Abstract: A method for preparing electronic data for transmission includes calculating a duration for compressing the electronic data, calculating a duration for transmitting the electronic data if not compressed, and compressing the electronic data only if the duration for compressing does not exceed the duration for transmitting.

Abstract: A communication apparatus allowing confirmation of e-mail address before sending and allowing the load on the network to be reduced is disclosed. An e-mail address database is provided for retrievably storing a history of sending results for respective destination e-mail addresses. A controller searches the e-mail address database to find at least one e-mail address that has a domain name identical to that of the destination e-mail address and has a normal sending result. When the at least one e-mail address is found in the e-mail address database, the controller sends an e-mail attached with the image data to the destination e-mail address.

Abstract: A multiple integrated machine system (“MIMS”) capable of performing as multiple digital machines. The MIMS comprises multiple elements controlled by one operating system. Each element is different. Each element includes hardware and software and can perform as part of one machine. An element grouping control unit is provided. Upon receiving a first machine selection, the control unit automatically, operatively connects elements in a first combination forming a first machine. Upon receiving a second machine selection, the control unit automatically, operatively connects elements in a second combination forming a second machine. The first and second combinations differ. Multiple subgroup function control units are provided. Each subgroup function control unit corresponds to either the first or second machine selecting one or more functions to be performed by the respective machine.

Abstract: A mail retrieval moderator instructs an image memory usage rate calculator to calculate a usage rate of an image memory, and determines whether the usage rage is greater than or equal to 98%. When the answer is “Yes”, there is a risk that the image memory will have a memory overflow if more e-mail is retrieved from the POP3 server. Thus, a timer is reset and the control returns to ST501. When the answer is “No”, there is no risk that the image memory will have a memory overflow even if more e-mail is retrieved from the POP3 server. Thus, e-mail is retrieved from the POP3 server. Accordingly, the apparatus and method for receiving e-mail is capable of securely retrieving e-mail from the mail server, even with a relatively small memory capacity.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus includes an image data communication unit that transmits and receives image data, an accumulation unit that accumulates transmitted and received image data, and a transmission unit that transmits the image data accumulated in the accumulation unit to an e-mail address for archiving. A controller determines whether a predetermined execution time is coming and transmits the image data accumulated in the accumulation unit to the transmission unit.

Abstract: Facsimile devices having no SIP function or operating based on different protocols are allowed to easily perform good facsimile communication over a SIP network, only with a telephone number input. A SIP adapter is connected to a facsimile device and enables the facsimile device to perform direct facsimile communication with the other facsimile device. When inputting a telephone number from the facsimile device, the SIP adapter sends the telephone number to the SIP server and acquires the IP address of another SIP adapter connected to the other facsimile device. After establishing a session between the SIP adapters, the SIP adapter acquires the IP address of the other facsimile device and transmits facsimile image data to the other facsimile device.

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.

Abstract: A color facsimile device capable of transmitting color image information through multiple communication methods, such as G3, G4, T.37, and T.38, which can convert color image information into that represented in appropriate color space for each communication methods.

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.

Abstract: A printer connected to a network prints documents transmitted as portions of E-mail messages sent to the printer from computer systems through a print server. The printing process is controlled by administrative settings stored within the printer and further by keyword-value pairs recorded in the subject lines of the E-mail messages. The printer preferably also acts as a web page server to client systems connected to the network, with administrative settings being updated through the network following recognition of a password.

Abstract: According to this invention, the IP address and identifier of a destination apparatus are stored in correspondence with the telephone number of the destination apparatus. Input of the telephone number of the destination apparatus is accepted. Depending on whether or not the IP address corresponding to the accepted telephone number is stored, a session request is transmitted to the destination apparatus using that IP address so as to start an image communication.

Abstract: In order to facilitate an input of a process condition for allowing any of a plurality of image forming apparatuses to form an image, a PC communicative to a plurality of MFPs connected via a network obtains function information defining a function held by each of a plurality of MFPs, displays a common condition setting window for accepting an input of a process condition for performing a common function held by all of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, based on the obtained function information, accepts an input of a process condition, and outputs the accepted process condition to any one of a plurality of MFPs.

