Facsimile Relay System Patents (Class 358/407)
  • Patent number: 7417760
    Abstract: A main controlling portion controls each portion of a facsimile system, and when a communication controlling portion receives facsimile communication information from a sender indicated by predetermined sender information stored in a storing portion, causes a LAN controlling portion to notify a notify party indicated by notify party information associated with the received sender information of notification information only when determining that a predetermined notification condition is satisfied. It is possible to notify of the notification information only when the predetermined notification condition desired by a user is satisfied, and it is possible to increase convenience. Moreover, consequently, the facsimile system does not execute an operation process of notifying of the notification information when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, so that it is possible to prevent a wasteful operation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tonami, Satoshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 7408681
    Abstract: The present invention provides a facsimile server including a facsimile receiving unit for receiving image data and a distributing unit for distributing the image data that is received by the facsimile receiving unit to an original destination. The facsimile server also includes a storing unit for storing the image data when not distributed to the original destination. The distributing unit distributes the stored image data to a second destination that differs from the original destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Tanimoto
  • Publication number: 20080174829
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods that provide a streamlined process for receiving and transmitting facsimile documents to one or more non-facsimile enabled destinations. The systems and methods can also convert received documents into a second format before transmission. Among other benefits, the streamlined systems and methods of the present invention, which do not require document storage between receipt and later transmittal, can lessen the risk of document transmittal failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Athir Nuaimi, Ralph Musgrove
  • Publication number: 20080151296
    Abstract: An image communication apparatus is capable of communicating with external apparatuses. The image communication apparatus receives image data from a first external apparatus and stores the received image data in a storage unit. Upon receiving a request from a second external apparatus, the image communication apparatus identifies the image data that was destined for the second external apparatus among the image data stored in the storage unit and transfers the identified image data to the second external apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akinori Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20080137151
    Abstract: Techniques for transmitting information to a recipient under their control are described. In some situations, the techniques are used in conjunction with a fax delivery system to, as part of a connection established to perform a fax transmission, provide a variety of functionalities to a human recipient that is participating as part of the connection, such as when the human recipient is contacted in error. In addition, in some situations an interactive voice response system is used to receive and interpret input from a human recipient, such as in response to one or more control selections or options provided to the human recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: William D. Street
  • Publication number: 20080130040
    Abstract: A method for a computer includes determining a call-in fax telephone number called by a facsimile transmission device, receiving the facsimile transmission from a facsimile transmission device including a digitized representation of a transmission page including an optical representation of data associated with an e-mail address, determining the data optically, which is independent of the call-in number, determining a graphics template associated with the call-in number, combining a digitized representation of the transmission page with the graphics template to form a digitized representation of a composite page, formatting the digitized representation of the composite page into a second format, determining additional service provider data in response to the facsimile or the scanned image, and transmitting the additional service provider data and the digitized representation of the composite page in the second format to the electronic destination address.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: MongoNet
    Inventors: Matthew K. Henry, Christopher L. Fortescue
  • Patent number: 7382478
    Abstract: A full-mode Internet facsimile machine includes a transmitter transmitting image data by using an electronic mail message after storing original image data in a storage unit, a designating device declaring and designating an effective period when holding original image data in the storage unit as a transient effective period or a permanent effective period for each facsimile communication or for each destination, and a control unit controlling to hold the original image data in the storage unit during the designated effective period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 7382844
    Abstract: A method of self-synchronizing clocks in a multiple chip system, by assigning one chip as the master chip and the other chips as slave chips. A training signal is sent from master chip to the slave chips to determine the latency from the master chip to a slave chip, and then a synchronization signal is sent out to synchronize the “time zero” of the chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charlie C. Hwang, Timothy G. McNamara, Ching-Lung Tong, Wiren Dale Becker
  • Publication number: 20080103864
    Abstract: A method of distributing 3-dimensional model data, the model data being associated with a physical item, the method of distribution including the steps of: (i) storing at a central data store full 3-dimensional model data; (ii) receiving at the central data store a request for abridged model data in a selected format from a requesting end user; (iii) generating at the central data store abridged model data in the selected format requested by the requesting end user; and (iv) transmitting the abridged model data in the selected format to the requesting end user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: HGM DESIGN LIMITED
    Inventor: Dale Edward Mooney
  • Patent number: 7365871
