Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically generating a return letter are disclosed. The system may include a computer usable medium in communication with a processor. The processor may determine whether a source document with contact information includes one or more fields requiring data. In response to the determining, a response document based on the required data may be automatically generated. A document identifier based on the contact information and the response document may be automatically generated. The response document may be transmitted to a recipient based on the contact information. In response to receiving response data from the recipient, the response data may be matched with the source document using the document identifier. The response data may be electronically merged with the source document to yield a merged document.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tracking a data file corresponding to printed material scanned into a digital transmitter are provided. A database is searched for a tracking number contained in the data file to determine whether the data file is stored in the database. A confirmation message is sent indicating that the data file has been stored in the database upon locating the tracking number. An error message is sent indicating that the data file has not been stored in the database when the tracking number cannot be found in the database.

Abstract: A communication system including a transmission apparatus configured to transmit output data and a reception apparatus configured to receive the output data. The reception apparatus includes an output unit configured to execute an outputting procedure based on the output data, an abnormal state notification unit configured to transmit abnormal state notification data to the transmission apparatus, and a retransmission requesting unit configured to transmit retransmission request data if the outputting procedures is not executed normally.

Abstract: A method for providing a secure fax confirmation page from a facsimile capable device having a user interface includes receiving documents, in the form of a fax job, to be transmitted by the facsimile capable device. After receipt of a recipient's fax number, a determination is made as to whether secure fax confirmation has been selected from the user interface. A passcode is received prior to scanning of the documents. The interface displays a fax job list, which identifies whether a secure fax confirmation page is associated with individual fax jobs. Upon selection of a confirmation page by the operator, the facsimile capable device prints a secure fax confirmation page.

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.

Abstract: A method transmitting a facsimile or scanned image to an electronic destination address includes receiving the facsimile or scanned image including a digitized instruction page including an optical representation of the electronic destination address, wherein the digitized instruction page is encoded in a first format, determining the electronic destination address from the optical representation of the electronic destination address, wherein the electronic destination address need not be known prior to receiving the facsimile or scanned image, converting the digitized instruction page to a second format, determining additional service provider data, and transmitting the additional service provider data and the digitized representation of the instruction page encoded in the second format to the electronic destination address.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, including: an input module configured to input an image and first character data, the first character data being associated with the image; a template database module configured to store a template, the template including information of an operation associated with second character data; a determination module configured to determine the template according to the first character data and the second character data; and a job server module configured to execute the operation included in the template for the image.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for converting paper documents (134) to electronic documents (138) and sending the electronic documents (138) to at least one destination (144).

Abstract: A method for a computer system includes receiving a fax from a user comprising a digitized document and a billing telephone number associated with the user, wherein the digitized document includes a digitized transmission page including a digitized recipient e-mail address, and wherein a receiving number over which the fax is received is associated with a pay-per-use service, optically recognizing characters of the recipient e-mail address from the digitized e-mail address, determining an attachment in a format suitable for attachment to an e-mail message from the digitized document, sending an e-mail message comprising an e-mail attachment portion including the attachment, an e-mail TO portion including the recipient e-mail address, and an e-mail body portion including a service provider identifier, and submitting a service charge associated with the pay-per-use service against the billing telephone number.

Abstract: An image processing system comprises a first image reading apparatus which generates first image data by reading an image, transmits the first image data to a transmission destination via a network, and transmits, to a second image reading apparatus, information for combining image data which is transmitted by each of the first image reading apparatus and the second image reading apparatus to the transmission destination, the second image reading apparatus which generates second image data by reading an image, and transmits the second image data to the transmission destination via the network by using the transmitted information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides supplemental data for facsimile image data representing an image of a document for transmission. The supplemental data can describe an aspect of the document, such as by uniquely identifying the document that the facsimile image data represents. The supplemental data can be provided with the image of the document, in a manner that will not essentially obscure the image of the document. The supplemental data can be in a machine readable form that identifies the document and that can be separate from the image of the document. The supplemental data permits facsimile transmitted documents to be processed automatically by facsimile connected systems.

