JPH0784907A - Facsimile server - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent document data from being missing even in case of mistransmission to an original destination LAN terminal by making the history of received document data clear. CONSTITUTION:A facsimile server is made to hold a reception list which has items shown in the figure. The facsimile server when receiving document data from a public telephone network stores the document data, obtains the reception time, transmission source FAX number, transmission source name, etc., from a transmission control signal, etc., received from the transmission terminal, and registers them in the reception list. The reception list is transferred to a LAN terminal on its LAN periodically or at a request. The LAN terminal having received it decides whether or not the document data are address to itself on the basis of the reception list. Consequently, when the destination LAN terminal makes a data transfer request and the document data are transferred, the access user name is registered in the field of the corresponding data on the reception list.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is arranged between a LAN (local area network) and a public line or a dedicated line, and enables mutual communication by matching the protocols of a LAN terminal and a facsimile terminal. The present invention relates to a facsimile server for achieving the above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of a network in which a LAN and a public line are connected via a facsimile server. In FIG. 9, 1 is a facsimile server, 2 to 4 are LAN terminals, 5 is a LAN, 6 is a public line network, and 7 to 9 are facsimile terminals. From the facsimile terminals 7 to 9 on the public line network 6 to the LA on the LAN 5
When transmitting the document data to the N terminals 2 to 4, the document data is transmitted to the facsimile server 1. The facsimile server 1 stores the received document data in the received data storage unit, and when a transfer request is made from any LAN terminal, the facsimile server 1 transfers the received document data to the LAN terminal accordingly.

At this time, the facsimile server 1 uses the data stored in the received data storage unit for each LAN.
In order to enable the terminal to confirm whether or not the document data is addressed to itself, the first page of the stored document data is transmitted to the LAN terminal in the order of reception. Each LAN terminal looks at the received first page to determine whether it is addressed to itself, and if it is addressed to itself, transfers the remaining pages of the data to the facsimile server 1. Request. Then, the document data transferred from the facsimile server 1 to the LAN terminal is deleted from the received data storage unit after a lapse of a certain period.

A conventional document relating to such a facsimile server is, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 64-6.
There is a 4461 publication.

[0005]

However, the above-mentioned conventional technique has the following problems. The first problem is that since the first page of all the document data received by the facsimile server 1 is transmitted, a large amount of unnecessary data flows on the LAN, and the throughput of the LAN drops. It is a point. The second problem is that some of the received data may not have the destination described on the first page, but such a data may be mistakenly mistaken by a person other than the original recipient. In the case where the data is received from 1, the data in the received data storage unit is also deleted thereafter, and the document data may eventually be missing. The third problem is that even if the data has already been transferred to the LAN terminal, its destination is clearly discriminated, and there is no possibility of being transferred by mistake, and there is no need to leave it anymore, it is fixed in the received data storage unit. Since the data is accumulated for a period of time, the use efficiency of the received data accumulation unit is deteriorated. An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the facsimile server of the present invention, a received data storage unit for storing document data received from a public line network,
Reception list creating means for creating a reception list including destination discrimination information of the received document data on the basis of a transmission control signal communicated with the transmission source at the time of receiving the document data, and a reception list storage for storing the reception list. Department and regularly
Alternatively, when a reception list transfer request is received from the LAN terminal, reception list transfer means for transferring the reception list to the LAN terminal, and document data in the reception data storage unit in response to a document data transfer request from the LAN terminal Document data transfer means for transferring to the LAN terminal is provided. Further, when the document data is transferred to the LAN terminal, the transfer destination user name registration means is provided for registering the transfer destination user name in the column of the document data in the reception list. When the usage amount of the received data storage unit exceeds a predetermined value, the received data storage unit stores the document data in the received data storage unit that has been transferred to the LAN terminal and has the oldest reception time. It was decided to provide a means for deleting document data to be deleted from the department.

