JPH09261439A - Facsimile server, control method thereof, and computer-readable memory - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Problem] Notifying a client terminal of job execution,
Streamline and speed up the exchange of facsimile data. A facsimile transmission job and a polling reception job can be reserved in a facsimile server. The facsimile server fetches a job to be executed from the reservation queue (S402), acquires an IP address from the fetched job (S403), and displays the operation screen 300 on the client terminal 150 corresponding to the IP address. (S404), and the process is executed based on the instruction given through the operation screen 300 (S405 to S411). That is, when executing the reserved job, the facsimile server notifies the client terminal 150 that reserved the job of the start of execution of the job, whereby the client terminal 150 recognizes the execution of the job. can do.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile server, a control method thereof, and a computer-readable memory, and more particularly, to a facsimile server which mediates between a modem connected to a telephone network and a client terminal on the network, and a control method thereof. The present invention relates to a computer-readable memory used for the control.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, in a facsimile server, a facsimile communication system has been put into practical use in which a facsimile transmission or a polling reception is reserved from a client terminal and the facsimile transmission or the polling reception can be sequentially executed in the order of reservation.

In the conventional facsimile communication system, the progress status of a reserved job (facsimile transmission or polling reception) in the facsimile server is recognized by periodically monitoring the status of the facsimile server from the client terminal.

Further, the control of the modem connected to the facsimile server is solely entrusted to the facsimile server, and the modem cannot be controlled from the client terminal.

The facsimile data received by the polling is delivered to the delivery destination by the delivery operator, or the facsimile data for itself stored in the facsimile server is retrieved and obtained from each client terminal, and is delivered to the client. Had arrived. Note that the distribution by the distribution operator has been performed by the distribution operator displaying a cover page of facsimile data on the display device and visually confirming the distribution destination and the like.

[0006]

However, in the above conventional example, there is a facsimile information service which cannot be enjoyed when the operator is absent. For example, when the operator is absent, the facsimile data received by the polling reception is not delivered to the delivery destination, but is stored in the facsimile server, even though the delivery destination is specified. Then, the facsimile data is fetched to each client terminal side by an operation from the client terminal side. As a result, there is a risk that undelivered facsimile data will be delayed in the facsimile server and a person other than the client who reserved the polling reception can refer to it.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to notify a client terminal of the execution of a job and to improve the efficiency and speed of the exchange of facsimile data.

Another object of the present invention is to enable automatic distribution and to make facsimile data exchange efficient and speedy.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent confidential information leakage during polling reception.

[0010]

A first facsimile server according to the present invention is a facsimile server that mediates between a modem connected to a telephone line network and a client terminal on the network, and is based on an instruction from the client terminal. A registration unit for registering a job related to the exchange of facsimile data, a job acquisition unit for extracting a job to be executed, and a notification unit for notifying the client terminal that registered the job that the extracted job is to be executed.

The first facsimile server of the present invention preferably further comprises control means for controlling the modem based on an instruction from the client terminal relating to the notification by the notification means.

In the first facsimile server of the present invention, it is preferable that the registration means is capable of registering a facsimile data transmission job and a polling reception job.

In the first facsimile server of the present invention, it is preferable that when the fetched job is a polling reception job, the notifying means notifies the client terminal that registered the job that the job is to be executed. .

In the first facsimile server of the present invention, it is preferable that the notifying unit does not notify that the job is executed when the taken out job is a transmission job.

In the first facsimile server of the present invention, it is preferable that the notifying unit has a terminal specifying unit that specifies a client terminal that has registered the job based on identification information included in the retrieved job.

A second facsimile modem of the present invention is a facsimile server that mediates between a modem connected to a telephone network and a client terminal on the network, and a delivery condition for obtaining a delivery condition when delivering facsimile data. An acquisition unit and a distribution unit that distributes the facsimile data to the client terminal of the distribution destination when the facsimile data to be distributed matches the distribution condition acquired by the distribution condition acquisition unit.

The second facsimile server of the present invention further comprises date and time acquisition means for acquiring the current date and time, the delivery condition includes the date and time of delivery, and the delivery means receives the current date and time obtained by the date and time acquisition means. It is preferable to determine whether or not the facsimile data to be delivered matches the delivery condition acquired by the delivery condition acquisition means based on the date and time.