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.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring information delivered through an electronic delivery system. One method for monitoring electronically delivering documents is provided which includes the steps of: creating log files for storing selected data related to selected electronic document preparation events; forwarding the log files to a central database for storage; and providing access to the log files for retrieval and analysis.

Abstract: In a method of printing using a mobile device, the mobile device accesses remote content. An archive file containing the remote content is generated on the mobile device or on a proxy server on a network. The mobile device then transmits a print request to an imaging device, and the imaging device requests and receives the archive file and prints the content.

Abstract: An Internet facsimile apparatus includes an interface accepting remote commands sent by e-mail, a processor permitting or rejecting the remote commands based on a domain name or an e-mail address associated with the remote commands, and a processor executing the remote commands.

Abstract: Together with an image forming apparatus, a method and a control program which can be applied to the image forming apparatus are disclosed in an embodiment of the invention. The image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus for printing data whose printing has been requested from a client apparatus via a network. The image forming apparatus has: identifying means for identifying a text portion and an attached file with respect to E-mail transmitted from the client apparatus, recognizing means for recognizing control data which can be disclosed in the text portion of the E-mail and control data which can be enclosed in the attached file identified by the identifying means, and control means for controlling a printing process in accordance with a recognition result of the recognizing means showing whether at least either the text portion or the attached file identified by the identifying means includes the control data or not.

Abstract: A system and method for transmission of a document from a sending location to a receiving location by way of a trusted way location is disclosed. A selected document is physically or electronically transmitted by a sending location to a letter server operated by a delivery service. A confirmation of transmission of the document is provided the sender by the delivery service. Thereafter, the letter server reproduces the document in original quality, accompanied by any necessary items such as a delivery container and/or delivery instructions. The delivery service then delivers the reproduced document such as through electronic delivery or inducting the reproduced document into its delivery paradigm for physical delivery to the indicated recipient.

Abstract: In this printing system, in case of carrying out printing from a personal computer, PDA (personal digital assistants), and portable telephone, the printing data are transmitted through internet to a server by using the printing data as a mail, temporarily stored in a server, and then transferred to a digital copying machine to print. In the server, at the time of receiving the mail as the printing data, control is made of the action to store the printing data in a memory or a hard disk drive.

Abstract: A communication apparatus acquires sender information indicating a sender of a received document, converts that document into a document of a specific format, adds the sender information to the document of the specific format, and transfers that document of the specific format to a transfer destination.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying alternate contact information of a specific type; particularly, by providing an inputted Email address in a query, one or more alternate Email addresses can be returned to the query, using an automated database. The system is queried using an entity's known Email address, which, in turn, is associated with other contact information for the entity, such as name and postal address, and the other contact information is then used to identify alternative Email addresses for the targeted entity either at the time of the query or in preparation of the database, and the alternative Email address(es) are then outputted to the requestor from the system. The method uses knowledge of contact points of different types for the same entity to identify alternate contact points of a single type, within a database of contact information.

Abstract: In an image processing system in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses and a management apparatus are connected to each other via a network, the management apparatus forms the image processing apparatuses into one or more groups based on apparatus attribute information, acquires control variable value information from an image processing apparatus in a group, and sends the acquired information to the other image processing apparatuses in the group. The other image processing apparatuses receive the control variable value information sent from the management apparatus, and execute image processing based on the received information.

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.

Abstract: A virtual media tray causes a print device to perform one or more operations in response to a request to print a document. The operations may include storing, emailing, or faxing a copy of the document to another location. The operations may also include adding text in the form of a header, footer, or watermark when the document is printed. An operation associated with a virtual print tray may also have an associated condition such that the operation is performed when the associated condition is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the creation and use of a non-linearized, paper specific, digital workflow independent color profile which can be used to create proofs based on the raw output data of the source process. Such a profile would have the advantage of not having to have account for the intermediate workflow steps such as linearization, color correction, sharpening, ink limiting, color separation, dithering or color transformation because the gamut mapping would utilize the discrete output tones of the resulting data sent to the source device.

Abstract: A facsimile device, which can switch a transmission method between an electronic-mail transmission method and a real-time transmission method for each transmission, is provided. The facsimile device includes an electronic-mail control unit used for transmitting image information in an electronic-mail format to a destination through a computer network, a real-time network control unit used for transmitting the image information to the destination while the facsimile device and the destination are connected on line through the computer network, and a transmission specifying unit specifying one of the electronic-mail control unit and the real-time network control unit as a communication control unit in accordance with a destination address of the destination. The facsimile device transmits the image information to the destination address by use of the communication control unit specified by a user through the transmission specifying unit.