Abstract: A variable price on-line printing system includes printing and finishing resources, and an on-line server to receive print job data and electronic requests for use of the printing/finishing resources from customer workstations. A dynamic price database includes data that describe current and anticipated future demand for the printing/finishing resources. An automated dynamic price offer generation process accesses the dynamic price database and derives a dynamic price for use of at least one of the printing/finishing resources based upon current and anticipated future demand as indicated in the dynamic price database. A user interface engine receives input from the automated dynamic price offer generation process and outputs price offers to the customer workstations, including the dynamic price associated with a printing/finishing resource, wherein the dynamic price is tailored to shape demand for the printing/finishing resource. The customer can accept or decline the dynamic price offer.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting errors in a document transfer scheme. A user submits an electronic document transfer scheme to the document processing device including document handling instructions. The electronic document transfer scheme is then received by the document processing device and parsed, via the controller, to extract data representative of the destination designated by the scheme. Preferably, the destination data contained in the scheme provides the document processing device with a location to which a copy of an electronic document is to be sent. The source/destination information is then input as an arc on a graph, so as to generate a representation of the workflow associated with the document transfer scheme. A determination is then made, from the graph, whether the submitted electronic document transfer scheme represents at least one cycle on the graph.

Abstract: A user sends a printing request of a cost estimate to an electronic file management server, applying a user terminal. The electronic file management server that received the printing request, generates printing data of the cost estimate. Next, the electronic file management server allots URL to the generated printing data, and stores the printing data, and URL in a document data storing unit. Then, the electronic file management server generates a two-dimension bar code including the URL, allotted to the printing data, and the data concerning the printing condition, and sends it to the user terminal. Then, a printing apparatus obtains via a bar code reader, the read data of the two-dimension bar code output to a display unit, obtains printing data from the electronic file management server, applying the URL extracted from the two-dimension bar code, and performs printing.

Abstract: When a facsimile device detects an audio signal via a CNG signal detection unit while detecting an OFF signal in a CNG signal during a telephone conversation, the facsimile device does not detect the audio signal as an OFF signal if the level of the detected audio signal is greater than a threshold and the frequency of the audio signal is within a predetermined audio frequency range. Accordingly, the facsimile device can reliably prevent a false detection of a noise that has a similar signal component to a CNG signal as a CNG signal. It is possible to prevent the facsimile machine from being automatically shifted to a facsimile receiving made by the false detection of the noise.

Abstract: In order to cause a management server to execute a process desired by a user and to be shared by a plurality of users, an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with the management server includes a scanner inputting image data, an authentication information input unit inputting information necessary for authenticating a user, an authentication information send unit for transmitting the input authentication information to the management server, an additional function list receiver receiving from the management server, in response to the transmission of the authentication information, an additional function list for specifying an additional function registered in association with the user among the additional functions executed by the management server, an additional function selector accepting designation of the additional function, and an additional function select information transmitter transmitting the specified additional function and the input image data to the management server.

Abstract: A fax account is described and creates an association between users and documents that are faxed. A fax account allows a user to secure their faxed documents and organize and streamline fax communication via different transports. In at least some embodiments, security is enhanced through the use of an authentication model that authenticates individual users before giving them access to the fax functionality or, more accurately, their fax account. In at least some embodiments, fax accounts also provide users with an infrastructure through which they can manage their documents. In addition, in at least some embodiments, fax accounts can be used to manage and direct received faxes to the intended recipient, thus reducing the possibility of an unintended recipient gaining access to the fax.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus configured to exchange email data via a network includes a system control unit which controls an operation of the facsimile apparatus, a communication management unit which stores communication management information in response to occurrence of a facsimile communication, an address registration unit which registers an email address to which email is transmitted, and a data-format conversion unit which converts the communication management information stored in the communication management unit into data in a text format, wherein the system control unit sends the communication management information in the text format to the email address registered in the address registration unit by email.