In the second facsimile server of the present invention, it is preferable that the delivery condition acquisition means obtains the information regarding the delivery date and time from the auxiliary information of the facsimile data to be delivered.

In the second facsimile server of the present invention, the delivery condition includes a delivery route including a transmission source and a delivery destination, and the delivery means acquires the facsimile data to be delivered by the delivery condition acquisition means. It is preferable to determine whether or not the delivery conditions are met.

In the second facsimile server of the present invention, it is preferable that the distribution condition acquisition means has a registration means for registering the distribution path, and the distribution path is acquired from the registration means.

In the second facsimile server of the present invention, it is preferable that the registration means register the delivery route based on an instruction from a client terminal.

The second facsimile server of the present invention is for a distribution operator on the network, when the facsimile data to be distributed cannot match the distribution condition acquired by the distribution condition acquisition means. It is preferable to further include transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal.

The first computer-readable memory of the present invention is a computer-readable memory containing a control program code for controlling a facsimile server which mediates between a modem connected to a telephone network and a client terminal on the network. Based on an instruction from the terminal, a registration process code for registering a job related to facsimile data exchange, a job acquisition process code for extracting a job to be executed, and a client registering the job to execute the extracted job. And a notification process code for notifying the terminal.

The second computer-readable memory of the present invention is a computer-readable memory containing a control program code for controlling a facsimile server that mediates between a modem connected to a telephone network and a client terminal on the network. The code of the distribution condition acquisition step for acquiring the distribution condition when distributing the data, and when the facsimile data to be distributed matches the distribution condition acquired by the distribution condition acquisition step, the facsimile data is distributed to the client terminal of the distribution destination. And the code of the delivery process to be delivered to.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile communication system according to the present embodiment. The facsimile communication system includes a facsimile server 100 and a plurality of client terminals 150.
And a modem 160, and the facsimile server 100
Is connected to a modem 160 and a plurality of client terminals 150.

The control unit 104 operates based on the control program 101a and the like held in the memory 101 and realizes the function as a facsimile server. Auxiliary memory 10
Reference numeral 2 has a hard disk (HD) device 102a, a floppy disk (FD) device 102b, and other memory media, and holds various data. The control program can also be supplied to the control unit 104 by the auxiliary memory 102.

The clock generator 103 generates a clock signal and supplies it to the control unit 104. The modem 160 functions as an interface that connects to the public telephone network 170. The facsimile data is sent to the control unit 104 and the modem 16 via the RS232C interface 106.
Exchanged between 0. Further, the sound signal received by the modem 160 is input to the audio input terminal 108, analog-digital converted by the A / D converter 107, and input to the control unit 104.

The display unit 103 and the operation unit 110 function as an input / output device for inputting / outputting information, and the display unit 103 is
For example, a CRT is included, and the operation unit 110 includes a keyboard and a mouse, for example.

Ethernet interface 105
(Ethernet is a registered trademark of XEROX) is a communication network 180
It functions as an interface for connecting to a plurality of client terminals 150 via.

The control unit 155 operates based on the control program 151a stored in the memory 151 and realizes the function as a client terminal. Auxiliary memory 152
Has a hard disk (HD) device 152a, a floppy disk (FD) device 152b, and other memory media, and holds various data. The control program can also be supplied from the auxiliary memory 102 to the control unit 104.

Ethernet interface 154
Functions as an interface for connecting to the facsimile server 100 via the communication network 180. D /
The A converter 156 performs digital / analog conversion of the digital sound signal and drives the speaker 158. Display unit 15
7 and the operation unit 159 function as an input / output device for inputting / outputting information, the display unit 157 includes, for example, a CRT, and the operation unit 159 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse.

The client terminal 150 generates a facsimile transmission job and a polling reception job, reserves (registers) it in the facsimile server 100, and operates the operation unit 15
The instruction input from 9 can be transmitted to the facsimile server 100. The facsimile server 100 is R
The S232C interface 106 and the modem 109 can perform facsimile transmission and reception via the public network 170, and this transmission and reception can be performed according to a reserved job.

