JP2003018350A - Facsimile server device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To specify records on desired distribution conditions even when the number of records on a distribution condition table is increased and to easily perform validation or invalidation for each record. SOLUTION: In a facsimile server device 20, a distribution condition table 7a is stored on a RAM 7 and according to the distribution condition table 7a, received image data are distributed to the other communication terminal equipment such as a client PC 30 or an external device by a main control part 1. In such a case, the distribution condition table 7a contains a previously inputted keyword, a flag for validating or invalidating the distribution conditions and a valid period (date and time of working) for each of records of distribution conditions as shown in a figure 4.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile server device for a facsimile system including a facsimile server device and a client device which are connected to each other via a communication line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a facsimile server device connected to a communication line such as a public telephone line and having a facsimile transmission / reception function and a client device such as a personal computer are connected to a local area network (hereinafter referred to as L
It is called AN. ) Has been put into practical use. In this conventional facsimile system, by transmitting image data and destination information from the client device to the facsimile server device, the facsimile server device transmits the image data to the destination through the communication line, while the facsimile server When the server device receives the image data, the client device receives the image data by transmitting the image data to a predetermined client device.

This conventional facsimile server device can receive image data of a G3 facsimile or image data of an internet facsimile using an electronic mail and perform a distribution process to a client device or the like.

[0004]

In this conventional facsimile server apparatus, in order to facilitate and ensure the distribution process, a distribution condition table is stored in advance, and the received image data is stored in accordance with the distribution condition table. It is distributed to client devices. However, when the number of records in the distribution condition table is large, there is a problem in that management may not be performed well and distribution may not be performed as expected.

The object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to identify a record having a desired distribution condition even if the number of records in the distribution condition table is large, and to enable or enable each record easily. It is to provide a facsimile server device that can be invalidated.

[0006]

A facsimile server device according to the present invention distributes received image data to other communication terminal devices in accordance with a storage means for storing a distribution condition table and the distribution condition table. In the facsimile server device including a delivery unit, the delivery condition table includes a keyword that is input in advance and a flag that validates or invalidates the delivery condition for each record of the delivery condition.

In the facsimile server device, the distribution condition table includes a valid period for each record of the distribution condition.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an embodiment according to the present invention,
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile system including a facsimile server device 20 and client personal computers 30-1 to 30-N.

The facsimile system according to this embodiment includes a plurality of N client personal computers (hereinafter abbreviated as client PCs) 30-1 to 30.
-N (hereinafter collectively referred to as reference numeral 30), a facsimile server device 20 having a distribution condition table 7a in the RAM 7 and connected to the public telephone network 80 via the public telephone line L, and a mail server device. 50 and a router device 60 connected to the Internet 90 include a LAN 70.
It is configured to be connected via.

In the facsimile server device 20 according to this embodiment, the RAM 7 stores a distribution condition table 7a, and the main control unit 1 stores the received image data in the client PC 30 or an external device according to the distribution condition table 7a. The distribution condition table 7a is distributed to another communication terminal device, as shown in FIG.
It is characterized in that each record of the delivery condition includes a keyword inputted in advance, a flag for validating or invalidating the delivery condition, and a valid period (operating date and time).

In FIG. 1, the mail server device 50 is
If the received e-mail includes image data encoded in the MIME format from a client PC or a destination mail server device (not shown) via the Internet 90 and the LAN 70, the e-mail including the image data. Hold. When sending an e-mail containing image data via the Internet 90, the client PC 3
From 0 to the other mail server device via the mail server device 50, the router device 60 and the Internet 90.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the client PC 30 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the client PC 30 is a known personal computer, and executes processes such as generation and recording of image data and character data. In this embodiment, the client PC 3
For example, 0 is used as a terminal device that transmits or receives facsimile image data. Main controller 10
Reference numeral 1 specifically comprises a CPU, which is connected to and controls the following hardware units via a bus 113, and executes various software functions described later. In the client PC 30, the image reading unit 102 and the image recording unit 103 are optionally provided, and the image reading unit 102 reads a document with a scanner using a CCD or the like and outputs dot image data converted into binary black and white. The image recording unit 103 is, for example, a printer device such as an electrophotographic system, and prints out and records, as a hard copy, image data received by facsimile communication from another facsimile server device, or records character data. The display unit 104 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or a CRT display, and displays the operation state of the client PC 30 and displays image data of a document to be transmitted and received image data. The operation unit 105 is, for example, a keyboard, and is used to input character data and instruction commands.