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.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an input unit to receive a network resources address where a document exists, a web information receiving unit to read information on the document existing at the received address, an image path extracting unit to extract a path and a name of an image file consistent with predetermined reference data from the document information, an image receiving unit to receive the image file through the network using the extracted path and name of the image file, and a printing unit to print the image file.

Abstract: Disclosed are a monochrome facsimile apparatus capable of supporting communication of color information in sYCC color space, and a color-information communication method that uses this facsimile apparatus. If a compact flash card has been inserted into the monochrome facsimile apparatus, which is capable of communicating color file information, the facsimile apparatus notifies the transmitting side, by prescribed bits of the FIF of a DIS signal, that it has a function for receiving JPEG-coded information, lacks a function for receiving full-color information in Lab color space, and has a function for receiving full-color information in sYCC color space.

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.

Abstract: An image data communication apparatus is connected to an image data source and to a network, and transmits image data attached to an e-mail to a receiving apparatus via the network. The e-mail including a mail from command and a mail message. The image data communication apparatus comprises a memory which stores a default mail address and a mail address of at least one user, and a panel section which selects the mail address of at least one user other than the default mail address stored in the memory. The image data communication apparatus comprises a controller which sets the default mail address into the mail message of the e-mail to which the image data is attached when the mail address of the user is not selected by the panel section, and sets the mail address of the user selected by the panel section into the mail message of the e-mail to which the image data is attached when the mail address of the user is selected by the panel section.

Abstract: In a case where a conversion result image corresponding to a former image has been stored in a memory, control is performed to transmit this conversion result image without performing any image conversion process on the former image.

Abstract: Proposed by the present invention is (a) a method, (b) structure for implementing the method, and (c) a resulting data structure that comes from implementation of the method, relating to introducing various modifications into the image file directory data contents in an otherwise conventional TIFF multi-page document data structure. Modifications are made in order to change the behavior of a printing device which is called upon to print the document, so as to implement rasterization-free, driverless, mulit-selectible-print-option printing of the document.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for printing a document stored on a remote computer using an information appliance. The method includes providing a connection between an information appliance and a remote computer, wherein the remote computer stores one or more documents, and receiving synchronization information from the remote computer. The synchronization information includes one or more reference information, where each reference information identifies a document stored on the remote computer. The method also includes displaying the reference information on an information appliance display, receiving a print request for one or more documents selected from the displayed reference information, and, responsive to receiving the command to print, transmitting a print request to a nearby printer. The system includes an information appliance that is synchronized with reference information identifying the documents stored on a remote computer.

Abstract: Transmitting and receiving methods of an Internet facsimile system are disclosed. The Internet facsimile system includes a telephone network, a transmitting network, a server and an office machine. The server has therein a network interface and a memory unit. The office machine includes a data storage means and network interface. The office machine transmits a fax through the telephone network and establishes a connection with the server through the transmitting network. The storage means has a memory capacity much less than that of the memory unit. Therefore, the transmitting and receiving methods of an Internet facsimile system capitalize on the tremendous memory capacity provided by the server as an intermediate storage such that the memory shortage of the office machine is avoided.

Abstract: An in-net printing system includes a portable terminal, a printer system and a network server system. The portable terminal, the printer system and the network server are connected to a network. In the in-net printing system, the portable terminal obtains a read data from the network server system and outputs a print request to the printer system in order to print the read data. The printer system outputs a transfer request to the network server system in response to the print request. The network server system outputs the read data to the printer system, based on the transfer request. The printer system prints the read data, when receiving the read data.

Abstract: An e-mail communication apparatus connected an administrator via a network includes a receiver that receives e-mail from a sender over the network and a detector that detects whether or not the received e-mail can be handled, based upon whether the e-mail can be opened in the e-mail communication apparatus. A printer prints the received e-mail when the detector detects that the e-mail can be handled in e-mail communication apparatus and a transmitter transmits a notice e-mail to the administrator when the detector detects that the e-mail cannot be handled in e-mail communication apparatus. The receiver, the detector and the printer are integrated in the e-mail communication apparatus.

