JP5962374B2 - Distribution system, distribution method, distribution program, and distribution apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a data distribution technique.

  There is a technique (for example, broadcast mail) for simply distributing data to a plurality of predetermined devices. In this technique, data is distributed to a very large number of devices in some cases. Therefore, the distribution load is distributed by causing a relay apparatus existing in the network to perform distribution processing to some destinations. Alternatively, a distribution system is constructed so as to reduce communication costs. However, there is a case where priority should be given to reliable distribution of data over realization of load distribution or reduction of communication costs. For example, there is a case where communication between the bases of the organization is to be ensured in the event of a disaster.

  Conventionally, even when there are a large number of transmission-target receiving side devices, it is an object to provide a multicast communication method capable of reducing the processing load on the transmission-side transmission-side device and the load on the entire network. A communication method having a solution is known. Specifically, the transmission side device that transmits the same transmission data as the multicast communication does not send the transmission data to the second and third layer reception devices that are not directly connected, Is transmitted to the alternative transmission side apparatus existing in the network via the relay apparatus. The alternative transmission side device transfers the transmission data to the reception side devices existing in the second and third layers, respectively, and the reception side device returns a delivery confirmation response to the transmission source alternative transmission side device. When the alternative transmission side device receives the delivery confirmation response from all the reception side devices at each layer, it indicates that all reception side devices at each layer have received normal reception, including normal reception of its own device. The delivery confirmation response shown is returned to the relay device at the next higher level.

JP 2008-294691 A

  However, in the technique described above, in order to confirm that the delivery from the alternative transmission side device to the reception side device is performed reliably, the alternative transmission side device leaks the delivery confirmation response from the reception side device. It will wait until it receives. Therefore, in some cases, there is a problem that it takes a very long time to confirm that the delivery has been performed reliably.

  Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for reducing the time required to confirm that data distribution has been performed reliably.

  This distribution system has a plurality of distribution apparatuses each performing distribution. When the first distribution device, which is at least one of the plurality of distribution devices described above, receives a distribution request including a destination and distribution data to be distributed to the destination from the transmission source device, And a first processing unit that replicates the distribution data, a second processing unit that executes a transmission process for transmitting the destination and distribution data replicated by the first processing unit to another distribution device, and other distribution devices And a third processing unit that transmits a response indicating that the acceptance of the distribution request is completed to the transmission source apparatus when the transmission process for at least one of the transmission apparatuses is normally completed.

  It becomes possible to shorten the time required to confirm that data distribution has been performed reliably.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the distribution server. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a broadcast group list. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the IP-FAX list. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the distribution data storage unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of the distribution system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation of the distribution system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of the distribution system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation of the distribution system different from the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation of the distribution system different from the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of processing executed when the distribution server receives a distribution request from IP-FAX. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of destination expansion processing. FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of route control processing. FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the list storage unit. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the state data storage unit. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of route control processing. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of order determination processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of order information. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a process flow of the order control process. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of distribution processing. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of transmission processing. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of distribution processing. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the first cooperation processing. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the first relay processing. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of response processing. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of processing executed when the distribution server receives a completion notification from another distribution server. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a process flow of the state management process. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of processing executed when the distribution server receives FAX data from another distribution server in the first embodiment. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the order determination processing in the second embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of processing executed when the distribution server receives FAX data from another distribution server in the second embodiment. FIG. 30 is a functional block diagram of a computer.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 shows an outline of a distribution system in the present embodiment. For example, distribution servers 1 to 3 are connected to a network 5 that is a wide area network (LAN). An Internet facsimile machine (hereinafter referred to as IP-FAX) 10 and an IP-FAX 11 are connected to the distribution server 1 via a network such as a LAN. An IP-FAX 21 is connected to the distribution server 2 via a network such as a LAN. An IP-FAX 31 is connected to the distribution server 3 via a network such as a LAN. These distribution server and IP-FAX transmit / receive a facsimile image (hereinafter referred to as FAX image data) as an attachment file of an electronic mail by SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). In FIG. 1, the number of distribution servers is 3, and the number of IP-FAX is 4, but the number is not limited. For IP-FAX, refer to the appendix shown later.

  FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the distribution server. The distribution server includes a route control unit 101, an order determination unit 102, an order control unit 103, a state management unit 104, a control unit 100 including a distribution unit 105 and a list storage unit 106, a reception unit 111, a destination processing unit 112, and a response. A reception unit 110 including a unit 113, a destination database (DB) 120 storing a broadcast group list 121 and an IP-FAX list 122, a relay processing unit 130 including a first relay unit 131 and a second relay unit 132, It includes a cooperation processing unit 140 including a first cooperation unit 141 and a second cooperation unit 142, a state data storage unit 150, a distribution data storage unit 160, and a transmission unit 170.

  The receiving unit 111 performs processing for receiving a distribution request including FAX data from the IP-FAX of the transmission source. The FAX data includes FAX image data, transmission source IP-FAX information (number and IP address), destination, message ID, and the like. The destination includes at least one of an IP-FAX number and an IP address indicating a single IP-FAX, or a broadcast group number. The destination processing unit 112 uses the broadcast group list 121 and the IP-FAX list 122 to execute destination expansion processing that is processing for specifying a destination to which FAX data is transmitted. The response unit 113 executes a response process that is a process of transmitting an acceptance response indicating that the distribution request has been accepted to the IP-FAX of the transmission source.

  The route control unit 101 uses the IP-FAX list 122 to execute route control processing, which is processing for determining a distribution server that relays FAX data, and stores the processing result in the state data storage unit 150. The order determination unit 102 uses the IP-FAX list 122 to execute an order determination process that is a process for determining the destination order of FAX data. The order control unit 103 executes an order control process that is a process of transmitting FAX data according to the order determined by the order determination process. The state management unit 104 executes a state management process that is a process for managing a destination for which distribution has been completed, and stores the processing result in the state data storage unit 150. The distribution unit 105 executes distribution processing that is processing for managing distribution.

  The first relay unit 131 executes a first relay process that is a process of transmitting FAX data to a distribution server that performs relay. The second relay unit 132 executes a second relay process that is a process of receiving FAX data from another distribution server.

  The 1st cooperation part 141 performs the 1st cooperation process which is a process which transmits a delivery completion list to another delivery server. The second cooperation unit 142 executes a second cooperation process that is a process of receiving a distribution completion list from another distribution server.