The ROM 106 is for the client PC 3
Various software programs necessary for the operation of 0 and executed by the main control unit 101 are stored in advance.
The RAM 107 is SRAM, DRAM, SDRA.
It is composed of M and the like, is used as a working area of the main control unit 101, and stores temporary data generated when the program is executed. In addition, hard disk drive 1
A storage device 08 has a built-in recording medium and stores an application program to be executed and an image memory.
The LAN interface 112 is connected to the LAN 70, receives signals and data from the LAN 70, and outputs L
Signals and data are transmitted to the AN 70 to execute interface processing such as signal conversion and protocol conversion.

FIG. 3 shows a facsimile server device 2 of FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows the structure of 0. In FIG. 3, the facsimile server device 20 has a facsimile communication function such as a conventional G3 method and a facsimile communication function using electronic mail. The main control unit 1 is specifically a CPU
And is connected to and controls the following hardware units via the bus 13 and executes various software functions described later. The display unit 4 is
A display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a CRT display, which displays the operating state of the facsimile server device 20 and image data of an original to be transmitted,
Also, the received image data is displayed. Operation part 5
Includes a character key necessary for operating the facsimile server device 20, a numeric keypad for dialing, a speed dial key, a one-touch dial key, and various function keys. The display unit 4 may be of a touch panel type so that some or all of the various keys of the operation unit 5 may be substituted.

The ROM 6 previously stores various software programs required for the operation of the facsimile server device 20 and executed by the main control unit 1. Here, the ROM 6 stores at least the image data distribution processing program of FIGS. 5 to 7 and the distribution condition valid / invalid change processing program of FIG. RAM7 is SR
Main control unit 1 is composed of AM, DRAM, SDRAM, etc.
It is used as a working area for storing temporary data generated during program execution. Where RA
M7 stores a delivery condition table 7a, which will be described in detail later.
When a flash memory is used as the RAM 7, the content of the data is not lost even when the power is cut off due to a power failure, movement of the device, or the like. The image memory 8 is composed of a DRAM or the like, and stores image data to be transmitted or received image data.

The fax modem 10 is a public telephone line L.
Is a modem that has the function of a fax modem for normal facsimile communication. An NCU (Network Control Unit) 11 is a hardware circuit that performs an operation of closing and opening a DC loop of an analog public telephone line L and has an automatic dialing function, and if necessary, the fax modem 10 To the public telephone line L. Here, the NCU 11 detects an ID receiving terminal activation signal and a normal telephone ringing signal in the originating telephone number notification service, and transmits a primary response signal and a secondary response signal in the originating telephone number notification service as necessary. can do. The NCU 11 may be connected to a digital line (for example, ISDN line) of a baseband transmission system via a predetermined terminal adapter and a DSU (subscriber line terminating device: Digital Service Unit).

Further, the LAN interface 12 is
While being connected to the LAN 70 and receiving signals and data from the LAN 70, it transmits signals and data to the LAN 70 and executes interface processing such as signal conversion and protocol conversion.