The facsimile server 100 also inputs a sound signal from the public telephone circuit network 170 via the modem 109 and the audio input terminal 108, converts it into an analog / digital signal by the A / D converter 107, and then the communication network 18
0 to the client terminal 150. The client terminal 150 that receives the sound signal
The A / A converter 156 can perform digital / analog conversion on this and drive the speaker 158.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the reservation queue held in the auxiliary memory 102. The reservation queue 200 is a set of jobs related to facsimile transmission or polling reception. Job1, Job2 ...
Each indicate one job. One job is
IP address of the client terminal 150 that made the reservation,
This includes the facsimile number of the other party who performs facsimile transmission or polling reception, and the transmission mode (facsimile transmission or polling reception). These jobs are generated in the client terminal 150 and are reserved (registered) by the client terminal 150.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 157. By operating this operation screen,
The modem 160 can be operated from the client terminal 150. “0-9”, “#” and “*” shown in the figure are dial buttons, and the facsimile server 100 can be operated by inputting a facsimile number.
Controls modem 160 to dial the facsimile number. The tone button 301 is used by the modem 16
It is a button for switching the mode of 0 from the pulse dial mode to the tone dial mode. By operating this button, the facsimile server 100 causes the modem 160 to
Switch the mode of. The dial button 302 is a button for instructing to dial the "facsimile number" included in the reserved transmission job. By operating this button, the facsimile server 100 dials the "facsimile number". Off-hook button 303
Is a button for instructing to put the modem 160 in an off-hook state. By operating this button, the facsimile server 160 puts the modem 160 in an off-hook state.

The manual receive button 304 is "ITU-T
This is a button for instructing the execution of the "T30 reception protocol". By operating this button, the facsimile server 10
0 executes the "ITU-T T30 reception protocol". The suspend button 305 is a button for instructing to suspend the job being executed, and by operating this button,
The facsimile server 100 suspends the job being executed. The operation end button 306 is used for ending the operation on the operation screen and processing the job by the facsimile server 100.
The facsimile server 100 executes a job by operating this button.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example of the facsimile server 100. The processing corresponding to this flowchart is controlled by the control unit 104 based on the control program 101a.

The facsimile server 100 extracts a job to be executed from the reservation queue 200, acquires an IP address from the extracted job, and displays an operation screen 300 for the client terminal 150 corresponding to the IP address.
Is displayed, and the process is executed based on the instruction given through the operation screen 300. That is,
When executing the reserved job, the facsimile server 100 uses the client terminal 15 that reserved the job.
0 is notified of the start of job execution, and an instruction is requested.

In step S401, the reservation queue 200
For example, referring to the jobs in the table, whether or not there is a job to be executed is monitored based on information such as the reserved time, and if there is a job to be executed, step S402
Proceed to and retrieve the job to be executed. Then, in step S403, the IP address is acquired from the extracted job.

In step S404, the client terminal 150 is specified by the acquired IP address, and the client terminal 150 is instructed to display the operation screen 300. As a result, the client terminal 150 that has reserved the job can recognize the start of execution of the job. The processing of steps S405 to S408 is as follows.
The process is executed based on the instruction given through the displayed operation screen 300.

In step S405, it is determined whether or not the instruction on the operation screen 300 is completed, that is, whether or not the operation end button 306 is instructed to end the operation by the client terminal 150, and the instruction on the operation screen 300 is completed. If yes, go to step S409,
When the instruction on the operation screen 300 is continued, the process proceeds to step S406.

When the instruction on the operation screen 300 is completed, it is determined that the modem 160 is controlled by the transmission mode (facsimile transmission or polling reception) designated by the job, and in step S409, the extracted job is transmitted. Check the mode. If the transmission mode is "facsimile transmission", step S41
At 0, the reserved facsimile data is transmitted according to the "ITU-T T30 transmission protocol". On the other hand, if the transmission mode is "polling reception",
In step S411, the processing is executed according to the "ITU-T T30 polling reception protocol".

When the instruction on the operation screen 300 is continued ("NO" in step S405), the process is executed according to the instruction on the operation screen 300 in step S406 (details will be described later).

In step S407, it is determined whether or not an instruction to suspend the job is given on the operation screen 300. If the job is to be continued, the process returns to step S405. If the job is to be suspended, the process proceeds to step S408. Processing is interrupted, the process returns to step S401, and processing relating to a new job is performed.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of step S406. The program that executes the processing shown in this flowchart is the control program 101a.
Form part of.

