mark. When the first timing mark (T1) is detected (ST1),
The detection of the last line of the first timing mark is waited, and when this is detected (ST2), counting of white lines is started (ST3). Then, it waits until the next timing mark T2 is detected, and when this is detected (ST4), the count of the white line started in ST3 is stopped (ST5).

Next, the count value of the white line is compared with a predetermined table value (ST6), and if the count value exceeds the table value, it is between the timing mark (T1) and the timing mark (T2). Line (I
1) is cut out as image information (ST7).

This table value corresponds to the number of white lines between the timing marks corresponding to the mark rows, and the interval between the adjacent timing marks is 115 lines during communication in the FAX standard mode, and fine mode. It is set to 230 lines at the time of communication (this can be appropriately changed depending on the usage pattern). That is, when the count value is the same as this value, the mark line is determined, and when the count value exceeds this value, the image information area is determined.

The above processing (processing from ST2 to ST7) is repeated until the FAX end detection (ST8). When the end of FAX is detected (ST8), the white line count is stopped (ST9), and the image information cut out up to that point is combined as the image information of one page (ST1).
0), create an image file.

Returning to FIG. 36 again, description will be made with respect to ST2.
When the OMR image exists at 0, the process proceeds to ST21, and when it does not exist, the process proceeds to ST22, and it is determined whether or not there is a next page. This check is to check the case of the one-requirement multiple-sheet document described above. The subsequent operation is when it is determined that there is a next page.
As shown in FIG. 37, if there is an OMR image, S
From T21, an instruction to transfer the OMR image information is sent to the storage device 2 (ST23). Upon receiving this signal, the storage device 2 creates an OMR image file as described above (ST24) and transfers it to the MCP1. MC
When P1 receives this (ST25), it sends a signal to the storage device 2 to permit reception of the next page (ST2).
6). When it is determined in ST20 that there is no OMR image, the processing in ST23 and subsequent steps is not performed, and ST
At 26, a permission signal is transmitted. In MCP1, after sending the permission signal in ST26, the process returns to the upstream of ST17, receives the converted data of the OMR sheet original of the next page again, and repeats the same operation as above.

The storage device 2 stands by in the reception state of the permission signal, and when receiving the permission signal (ST27), it sends the MCF signal to the FAX terminal (ST28), returns to the upstream of ST11, and returns to the next page from the FAX terminal. Wait for the OMR sheet document in the receiving state. The processing of the next page is similar to the above-mentioned operation. In addition, in the FAX terminal, the MCF from the storage device 2
When the signal is received, the process returns to the upstream of ST7, and the transmission of the OMR sheet original of the next page is started again.

Next, it is determined that there is no next page of the OMR sheet original (ST8), and F after the EOP signal is sent out.
The operation of the AX terminal, the operation of the storage device when the EOP signal is received in ST14, and the operation of the MCP1 when it is determined that there is no next page in ST21 and ST22 will be described. FIG. 38 shows these operations. First,
The MCF is sent from the storage device 2 to the FAX terminal (ST2
9). When the FAX terminal receives this (ST30), D
The CN is returned to the storage device 2 (ST31) and the line is disconnected (ST32).

On the other hand, when the storage device 2 receives the DCN signal (ST33), the line is similarly disconnected (ST34),
Notify MCP1 of the disconnection. Further, the MCP 1 receives the signal notifying the line disconnection (ST35), and the operation of all the systems is completed.

If the storage device 2 does not receive the MPS signal or the EOM signal in ST15, and if the MCP1 is NG in ST17 and ST19, error processing is performed. As for error processing, as shown in FIG.
A signal instructing to send a DCN signal is sent from CP1 to the storage device (in this case, ST17, ST19
(ST35), and when the storage device 2 receives this, a DCN signal is sent to the FAX terminal (ST36). In ST15, MPS or EO
If M is not received, DCN is sent to the FAX terminal even if the instruction signal from MCP1 is not received. After sending DCN, the line is disconnected (ST37), but when the FAX terminal receives this DCN signal (ST38), the line is disconnected (ST39) and an alarm sound is emitted (ST).
49) and terminate the error processing. As described above, by executing the mark sheet post office box service, it is possible to provide a highly convenient system in the form of use such as answering a mail order order questionnaire.