[0007]

[Operation] Based on the received transmission control signal, the reception list creating means creates a reception list having destination discrimination information such as reception time information and transmission source information for each received document data, and stores the reception list. Hold in part. And
Periodically by the receiving list transfer means, or LAN
In response to a request from the terminal, L
Transfer to AN terminal. The LAN terminal determines the document data addressed to itself by looking at the reception list, and issues a document data transfer request to the facsimile server. Therefore, there is no need to transmit the first page of all the document data received by the facsimile server 1 as in the prior art, so that a large amount of unnecessary data flows on the LAN and the throughput of the LAN is increased. Will never fall off.

[0008] Further, the transfer destination user name registration means is used to set L
When the document data in the received data storage unit is transferred to the AN terminal, the user name of the transfer destination is registered in the column of the relevant document data in the reception list. Therefore, a person other than the original addressee mistakenly receives it from the facsimile server 1,
After that, even if the data in the received data storage unit is deleted, the user name that received the document data is known, and therefore the document data will not be lost. Further, when the usage amount of the received data storage unit exceeds a predetermined value, the oldest received data among the document data transferred to the LAN terminal is deleted from the received data storage unit. Therefore, since the document data that has been transferred to the LAN terminal and has been stored for a comparatively long time and is no longer required to be stored is sequentially deleted, the use efficiency of the received data storage unit is improved. It is possible to prevent the deterioration.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a facsimile server. In FIG. 1, 10 is CP
U (Central Processing Unit) and ROM (Read Only Memory), 1
0a is a transfer destination user name registration means, 10b is a reception list creation means, 10c is a reception list transfer means, 10d is document data transfer means, 10e is document data deletion means, and 11 is R.
AM (random access memory), 11a is a reception list storage unit, 12 is a recording unit, 13 is a reading unit, and 14 is LA.
N interface, 15 is a LAN control unit, 16 is a received data storage unit, 17 is a facsimile control unit, 18 is a modulation / demodulation unit, and 19 is a network control unit.

The CPU and the ROM 10 use the control program stored in the ROM to control input / output, manage files,
It manages memory and controls LAN protocol. When receiving the document data from the public network, the reception list creating means 10b writes the destination determination information of the received document data in the reception list based on the transmission control signal. When the document data is transferred to the LAN terminal, the transfer destination user name registration means 10a registers the transfer destination user name in the document data column of the reception list. The reception list transfer means 10c
The reception list is transferred to the LAN terminal periodically or when a transfer request is received from the LAN terminal. The document data transfer means 10d transfers the document data from the received data storage unit 16 to the LAN terminal when receiving the document data transfer request from the LAN terminal. Document data deleting means 10e
Is when the usage of the received data storage exceeds a specified value,
Of the document data in the received data storage unit, the data that has been transferred to the LAN terminal and has the oldest reception time is deleted from the received data storage unit. The RAM 11 is used as a work area for a control program, a buffer area for transmission / reception data, and the like, and has a reception list storage unit 11a for holding a reception list therein.

The recording unit 12 outputs the received data as needed. The reading unit 13 reads a document to be transmitted by facsimile. LAN interface 14 is LA
Match the signal level on N with the signal level of the IC in the facsimile server. LAN controller 15 is a LAN
Supports protocol, CRC (Cyclic Redundancy)
Check, cyclic redundancy check) generation, checking, LAN access method, etc. are realized. The received data storage unit 16 stores the received document data. Facsimile controller 17
Supports the facsimile protocol. The modulation / demodulation unit 18 modulates / demodulates a digital signal and a signal conforming to a predetermined facsimile standard. The network control unit 19 makes a call to a public line, sends a dial, and detects an incoming call from the public line.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the LAN terminal. In FIG. 2, 20 is a CPU, 21 is a ROM, 22 is a RAM, 23 is a data storage unit, and 24 is L.
AN interface, 25 LAN controller, 26 C
The RT controller 27 is a keyboard. CPU 20
It executes various processing programs, controls input / output, manages files, manages memories, and controls LAN protocols. R
The OM 21 stores various programs executed by the CPU 20, system data, and the like. The RAM 22 is used as a work area for various programs. The data storage unit 23 is composed of a magnetic disk device or the like, and stores various data such as received document data. The LAN interface 24 matches the signal level on the LAN with the signal level of the IC in the LAN terminal. LAN controller 25
Supports LAN protocol, CRC (Cyclic R
edundancy Check, cyclic redundancy check) generation, check,
A LAN access method or the like is realized. CRT control unit 26
Controls the CRT display device, and the keyboard 27
It is for inputting data.