In step S501, the dial button 3
02, it is determined whether or not the "facsimile number" designated by the job is dialed. If the dial is instructed, the "facsimile number" is dialed in step S502. Then, the modem 160 is instructed.

In step S503, it is determined whether or not the off-hook button 303 has instructed to enter the off-hook state. If the instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S504. In step S504, the sound signal input from the audio input terminal 108 is processed by the A / D converter 1
In step S5, the task of converting into an analog signal and transferring to the corresponding client terminal 150 is started by step 07.
At 05, the modem 160 is put into the off-hook state.

In step S506, the manual reception button 3
It is determined whether or not the manual reception is instructed by 04, and when the manual reception is instructed, the manual reception process is executed in step S507.

In step S508, whether or not a number or the like has been input, that is, "0-9" on the operation screen 300,
It is determined whether or not the "*", "#", and tone buttons 301 have been input, and if these numbers or the like have been input, in step S509 the modem 160 is caused to dial the instructed facsimile number. Control.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a reserved job is executed, the operation screen of the corresponding client terminal 150 is displayed and the client terminal is informed that the reserved job will be executed. The recognition allows the facsimile server to be used efficiently.

Further, according to the present embodiment, for example, it is possible to enjoy the facsimile service, which conventionally requires the distribution operator to be arranged, without arranging the distribution operator.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the facsimile data whose delivery destination is specified can be transferred to the specific client terminal without being retained in the facsimile server, such as polling reception. It is possible to speed up information transmission, improve security, and improve convenience for clients.

<Second Embodiment> In this embodiment, the operation of the facsimile modem 100 is changed by changing the control program 101a in the first embodiment. Therefore, the control program 101
Except for a, the configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the facsimile server 100 in this embodiment.
The processing corresponding to this flowchart is controlled by the control unit 104 based on the control program 101a.

The facsimile server 100 takes out a job to be executed from the reservation queue 200 and dials the facsimile number indicated by the job by the modem 16
If the transmission mode is “facsimile transmission”, the transmission process is executed. If the transmission mode is “polling reception”, the client terminal 150
To the client terminal 15 to control the modem 160.
Leave it to 0.

In step S601, the reservation queue 200
For example, referring to the jobs in the table, whether or not there is a job to be executed is monitored based on the information such as the reserved time. If there is a job to be executed, step S602 is performed.
Proceed to and pick up the job to be executed. Then, in step S603, the modem 160 is controlled so as to dial the "dial number" indicated by the extracted job.

In step S604, the transmission mode (facsimile transmission or polling reception) of the extracted job
If the transmission mode is “facsimile transmission”, the flow advances to step S610 to execute the “ITU-T T30 transmission protocol”.

On the other hand, if the transmission mode is "polling reception", the process proceeds to step S605, and the client terminal 1 specified by the IP address indicated by the taken out job.
Notify 50 that the polling reception process is to be executed.

After step 605, the control of the modem 160 is entrusted to the client terminal 150. That is, the facsimile server 100 has the client terminal 160.
And relays communication with the modem 160, and the client terminal 150 transfers the modem 1 to the modem 1 via the facsimile server 100.
60 can be controlled.

In step 606, "ITU-T T3
The reception of the modem control command for executing the "0 polling reception protocol" is monitored, and when the command is received from the client terminal 150, the process proceeds to step 607. Then, in step 607, the received modem control command is "ITU-T T30 polling reception protocol".
Is determined to be a termination command for terminating the job. If it is to be terminated, the process returns to step 601 and the process is executed for a new job.

When the "ITU-T T30 polling reception protocol" is continued ("N" at step 606)
O ″), the modem control command received from the client terminal 150 in step 608 is sent to the modem 16
Then, in step 609, the response from the modem 160 to the modem control command is notified to the client terminal 150. Note that the above modem control command can be input via the operation unit 159.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the execution of polling reception is started, the corresponding client terminal 150 is notified of that fact, and the subsequent control is released to the client terminal. The facsimile server can be used efficiently.

Further, according to the present embodiment, for example, it is possible to enjoy the facsimile service which has conventionally required the distribution operator to be arranged without arranging the distribution operator.