The facsimile server device 20 configured as described above has a normal G3 method facsimile communication function and an electronic mail facsimile communication function. The image memory 8 stores image data as needed, and conversely outputs the stored image data as needed. Further, the facsimile server device 20 responds to the delivery destination notification data and delivers the corresponding image data to the delivery destination designated by the delivery destination notification data. Here, the delivery method is the public telephone network L. ITU-T Recommendation T.V. Facsimile transmission based on the communication procedure of 30 and Internet facsimile transmission for transmitting image data using electronic mail via the Internet 90.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution condition table 7a in the RAM 7 of FIG. 3 and shows distribution conditions indicating how to distribute the received or scanned image data. The data of the distribution condition table 7a is input in advance using the operation unit 5. Various conditions and distribution destinations can be registered as the distribution conditions to be registered. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the reception condition and the distribution operation date and time are used as conditions, and the distribution destination when the conditions are satisfied, and , And includes information indicating whether or not the received facsimile image data is recorded and output on a sheet by the image recording unit 3. The delivery condition table 7a according to the present embodiment is characterized by further including, for each record of delivery conditions, a keyword for facilitating management of delivery conditions and a flag for validating or invalidating the delivery conditions. There is.

As the reception condition, it is possible to set the condition for any information sent from the transmission source device of the facsimile image data (or the exchange of the telecommunications carrier). For example, the caller ID notification or ISDN subaddress sent from the exchange when receiving a call, or the sender's number or F sent as a TSI signal in the facsimile procedure.
It is possible to set conditions for the code subaddress and password. Further, when the reception from a plurality of lines is possible, it is possible to set the condition for the line number of the incoming call. In the example shown in FIG. 4, TS
The sender number sent by the I signal is "03-456.
7-8901 "and a reception condition that the ISDN sub-address is" * 2 ". Of course, it is possible to set various conditions such as setting partial information as a condition such as only the area code of the transmission source or setting a condition to exclude.

As the reception condition, in addition to such individual conditions, conditions that are always compatible (for all receptions) during facsimile reception may be set. In FIG. 4, this condition is shown as “always compatible”. Further, among the distribution conditions stored in the distribution condition table 7a, it is possible to set a condition that the distribution conditions other than the distribution condition are not met. In FIG. 4, this condition is indicated as “other than the above conditions”.

The delivery operation date and time can be set on the condition of the time zone for delivery. For example, the example shown in FIG. 4 shows conditions for designating distribution within working hours from 9:00 to 17:00, conditions for designating weekdays from Monday to Friday, and conditions combining these. It is possible to specify whether these conditions are valid repeatedly, for example, every day, every week, every month, every year, or only at that time. The example shown in FIG. 4 indicates that “every day” and “every week” are repeatedly enabled. Of course, such time, day of the week, and date may be specified in combination, and an example of combination is also shown in FIG. Moreover, you may specify the time zone when distribution is not performed. Further, as shown in FIG. 4 as "always", it is possible not to limit the time zone.

As the delivery destination, various kinds of information for identifying the delivery destination can be set. For example, when delivering to a client PC 30 on another network such as a LAN, an e-mail address or a user ID can be set, for example. Alternatively,
If the device is specified, the IP address may be set. Further, in the case of facsimile delivery via the public telephone line L, a FAX number may be set. Of course, in addition to this, it is possible to set information for identifying the delivery destination according to the communication protocol with the delivery destination. Also,
It is also possible to specify a delivery destination group, such as setting up to a domain when specifying an electronic mail address. It should be noted that a plurality of distribution destinations can be set as distribution destinations, and in this case, distribution destinations having different communication protocols may be mixed.

The information indicating whether or not to print out on paper is
For example, it indicates whether or not the facsimile image data received by the image recording unit 3 or the printer on the LAN 70 set in advance is recorded and output. When there are a plurality of suitable distribution conditions, and if any one of them is designated to be recorded and output, the received facsimile image data is recorded and output. Alternatively, the recording output condition may be separately determined, for example, by recording and outputting as many copies as the distribution conditions for which recording output is designated among the matching distribution conditions. Even if the specified delivery conditions specify that recording and output will not be performed, if the facsimile image data received cannot be delivered to the delivery destination set in the delivery conditions, regardless of this setting. It can be configured to record and output.