In the present invention, a reception list is provided in the facsimile server, and when data is received from the public line network 6, based on the received transmission control signal, for each received document data as shown in FIG. A facsimile reception list including destination discrimination information such as reception time information and transmission source information is created. The reception list is provided with a field for registering the transfer destination user name so that the user who took out the document data can be identified.

Before explaining the operation of the present invention, a facsimile transmission control signal will be described. Figure 4
It is a figure which shows an example of a facsimile protocol. First, the transmitting side dials, and in response, the receiving side sends a called terminal identification signal. After that, the transmitting side sends a sending terminal identification signal indicating the international telephone number of the sending source, followed by a digital command signal indicating the communication speed, paper size, coding system, etc.
Send a non-standard function setting signal for setting a non-standard function. If the character code indicating the sender name is inserted in the non-standard function setting signal, the sender name can be written in the reception list by taking out the character code.

Thereafter, the receiving side sends a reception preparation confirmation signal indicating that the procedure before sending the facsimile data is completed and the sending of the facsimile data may be started.
In response to this, the transmission side starts transmitting the facsimile data. When the sending of the facsimile data is completed, the sending side sends a procedure end signal. On the other hand, the receiving side sends a message confirmation signal, and the sending side sends a disconnection command signal to disconnect the line.

Next, the operation of the present invention will be described using a flow chart. (First Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of data reception in the facsimile server of the first embodiment. Step 1 ... The facsimile control unit 17 monitors the network control unit 19 and determines whether or not there is a calling signal from the public line. Step 2 ... When the call signal is detected, the facsimile control unit 17 closes the line to start reception, holds codes such as a transmission terminal identification signal, a digital command signal, and a non-standard function setting signal, and receives the received document data. Is stored in the received data storage unit 16. Step 3 ... It is determined whether or not the reception is completed. Step 4 ... Upon completion, the sender's telephone number, sender's name, paper size, etc. are extracted from the codes of the sending terminal identification signal, digital command signal, non-standard function setting signal, etc. held in Step 2, and then Create a reception list by adding the reception time and the number of received sheets.

The reception list is stored in the reception list storage unit 11a in the RAM 11 and can be stored periodically or in LA.
When the transfer request from the N terminal is received, the reception list transfer means 11c transfers the transfer request to the LAN terminal.

Next, the processing when the LAN terminal receives data will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of receiving data in the LAN terminal of the first embodiment. Step 1 ... It is determined whether or not the reception list transferred from the facsimile server is received periodically or in response to a request from the LAN terminal. Step 2 ... If there is, open the received reception list. Step 3: The sender's facsimile number in the reception list,
When the sender name and the time when the document is sent are known in advance, it is determined whether or not there is a received document that is supposed to be addressed to itself based on the reception time and the like. Step 4 ... If yes, to the fax server
Request transfer of the document.

Step 5: Receive document data from the facsimile server. Step 6 ... When the reception is completed, the user's name is transmitted to the facsimile server and registered in the transfer destination user name column of the data in the reception list held by the facsimile server. The transfer destination user name is registered in the reception list by the transfer destination user name registration means 10a in the facsimile server. Step 7 ... Confirms with the operator whether or not to retain the received data in the data storage unit 23 of the own terminal. Step 8 ... If left, the facsimile server is requested to delete the document data from the received data storage unit.

(Second Embodiment) Next, another example of the processing when the LAN terminal receives data will be described. FIG. 7 shows the second
5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when data is received in the LAN terminal of the embodiment. Step 1-Step 5
Are the same as those in FIG. 6, and therefore the description is omitted here. Step 6 ... Confirms the content of the received document and determines whether or not it is indeed addressed to itself. Step 7 ... If not sure, send his / her name to the facsimile server and register it in the transfer destination user name column of the data in the reception list held by the facsimile server. Step 8 ... Confirms with the operator whether or not to retain the received data in the data storage unit 23 of the own terminal. Step 9 ... If it is certainly addressed to itself in step 6, the facsimile server is requested to delete the information of the document data from the reception list. Step 10 ... Requests the facsimile server to delete the document data from the received data storage unit.