    Abstract: An image capture, conversion, compression, storage and transmission system provides a data signal representing the image in a format and protocol capable of being transmitted over any of a plurality of readily available transmission systems and received by readily available, standard equipment receiving stations. In its most comprehensive form, the system is capable of sending and receiving audio, documentary and visual image data to and from standard remote stations readily available throughout the world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: David A. Monroe
  • Patent number: 7365884
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating facsimile transmissions has one or more store and forward facilities, each associated with a plurality of subscriber facsimile machines, typically coupled over the switched telephone network. The store and forward facsimiles include a computer for controlling operations and mass data storage equipment. A subscriber to the system delivers an outgoing facsimile message to the store and forward facility with which it is associated, which records the fax message together with data as to originating facsimile machine and destination facsimile machine. The store and forward facility then delivers the facsimile message to the intended receiver facsimile machine, either directly or through another store and forward facility. If unsuccessful on an initial attempt, the store and forward facility periodically retrys to send the facsimile message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Catch Curve, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Gordon, James R. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7359075
    Abstract: Print server load is reduced efficiently by deleting information about print clients from a print server based on precise conditions peculiar to a print system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuo Kimura
  • Publication number: 20080079985
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a scan destination profile request may be received. The scan destination profile request may include scanner-side settings. It may be determined whether the scanner-side settings are supported by a scanner. If it is determined that at least some of the scanner-side settings are not supported by the scanner, a scan destination profile may be split into a first part and a second part. The first part of the scan destination profile may include the scanner-side settings that are supported by the scanner. The second part of the scan destination profile may include the scanner-side settings that are not supported by the scanner. The first part of the scan destination profile may be uploaded to the scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Rodney Ferlitsch
  • Patent number: 7333245
    Abstract: A computing system including a computer and a printer. The computer is operable to transmit a print job to the printer that cases the printer to retain the job. The computer is further operable to record a record of the job. The record includes an identifier of the job and an identifier of the printer. The user can later retrieve and display the job ID and request that the job be printed. The computer responds by causing the printer to print the job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Gary M. Peter, Matt Howell
  • Patent number: 7310163
    Abstract: An information input/output system includes printer servers and facsimile servers, connected with the Internet respectively, and printers and facsimile apparatuses connected with the printer and facsimile servers, respectively. A terminal is configured to access information contents on the Internet and to transmit printing request data including at least a contents ID specifying information contents for printing from among the information contents on the Internet and a print outputting destination ID specifying one of the printers or facsimile apparatuses for printing therewith the information contents for printing. A printing request administration server is configured to receive the printing request data transmitted from the terminal and to transmit the printing request data to one of the facsimile or printer servers determined according to the print outputting destination ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Uchiyama, Takahiro Asai
  • Patent number: 7301658
    Abstract: An object is optically scanned to form a corresponding message data in storage. The message data is transmitted over an interconnecting network to an address of an addressed recipient. After receiving an acknowledgement of receipt of the message data from the addressed recipient through the interconnecting network, the message data in storage is deleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Steven G. Henry
  • Patent number: 7292362
    Abstract: When a facsimile data is received, a control unit causes the content of the facsimile data to be displayed on a display. The control unit causes a recording unit to print the content of the facsimile data on a recording sheet when a “Print” key is pressed down with the facsimile data displayed on the display while causing a forwarding method selection screen to be displayed on the display when a “To Forward” key is pressed down. The control unit causes a display urging the selection of the E-mail transmission of the received facsimile data, the transmission thereof to another computer and the transmission thereof to another facsimile apparatus to be displayed in the forwarding method selection screen on the display, and the facsimile data is forwarded by a forwarding method corresponding to the instruction given from an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Matsuda, Junji Matsui, Hiroshi Mori, Ken Imai, Yuki Shibahara, Yuichiro Iwase, Yoshihisa Kuramae
  • Patent number: 7292682
    Abstract: A method and system for transmitting a facsimile message uses a public-switched telecommunications network, the public-switched telecommunication network having a messaging platform capable of storing a plurality of facsimile messages. The initiation of a telephone call to a destination is detected, the content of the call including the facsimile message. If the destination is available at a first time to receive a telephone call, the facsimile message is transmitted. The facsimile message may be stored on the messaging platform only if the destination is unavailable at the first time, or every time a telephone call is initiated by the originating party. The method also provides for situations where a telephone call is redirected, where an inter-NPA seven digit dialing case has occurred, and where “busy” or “no_answer” triggers are implemented. If the facsimile message was stored, the facsimile message is transmitted at a second time if the destination is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: SBC Properties L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Meek, William Harvey Meek, Gordon Lynn Blumenschein