  Using the data received from the control unit 100, the transmission unit 170 executes transmission processing that is processing for transmitting FAX data to a destination.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the broadcast group list 121 stored in the destination DB 120. In the example of FIG. 3, a broadcast group number and an IP-FAX number belonging to the broadcast group are stored. The broadcast group number is an example of a broadcast group identifier, and the IP-FAX number is an example of an IP-FAX identifier.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the IP-FAX list 122 stored in the destination DB 120. In the example of FIG. 4, an IP-FAX number, a distribution server identifier, an IP address, and an IP-FAX name are stored. A plurality of distribution server identifiers are stored, and the distribution server with the earlier distribution order is stored on the left side. For example, in the data on the first line, the distribution server 1 that distributes the first to the IP-FAX with the number “1000” is the distribution server 1, and the distribution server that distributes the second is the distribution server 2. The third distribution server for distribution is the distribution server 3.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of data stored in the distribution data storage unit 160. In the example of FIG. 5, message ID, FAX image data, and information (for example, IP-FAX number) for specifying the source IP-FAX are stored. The message ID includes information on the transmission date and time of FAX image data.

  The distribution server corresponds to a “distribution device” in the claims. The route control unit 101 corresponds to a “first processing unit” in the claims. The first relay unit 131 corresponds to a “second processing unit” in the claims. The response unit 113 corresponds to a “third processing unit” in the claims. The order determination unit 102 corresponds to a “fourth processing unit” in the claims. The order control unit 103 corresponds to a “fifth processing unit” in the claims. The first cooperation unit 141 corresponds to a “sixth processing unit” in the claims.

  The outline of the operation of the distribution system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, with reference to FIG. 6, an operation when a distribution is normally performed without a failure in the distribution server will be described.

  When the IP-FAX 10 that is the IP-FAX of the transmission source transmits a distribution request to the distribution server 1, the distribution server 1 receives the distribution request ((1) in FIG. 6). Here, it is assumed that the destination included in the distribution request indicates the broadcast group “9000”, and the broadcast group “9000” includes “1001”, “1002”, and “1003” as destinations.

  The distribution server 1 duplicates FAX data including a plurality of destinations and FAX image data, and transmits the FAX data to the distribution server 2 and the distribution server 3. Here, the plurality of destinations are ordered so that the nth destination (n is a natural number satisfying 1 ≦ n ≦ 3) does not overlap between the distribution servers. When the transmission to the distribution server 2 or the distribution server 3 is normally completed, an acceptance response indicating that the distribution request has been accepted is transmitted to the IP-FAX 10 that is the transmission source ((2) in FIG. 6).

  If the order is determined in this way, it is possible to prevent the delivery timing of FAX data to a specific destination from being delayed, and to prevent multiple delivery to a specific destination.

  Each distribution server transmits FAX image data to the first destination ((3) in FIG. 6).

  Each distribution server registers in the status data storage unit 150 that the distribution to the first destination has been completed ((4) in FIG. 6).

  Each distribution server notifies the other distribution server of the destination for which distribution has been completed by the process (3) ((5) in FIG. 6). That is, the distribution server 1 notifies the distribution server 2 and the distribution server 3 of a completion notification indicating that the distribution to the destination “1001” is completed. The distribution server 2 notifies the distribution server 3 and the distribution server 1 of a completion notification indicating that the distribution to the destination “1002” has been completed. The distribution server 3 notifies the distribution server 1 and the distribution server 2 of a completion notification indicating that the distribution to the destination “1003” has been completed.

  When each distribution server receives a completion notification from another distribution server, each distribution server registers the completion of distribution in the state data storage unit 150 ((6) in FIG. 6). That is, the distribution server 1 registers that the distribution to the destination “1002” and the destination “1003” is completed, and the distribution server 2 registers that the distribution to the destination “1003” and the destination “1001” is completed. Then, the distribution server 3 registers that the distribution to the destination “1001” and the destination “1002” is completed.

  In (7) in FIG. 6, each distribution server stands by until a predetermined time elapses from the timing of the previous distribution.

  Each distribution server indicates whether or not the distribution to the second destination (more precisely, the first and second destinations) has been completed after a lapse of a predetermined time from the timing of the previous distribution. It confirms using 150 ((8) in FIG. 6). In the case of the example in FIG. 6, since there is no destination for which distribution has not been completed, each distribution server does not perform distribution. In addition, each distribution server confirms whether or not the distribution to the third destination (more precisely, the first to third destinations) is completed after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the distribution is completed. The process ends.

  The above operation is performed when a failure has not occurred in the distribution server. For example, when a failure has occurred in the distribution server 2, the operations shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are performed.

  Since (1) and (2) in FIG. 7 are the same as (1) and (2) in FIG. 6, description thereof is omitted.

  After (2) in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the distribution server 2 has stopped due to a failure ((3) in FIG. 7).

  Distribution server 1 and distribution server 3 transmit FAX image data to the first destination ((4) in FIG. 7).

  The distribution server 1 and the distribution server 3 register in the state data storage unit 150 that the distribution to the first destination is completed ((5) in FIG. 7).

  The distribution server 1 and the distribution server 3 notify the other distribution servers of the destination for which distribution has been completed by the process (4) ((6) in FIG. 7). That is, the distribution server 1 notifies the distribution server 2 and the distribution server 3 of a completion notification indicating that the distribution to the destination “1001” is completed. The distribution server 3 notifies the distribution server 1 and the distribution server 2 of a completion notification indicating that the distribution to the destination “1003” has been completed. However, since the distribution server 2 is stopped, the distribution server 2 does not receive a completion notification.

  When the distribution server 1 and the distribution server 3 receive a completion notification from another distribution server, the distribution server 1 and the distribution server 3 register that the distribution is completed in the state data storage unit 150 ((7) in FIG. 7). That is, the distribution server 1 registers that the distribution to the destination “1003” is completed, and the distribution server 3 registers that the distribution to the destination “1001” is completed.

  In (8) in FIG. 7, the distribution server 1 and the distribution server 3 stand by until a predetermined time elapses from the timing of the previous distribution. The description shifts to (9) in FIG.

  The distribution server 1 and the distribution server 3 determine whether or not the distribution to the second destination (more precisely, the first and second destinations) has been completed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the timing of the previous distribution. The status data storage unit 150 is used for confirmation. In the case of the example of FIG. 8, the distribution server 1 has not completed distribution to the second destination, and therefore transmits FAX image data to the second destination “1002”. The distribution server 3 does not distribute since the distribution to the second destination has been completed ((9) in FIG. 8).

  The distribution server 1 registers the completion of distribution to the second destination in the state data storage unit 150 ((10) in FIG. 8).

  The distribution server 1 notifies the distribution server 3 of the destination (destination “1002”) for which distribution has been completed by the process (9) ((11) in FIG. 8).

  When the distribution server 3 receives the completion notification from the distribution server 1, the distribution server 3 registers in the state data storage unit 150 that the distribution to the destination “1002” has been completed ((12) in FIG. 8).

  In (13) in FIG. 8, the distribution server 1 and the distribution server 3 wait until a predetermined time elapses from the timing of the previous distribution.

  The distribution server 1 and the distribution server 3 determine whether or not the distribution to the third destination (more precisely, the first and second destinations) has been completed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the timing of the previous distribution. The status data storage unit 150 is used for confirmation ((14) in FIG. 8). In the case of the example in FIG. 8, there is no destination for which distribution has not been completed, so the processing ends.