Further, for example, in the case of polling reception or the like, since the facsimile data whose delivery destination is specified can be transferred to a specific client terminal without being held in the facsimile server, speeding up information transmission and security. Can be improved and the convenience of the client can be improved.

<Third Embodiment> In this embodiment, delivery conditions such as delivery date and time zone are added to the facsimile data, and when the delivery conditions are met, the facsimile data is delivered. By executing the distribution, distribution can be performed without the intervention of a distribution operator.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the facsimile communication system according to this embodiment. The facsimile communication system is a facsimile server 100.
, A plurality of client terminals 150, an operator terminal 150 ′, a modem 160, and a mail system server 7
01, the facsimile server 100 has a modem 16
0, a plurality of client terminals 150, an operator terminal 150 ′, and a mail system server 701.

The components having substantially the same functions as those of the facsimile communication system shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. In addition, the operator terminal 150 ′ is
It has the same function as the client terminal, and its detailed configuration is, for example, the same as that of the client terminal 150 shown in FIG.

The mail system server 701 is a server for providing a mail service to the facsimile server 100, the client terminal 150, and the operator terminal 150 '. The mail system server 801 allows the facsimile server 100, the client terminal 150, and the operator terminal to operate. 150 'can exchange mails.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a setting screen displayed on the display unit 157 of the client terminal 150. The setting screen 800 is a screen for setting conditions for delivering facsimile data, and the setting can be performed via the operation unit 159 having a mouse, a keyboard, or the like.

In the figure, "delivery mail address"
Is an address that specifies the delivery destination of the facsimile data. The "delivery date and time zone" is the date and time zone in which the facsimile data transmitted from the client terminal 150 'to the facsimile server 100 is delivered to the delivery destination specified by the "delivery mail address".
FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a data structure of facsimile data transmitted to the facsimile server 100. Delivery mail address 901, date 902, time zone 903
Is a delivery condition set by the operation screen 800 and added to the facsimile data 904. 904
Is general facsimile data (image data, etc.).

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example of the facsimile server 100. The processing corresponding to this flowchart is controlled by the control unit 104 based on the control program 101b.

The facsimile server 100 searches for undelivered facsimile data, determines whether or not a distribution condition is added to the searched facsimile data, and if the distribution condition is added, the clock 110 indicates the current status. Of the date and time, and determines whether or not the date and time match the delivery condition. If they match, the facsimile data is delivered to the corresponding delivery destination. On the other hand, the facsimile data to which the distribution condition is not added is transmitted to the distribution operator and distributed by the distribution operator as in the conventional case.

In step S1001, it is determined whether or not there is undelivered facsimile data. If undelivered facsimile data exists, the process proceeds to step 1002. In step 1002, it is determined whether or not a delivery condition is added to the undelivered facsimile data of interest. If the delivery condition is added, step 10
If the distribution condition is not added, the process proceeds to step 1006.

At step 1003, the current date and time are acquired from the clock 110, and it is determined whether or not they match the delivery conditions. If they match, the process proceeds to step 1005 and is specified by the delivery mail address 901. If it does not match, the process returns to step 1001 and repeats the processing (as a result, it waits until the distribution condition is met).

On the other hand, when the delivery condition is not added to the undelivered facsimile data ("NO" in step 1002), the facsimile data is delivered in step 1006 (operator terminal 1).
50 '). In this case, the facsimile data will be delivered via the delivery operator.

As described above, the facsimile server 10 that has added the delivery condition to the facsimile data and received the delivery condition
0 distributes the facsimile data according to the distribution condition, so that distribution can be performed without the intervention of a distribution operator.

<Fourth Embodiment> In the present embodiment, a delivery condition regarding a delivery route including a delivery destination and a transmission source is set in advance, and facsimile data matching the delivery condition is set to a corresponding client terminal. It is to be delivered.
In the present embodiment, the operation of the facsimile modem 100 is changed by changing the control program 101b in the third embodiment. Therefore, the configuration other than the control program 101b is substantially the same as the configuration of the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a setting screen displayed on the display unit 157 of the client terminal 150. The setting screen 1100 is a screen for setting conditions for delivering facsimile data, and the setting can be performed via the operation unit 159 having a mouse, a keyboard, or the like.