  • Patent number: 7286254
    Abstract: A network communication control apparatus that converts data from a facsimile apparatus into e-mail to transmit to another communication apparatus, and converts e-mail from another communication apparatus into facsimile data to transmit to the facsimile apparatus, the network communication control apparatus further stores managing data that includes whether transmission to/from facsimile apparatus from/to another communication terminal is complete, determines whether the un-transmitted managing data is stored at a predetermined timing, and notifies the sender regarding the un-transmitted data, when the un-transmitted managing data is stored, according to the content of data. This is to allow the sender to be easily and automatically notified when the data transmission is incomplete, and to improve the reliability of the network communication control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Panasonic Communications Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Koreeda, Kazuto Kobayashi, Asahiro Onuma, Yuuji Takemoto
  • Patent number: 7286496
    Abstract: IP network communication device which allows facsimile communication conforming to ITU-T recommendation V.34 in the network conforming to ITU-T recommendation T.38. This IP network communication device comprises a call controller for setting the call connection of a voice channel with another communication device, a voice controller which generates packets from voice data and facsimile data, sends the packets to the other communication device, and restores voice data or facsimile data from the packets received from the other communication device, and a digital signal processor which mediates the communication of voice data and facsimile data between an accommodated terminal and the voice controller. The digital signal processor turns ON the facsimile tone detecting function, echo canceling function, and fluctuation absorption buffer function if voice data is communicated, and turns these functions OFF if facsimile data is communicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuko Koide, Syuusuke Sawai
  • Patent number: 7283269
    Abstract: An Internet facsimile machine includes a control unit controlling to transmit image data by using an electronic mail message after storing original image data in a storage unit and to retransmit a first electronic mail message, when transmitting the first electronic mail message including simplified image data, and a return electronic email message cannot be received even after an elapsed prescribed period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Murata Kakai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 7280239
    Abstract: Facsimile image data received from a normal facsimile apparatus connected to a general telephone network can be transmitted as an e-mail to the e-mail address of a computer network such as a LAN or the like designated by the source facsimile apparatus. An apparatus has a LAN I/F (6-14) for connecting to the LAN, and a line I/F (6-6) for connecting to the public telephone network. Upon reception of a remote instruction from the public telephone network, a CPU (6-3) converts received facsimile image data into e-mail data, and transmits the converted e-mail data to the e-mail address designated by the received remote instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenzo Sekiguchi
  • Publication number: 20070223052
    Abstract: A terminal device having at least one function utilizable by a plurality of external devices interconnected with the terminal device via a network comprises an occupation setting system that sets an intended function in a state occupied by an external device specified as an occupation device that is an occupation requesting source, a function execution command receiving system, an occupation device judging system that judges whether a sending source of the function execution command is the occupation device, a communication judging system that judges whether communication of the terminal device with a device other than the occupation device is necessary, and a function execution permitting system that releases, for the device other than the occupation device, the occupied state and permits execution of a function corresponding to the function execution command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Satoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7265858
    Abstract: There is provided a method and system for initiating an information transmission, such as with faxing, e-mail, data streaming, or the like from a personal computer on a network having at least one networked multifunction machine. The method comprises the steps of invoking a fax command from a software program on a personal computer and then viewing a list of machines residing on the network which contain local address book information. Upon viewing the list, a machine is selected from the list and a search is conducted through the personal computer for a local copy of the selected machine's address book information. If no local copy exists, a local copy of the selected machine's address book information is created on the personal computer. The local copy of the selected machine's address book is then used to retrieve address book information for selecting a recipient of an information transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: David Park, Truc D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7265861
    Abstract: An automated rule-based system for facilitating delivery of a fax document from a source to a destination over a network where an initial delivery attempt has been unsuccessful. Actions to be taken are based upon a time-variable set of input conditions which may be determined from one or more of the destination, the source, a database of past delivery attempts, and a human analyst. The actions may include one or more of resubmitting the fax document to the network for a next delivery attempt, canceling the document, sending a request to the source or destination for additional delivery information, and identifying the destination as a technical problem. The input conditions may include an identification of non-business days and non-business hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Captaris, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Ranalli, Robert Hubener, Valerie Louise Johns, Shelley J. Ranalli, Lori Baumgartner, Diana Li
  • Publication number: 20070195375