  In this way, even if the distribution server 2 is stopped, distribution to the destination “1002” can be performed. Further, for example, even when the distribution server 1 stops after transmitting the acceptance response to the transmission source IP-FAX, the distribution server 2 or the distribution server 3 can perform distribution to the destination “1001”.

  Further, the distribution server 1 returns an acceptance response to the transmission source IP-FAX 10 after successfully transmitting the FAX image data and the destination to another distribution server. Therefore, the IP-FAX 10 of the transmission source knows that the delivery is successful if the acceptance response is returned, and if the acceptance response is not returned, the delivery is not successful. Can be sent. Therefore, the user of the IP-FAX 10 does not have to worry about whether the distribution is successful.

  On the other hand, when a distribution method that has been used conventionally is used, the reliability of data distribution is low. For example, consider that FAX image data is distributed to a destination by a distribution method as shown in FIG.

  When the IP-FAX 10 that is the IP-FAX of the transmission source transmits a distribution request to the distribution server 1, the distribution server 1 receives the distribution request. Here, it is assumed that the destination included in the distribution request indicates the broadcast group “9000”, and the broadcast group “9000” includes “1001”, “1002”, and “1003” as destinations. At this point, the distribution server 1 transmits an acceptance response indicating that the distribution request has been accepted to the IP-FAX 10 that is the transmission source ((1) in FIG. 9).

  The distribution server 1 duplicates the FAX data including the destination and FAX image data, and transmits it to the distribution server 2 and the distribution server 3 ((2) in FIG. 9). Here, the destination received by the distribution server 2 is only “1002”, and the destination received by the distribution server 3 is only “1003”. That is, each distribution server holds only a destination for which it is responsible.

  Each distribution server transmits FAX image data to a destination in charge ((3) in FIG. 9). That is, the distribution server 1 transmits FAX image data to the IP-FAX 11, the distribution server 2 transmits FAX image data to the IP-FAX 21, and the distribution server 3 transmits FAX image data to the IP-FAX 31. Thereby, distribution to the destinations “1001”, “1002”, and “1003” is completed.

  If there is no failure in the distribution server, data can be distributed even with this distribution method. However, if a failure occurs in the distribution server, the data should be distributed to some destinations. Can not. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  About (1) and (2) in FIG. 10, since it is the same as (1) and (2) in FIG. 9, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  After (2) in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the distribution server 2 has stopped due to a failure ((3) in FIG. 10).

  The distribution server 1 and the distribution server 3 transmit FAX image data to a destination in charge ((4) in FIG. 10). That is, the distribution server 1 transmits FAX image data to the IP-FAX 11, and the distribution server 3 transmits FAX image data to the IP-FAX 31. However, the FAX image data is not distributed to the destination “1002” handled by the distribution server 2.

  As described above, when a distribution method as conventionally used is used, it is impossible to distribute FAX image data to some destinations due to a failure in the distribution server. Further, since the transmission response is returned, the transmission source IP-FAX 10 erroneously recognizes that the distribution is normally performed. For this reason, the automatic retransmission function of the IP-FAX 10 cannot be used, and the user of the IP-FAX 10 manually performs a retransmission operation later.

  Further, here, the case where a failure occurs in the distribution server 2 has been described as an example. It becomes impossible to distribute data. In such a case, since the distribution server 2 and the distribution server 3 do not receive FAX image data, the FAX image data is distributed not only to the destination “1001” but also to the destinations “1002” and “1003”. Disappear. Even in such a case, the automatic retransmission function of the IP-FAX 10 cannot be used, and the user of the IP-FAX 10 manually performs a retransmission operation later.

  In addition, after confirming that the delivery has been performed reliably, for example, by receiving a notification indicating the completion of reception from all the destinations, a delivery completion notification indicating the completion of distribution is transmitted to the IP-FAX of the transmission source. Is also possible. However, in this case, when there are many distribution destinations, it takes a long time to transmit the distribution completion notification to the transmission source IP-FAX. According to the configuration and method shown in the present embodiment, this time can be shortened. If at least one of the plurality of distribution servers operates normally, distribution to all distribution destinations is reliably performed.

  Next, the operation of the distribution server in the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. First, a process executed when the distribution server receives a distribution request from IP-FAX will be described.

  First, the receiving unit 111 in the distribution server receives a distribution request including FAX data from the source IP-FAX (FIG. 11: step S1) and stores it in a storage device such as a main memory. The FAX data includes FAX image data, transmission source IP-FAX information, a destination, a message ID, and the like.

  The receiving unit 111 determines whether the source IP-FAX number and IP address have been registered in the IP-FAX list 122 (step S3). If it has not been registered (step S3: No route), the distribution request from the transmission source IP-FAX cannot be accepted, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it has been registered (step S3: Yes route), the reception unit 111 requests the destination processing unit 112 to execute destination expansion processing. In response to this, the destination processing unit 112 executes destination expansion processing (step S5). The destination expansion process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the destination processing unit 112 extracts a destination from the FAX data, and searches the broadcast group list 121 by the destination (FIG. 12: Step S11). Then, the destination processing unit 112 determines whether it matches any one of the broadcast group numbers (step S13).

  If it does not match any of the broadcast group numbers (step S13: No route), the destination is not a broadcast group, so the process proceeds to step S17. If it matches any one of the broadcast group numbers (step S13: Yes route), the destination processing unit 112 specifies a destination belonging to the broadcast group specified by the matched broadcast group number from the broadcast group list 121. (Step S15). Note that if the broadcast group number is included in the address belonging to the broadcast group, the processes of steps S13 and S15 are further executed.

  The destination processing unit 112 sets a = 1 as a variable a indicating the number of destinations (step S17).

  The destination processing unit 112 specifies one unprocessed destination among the destinations specified in step S15, and searches the IP-FAX list 122 with the specified destination (step S19).

  The destination processing unit 112 determines whether it matches any IP-FAX number (step S21). If it does not match any IP-FAX number (step S21: No route), the IP-FAX number is not registered in the distribution system, so the process proceeds to step S25.

  On the other hand, if it matches any of the IP-FAX numbers (step S21: Yes route), the destination processing unit 112 adds the destination IP-FAX number to the FAX data (step S23).

  The destination processing unit 112 increments a by 1 (step S25). Then, the destination processing unit 112 determines whether a is larger than the number of destinations specified in step S15 (step S27). If a is less than or equal to the number of destinations (step S27: No route), the process returns to step S19. On the other hand, when a is larger than the number of destinations (step S27: Yes route), the destination processing unit 112 requests the route control unit 101 in the control unit 100 to execute the route control processing. In response to this, the route control unit 101 executes route control processing (step S29). The route control process will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 24.