In the figure, "delivery mail address"
Is an address that specifies the delivery destination of the facsimile data. Also, "source name" and "source phone number"
Is information indicating the sender of the facsimile data. In the present embodiment, the facsimile data that matches the distribution condition regarding the distribution route including the distribution destination and the transmission source is directly distributed to the corresponding client terminal 150, and the facsimile data that does not match is distributed via the distribution operator.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing distribution conditions held in the memory 101 of the facsimile server 100. The delivery condition 1200 is set on the client terminal 150 on the above-described setting screen 1100, transferred to the facsimile server 100, and registered.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining an example of the process of registering the delivery condition in the facsimile server 100. A program (registered program) that executes the processing shown in this flowchart forms a part of the control program 101b and is controlled by the control unit 104.

In step S1301, the distribution condition is received from the client terminal 150. As described above, this delivery condition can be set on the setting screen 1100 on the client terminal 150.

In step 1302, the received distribution condition is registered in the memory 101. The registered delivery condition is that when the facsimile data is received, the delivery mail address, the sender name, and the sender telephone number of the received fax data are acquired by the "ITU-TT30" facsimile protocol, and the acquired information is Be compared.
Then, when the received facsimile data matches the registered distribution conditions, the facsimile data is directly distributed to the corresponding client terminal 150, and when the received facsimile data does not match, it is distributed to the distribution operator.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of processing relating to distribution in the facsimile server 100. A program (delivery control program) corresponding to this flowchart constitutes a part of the control program 101b and is controlled by the control unit 104. The registration program and the delivery control program can be executed independently.

When the facsimile server 100 receives the facsimile data via, for example, the public telephone line network 170, the facsimile server 100 determines whether or not the distribution condition is registered. If the distribution condition is registered, the facsimile server 100 receives the distribution condition. It is determined whether or not the received facsimile data match, and if they match, the data is delivered directly to the corresponding client terminal 150, and if they do not match, it is delivered to the delivery operator.

In step 1401, the reception of facsimile data is monitored, and if received, step 1402.
Proceed to. In step 1402, it is determined whether or not the delivery condition 1200 is registered. If it is registered, the process proceeds to step 1403, and if it is not registered, the process proceeds to step 1406.

At step 1403, the delivery address, the sender name, and the sender telephone number of the received facsimile data are acquired from the modem 160, and step 1
In 404, it is determined whether the acquired delivery address, sender name, and sender telephone number match the registered delivery condition 1200. If they match, step 14
Proceed to 05 to deliver to the delivery destination. On the other hand, when the acquired delivery address, sender name, and sender telephone number do not match the registered delivery conditions 1200, the process proceeds to step 1406 and the delivery operator (operator terminal 15).
0 '). In this case, the delivery of the facsimile data is performed via the delivery operator as in the conventional case.

As described above, the distribution conditions are registered in advance in the facsimile server 100, and when the facsimile data is received by the facsimile server, whether or not the facsimile data related to the reception matches the registered distribution conditions. By determining whether or not and delivering the facsimile data that matches the delivery condition directly to the corresponding delivery destination, delivery can be performed without the intervention of a delivery operator.

<Fifth Embodiment> In the third embodiment, a delivery condition is added to facsimile data, and in the fourth embodiment, the delivery condition is registered and the delivery condition is met. Although the facsimile data is distributed to the corresponding client terminal 150, it is also effective to combine these. In the present embodiment, the delivery condition regarding the date and time of delivery is added to the facsimile data, and the delivery condition regarding the delivery route is registered in the memory 101 in advance, and the facsimile data matching the delivery condition is directly stored. It is delivered to the corresponding client terminal 150.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example of the facsimile server 100. The processing shown in this flowchart is controlled by the control unit 104 based on the control program 101b. Note that steps that perform the same processing as in the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment will be assigned the same step numbers and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, by adding the delivery condition to the facsimile data or enabling registration in advance,
Distribution conditions that are likely to be commonly used for a plurality of facsimile data can be registered in advance, and distribution conditions that are individually used for each facsimile data can be added to the facsimile data.
Therefore, the delivery conditions can be set reasonably and efficiently.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or the apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and CD.
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that a case where the CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is also included.