    Abstract: Image data read by the scanner device is transmitted to arbitrary devices via a network. A plurality of destination addresses is input (Step S1). The image data read by the scanner device are transmitted to at least one destination address (shared folder address) from among the plurality of inputted destination addresses (Step S4), and image data information are transmitted to the other destination addresses (e-mail addresses) (Step S5). The image data information includes the file name of the image data and the destination address to access the image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: KYOCERA MITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshimitsu Morimoto
  • Patent number: 7251678
    Abstract: An Internet facsimile apparatus is provided for eliminating inconveniences possibly experienced by the user when receiving a plurality of electronic mail from the same Internet facsimile apparatus. Since the contents of transmitter unique information is placed in a From field or a Subject field of an electronic mail received from an originating Internet facsimile apparatus, the user can estimate the contents of the electronic mail by referring to the contents of a list of electronic mail information to readily find a desired electronic mail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukikazu Mori
  • Patent number: 7245403
    Abstract: An image transfer apparatus includes a history information storage unit configure to store a history information by associating a mail address designated as a destination in a previously performed image transfer with type information indicating a type of the terminal of the image transfer destination. The apparatus allows a first transfer unit to execute the image transfer, when the history information stored in the history information storage unit is designated as the image transfer destination and the type information included in the designated history information indicates a first type in conformity with a Internet system, and allows a second transfer unit to execute the image transfer, when the type information included in the history information designated as the image transfer destination indicates a second type in a predetermined system not to related to the Internet system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiharu Ishii
  • Patent number: 7245390
    Abstract: A facsimile apparatus which is easy to use is provided. Control is performed so that a CPU (central processing unit) registers a sub-address signal and a communication specification so as to correspond to a memory box, selects start of ring-type multiple-address transmission, and selects transfer of ring-type multiple-address reception. When start of ring-type multiple-address transmission has been selected, transmitter information is added. When transferring ring-type multiple-address reception, transmitter information is not added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7245392
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for generating a cover page for a fax job. The method comprises the steps of sending a fax job with cover page information to a DID for fax generation and transmittal. The fax job and cover page are suitably separated into two separate jobs prior to submission to the DID. The fax job is then preferably sent to the raster image processor of the DID before the cover page job so that when the cover page job is generated, the number of generated pages has already been determined. After bitmap images are created of both the fax job and cover page job, the fax job and cover page job are suitably swapped and combined into one job such that the cover page job bitmaps precede the fax job bitmaps. After combining the two jobs, the single fax job is suitably sent to a recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tony T. Quach
  • Patent number: 7242497
    Abstract: An information input/output system includes printer servers and facsimile servers, connected with the Internet respectively, and printers and facsimile apparatuses connected with the printer and facsimile servers, respectively. A terminal is configured to access information contents on the Internet and to transmit printing request data including at least a contents ID specifying information contents for printing from among the information contents on the Internet and a print outputting destination ID specifying one of the printers or facsimile apparatuses for printing therewith the information contents for printing. A printing request administration server is configured to receive the printing request data transmitted from the terminal and to transmit the printing request data to one of the facsimile or printer servers determined according to the print outputting destination ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Uchiyama, Takahiro Asai
  • Patent number: 7242496
    Abstract: A facsimile machine provides file specifying information of a transmission file to an agent software. The agent software runs an appropriate application program in accordance with the file specifying information. By using this function, a prescribed file on a data conversion device is converted directly into an image content via a network from the facsimile machine. Accordingly, a facsimile transmission of the image content to a prescribed destination can be carried out just by an operation from the facsimile machine. As a result, an efficiency of a facsimile transmission process is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 7239406
    Abstract: A facsimile capture device is provided that functions in a plurality of operating modes. In a first automatic operating mode, the facsimile device captures received facsimile or “document” data without user intervention, and subsequently transmits the data to a device represented by a capture address. In one embodiment, the data is transmitted to a file management appliance (“FMA”) which utilizes multiple processes and queues to provide document capture and indexing services to a network. In a second manual operating mode, the facsimile device selectively captures and modifies received document data based upon additionally received external input data. The facsimile device is capable transmitting the document data to a plurality of secondary devices utilizing various transmission and encapsulation protocols. In one embodiment, the facsimile device transmits captured document data to indexing and archiving devices according to standard Internet protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., LTD
    Inventors: Kurt W. Piersol, Tatsuo Ito, Hirosuke Kainuma
  • Patent number: 7230733