  First, the route control unit 101 sets a variable b indicating the number of destinations as b = 1 (FIG. 13A: step S31).

  The route control unit 101 identifies one unprocessed destination from the destinations included in the FAX data (step S33).

  The route control unit 101 extracts the identifier of the distribution server corresponding to the destination specified in step S33 from the IP-FAX list 122 (step S35). In step S35, when identifiers of a plurality of distribution servers are stored in the IP-FAX list 122, the identifiers of the plurality of distribution servers are extracted.

  The route control unit 101 newly generates a distribution server list with the distribution server identifier extracted in step S35 or adds the distribution server identifier extracted in step S35 to the already generated distribution server list (step S35). S37). In step S37, a distribution server list is newly generated when b = 1, and an identifier of the distribution server is added to the distribution server list when b = 1 is not satisfied.

  The generated distribution server list is stored in the list storage unit 106. FIG. 13B shows an example of the distribution server list stored in the list storage unit 106. In the example of FIG. 13B, the distribution server list stores the identifiers of the distribution servers included in the distribution server list. The contents of the distribution server list are cleared when the route control process ends.

  The route control unit 101 sets b = b + 1 (step S39), and determines whether b is larger than the number of destinations added to the FAX data (step S41). If b is equal to or less than the number of destinations (step S41: No route), the processing returns to step S33 to process the next destination.

  On the other hand, when b is larger than the number of destinations (step S41: Yes route), the route control unit 101 eliminates duplication of identifiers of distribution servers in the distribution server list (step S43). In step S43, when a plurality of identifiers of the same distribution server are included in the distribution server list, the number of identifiers of the distribution server is set to one.

  The route control unit 101 stores the identifier of the distribution server in the distribution server list in the state data storage unit 150 in association with the message ID included in the distribution request received in step S1 (step S45). Then, the process proceeds to step S47 in FIG.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of data stored in the state data storage unit 150. In the example of FIG. 14, the message ID, the identifier of the distribution server in the distribution server list, and information indicating that the destination and distribution to the destination are completed are stored. An order is given to the destination.

  Shifting to the description of FIG. 15, the route control unit 101 sets a variable c indicating the number of distribution servers to be relayed as c = 0 (step S47). Further, the route control unit 101 sets a variable d indicating the number of processed distribution servers among the distribution servers in the distribution server list obtained by the process of step S43 as d = 1 (step S49).

  The route control unit 101 generates a copy of the FAX data (step S51). As described above, the FAX data includes FAX image data, a destination, a message ID, and the like. However, when the destination is expanded by the destination expansion processing, the destination included in the FAX data is the destination after expansion.

  The route control unit 101 adds the distribution server list generated by the process of step S37 to the FAX data generated by the process of step S51. Further, the route control unit 101 identifies one identifier of an unprocessed distribution server from the distribution server list added to the FAX data (step S53).

  The route control unit 101 requests the order determination unit 102 to execute the order determination process. In response to this, the order determining unit 102 executes the order determining process (step S55). The order determination process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the order determining unit 102 sets a variable e indicating the order as e = 1 (FIG. 16: S71).

  The order determination unit 102 specifies, from the IP-FAX list 122, the destination whose distribution order specified by the distribution server specified in Step S53 is the e-th among the destinations included in the FAX data (Step S73). For example, the destinations included in the FAX data are “1001”, “1002”, and “1003”, the distribution server is the distribution server 1, e = 1, and the status data storage unit 150 stores the data shown in FIG. Is stored, the destination “1001” is specified.

  The order determination unit 102 generates, in the state data storage unit 150, order information that sets the destination specified in step S73 as the e-th (step S75), and stores it in a storage device such as a main memory.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of the order information generated in step S75. In the example of FIG. 17, the order information includes an order and a destination.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 16, the order determination unit 102 increments e by 1 (step S77), and determines whether e is larger than the number of destinations (step S79). If e is equal to or less than the number of destinations (step S79: No route), the process returns to the process of step S73 to process the next order.

  On the other hand, when e is larger than the number of destinations (step S79: Yes route), the order determining unit 102 adds the generated order information to the FAX data. Then, the order determining unit 102 determines whether or not the distribution server specified in step S53 is the self distribution server (step S81). Note that the processing in step S75 is performed for the number of destinations, and finally generated order information is added to the FAX data.

  When it is a self-delivery server (step S81: Yes route), the order determination unit 102 requests the order control unit 103 to execute the order control process. In response to this, the sequence control unit 103 executes sequence control processing (step S83). The order control process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the order control unit 103 counts the number of destinations f included in the FAX data (step S18 in FIG. 18).

  The order control unit 103 stores the destination and distribution server list included in the FAX data in the state data storage unit 150 in association with the message ID (step S103). In step S <b> 103, the order control unit 103 stores the destinations in the state data storage unit 150 according to the order information included in the FAX data so as to be in order.

  The order control unit 103 deletes the destination, the distribution server list, and the order information from the FAX data (Step S104).

  The order control unit 103 stores the FAX data after the processing in step S104 in the distribution data storage unit 160 (step S105).

  The order control unit 103 sets a variable g indicating the order as g = 1 (step S107).

  The order control unit 103 identifies FAX data corresponding to the message ID received in step S1 or S221 from the distribution data storage unit 160 (step S109).

  The order control unit 103 identifies, from the state data storage unit 150, destinations that have not been distributed in the first to gth ranges among the destinations corresponding to the message ID (Step S111), and includes the specified destinations. A list is generated (step S113).

  The order control unit 103 requests the distribution unit 105 to execute distribution processing. In response to this, the distribution unit 105 executes a distribution process (step S115). The distribution process will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

  First, the distribution unit 105 sets the variable h indicating the order as h = 1 (FIG. 19: step S141).

  The distribution unit 105 identifies one unprocessed destination from the distribution list generated in step S113, and generates distribution FAX data (step S143). In step S143, the FAX data for distribution is generated by setting the destination of the FAX data specified in step S109 as the destination specified in step S143.

  The distribution unit 105 requests the transmission unit 170 to execute transmission processing. In response to this, the transmission unit 170 executes transmission processing (step S145). The transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the transmission unit 170 transmits distribution FAX data to a destination (FIG. 20: step S161).

  The transmission unit 170 determines whether the transmission in step S161 has been normally completed (step S163). When the transmission is normally completed (step S163: Yes route), the transmission unit 170 sets the return value to a value indicating normality (step S165). Then, the process returns to the original process. On the other hand, when not completed normally (step S163: No route), the transmission unit 170 sets the return value to a value indicating abnormality (step S167). Then, the process returns to the original process.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 19, the distribution unit 105 determines whether the data transmission has been normally completed (step S <b> 147). In step S147, a determination is made based on the return value set by transmission section 170.

  If the data transmission has not been completed normally (step S147: No route), since the distribution has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S151.