Abstract: One or more parameters such as time is reported to a center using a form. The center then automatically extracts data from the form and converts it for storage and subsequent processing or review. The form is preferably a physical form, which the sender fills in and then faxes to the center. Image capture, registration, and feature recognition routines are included to enable the center to extract the reported data with no need for data reentry or human intervention. The invention is particularly suitable for employees who need to submit time sheets, expense reports, and the like to an employer, or for automatic analysis of submitted inventory reports, product orders, etc.

Abstract: A technology for use in an e-mail transmission apparatus capable of preventing or discovering ‘impersonation’ in e-mail transmission efficiently, in which an e-mail is sent not only to a receiving address, but also to a sending address set by a sender.

Abstract: A data transmission apparatus, method and computer program capable of delivering a large-sized data file to a recipient using e-mail without the need for special installation of a software program on the side of the recipient, in which a data to be delivered is sent to a recipient as an attachment to a first e-mail, and a tool program by which to obtain the data stored in a prescribed storage area beforehand is sent to the recipient via a second e-mail if transmission error has occurred in connection with the first e-mail.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating a message that is intended to be sent to a destination. The method is characterized by the steps of sending an address parameter, that corresponds to the destination, to a printer unit; printing out a sheet of paper using the printer unit, which sheet of paper comprises a position-coding pattern and the address parameter; generating an information sequence by writing on the sheet of paper with a drawing device, which drawing device is capable of detecting positions on the sheet of paper by reading the position-coding pattern; recording the address parameter using the drawing device; and combining the recorded address parameter with the information sequence into a message.

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.

Abstract: An electronic message retrieval system in which the electronic message, and any corresponding attachments, can be encrypted by the sender of the message and routed to the intended recipient, even if the intended recipient is in a mobile location or it is otherwise inconvenient for the recipient to receive the electronic message in the form in which it was sent. The system provides an alarm or indication to the intended recipient, wherever he or she is, that a message has been delivered, an indication of the subject of the message and who sent the message, and whether the message is encrypted. The intended recipient then has the choice of deferring retrieval of the message until a later time when he or she can log onto a secure system and decrypt the message conventionally, or providing the system with a password or “key” which will permit the system to decrypt the message, convert it into a format retrievable by the mobile recipient, i.e.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus of the present invention, an F code indicating a location in which facsimile data received from outside is stored, and a mail address of a computer apparatus connected to a network, associated with the F code, are set. If the facsimile data is received along with the F code, the apparatus creates and sends a receipt mail reporting to the mail address associated with the F code that the facsimile data has been received. The apparatus accepts a mail including instructions concerning processing on the received facsimile data, and processes the facsimile data in accordance with the instructions.

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.

Abstract: An image data communication apparatus is connected to an image data source and to a network, and transmits image data attached to an e-mail to a receiving apparatus via the network. The e-mail including a mail from command and a mail message. The image data is attached to the e-mail as an openable document. The image data communication apparatus comprises a memory which stores default information and information regarding an identification of at least one user, and a panel section which selects information regarding an identification of at least one user other than the default information stored in the memory.

Abstract: This invention provides a first communication apparatus, which makes a facsimile communication via a packet communication network and can describe different contents image header information each including a date, time, source information, destination information, and the like in image data having a predetermined number of pixels upon sending the image data to a plurality of destinations, and a communication method. This invention also provides a second communication apparatus which makes a facsimile communication via a packet communication network and has a first mode in which image header information such as a date, time, source information, destination information, and the like can be described in image data having a predetermined number of pixels and can send the image data, and a second mode in which image data having one of various resolutions and an indefinite number of pixels can be sent.

Abstract: An image data communication apparatus is connected to an image data source and to a network, and transmitting image data attached to an e-mail to a receiving apparatus via the network. The e-mail including a mail from command and a mail message. The image data attached to the e-mail as an openable document. The image data communication apparatus comprises a panel section which inputs a mail address of a user to the image data communication apparatus. The image data communication apparatus comprises a controller which sets the mail address of the user input by the panel section into the mail message of the e-mail to which the image data is attached. Thus, a reply to the e-mail is returned to the mail address of the user.

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.