    Abstract: A communication control method of an Internet facsimile may provide transmitting and receiving document information via the Internet and transmitting and receiving facsimile image information via a public switched telephone network. The method may include receiving a relay result returned from a relay broadcast distribution station in the form of an electronic mail if a transmission error occurs in transmitting information from the Internet facsimile to a destination via the Internet. Based on the received relay result, a communication management report may be prepared that indicates the occurrence of the error if the error occurs. An image corresponding to the information may be attached to the report. The report may be output in the form of an electronic mail. An Internet facsimile may include a communication section, a communication management report preparation section, an image attaching section, and a communication management report output section, which carry out such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomomichi Adegawa
  • Patent number: 7230744
    Abstract: A multi-stage or process operation, such as the printing of a document from a data file in the form of a word processing document may be performed either by passing the document directly along a relatively fast network link to a printer 300, or by passing the document along a relatively slow link to a printer 200, where the document is ripped, and then passing the ripped data along a further relatively fast link to printer 300. To determine the optimum course of action in view of a policy demanding speed of printing the probable speed of each course of action is determined, and the course of action most likely to yield a result in conformity with the policy is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Athena Christodoulou, Richard Taylor, Christopher Tofts
  • Patent number: 7227660
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes receiving means for receiving image data and accompanying communication information, primary storage means for temporarily storing them, secondary storage means having a greater storage capacity than the primary storage means, forwarding means for converting the image data to a standard format and forwarding it with the communication information, network communication means for transmitting the standard format image data with the communication information to the server apparatus. The communication apparatus further includes retransmitting means operable in case of a failure of transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruyuki Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7224479
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which there are provided a communication means that communicates through a network, a printing means that outputs and image based on image data by forming it on a recording sheet, an inputting means into which information transfer items corresponding to a specific event and an information transfer target address are inputted, a table in which the information transfer items and the information transfer target address are recorded according to the setting inputted from the inputting means, and a control means that controls image forming and controls to transfer the contents of the information transfer items to the formation transfer target address through the network referring to the table, when the specific event is caused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7209257
    Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; an antenna mounted on the support structure for transmitting and receiving radio signals; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure to process the radio signals; a speaker and microphone arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; a printhead positioned on the support structure to carry out a printing operation; and an interface for enabling interrogation of an authentication means associated with an ink cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7206088
    Abstract: A communication system capable of carrying out communication between terminals within different local systems via a plurality of relay servers. The first terminal is connected to the relay server, and the communication with the first relay server is made practicable. In the same manner, the second terminal is connected to the second relay server, and the communication with the second relay server is made practicable. When a connection demand with the second terminal is transmitted to the first relay server from the first terminal, the first relay server forwards the connection demand to the second relay server, and the second relay server notifies the connection demand to the second terminal, and the communication between the terminals is made practicable. Then, when the data is transmitted from the first terminal to the second terminal, the data is forwarded to the second terminal through the first and second relay servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 7206085
    Abstract: A network facsimile machine (1) is connected to PSTN (3) such that it can receive fax data from a remote facsimile machine (2) over the PSTN (3). The network facsimile machine (1) is also connected to LAN (6) such that it can deliver the received fax data to a designated recipient (4 or 5) on the LAN (6). When a communication control unit (11) of the network facsimile machine (1) receives a ring signal over the PSTN (3) from the remote facsimile machine (2), it performs a communication procedure with the remote facsimile machine (1) and receives data identifying a network final recipient (4 or 5) to which the fax data will be delivered. The network facsimile machine (1) then references a delivery recipient table (12) based on the data identifying the final recipient, and reads out the reception capabilities of the identified recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Eguchi
  • Patent number: 7202962
    Abstract: Digital processing of images (i.e. scanning or printing) in a network system including digital image processing devices provided with operating means and a display may be impeded or even be impossible, when a device selected for processing a job does not have the capabilities required for processing that job in accordance with the job settings. If such a situation arises, the selected device automatically checks if any of the other devices can process the job in accordance with the job settings and if so, it displays advice on at least one of such devices on its display, so that an operator is informed, where he can have his job done properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Oce-Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Monica Maria Wilhelmina Mathea Roosen, Robertus Cornelis Willibrordus Theodorus Van Den Tillaart, Duncan Antoon Helena Stiphout, Gerardus Johannes Rozing