  When the transmission of data is completed normally (step S147: Yes route), the distribution unit 105 newly generates a distribution completion list at the destination specified in step S143 or changes to a distribution completion list already generated in step S143. The identified destination is added (step S149). In step S149, if the distribution completion list has not been generated, a new distribution completion list is generated. If the distribution completion list has already been generated, the destination is added to the distribution completion list.

  The distribution unit 105 increments h by 1 (step S151), and determines whether h is larger than the number of destinations in the distribution list (step S153).

  If h is less than or equal to the number of destinations in the distribution list (step S153: No route), the process returns to step S143 to process the next destination. On the other hand, when h is larger than the number of destinations in the distribution list (step S153: Yes route), the processing returns to the original processing.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 18, when the distribution process ends, the process proceeds to step S <b> 117 of FIG. 21 via the terminal B.

  Shifting to the description of FIG. 21, the distribution unit 105 requests the first cooperation unit 141 in the cooperation processing unit 140 to execute the first cooperation processing. In response to this, the first cooperation unit 141 executes the first cooperation process (step S117). The first cooperation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the first cooperation unit 141 identifies a distribution server corresponding to the message ID received in step S1 or S221 from the state data storage unit 150 (FIG. 22: step S171).

  The first cooperation unit 141 transmits a completion notification including the message ID and the distribution completion list generated in the process of step S149, in addition to the self-distribution server among the distribution servers identified in step S171 (step S173). Each distribution server holds information (for example, an IP address) of a distribution server other than its own distribution server in advance. Then, the process ends.

  By executing such processing, it is possible to share destinations for which distribution has been completed among the distribution servers.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 21, the order control unit 103 sets a variable i indicating the number of destinations as i = 1 (step S <b> 119).

  The order control unit 103 identifies one unprocessed destination from the distribution completion list, and sets the state of the destination to “completed” in the state data storage unit 150 (step S121).

  The order control unit 103 increments i by 1 (step S123), and determines whether i is larger than the number of destinations in the distribution completion list (step S125). If i is equal to or less than the number of destinations in the distribution completion list (step S125: No route), the process returns to step S121.

  On the other hand, when i is larger than the number of destinations in the distribution completion list (step S125: Yes route), the order control unit 103 increments g by 1 (step S127).

  The sequence control unit 103 waits until a predetermined time elapses after the distribution process of step S115 is executed (step S129). The predetermined time is preferably the same between the distribution servers.

  The order control unit 103 determines whether g is greater than f (step S131). If g is less than or equal to f (step S131: No route), the process returns to step S109 in FIG. On the other hand, when g is larger than f (step S131: Yes route), the processing returns to the original processing.

  In this way, FAX data can be distributed according to the order information. In addition, since the system waits for a predetermined time after executing the distribution, the status data storage unit 150 can be updated by receiving a completion notification from another distribution server during this period. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the multiplex delivery of FAX data to destinations already delivered by other delivery servers.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 16, the order determining unit 102 sets the return value to a value indicating no relay (step S85). Then, the process returns to the original process.

  On the other hand, when it is not the self delivery server (step S81: No route), the order determination unit 102 requests the first relay unit 131 in the relay processing unit 130 to execute the first relay process. In response to this, the first relay unit 131 executes the first relay process (step S87). The first relay process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the first relay unit 131 transmits FAX data to a distribution server that performs relay (that is, the distribution server specified in step S53) (FIG. 23: step S181). The FAX data transmitted in step S181 includes FAX image data, source IP-FAX information (number and IP address), destination (number and IP address), message ID, distribution server list, order information, and the like. .

  The first relay unit 131 determines whether the transmission in step S181 has been completed normally (step S183). When completed normally (step S183: Yes route), the first relay unit 131 sets the return value to a value indicating normality (step S185). Then, the process returns to the original process. On the other hand, when not completed normally (step S183: No route), the 1st relay part 131 sets a return value to the value which shows abnormality (step S187). Then, the process returns to the original process.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 16, the order determining unit 102 determines whether the transmission has been normally completed (step S <b> 89). In step S89, the determination is made based on the return value set by the first relay unit 131.

  When the transmission is normally completed (step S89: Yes route), the order determining unit 102 sets the return value to a value indicating that the relay is normal (step S91). Then, the process returns to the original process. On the other hand, when the transmission is not completed normally (step S89: No route), the return value is set to a value indicating that the relay is abnormal (step S93). Then, the process returns to the original process.

  By executing the processing as described above, the order of destinations for each server can be determined in a centralized manner at the distribution server that has received the distribution request.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 15, the route control unit 101 determines whether or not the return value is a value indicating that the relay is normal (step S57). In step S57, a determination is made based on the return value set by the order determination unit 102.

  If it is not a value indicating that the relay is normal (step S57: No route), that is, if the value indicates that there is no relay or a value indicating that the relay is abnormal, the process proceeds to step S61. On the other hand, when the value indicates that the relay is normal (step S57: Yes route), the route control unit 101 increments c by 1 (step S59).

  The route control unit 101 increments d by 1 (step S61), and determines whether d is larger than the number of distribution servers in the distribution server list (step S63). If d is less than or equal to the number of distribution servers in the distribution server list (step S63: No route), the process returns to the process of step S51 in order to process the next distribution server.

  On the other hand, when the number is larger than the number of distribution servers in the distribution server list (step S63: Yes route), the route control unit 101 determines whether c is larger than 0 (step S65). That is, it is determined whether or not relaying has been performed to at least one distribution server.

  When c is 0 (step S65: No route), the process returns to the original process. On the other hand, when c is larger than 0 (step S65: Yes route), the route control unit 101 requests the response unit 113 in the reception unit 110 to execute response processing. In response, the response unit 113 executes response processing (step S67). The response process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the response unit 113 generates an acceptance response indicating that the delivery request has been accepted (FIG. 24: step S191).

  The response unit 113 transmits the acceptance response generated in step S191 to the transmission source IP-FAX (step S193). Then, the process returns to the original process.

  When the response process ends, the route control process and the destination expansion process end, and the process executed when the distribution server receives a distribution request from the IP-FAX ends.

  By executing the processing as described above, the facsimile image data can be reliably delivered to the destination.

  Next, processing executed when the distribution server receives a completion notification from another distribution server will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. This processing is performed asynchronously with the processing described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the second cooperation unit 142 in the cooperation processing unit 140 receives a completion notification from another distribution server (FIG. 25: step S201) and stores it in a storage device such as a main memory. As described above, the completion notification includes the message ID and the distribution completion list.

  The second cooperation unit 142 requests the state management unit 104 to execute state management processing. In response to this, the state management unit 104 executes state management processing (step S203). The state management process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the state management unit 104 sets j, which is a variable indicating the order, as j = 1 (FIG. 26: step S211).

  The state management unit 104 identifies one unprocessed destination from the distribution completion list received in step S201 (step S213).