When the present invention is applied to the above storage medium, the storage medium may store the program code corresponding to the above-described processing. FIG. 16 shows the program code for realizing the first and second embodiments as FD102b.
It is a figure which shows the memory map of FD102b in the case of providing by. The job registration process code 1601 is a code for controlling the process of registering a job in the reservation queue 200, and the job acquisition process code 1602 is for step S4.
01 and S403, or steps S601 and S60
The code corresponding to 2 and the notification process code 1603 are codes corresponding to step S404 or step S605. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a memory map of the FD 102b when the FD 102 provides the program code for implementing the third to fifth embodiments. The distribution condition acquisition process code 1701 is the code corresponding to step S1002 or step S1402, and the distribution process code 1702 is step S1005 or S140.
It is a code corresponding to 5.

[0100]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By notifying the client terminal of the execution of the job, it is possible to improve the efficiency and speed of the exchange of facsimile data.

Further, according to the present invention, automatic distribution according to the distribution conditions can be made possible, and the exchange of facsimile data can be made efficient and speedy.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent leakage of confidential information during polling reception.

[0103]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile communication system according to first and second embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a reservation queue held in an auxiliary memory 102.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit 157.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the facsimile server 100.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of step S406.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the facsimile server 100 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile communication system according to third to fifth embodiments.

8 is a diagram showing a setting screen displayed on the display unit 157 of the client terminal 150. FIG.

9 is a diagram schematically showing a data structure of facsimile data transmitted to the facsimile server 100. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the facsimile server 100 according to the third embodiment.

11 is a diagram showing a setting screen displayed on the display unit 157 of the client terminal 150. FIG.

12 is a diagram schematically showing distribution conditions held in the memory 101 of the facsimile server 100. FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for registering delivery conditions in the facsimile server 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing regarding distribution in the facsimile server 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the facsimile server 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of a storage medium that stores program codes for implementing the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of a storage medium in which program codes for realizing the third to fifth embodiments are stored.