  • Patent number: 7202978
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating facsimile transmissions has one or more store and forward facilities. The store and forward facilities include a computer for controlling operations and mass data storage equipment. Subscriber mailboxes are provided as part of the mass storage, which can be accessed by a subscriber to have his messages delivered to any facsimile machine he designates. Secure facsimile transmission is achieved through use of subscriber PIN numbers. The system can also be used in cooperation with a paperless facsimile machine which directly displays the facsimile message on a screen and is capable of entering outgoing facsimile messages to the store and forward facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Catch Curve, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Gordon, James R. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7199892
    Abstract: When a multicast instruction is input, a facsimile apparatus transmits an input plurality of sub-addresses together with image data to a repeater in a single communication transaction. Thus, effective communication can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Panasonic Communications Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Suguru Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7199893
    Abstract: An information input/output system includes printer and facsimile servers, connected with the Internet, and printer and facsimile apparatus connected with the servers, respectively. A terminal accesses information contents on the Internet and transmits printing request data including at least a contents ID specifying information contents for printing and a print outputting destination ID specifying one printer or facsimile apparatus for printing the information contents for printing. A printing request administration server receives the transmitted printing request data and transmits the printing request data to one of the servers according to the print outputting destination ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Uchiyama, Takahiro Asai
  • Patent number: 7194079
    Abstract: Improved call forwarding methods and apparatus are described. Dialing of multiple call forwarding locations in parallel is supported. Distinguishing between fax and voice calls and using different forwarding numbers for each type of call is also supported. Forwarding of facsimiles by E-mail as an alternative or in addition to forwarding by phone is also supported. Call forwarding security features such as requiring an answering party to enter a PIN before being connected to the calling party are also described. The call forwarding services can be implemented in the PSTN using AIN techniques avoiding the need to purchase or upgrade customer premise equipment to receive the call forwarding service. Alternatively, the call forwarding methods may be implemented using customer premise equipment such as a PBX.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Verizon Services Corp.
    Inventors: Michael P. Straub, William A. Kay
  • Patent number: 7184179
    Abstract: Disclosed is an Internet FAX apparatus which, after receiving an Internet address from a certain destination, can communicate with the same destination in later transmission or during communication by connecting to a LAN and switching to an Internet FAX mode requiring no communication charge. An Internet facsimile apparatus on the receiving side transmits its Internet facsimile function and Internet address on an NSF signal in a standard protocol of G3 facsimile transmission and/or transmits its telephone number, Internet facsimile function, and Internet address on TSI and NSS signals in the standard protocol of G3 facsimile communication. The Internet facsimile apparatus registers an Internet facsimile function and Internet address of a partner apparatus as destination data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Maeda
  • Patent number: 7180638
    Abstract: A network fax machine for faxing files received from a remote client includes a server unit and a fax control unit. The server unit sends a fax document form to a remote client and receives fax information from the remote client. The fax information includes an identifier corresponding to a destination fax machine and a file to be faxed to the destination fax machine. The fax control unit is configured to use the identifier to connect the network fax machine to the destination fax machine and configured to send the file to the destination fax machine by facsimile communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaoan Hou, Yahya Hamadani
  • Patent number: 7173726
    Abstract: Disclosed are a communication apparatus capable of efficiently using a communication line, a control method of the communication apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, a communication method, and a program. To accomplish this, if “print later” in a menu is selected with an image displayed during data communication while a line is connected (S432), printing data is generated from an HTML file of the displayed image (S433). That is, the displayed image is designated as an image to be printed after the line is disconnected. The generated printing data is stored in a printing data buffer (S434). If the presence of the data in the printing buffer is detected (S437) after the line is disconnected (S436), the data is printed (S438).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Michihiro Izumi
  • Patent number: 7173725
    Abstract: Collective transmission of image data for a same destination, containing one-side and two-side originals in mixed manner is enabled without deteriorating the interchangeability of a facsimile communication. A one-touch dial memory is rendered capable of storing timer transmission data, and, when the memory transmission is designated by a one-touch key of an operation unit, two-side and one-side images are read and are stored in an image memory. When the image data of plural sets are to be transmitted to the same destination at a designated time, such image data of plural sets are collectively transmitted to the same destination by separately connecting the calling between the set of the two-side images and that of the one-side images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7164488
    Abstract: A facsimile/email communication system and method providing a user the ability to send emails from any standalone facsimile machine and providing a user the ability to logon to a centralized web server and send facsimiles to any standalone fax machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: MongoNet
    Inventor: Matthew K. Henry