  In the state data storage unit 150, the state management unit 104 sets the state corresponding to the combination of the message ID received in step S201 and the destination specified in step S213 to complete (step S215).

  The state management unit 104 increments j by 1 (step S217), and determines whether j is larger than the number of destinations in the distribution completion list (step S219). If j is equal to or less than the number of destinations in the distribution completion list (step S219: No route), the processing returns to step S213 to process the next destination. On the other hand, when the number is larger than the number of destinations in the distribution completion list (step S219: Yes route), the process returns to the original process and the process ends.

  If the processing as described above is executed, distribution is not performed to destinations already distributed by other distribution servers, so that it is possible to prevent multiple distributions from being performed to a specific destination. become. As a result, the processing load on the destination IP-FAX can be reduced, and the communication load on the network 5 can be reduced.

  Next, processing executed when the distribution server receives FAX data from another distribution server will be described with reference to FIG.

  The second relay unit 132 in the relay processing unit 130 receives FAX data from another distribution server (FIG. 27: step S221) and stores it in a storage device such as a main memory. The FAX data received from other distribution servers includes FAX image data, transmission source IP-FAX information (number and IP address), destination (number and IP address), message ID, distribution server list, order information, and the like. included.

  The second relay unit 132 requests the sequence control unit 103 to execute sequence control processing. In response, the sequence control unit 103 executes sequence control processing (step S223). The order control process is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. When the order control process ends, the process returns to the original process, and the process ends.

  In this way, distribution can be appropriately performed even in a distribution server other than the distribution server that has received the distribution request.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the method has been described in which the distribution server that receives the distribution request determines the destination order for each distribution server. In the second embodiment, a method will be described in which each distribution server determines the order of destinations.

  The order determination process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, the order determining unit 102 determines whether or not the distribution server identified in step S53 is the self-distribution server (FIG. 28: step S231).

  If it is the self-delivery server (step S231: Yes route), the order determination unit 102 sets a variable k indicating the order as k = 1 (step S233).

  The order determination unit 102 specifies, from the IP-FAX list 122, a destination whose distribution order of the self-delivery server is kth among the destinations included in the FAX data (step S235). For example, the destinations included in the FAX data are “1001”, “1002”, and “1003”, the own distribution server is the distribution server 1, k = 1, and the status data storage unit 150 is shown in FIG. When data is stored, the destination “1001” is specified.

  The order determination unit 102 generates order information in which the destination specified in step S235 is kth in the state data storage unit 150 (step S237), and stores it in a storage device such as a main memory.

  The order determination unit 102 increments k by 1 (step S239), and determines whether k is larger than the number of destinations (step S241). When k is equal to or less than the number of destinations (step S241: No route), the process returns to the process of step S235 to process the next order.

  On the other hand, when k is larger than the number of destinations (step S241: Yes route), the order determination unit 102 adds the generated order information to the FAX data. Then, the sequence control unit 103 is requested to execute sequence control processing. In response to this, the sequence control unit 103 executes sequence control processing (step S243). The order control process is the same as that described with reference to FIGS.

  When the order control process ends, the order determining unit 102 sets the return value to a value indicating no relay (step S245). Then, the process returns to the original process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the server is not the own delivery server (step S231: No route), the order determination unit 102 requests the first relay unit 131 in the relay processing unit 130 to execute the first relay process. In response to this, the first relay unit 131 executes the first relay process (step S247). The first relay process is as described with reference to FIG.

  The order determination unit 102 determines whether transmission has been normally completed (step S249). In step S249, determination is made based on the value of the return value set by the first relay unit 131.

  When the transmission is normally completed (step S249: Yes route), the order determining unit 102 sets the return value to a value indicating that the relay is normal (step S251). Then, the process returns to the original process. On the other hand, if the transmission is not completed normally (step S249: No route), the return value is set to a value indicating that the relay is abnormal (step S253). Then, the process returns to the original process.

  And when a delivery server receives FAX data from another delivery server, a process as shown in FIG. 29 is performed.

  The second relay unit 132 in the relay processing unit 130 receives FAX data from another distribution server (FIG. 29: step S261) and stores it in a storage device such as a main memory. The FAX data received from other distribution servers includes FAX image data, IP-FAX information (number and IP address) of the transmission source, destination (number and IP address), message ID, distribution server list, and the like.

  The order determining unit 102 sets a variable l indicating the order as l = 1 (step S263).

  The order determination unit 102 identifies, from the IP-FAX list 122, the destination that is the l-th order that the self-delivery server distributes among the destinations included in the FAX data (step S265).

  The order determination unit 102 generates order information in which the destination specified in step S265 is the l-th order in the state data storage unit 150 (step S267), and stores it in a storage device such as a main memory.

  The order determining unit 102 increments l by 1 (step S269), and determines whether l is larger than the number of destinations (step S271). If l is equal to or less than the number of destinations (step S271: No route), the process returns to the process of step S265 to process the next order.

  On the other hand, when l is larger than the number of destinations (step S271: Yes route), the order determining unit 102 adds the generated order information to the FAX data. Then, the sequence control unit 103 is requested to execute sequence control processing. In response to this, the sequence control unit 103 executes sequence control processing (step S273). The order control process is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. When the order control process ends, the process ends.

  By executing the processing as described above, each distribution server can autonomously determine the destination order.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the functional block configurations of the distribution servers 1 to 3 described above do not necessarily correspond to the actual program module configuration.

  Further, the configuration of each table described above is an example, and the configuration as described above is not necessarily required. Further, in the processing flow, the processing order can be changed if the processing result does not change. Further, it may be executed in parallel.

  Note that the destination order may be determined randomly. In the case where the number of destinations is several tens or more, for example, the effect of suppressing the concentration of distribution to a specific destination can be expected even if it is determined at random.

  In the example described above, the method of determining the order of the destinations is adopted, but a method of assigning priority to the destinations may be used.

  The distribution servers 1 to 3 described above are computer devices, and display a memory 2501, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2503, and a hard disk drive (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 2505 as shown in FIG. A display control unit 2507 connected to the device 2509, a drive device 2513 for the removable disk 2511, an input device 2515, and a communication control unit 2517 for connecting to a network are connected by a bus 2519. An operating system (OS) and an application program for executing the processing in this embodiment are stored in the HDD 2505, and are read from the HDD 2505 to the memory 2501 when executed by the CPU 2503. The CPU 2503 controls the display control unit 2507, the communication control unit 2517, and the drive device 2513 according to the processing content of the application program, and performs a predetermined operation. Further, data in the middle of processing is mainly stored in the memory 2501, but may be stored in the HDD 2505. In the embodiment of the present invention, an application program for performing the above-described processing is stored in a computer-readable removable disk 2511 and distributed, and installed in the HDD 2505 from the drive device 2513. In some cases, the HDD 2505 may be installed via a network such as the Internet and the communication control unit 2517. Such a computer apparatus realizes various functions as described above by organically cooperating hardware such as the CPU 2503 and the memory 2501 described above and programs such as the OS and application programs. .