(Third Embodiment) Next, another example of processing at the time of data reception in the facsimile server will be described. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure at the time of data reception in the facsimile server of the third embodiment. Since steps 1 to 4 are the same as those in FIG. 5, the description thereof is omitted here. Step 5 ... It is determined whether or not the usage amount of the received data storage unit exceeds a predetermined value which is close to the capacity of the storage unit. Step 6 ... When the value exceeds the predetermined value, the data having the oldest reception time in the reception list is searched. Step 7 ... Looking at the transfer destination user name column of the document data, it is determined whether or not any user has already accessed. Step 8 ... If access is completed, the document data is deleted from the received data storage unit. However, leave it in the reception list. Step 9 ... If the access is not completed in Step 7, the data having the oldest reception time in the reception list is searched.

[0022]

As described above, the facsimile server of the present invention has the following effects. (1) As in the prior art, the facsimile server 1
Since it is not necessary to transmit the first page of all the received document data, a large amount of unnecessary data will not flow on the LAN and the LAN throughput will not drop. (2) A person other than the original recipient mistakenly sends a fax or
Even if the data is received from the server 1 and then the data in the received data storage unit is deleted, the user name who received the document data is known, so that the document data will not be lost. (3) Since the data that has been transferred to the LAN terminal and has been stored for a relatively long time after it has been received and is no longer required to be stored is sequentially deleted, the use efficiency of the received data storage unit is improved. It is possible to prevent the deterioration.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a facsimile server.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a LAN terminal.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a facsimile reception list.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a facsimile protocol.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when receiving data in the facsimile server according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of receiving data in the LAN terminal of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of receiving data in the LAN terminal of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of data reception in the facsimile server of the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of a network in which a LAN and a public line are connected via a facsimile server.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Facsimile server, 2-4 ... LAN terminal, 5 ...
LAN, 6 ... Public network, 7-9 ... Facsimile terminal,
10 ... CPU and ROM, 10a ... Transfer destination user name registration means, 10b ... Reception list creating means, 10c ... Reception list transferring means, 10d ... Document data transferring means, 10e ... Document data deleting means 11, 22 ... RAM, 11a ... Reception list storage unit, 12 ... Recording unit, 13 ... Reading unit, 14, 2
4 ... LAN interface, 15, 25 ... LAN control section, 16 ... Received data storage section, 17 ... Facsimile control section, 18 ... Modulation / demodulation section, 19 ... Network control unit, 20 ... CPU, 21 ... ROM, 23 ... Data Recording unit, 26 ... CRT control unit, 27 ... Keyboard

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Hideyuki Hirose, 3-7-1, Fuchu, Iwatsuki City, Saitama Prefecture Fuji Zerox Co., Ltd. (72) Fumio Koizumi 3-7-1, Fuchu, Iwatsuki City, Saitama Prefecture Inside Xerox Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. Destination identification information of received document data based on a transmission control signal exchanged between a reception data storage unit that stores document data received from a public line network and a transmission source when the document data is received. And a reception list storage unit that stores the reception list, and a reception list storage unit that stores the reception list periodically or when the reception list transfer request is received from the LAN terminal.
And a document data transfer means for transferring the document data in the received data storage unit to the LAN terminal in response to a document data transfer request from the LAN terminal. Facsimile server. 2. When transferring document data to a LAN terminal,
2. The facsimile server according to claim 1, further comprising transfer destination user name registration means for registering a transfer destination user name in the column of the document data in the reception list. 3. When the usage of the received data storage unit exceeds a predetermined value, among the document data in the received data storage unit,
3. The facsimile server according to claim 1, further comprising document data deleting means for deleting, from the received data storage unit, the one that has been transferred to the LAN terminal and has the earliest reception time.