Abstract: A configurable queue processor for document servers is described. The configurable queue processor strives to allocate server resources in an optimal manner such that document servers can process documents efficiently. In various embodiments, the facility includes a configurable queue processor for allocating document flows for handling documents, document transport module for transporting documents between network devices, such as printers, fax boards, and content servers and across local and wide-area networks; functionality for routing optimization with other communications networks, such as messaging services, telephony, and IP networks; and flexible document transport capabilities to workflow applications and multifunction devices (such as all-in-one print/scan/copy/fax/telephone/answering machine devices) and multifunction devices enhanced with video & video capture, messaging, email, network router & gateway capabilities.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus with a printing medium post-handling device having a structure to allow compatibility between apparatuses having different functions includes: an image forming unit which forms an image on a printing media; a post-handling device which includes a mailbox which includes one or more mail bins, sorts printing media discharged from the image forming unit in one or more sorting group, and loads the sorted printing media on the mail bins, and a post-handling unit that includes one or more post-handling bins and performs a post-handling function other than a mailbox function; a post-handling device selecting unit which selectively discharges the printing media to the post-handling device; and a controller which controls the post-handling device such that the one or more post-handling bins is used as an extra mail bin when the number of the sorting group of the post-handling device exceeds the number of mail bins.

Abstract: A method for a computer system includes receiving a facsimile transmission from a user, wherein the facsimile transmission includes a digitized representation of a document transmitted using a facsimile transmission format, processing the digitized representation of the document to determine a destination e-mail address, reformatting at least a portion of the digitized representation of the document into an e-mail attachment format, determining advertisement data associated with the facsimile transmission, and forming an e-mail message addressed to the destination e-mail address, wherein the e-mail message includes a body portion and an attachment portion, wherein the body portion includes the advertisement data, and wherein the attachment portion includes the portion of the digitized representation of the document in the e-mail attachment format.

Abstract: An image communication apparatus for sending an email attached with image data stores an email address corresponding to the image communication apparatus, and obtains another email address different from the email address corresponding to the image communication apparatus, the other email address corresponding to a user who sends the email. The other email address which is obtained is set to a header part of the email, and the email, of which the header part is set with the other email address, is sent to an email server in accordance with SMTP protocol. The email server is notified of the stored email address through a MAIL command used in the SMTP protocol.

Abstract: A communication terminal including a terminal interface for communicating with a first facsimile terminal dedicated to using analog facsimile communications, an analog communication part for controlling the analog facsimile communications of the terminal interface, a storage part for storing image data received from the first facsimile terminal, and a network interface part for connecting to an IP network and transmitting the image data stored in the storage part to a second facsimile terminal at a transmission rate greater than the transmission rate of the analog facsimile communication.

Abstract: A system includes a portion for receiving a transmission comprising a digitized document including a digitized computer network destination associated with a recipient from a user using a facsimile device, a portion for determining a telephone number for the facsimile device, an OCR portion for determining the computer network destination for the recipient from the digitized computer network destination for the recipient, a portion for determining an attachment from the digitized document, and a portion for sending the attachment to the computer network destination for the recipient including a service provider name, wherein the transmission is associated a pay-per-use service charge that may be asserted against the telephone number associated with the facsimile transmission device.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus provided with a reader for reading an original image, a connection unit for connection with a network to which plural computers are connected, and a transfer unit for transferring the image data, read by the reader, to a computer through the connection unit, the apparatus comprising a specifying unit for specifying a desired one among the computers connected through the connection unit, and a designation unit for designating image reading by the reader, wherein the transfer unit is adapted to transfer the image data, read by the reader in response to the designation by the designation unit, to a computer specified by the specifying unit.