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile server which mediates between a modem connected to a telephone line network and a client terminal on the network, and registration means for registering a job related to exchange of facsimile data based on an instruction from the client terminal. A facsimile server comprising: a job acquisition unit that extracts a job to be executed; and a notification unit that notifies a client terminal that has registered the job that the extracted job will be executed. 2. The facsimile server according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the modem based on an instruction from the client terminal relating to the notification by the notification means. 3. The facsimile server according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit can register a facsimile data transmission job and a polling reception job. 4. The notification unit according to claim 3, wherein when the fetched job is a polling reception job, the notification unit notifies the client terminal that has registered the job that the job is to be executed. Facsimile server. 5. The facsimile server according to claim 4, wherein the notifying unit does not notify that the job is executed when the taken out job is a transmission job. 6. The one of claim 1 to claim 5, wherein the notifying unit has a terminal specifying unit that specifies a client terminal that has registered the job based on identification information included in the retrieved job. The facsimile server according to item 1. 7. A facsimile server, which mediates between a modem connected to a telephone line network and a client terminal on the network, and a delivery condition acquisition means for acquiring a delivery condition when delivering facsimile data, and a facsimile to be delivered. A facsimile server, comprising: a distribution unit that distributes the facsimile data to a client terminal of a distribution destination when the data matches the distribution condition acquired by the distribution condition acquisition unit. 8. The apparatus further comprises date / time acquisition means for acquiring the current date / time, wherein the delivery condition includes delivery date / time, and the delivery means performs the delivery based on the current date / time obtained by the date / time acquisition means. 8. The facsimile server according to claim 7, wherein it is determined whether or not the facsimile data that should be transmitted matches the distribution condition acquired by the distribution condition acquisition means. 9. The facsimile server according to claim 8, wherein the distribution condition acquisition means acquires information regarding the date and time of the distribution from the auxiliary information of the facsimile data to be distributed. 10. The delivery condition includes a delivery route including a transmission source and a delivery destination, and the delivery means determines whether or not the facsimile data to be delivered matches the delivery condition acquired by the delivery condition acquisition means. The facsimile server according to claim 7, wherein the facsimile server determines that 11. The facsimile server according to claim 10, wherein the distribution condition acquisition unit has a registration unit that registers the distribution route, and acquires the distribution route from the registration unit. 12. The facsimile server according to claim 11, wherein the registration unit registers the delivery route based on an instruction from a client terminal. 13. When the facsimile data to be distributed cannot match the distribution condition acquired by the distribution condition acquisition means, a transmission means for transmitting the facsimile data to a terminal for a distribution operator on the network is further provided. It is provided with Claim 7 thru | or Claim 12 characterized by the above-mentioned.
The facsimile server according to any one of 1. 14. A method of controlling a facsimile server, which mediates between a modem connected to a telephone network and a client terminal on the network, wherein a registration for registering a job relating to exchange of facsimile data is performed based on an instruction from the client terminal. A method of controlling a facsimile server, comprising: a process, a job acquisition process for extracting a job to be executed, and a notification process for notifying a client terminal that has registered the job that the extracted job will be executed. 15. The method of controlling a facsimile server according to claim 15, further comprising a control step of controlling the modem based on an instruction from a client terminal relating to the notification in the notification step. 16. The method of controlling a facsimile server according to claim 14, wherein the registration step can register a facsimile data transmission job and a polling reception job. 17. The notifying step according to claim 16, wherein when the fetched job is a polling reception job, the client terminal that has registered the job is notified that the job is to be executed. Facsimile server control method. 18. The method of controlling a facsimile server according to claim 17, wherein, in the notifying step, when the taken out job is a transmission job, no notification to execute the job is given. 19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the notifying step includes a terminal specifying step of specifying a client terminal that has registered the job based on identification information included in the retrieved job. 2. A method of controlling a facsimile server according to item 1. 20. A method of controlling a facsimile server, which mediates between a modem connected to a telephone network and a client terminal on the network, comprising: a distribution condition acquisition step of acquiring distribution conditions when distributing facsimile data; And a distribution step of distributing the facsimile data to the client terminal of the distribution destination when the facsimile data to be matched matches the distribution condition acquired by the distribution condition acquisition step. 21. A time and date acquisition step of acquiring a current time and date is further provided, wherein the delivery condition includes a time and date of delivery, and the delivery step is based on the current time and date obtained by the time and date acquisition step. 21. The method of controlling a facsimile server according to claim 20, wherein it is determined whether or not the desired facsimile data matches the delivery condition acquired in the delivery condition acquisition step. 22. The method of controlling a facsimile server according to claim 21, wherein the delivery condition obtaining step obtains information regarding the date and time of the delivery from auxiliary information of the facsimile data to be delivered. 23. The delivery condition includes a delivery route including a transmission source and a delivery destination, and the delivery step determines whether or not the facsimile data to be delivered matches the delivery condition acquired in the delivery condition acquisition step. 21. The method for controlling a facsimile server according to claim 20, wherein the determination is made. 24. The method of controlling a facsimile server according to claim 23, wherein the delivery condition acquisition step includes a registration step of registering the delivery path, and the delivery path is acquired from registered contents. . 25. The method of controlling a facsimile server according to claim 24, wherein the registration step registers the delivery route based on an instruction from a client terminal. 26. A transmission step of transmitting the facsimile data to a terminal for a distribution operator on the network when the facsimile data to be distributed cannot match the distribution condition acquired in the distribution condition acquisition step. Claim 20 thru | or Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.
5. The method for controlling a facsimile server according to any one of 5 above. 27. A computer-readable memory containing a control program code for controlling a facsimile server that mediates between a modem connected to a telephone line network and a client terminal on the network, the facsimile being based on an instruction from the client terminal. The code of the registration process that registers the job related to data exchange, the code of the job acquisition process that extracts the job to be executed, and the code of the notification process that notifies the client terminal that registered the job that the extracted job will be executed A computer-readable memory comprising :. 28. A computer-readable memory containing a control program code for controlling a facsimile server that mediates between a modem connected to a telephone line network and a client terminal on the network, the distribution condition for distributing facsimile data. A code for the delivery condition acquisition step to be acquired, and a delivery step code for delivering the facsimile data to the client terminal of the delivery destination when the facsimile data to be delivered matches the delivery condition acquired by the delivery condition acquisition step, A computer-readable memory comprising :.