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.

Abstract: An automated system and method for testing a facsimile machine using an additional port on the facsimile machine for communication with a computer which controls the testing. The system includes a user interface with a plurality of commands which a user can select for testing the facsimile machine. The present invention inputs, from the user, a testing sequence which includes the commands for testing the facsimile machine and transmits the commands for testing the facsimile machine from the computer to the facsimile machine through the additional port. The facsimile machine executes the transmitted commands to perform requested testing, collects testing conditions and test results, and communicates the testing conditions and test results to the computer through the port. The computer then logs the testing conditions and test results, and communicates the results to the user.

Abstract: A facsimile communication system includes first and second facsimile machines, first and second modems, and a computer. The first facsimile machine includes a multifunction interface that is coupled to the first modem and the computer. The multifunction interface controls transfer of facsimile data from either the facsimile machine or the computer to the first modem with or without processing of the data. For example, the computer may provide data to the multifunction interface in conventional facsimile format using conventional facsimile software and the multifunction interface performs protocol conversion for transmission via the first modem. Alternatively, the computer may include specialized software that provides the conversion into the desired format for transmission via the first modem. In such a case, the multifunction interface passes through the data received from the computer.

Abstract: A method and system have a feature of rewriting an application program to a nonvolatile rewritable memory in a way that allows for prevention of execution or corrupted program or recovery from failures that occur during execution of the application program. Before writing the application program to a first segment of the memory, an indicator is written to a second segment of the memory, indicating that the first segment of memory contains "invalid" information. At least the first segment, but not the second segment, is then erased and the application program is then written to the first segment. If the writing process is not completed, perhaps due to an unforseen disturbance (e.g., power outage) in the system, the first segment retains the indicator without changing the indicator's value. However, if the writing process is completed, a control processor determines that the writing process is completed and changes the indicator in the first segment to a value indicative of "valid" data.