Abstract: A data transmission/reception system provides the recipient of image data with flexible options for handling the image data. The system transmits notification mail to a cellular phone owned by the recipient when transmitting facsimile data from a transmitting facsimile machine to a receiving facsimile machine. The recipient transmits a command from the cellular phone indicating how the facsimile data received by the receiving facsimile machine should be handled. In response to the command received from the cellular phone, the receiving facsimile machine either forms an image based on the facsimile data on paper or forwards the facsimile data to another facsimile machine near the recipient. Accordingly, the recipient can transmit a forwarding command instructing the receiving facsimile machine to transmit the facsimile data to a facsimile machine nearby when the recipient is in a remote location, thereby enabling the recipient to view an image based on the facsimile data at any time.

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.

Abstract: A network communication device has a function as a network facsimile device for carrying out sending and receiving of data via a network. A facsimile document data is transmitted as e-mail. The device is capable of setting information indicative of whether or not the transmission confirmation response by Message Disposition Notification (MDN) is required, according to a receiver when sending the e-mail. On this account, it is possible to provide a network communication device capable of preventing unnecessary waiting for transmission confirmation response or unnecessary output of a record of failure of transmission.

Abstract: An image-attached mail transiting apparatus has a mail receiving portion for receiving an image-attached mail transmitted from a transmitting terminal that transmits the image-attached mail to which an image picked up by an installed miniature camera is attached, a mail control portion for extracting an attached image from the image-attached mail, then instructing an image processing portion how to process the attached image, and then substituting a processed image for the original attached image of the image-attached mail, an image processing portion for performing the process indicated by the mail control portion to the image, and a mail transmitting portion for transmitting the image-attached mail to the receiving terminal, whereby the mail control portion discriminates a type of the transmitting terminal, and the image processing portion performs image processing according to the type.

Abstract: A system providing methodology for the restoration of original media quality in messaging environments is described. In one embodiment, for example, deployed in a messaging system, a method of the present invention is described for restoring media items to original quality, the method comprises steps of: upon receipt of a message containing an original media item that is new, storing the original media item in a repository; generating an identifier for identifying the original media item stored in the repository; replacing the original media item in the message with a substitute copy that includes the identifier; and upon future encounter of a particular media item having the identifier, restoring the particular media item to original quality using the identifier.

Abstract: A communication terminal supporting direct dial-in service that can accurately establish polarities of station lines and prevent erroneous operation has a direct dial-in connection function of push-button method, and includes: a polarity determining circuit determining polarities of a pair of station lines; a primary acknowledgement signal transmitting circuit responsive to a reception of a call signal after the polarity determining circuit detected reversal of polarities of the station lines, for transmitting a primary acknowledgement signal to a line; an extension designation signal detecting circuit for detecting, after transmission of the primary acknowledgement signal by the primary acknowledgement signal transmitting circuit, reception of an extension designation signal from an exchange, and a polarity establishing circuit responsive to detection by the extension designation signal detecting circuit of the extension designation signal, for establishing polarities of the pair of station lines determined

Abstract: An image reading device that is connected to a communication network, that converts image information read by an image information reading part into sent image information, and that sends the sent image information over the communication network, the image reading device includes: a user identification (ID) information memory part configured to store user identification (ID) information; a controller configured to format source specific information (for example, email address, source fax number, and user TSI information) that is added to the image information based on the user ID information, the source specific information for identifying a user of the image reading device on a destination side at which the sent image information is received.

Abstract: A method of automatically creating separate images such as PDF or TIFF for selected segments of a scanned document. The user interface enables the user to select the segmenting function and then select the desired segments/pages. The machine automatically creates separate images for each selected segment and sends to a printer or e-mail address.

Abstract: A method of creating an e-mail address book and sending an e-mail by using the e-mail address book in an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus using the method.

Abstract: The present invention teaches techniques for creating scans of documents that are both secure from tamper and that are assured of satisfactory image quality. In particular, a method of producing an assured document is disclosed wherein the documents digital signature is combined with the scan quality in a secure way.