FIG. 5 shows the facsimile server device 2 of FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing an image data distribution process executed by the main controller 1 of No. 0.

In FIG. 5, first, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the image data is received, and the process of step S1 is repeated until YES, and when YES, the header data of the image data in step S2, Analyze the source data or the delivery destination data. Next, in step S3, the delivery destination determination process (FIG. 6 and FIG. 7) is executed by referring to the delivery condition table 7a based on the analysis result to determine the delivery destination and whether or not to perform recording output. . Furthermore, in step S4,
Send the received image data to the decided delivery destination,
In step S5, it is determined whether or not the print flag = 1, and if YES, the image data received in step S6 is printed on a recording sheet using the image recording section 3 and the image data distribution process is completed. To do. On the other hand, if NO in step S5, the image data distribution process is immediately ended.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the distribution destination determining process (step S3) which is the subroutine of FIG. In this distribution destination determination process, only the distribution condition indicating the distribution valid flag in the distribution condition table 7a is targeted for distribution.

First, in step S52 of FIG. 6, initialization is performed. Here, a variable N for sequentially selecting distribution conditions is set to 1, a print flag indicating whether or not to perform recording output is set to 0, and destination lists D1 and D2 for storing destinations are empty (Nu11). Set to. After performing various initial settings, processing for each distribution condition stored in the distribution condition table 7a is performed. In step S53, it is determined whether or not the current date and time is within the delivery operation date and time for the Nth delivery condition. If it is out of the range of the distribution operation date and time, the distribution condition is considered not to be met and the process proceeds to step S59.

If the current date and time is within the range of the delivery operation date and time, the receiving conditions in the delivery conditions are checked in steps S54 and S55. If the reception condition is always compatible in step S54, the distribution destination set in the distribution condition is set to the destination list D in step S56.
Add to 1. At this time, the distribution destinations already included in the destination list D1 are not added in duplicate. Further, when the condition is that it does not meet any of the other delivery conditions (here, it is shown as "other than the above conditions"), at this point, it is directly step S59.
Go to.

Further, if individual conditions other than these are set, it is determined in step S55 whether various information from the transmission source device (or exchange) at the time of facsimile reception satisfies the conditions. To do. If the individual conditions are not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S59. If the individual conditions are met, it is considered that the delivery conditions are met,
In step S56, the corresponding distribution destination is the destination list D
Add to 1. At this time, the distribution destinations already included in the destination list D1 are not added in duplicate.

In step S56, the destination list D1 of distribution destinations
In step S57, the setting as to whether or not to perform recording output is referred to. The print flag is set to 1 in step S58 only when the recording output is set. In step S59,
If the value of the variable N is smaller than the number of registrations, the value of the variable N is increased by 1 in step S60, and the process for the next distribution condition is performed in step S53. Return. Note that the number of registered distribution conditions is, for example, the number of distribution conditions actually stored in the distribution condition table 7a, and is fixed to the maximum number of distribution conditions that can be registered, and the conditions are met in the unregistered part. You may control not to do it.

When the value of the variable N exceeds the number of registrations and all the distribution conditions are processed, step S6 in FIG.
In step 1, it is determined whether or not the delivery destination is stored in the destination list D1 (whether Nu11 or not). If the destination is stored in the destination list D1, step S
In step 62, the facsimile image data received in step S51 is distributed to each distribution destination stored in the destination list D1. If the destination list D1 remains empty (Nu11) in step S61,
If there is a delivery condition that does not meet any of the other delivery conditions, it is deemed to meet that delivery condition,
The processing from step S63 to step S71 is performed.