[Appendix]
In this appendix, technologies related to the present embodiment will be described.

  A facsimile apparatus (also called G3-FAX) that transmits and receives an image on a telephone line is widely used. However, since the telephone line is used, the communication speed is as low as 33600 bits / second at the maximum. When a large amount of originals are transmitted and received, there are problems that the communication time becomes long and the communication fee becomes high. In particular, in the case of broadcast distribution in which the same document is transmitted to a large number of destinations, the time until the distribution is completed becomes very long.

  On the other hand, the spread of the Internet and the spread of intranets within organizations using Internet technology have enabled high-speed and inexpensive communication. Along with this, IP-FAX has been put into practical use and used as a means for solving the above problems.

  In IP-FAX, a facsimile apparatus is connected to the Internet or an intranet, and image data is transmitted and received as facsimile data in the same manner as e-mail. The communication system has been internationally standardized as ITU-T.37 “Procedures for the transfer of facsimile data via store-and-forward on the Internet” and IETF RFC-2305 “A Simple Mode of Facsimile Using Internet Mail”. Thus, facsimile data can be transmitted and received between different manufacturers and models.

  There are the following two forms of using IP-FAX.

  The first method is a method in which IP-FAX directly transmits and receives facsimile data. In this system, since the IP-FAX directly transmits and receives facsimile data, a mail server is not necessary.

  The second method is a method of transmitting and receiving facsimile data by connecting an IP-FAX to an electronic mail system including a mail server that distributes electronic mail using software. In this system, facsimile data is transmitted by designating a plurality of destinations on the transmission side IP-FAX or by placing a program on the mail server, so that the facsimile data can be shortened by one transmission to a plurality of destination IP-FAXes. Broadcasts can be broadcast on time. The present embodiment relates to this method.

  The embodiment of the present invention described above is summarized as follows.

  The distribution system according to the first aspect of the present embodiment has a plurality of distribution apparatuses each executing distribution. When the first distribution device, which is at least one of the plurality of distribution devices described above, receives a distribution request including (A) a destination and distribution data to be distributed to the destination from the transmission source device. A first processing unit that replicates the destination and distribution data; and (B) a second processing unit that executes transmission processing for transmitting the destination and distribution data replicated by the first processing unit to another distribution device; (C) a third processing unit that transmits a response indicating that delivery request acceptance has been completed to a transmission source device when transmission processing for at least one of the other distribution devices is normally completed; Have.

  In this way, since it is not necessary to wait for a response from the destination, it is possible to reduce the time required to confirm that data distribution has been performed reliably. In addition, since at least two of the plurality of distribution apparatuses hold all the requested destinations and data to be distributed, the reliability of data distribution can be improved. .

  Further, the first distribution apparatus described above determines (D) the distribution order to the destination so that it is different from any of the distribution orders determined in the other distribution apparatuses, and shows the determined distribution order A fourth processing unit that generates information and (E) a fifth processing unit that transmits distribution data to a destination at predetermined time intervals in accordance with the order information generated by the fourth processing unit may be further included. . In this way, it is possible to prevent the timing at which the distribution data is transmitted to the destination from being delayed.

  In addition, the first distribution device described above determines (F) the distribution order to the destination for each of the plurality of distribution devices so as to be different from any of the distribution orders determined for the other distribution devices. And (G) a fifth processing unit that transmits distribution data to a destination at predetermined time intervals in accordance with the order information generated for the own distribution device. You may make it have. Then, the second processing unit described above may transmit (b1) the order information generated by the fourth processing unit to another distribution apparatus together with the destination and the distribution data. In this way, it is possible to prevent the timing at which the distribution data is transmitted to the destination from being delayed. Also, the distribution order can be determined centrally in one distribution apparatus.

  The first distribution device described above may further include a sixth processing unit that transmits (H) a destination for which distribution data has been transmitted to another distribution device. When the fifth processing unit described above receives (d1) a destination from the sixth processing unit in another distribution apparatus and transmission of distribution data to the destination is not completed, the destination You may make it stop transmission of the delivery data to. In this way, since it is possible to suppress the transmission of the distribution data to one destination, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the destination device and reduce the communication load.

  Further, the fourth processing unit described above has (d1) the distribution order to the destination, and the nth destination (n is a natural number satisfying 1 ≦ n ≦ N (N is the number of destinations)) is another distribution device. It may be determined so as to be different from any of the nth destinations in the distribution order determined in step (b). In this way, it is possible to effectively suppress the timing at which the distribution data is transmitted and the transmission of the distribution data in a multiplexed manner.

  Further, the fourth processing unit described above has (f1) the distribution order to the destination, and the nth destination (n is a natural number satisfying 1 ≦ n ≦ N (N is the number of destinations)) is another distribution device. It may be determined so as to be different from any of the nth destinations in the distribution order determined for. In this way, it is possible to effectively suppress the timing at which the distribution data is transmitted and the transmission of the distribution data in a multiplexed manner.

  The distribution data may be facsimile image data. For example, when a disaster occurs, handwritten document data can be reliably exchanged between bases.

  In the distribution method according to the second aspect of the present embodiment, when a distribution request including (I) a destination and distribution data to be distributed to the destination is received from the transmission source device, the destination and the distribution data are copied, (J) A transmission process for transmitting the copied destination and distribution data to another distribution apparatus is executed, and (K) the transmission source is successfully completed when the transmission process for at least one of the other distribution apparatuses is completed normally. Including a process of transmitting a response indicating that the delivery request has been accepted.

  A program for causing a computer to perform the processing according to the above method can be created. The program can be a computer-readable storage medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like. It is stored in a storage device. The intermediate processing result is temporarily stored in a storage device such as a main memory.

  The following supplementary notes are further disclosed with respect to the embodiments including the above examples.

(Appendix 1)
Each having a plurality of distribution devices for performing distribution;
A first distribution device, which is at least one of the plurality of distribution devices,
A first processing unit that duplicates the destination and the distribution data when receiving a distribution request including a destination and distribution data to be distributed to the destination from a transmission source device;
A second processing unit that executes transmission processing for transmitting the destination and the distribution data copied by the first processing unit to another distribution device;
A third processing unit for transmitting, to the transmission source device, a response indicating that acceptance of the distribution request has been completed when the transmission processing for at least one of the other distribution devices is normally completed; ,
Having a delivery system.