Abstract: A system for providing an internet fax service has an engine to process a raw fax document, received for a user of the internet fax service, using digital character recognition to produce recognized text or an associated formatted text document. A conversion engine may convert the raw fax to native file format being one of a) word processor format, b) spreadsheet format, c) slide presentation format, or d) another format that can be read on a user interface. An internet server is to make the native file format document available to the user over an internet. A fax content processing unit is to perform keyword scanning of the recognized text, and then allows the user to search for stored faxes by keyword. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a scanner engine and an operation panel is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes: a display part for displaying a selection screen for selecting a transfer destination of scanned data from among a plurality of transfer destinations on the operation panel; a scanning process part for causing the scanner engine to scan a document to produce scanned data; and a transfer part for transferring the scanned data to one or more selected transfer destinations.

Abstract: In a print system which processes a print job on the basis of a print instruction in which request items in print processes for obtaining a printed matter are described in a predetermined description format, a print management device manages print processings for the printed matter. The print management device includes a detection unit that detects a connection state of a processing device for executing a predetermined process among the request items included in the print instructions, and a selection unit that selects a print instruction of a description format corresponding to the connected processing device to output the print instruction to the processing device.

Abstract: A communications device and method for transmitting e-mail with image data attached as an attachment file can select whether to send the e-mail directly to the recipient or via a mail server, depending on the address of the e-mail to be transmitted. As a result, the disclosed device and method can reduce the load on the mail server and transmit large volumes of data reliably.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data from an image forming apparatus, the method including: receiving identification information of a destination of the data; determining whether to transmit the data to the destination corresponding to the received identification information based on a security policy of the image forming apparatus; and transmitting the data to the destination in response to the destination being determined to be a destination to where the data is allowed to be transmitted, based on the security policy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication device that reduces waste in paper, toner, and the like that are used for printing error reports, by eliminating the output of an error report when a user has noticed the occurrence of a communication error. The communication device may not print out an error report when a communication error occurs due to the failure to establish a connection with a recipient. An error report will be printed only when a user has not confirmed the occurrence of a communication error within a predetermined time period from the time the communication error occurred. Thus, output of an error report can be prohibited whenever a communication error occurs, and thus waste in paper, toner, and the like which are used for printing error reports can be reduced.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an automatic archiving system that makes document archiving largely transparent to the user. In one embodiment, documents scanned in or printed during the course of office equipment operation are automatically archived. For example, an office local area network (LAN) may interconnect a copier, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a document management workstation. Whenever, a document is copied, printed, or faxed, a document image is archived by the document management workstation without further user intervention. A single user command results in the document being copied and archived, printed and archived, or faxed and archived.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, an e-mail server, an e-mail facsimile transmission system having the same and an e-mail facsimile setting method of an image forming apparatus. The e-mail facsimile setting method of an image forming apparatus which transmits an e-mail for facsimile transmission to a facsimile server, includes displaying a parameter setting screen applied to a plurality of facsimile servers, inputting a parameter value depending on the displayed parameter setting screen; and transmitting an e-mail with an identification type to correspond to one kind of facsimile server of the plurality of facsimile servers to the facsimile server based on the input setting value. Thus, a setting screen commonly applied to a plurality of facsimile servers is provided to a user, thereby saving time and cost needed in an e-mail facsimile setting.