That is, in step S63, the variable N similar to the above is reset to 1. Then, while increasing the value of the variable N by 1, the N-th distribution condition is examined. In step S64, it is determined whether the distribution operation date and time of the Nth distribution condition includes the current date and time,
If not included, it is determined that the distribution condition is not met and the process proceeds to step S69. If the distribution operation date and time of the Nth distribution condition includes the current date and time, the condition is that the reception condition in the distribution condition does not match any other distribution condition in step S65. Or not. In addition, in FIG. 4, as a condition that it does not meet any of the other delivery conditions, it is shown as “other than the above conditions”. If the reception condition is not this condition, that is, if the condition is always compatible or an individual condition, the process proceeds to step S69.

In this way, if a delivery condition is found that the current date and time is within the delivery operation date and time and does not meet any other delivery condition, the delivery condition is determined in step S66. The delivery destination corresponding to is added to the destination list D2. At this time, the destination list D2 has already been
The destinations included in are not added in duplicate.

For the found delivery conditions, reference is made to the setting as to whether or not recording output is performed in step S67. The print flag is set to 1 in step S68 only when the print setting is set. Next, in step S69, the variable N is compared with the registration number of the distribution condition. If the value of the variable N is smaller than the registration number, the value of the variable N is increased by 1 in step S70, and the process for the next distribution condition is performed. To do so, the process returns to step S64. The number of registered distribution conditions is the same as that in step S59.

When the value of the variable N is equal to or greater than the number of registrations and all distribution conditions are processed, in step S71, the facsimile image received in step S51 is delivered to each distribution destination stored in the destination list D2. Distribute the data. In this example, the process of steps S63 to S70 is performed to search again for a delivery condition that does not match any other delivery condition. For example, in step S54, the delivery condition of this condition is set. When found, the value of the variable N at that time may be saved, and the delivery destination may be acquired based on the saved value.

Incidentally, step S62 or step S71
The delivery of facsimile image data to the delivery destination in
It will be performed according to the protocol according to each distribution destination. For example, it can be transmitted by the known Salutation protocol via the LAN 70, or can be transmitted by SMTP as an electronic mail. Alternatively, it can be transmitted by facsimile via the public telephone line L.

After the facsimile image data is distributed to the distribution destination in step S62 or step S71, the print flag is referred to in step S72. If the print flag is 1, step S7
At 4, the received facsimile image data is recorded and output from the recording unit 16 or the like. If the print flag remains 0, it is determined in step S73 whether or not there is a delivery destination that could not be delivered. Even if there is a delivery destination that could not be delivered, the facsimile received in step S74. Designate that the image data be recorded and output, and then return to the original main routine. When determining whether or not the facsimile image data could be delivered to the delivery destination, for example, after delivery, wait a predetermined time and if there is no response from the delivery destination, or retry the delivery a predetermined number of times. When it is not possible to deliver, it can be determined that the delivery was not possible. In this way, the received facsimile image data can be delivered to the delivery destination according to the delivery conditions registered in advance.

FIG. 8 shows the facsimile server device 2 of FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows the delivery condition valid / invalid change process performed by the main controller 1 of 0.

In step S11 of FIG. 8, first, it is determined whether or not the keyword list key of the operation unit 5 is pressed. If YES, the process proceeds to step S13, while NO.
If so, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, it is determined whether or not the keyword key of the operation unit 5 has been pressed. If YES, the process proceeds to step S16, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S20 to execute other processes to execute the delivery condition valid / The invalidation change processing ends.

Next, in step S13, the data in the distribution condition table 7a is displayed in a list on the display unit 4, one distribution condition is selected by looking at the keywords in step S14, and the corresponding distribution condition is selected in step S15. The delivery conditions are highlighted and the process proceeds to step S21.
On the other hand, in step S16, a keyword is input using the operation unit 5, and it is determined in step S17 whether there is a matching distribution condition. If YES, step S
After proceeding to step 18 and displaying the corresponding delivery conditions on the display unit 4, the procedure proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, N in step S17
When it is O, “No applicable delivery condition” is displayed on the display unit 4 in step S19, and then the delivery condition valid / invalid changing process is ended.