(Appendix 2)
The first distribution device is
A fourth processing unit that determines a distribution order to the destination so as to be different from any of the distribution orders determined in other distribution apparatuses, and generates order information indicating the determined distribution order;
A fifth processing unit for transmitting the distribution data to a destination at predetermined intervals according to the order information generated by the fourth processing unit;
The distribution system according to appendix 1, further comprising:

(Appendix 3)
The first distribution device is
Fourth processing for determining the distribution order to the destination for each of the plurality of distribution apparatuses so as to be different from any of the distribution orders determined for the other distribution apparatuses, and generating order information indicating the determined distribution order And
A fifth processing unit for transmitting the distribution data to a destination at predetermined time intervals in accordance with the order information generated for the own distribution device;
Further comprising
The second processing unit is
The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the order information generated by the fourth processing unit is transmitted to the other distribution device together with the destination and the distribution data.

(Appendix 4)
The first distribution device is
A sixth processing unit for transmitting the destination for which transmission of the distribution data has been completed to another distribution device;
The fifth processing unit is
When the destination is received from the sixth processing unit in another distribution apparatus and the transmission of the distribution data to the destination is not completed, the transmission of the distribution data to the destination is stopped. The distribution system according to attachment 3.

(Appendix 5)
The fourth processing unit is
The distribution order to the destination is any of the nth destinations in the distribution order in which the nth destination (n is a natural number satisfying 1 ≦ n ≦ N (N is the number of destinations)) is determined in another distribution device. The distribution system according to appendix 2, wherein the distribution system is determined differently.

(Appendix 6)
The fourth processing unit is
The delivery order to the destination is different from any of the nth destinations in the delivery order in which the nth destination (n is a natural number satisfying 1 ≦ n ≦ N (N is the number of destinations)) is determined for other delivery devices. The distribution system according to supplementary note 3, wherein the distribution system is determined as follows.

(Appendix 7)
The distribution system according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the distribution data is facsimile image data.

(Appendix 8)
In a distribution system having a plurality of distribution devices each performing distribution,
A first distribution device, which is at least one of the plurality of distribution devices,
When receiving a delivery request including a destination and delivery data to be delivered to the destination from the transmission source device, the destination and the delivery data are copied,
Execute a transmission process for transmitting the copied destination and the distribution data to another distribution device;
When the transmission process for at least one of the other distribution devices is normally completed, a response indicating that acceptance of the distribution request is completed is transmitted to the transmission source device.
A delivery method that performs processing.

(Appendix 9)
In a distribution system having a plurality of distribution devices each performing distribution,
A first distribution device that is at least one of the plurality of distribution devices;
When receiving a delivery request including a destination and delivery data to be delivered to the destination from the transmission source device, the destination and the delivery data are copied,
Execute a transmission process for transmitting the copied destination and the distribution data to another distribution device;
When the transmission process for at least one of the other distribution devices is normally completed, a response indicating that acceptance of the distribution request is completed is transmitted to the transmission source device.
A distribution program for executing processing.

(Appendix 10)
A distribution device that executes distribution,
A first processing unit that duplicates the destination and the distribution data when receiving a distribution request including a destination and distribution data to be distributed to the destination from a transmission source device;
A second processing unit that executes transmission processing for transmitting the destination and the distribution data copied by the first processing unit to another distribution device;
A third processing unit for transmitting, to the transmission source device, a response indicating that acceptance of the distribution request has been completed when the transmission processing for at least one of the other distribution devices is normally completed; ,
A distribution device having:

1, 2, 3 Distribution server 5 Network 10, 11, 21, 31 IP-FAX
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Control part 101 Route control part 102 Order determination part 103 Order control part 104 State management part 105 Distribution part 106 List storage part 110 Reception part 111 Reception part 112 Destination processing part 113 Response part 120 Destination DB
121 Broadcast Group List 122 IP-FAX List 130 Relay Processing Unit 131 First Relay Unit 132 Second Relay Unit 140 Cooperation Processing Unit 141 First Cooperation Unit 142 Second Cooperation Unit 150 Status Data Storage Unit 160 Distribution Data Storage Unit 170 Transmission Part

Claims (7)

Each having a plurality of distribution devices for performing distribution;
A first distribution device, which is at least one of the plurality of distribution devices,
A first processing unit that duplicates the destination and the distribution data when receiving a distribution request including a destination and distribution data to be distributed to the destination from a transmission source device;
A second processing unit that executes transmission processing for transmitting the destination and the distribution data copied by the first processing unit to another distribution device;
A third processing unit for transmitting, to the transmission source device, a response indicating that acceptance of the distribution request has been completed when the transmission processing for at least one of the other distribution devices is normally completed; ,
Having a delivery system. The first distribution device is
A fourth processing unit that determines a distribution order to the destination so as to be different from any of the distribution orders determined in other distribution apparatuses, and generates order information indicating the determined distribution order;
A fifth processing unit for transmitting the distribution data to a destination at predetermined intervals according to the order information generated by the fourth processing unit;
The distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising: The first distribution device is
Fourth processing for determining the distribution order to the destination for each of the plurality of distribution apparatuses so as to be different from any of the distribution orders determined for the other distribution apparatuses, and generating order information indicating the determined distribution order And
A fifth processing unit for transmitting the distribution data to a destination at predetermined time intervals in accordance with the order information generated for the own distribution device;
Further comprising
The second processing unit is
The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the order information generated by the fourth processing unit is transmitted to the other distribution device together with the destination and the distribution data. The first distribution device is
A sixth processing unit for transmitting the destination for which transmission of the distribution data has been completed to another distribution device;
The fifth processing unit is
When the destination is received from the sixth processing unit in another distribution apparatus and the transmission of the distribution data to the destination is not completed, the transmission of the distribution data to the destination is stopped. The distribution system according to claim 3. In a distribution system having a plurality of distribution devices each performing distribution,
A first distribution device, which is at least one of the plurality of distribution devices,
When receiving a delivery request including a destination and delivery data to be delivered to the destination from the transmission source device, the destination and the delivery data are copied,
Execute a transmission process for transmitting the copied destination and the distribution data to another distribution device;
When the transmission process for at least one of the other distribution devices is normally completed, a response indicating that acceptance of the distribution request is completed is transmitted to the transmission source device.
A delivery method that performs processing. In a distribution system having a plurality of distribution devices each performing distribution,
A first distribution device that is at least one of the plurality of distribution devices;
When receiving a delivery request including a destination and delivery data to be delivered to the destination from the transmission source device, the destination and the delivery data are copied,
Execute a transmission process for transmitting the copied destination and the distribution data to another distribution device;
When the transmission process for at least one of the other distribution devices is normally completed, a response indicating that acceptance of the distribution request is completed is transmitted to the transmission source device.
A distribution program for executing processing. A distribution device that executes distribution,
A first processing unit that duplicates the destination and the distribution data when receiving a distribution request including a destination and distribution data to be distributed to the destination from a transmission source device;
A second processing unit that executes transmission processing for transmitting the destination and the distribution data copied by the first processing unit to another distribution device;
A third processing unit for transmitting, to the transmission source device, a response indicating that acceptance of the distribution request has been completed when the transmission processing for at least one of the other distribution devices is normally completed; ,
A distribution device having:

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