Abstract: A network scanner, communication protocols, and client and server programs and are provided which provide an improved way to transmit legally binding documents, obviating the need for outmoded, legacy fax transmissions. Using the network scanner, a document may be scanned and transferred directly into any shared folder inbox residing on any computer attached to the Internet. Enhanced server systems and network communications and messaging protocols are provided that are more practical to use than email for sending documents such as executed legal documents or other documents requiring robust integrity and authenticatability. Similarly, the inventive network scanner, server systems and communication protocols provide improved ways to perform large file transfers and to manage bandwidth to minimize problems associated with uploading/downloading large files as attachments to/from email servers and for enabling user control over VoIP quality during file transmission sessions.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention allow for incorporation of relevant messages, such as commercial advertisements, in incoming faxes and/or for presentation of relevant messages with incoming faxes. Text may be extracted from a current and/or previously sent or received facsimile, using, for example, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and relevant messages may be added in the facsimile. A sample embodiment of the system comprises a Receiving Means, an Extracting Means, an Analyzing Means, a Storing Means, a Selecting Means, an Incorporating Means, a Converting Means, and a Delivering Means. An alternative sample embodiment comprises a Receiving Means, an Extracting Means, an Incorporating Means, and a Delivering Means. The systems may be maintained by a Fax Server Provider.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention allow for incorporation of relevant messages, such as commercial advertisements, in outgoing faxes and/or for presentation of relevant messages with outgoing faxes. Text may be extracted from a current and/or previously sent or received facsimile and relevant messages may be added in the facsimile. A sample embodiment of the system comprises an Obtaining Means, an Extracting Means, an Analyzing Means, a Storing Means, a Selecting Means, an Incorporating Means, a Converting Means, and a Transmitting Means. An alternative sample embodiment comprises an Obtaining Means, an Extracting Means, an Incorporating Means, and a Transmitting Means. The systems may be maintained by a Fax Server Provider. A sample embodiment of the method comprises the steps of obtaining a facsimile from a Sender, extracting text from the facsimile, incorporating one or more relevant messages in the facsimile, and transmitting the facsimile to a Recipient.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention allow for incorporation of relevant messages, such as commercial advertisements, in incoming faxes and/or for presentation of relevant messages with incoming faxes. Text may be extracted from a current and/or previously sent or received facsimile, using, for example, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and relevant messages may be added in the facsimile. A sample embodiment of the system comprises a Receiving Means, an Extracting Means, an Analyzing Means, a Storing Means, a Selecting Means, an Incorporating Means, a Converting Means, and a Delivering Means. An alternative sample embodiment comprises a Receiving Means, an Extracting Means, an Incorporating Means, and a Delivering Means. The systems may be maintained by a Fax Server Provider.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention allow for incorporation of relevant messages, such as commercial advertisements, in outgoing faxes and/or for presentation of relevant messages with outgoing faxes. Text may be extracted from a current and/or previously sent or received facsimile and relevant messages may be added in the facsimile. A sample embodiment of the system comprises an Obtaining Means, an Extracting Means, an Analyzing Means, a Storing Means, a Selecting Means, an Incorporating Means, a Converting Means, and a Transmitting Means. An alternative sample embodiment comprises an Obtaining Means, an Extracting Means, an Incorporating Means, and a Transmitting Means. The systems may be maintained by a Fax Server Provider. A sample embodiment of the method comprises the steps of obtaining a facsimile from a Sender, extracting text from the facsimile, incorporating one or more relevant messages in the facsimile, and transmitting the facsimile to a Recipient.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention allow for incorporation of relevant messages, such as commercial advertisements, in incoming faxes and/or for presentation of relevant messages with incoming faxes. Text may be extracted from a current and/or previously sent or received facsimile, using, for example, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and relevant messages may be added in the facsimile. A sample embodiment of the system comprises a Receiving Means, an Extracting Means, an Analyzing Means, a Storing Means, a Selecting Means, an Incorporating Means, a Converting Means, and a Delivering Means. An alternative sample embodiment comprises a Receiving Means, an Extracting Means, an Incorporating Means, and a Delivering Means. The systems may be maintained by a Fax Server Provider.

Abstract: A facsimile machine according to the present invention is capable of accurately comprehending management information of a received document such as from which source to which destination a received document on a discharge tray has been sent, when and by whom a part or the whole has been taken away, since a received document managing section 37 manages the received facsimile document based on a placement status obtained by a placement status obtaining section 27 and stored information of a reception information storing section 31. Consequently, the received facsimile document which has been sent from a source to a destination can be managed properly based on the management information.