Further, in step S21, the operation unit 5
It is determined whether or not the valid key has been pressed, and if YES, one corresponding delivery condition is validated in step S23, and the delivery condition valid / invalid change process ends. If NO in step S21, it is determined in step S22 whether or not the invalid key of the operation unit 5 has been pressed. If YES, in step S24, the corresponding delivery condition is invalidated, and The delivery condition valid / invalid change process ends. Note that step S
If the answer is NO in 22, the process returns to step S21.

As described above, according to the facsimile server device 20 according to the present embodiment, the RAM 7 stores the distribution condition table 7a, and the main control unit 1 stores the received image data according to the distribution condition table 7a. The distribution condition table 7a is distributed to other communication terminal devices such as the client PC 30 and the external device.
As shown in, each record of the delivery condition includes a keyword input in advance, a flag for validating or invalidating the delivery condition, and a valid period (operating date and time). Therefore, since the delivery condition table 7a includes the keyword and the flag for validating or invalidating the delivery condition, even if the number of records in the delivery condition table is large, it is possible to specify the record of the desired delivery condition. It can be easily enabled or disabled for each record. This facilitates management of the distribution condition table 7a and prevents transfer errors. Further, since the distribution condition table 7a includes the valid period (operating date and time), the valid period can be designated and set, and the usability of the distribution condition table 7a can be improved.

<Modification> In the above embodiment, the example of the facsimile server device 20 is described.
The present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a communication terminal device including a telephone, a data communication device, a server device, or the like, which is connected to a public network such as a public telephone network or a public digital network or the Internet.

[0046]

As described above in detail, according to the facsimile server device of the present invention, the storage means for storing the distribution condition table, and the received image data to other communication terminal devices according to the distribution condition table. In the facsimile server device provided with the delivery means for delivering the delivery conditions to the delivery server, the delivery condition table includes, for each record of the delivery condition, a keyword previously input and a flag for validating or invalidating the delivery condition. Therefore, since the distribution condition table includes the keyword and the flag for validating or invalidating the distribution condition, even if the number of records in the distribution condition table is large, it is possible to specify the record of the desired distribution condition, and the record It can be easily enabled or disabled for each. This makes it easy to manage the distribution condition table and prevent transfer errors.

In the facsimile server device, the distribution condition table includes a valid period for each record of the distribution condition. Therefore, since the effective period (operating date and time) is included in the distribution condition table, the effective period can be designated and set, and the usability of this distribution condition table can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile system including a facsimile server device 20 and client personal computers 30-1 to 30-N according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a client personal computer 30 shown in FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile server device 20 of FIG.

4 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution condition table 7a in the RAM 7 of FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing an image data distribution process executed by the main control unit 1 of the facsimile server device 20 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first part of a distribution destination determination process (step S3) which is a subroutine of FIG.

7 is a flowchart showing a second part of the delivery destination determination process (step S3) which is the subroutine of FIG.

8 is a flowchart showing distribution condition valid / invalid change processing executed by the main control unit 1 of the facsimile server device 20 of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Main control unit, 4 ... Display, 5 ... operation part, 6 ... ROM, 7 ... RAM, 7a ... Delivery condition table, 8 ... Image memory, 10 ... fax modem, 11 ... NCU, 12 ... LAN interface, 13 ... bus, 20 ... a facsimile server device, 60 ... router device, 80 ... public telephone network, 90 ... Internet, L: Public telephone line.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile server device comprising: a storage unit for storing a distribution condition table; and a distribution unit for distributing the received image data to another communication terminal device according to the distribution condition table. The facsimile server device, wherein the condition table includes, for each record of the delivery condition, a keyword inputted in advance and a flag for validating or invalidating the delivery condition. 2. The facsimile server device according to claim 1, wherein the delivery condition table includes an effective period for each record of delivery conditions.