FIG. 42 shows an output example of the extracted information in the mark sheet post office box service. FIG. 42
Is an output of a purchase order by mail order, but as is clear from the figure, it is output by combining the information obtained by converting the recognition result of the mark information into an image and the image information cut out by the above method. is there. Regarding the conversion of the mark information into an image, the format is predetermined for each BOX, which is as described above. As described above, in the mail order, the user uses the OMR sheet to fill in the predetermined mark field and register it in the predetermined BOX to place an order for the desired product, and the seller has all the information. The manuscript converted into an image can be taken out from the BOX as a purchase order. That is, it is possible to make an order by mail order, collect questionnaire response sheets, and the like by using communication by a mail box without using mail.

[0153]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention can provide a communication system suitable for communication services using various mailbox communication.

In particular, according to the present invention, when the receiving terminal takes out the facsimile information, only the specific facsimile information is taken out based on the identification code, so that the desired original can be taken out inexpensively in a short time. It is possible to obtain a communication system that is convenient for the retriever.

Further, according to the present invention, when the receiving terminal retrieves the facsimile information, it retrieves the facsimile information in order from the one with the longest accumulated period. Mailbox communication can also be used for applications such as quizzes and prizes, and since the order of taking out is determined as described above, it is possible to preferentially process the original sent first. As a result, it is possible to obtain a communication system that is very convenient for the manuscript takers (in this case, mail-order sellers, questionnaire collectors, etc.).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a communication system showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a voice response device used in the present invention.

FIG. 3 VRU and MCP when detecting PB tone
Flow diagram showing the operation of

FIG. 4 VRU and MC for sending music to FAX
Flow chart showing the operation of P

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an adapter used in the present invention.

6 is a diagram showing the function of each configuration of FIG.

[Figure 7] ADP that executes the usage charge calculation request / reception function
Operation flow chart

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the output of a charge adjustment sheet by a barcode.

FIG. 9 is an operation flow chart of ADP when calculating a direct communication charge.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire communication system when image information is registered and retrieved normally.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire communication system when there is the above at the time of registration of image information.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire communication system when there is the above when extracting image information.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining one of usage forms of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an operation flow chart for confirming the registration date and time and the extraction deadline of the registered image information on the PB telephone.

FIG. 15 is a communication sequence diagram showing an inquiry procedure by PB telephone.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a FAX bulletin board which is one usage mode of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a FAX post office box which is one usage mode of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the number of documents that can be registered in the mailbox for each usage pattern.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a document registration operation in the message board service.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an operation of taking out a document in the message board service.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the same.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of registering a manuscript in the post office box service.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the same.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the same.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an operation of taking out a manuscript in the post office box service.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the same.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an operation of registering a manuscript in the bulletin board service.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an operation of taking out a document in the bulletin board service.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the same.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of the same.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the order of document extraction in the message board service.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the order of taking out manuscripts in the post office box service.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing information in the BOX management database.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing information in the BOX management database when there is a reception condition.

FIG. 35 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a mark sheet post office box which is one usage mode of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the operation of registering a manuscript in the mark sheet post office box service.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart of the same.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart of the same.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart of the same.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an OMR sheet used for the mark sheet post office box service of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the operation of dividing the data area of the OMR sheet.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an output example of an extracted document in a mark sheet post office box service.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 MCP 2 storage device 3 VRU 4 ITDM 5 telephone network 6 ADP 7 FAX 8 general FAX 9 PB telephone

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yosuke Kanamori 2-3-8 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Matsushita Dentsu Co., Ltd.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A center having a plurality of storage areas, each storage area storing different facsimile information, and a desired storage area are designated, and the facsimile information or the facsimile information is specified in the designated storage area. A transmitting terminal that transmits an identification code, a receiving terminal that receives facsimile information in a designated storage area, and a specific facsimile information is selected by designating the identification code when the receiving terminal retrieves the facsimile information. A communication system comprising: 2. A transmission having a plurality of storage areas, each storage area capable of storing a plurality of different facsimile information, and a first identification code designating a desired storage area and facsimile information. A terminal; a receiving terminal for receiving facsimile information from a predetermined storage area in the center by inputting the first identification code designating a storage area and a second identification code given to each terminal; A communication system comprising: a control unit that controls the facsimile information, which has been stored for a long period of time, to be sequentially output when the input from the receiving terminal is received.