Abstract: A system for managing printing and scanning and faxing functionality of a facsimile machine via a bi-directional parallel interface with which the facsimile machine is equipped. More particularly, a facsimile manager is provided for managing image files connected with printing, scanning and faxing. In addition, printing and scanning drivers are provided by which any Windows application program can access such printing, scanning and faxing functionality.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to enable a facsimile apparatus not having a relay function to normally receive facsimile communication and a facsimile apparatus having the relay function to transfer facsimile communication to other facsimile apparatuses as relay destinations. Information succeeding an RTC signal transmitted after transmission of image data of one page by a facsimile communication procedure in accordance with an ITU recommendation is handled as a transfer address designating a relay destination. An E-mail address can be designated as the transfer address besides a telephone address. When facsimile communication is transferred to the E-mail address, the image data received by facsimile communication is converted to a data format suitable for a protocol of an information communication network and is then transferred.

Abstract: An Internet-based electronic facsimile document transmission and reception system accommodates conventional facsimile (fax) machines and uses store and forwarding rather than real-time facsimile transmission to avoid keeping the originating fax machine (and the telephone line to which it is attached) from being unnecessarily occupied due to delays associated with the Internet. The preferred embodiment also obviates the need for PBXs at the fax machine ends of the system.

Abstract: If a delivery confirmation mail has arrived, it is determined whether a delivery failure of image data transmitted is notified by the delivery confirmation mail. Only if it has been determined that the delivery failure is notified, an image based on the delivery confirmation mail is printed by a printer.

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 is stored on the messaging platform only if the destination is unavailable at the first time. If the facsimile message was stored, the facsimile message is transmitted at a second time if the destination if the destination is available.

Abstract: A communication apparatus where transmission waiting time for an originating facsimile machine is shortened. A transmitter/receiver section of one of two communication control sections receives a transmission subscriber identification (TSI) signal from the originating facsimile machine. A determination new section extracts an international telephone number from the TSI signal and determines whether or not it coincides with a pre-stored international telephone number. If they coincide, the transmitter/receiver section receives an object signal in succession, otherwise the transmitter/receiver section ends the receiving operation without receiving the object signal.

Abstract: In an internet facsimile apparatus, a mail header receiving section receives a list n-th mail header portion of e-mail. Next, a header analyzing section analyzes the mail header portion and checks whether or not the e-mail is fragments of the e-mail obtained by dividing the e-mail. A table generating section registers the fragments in processing into a table. Thereafter, the fetching determination section checks whether or not the all fragments having the same ID are prepared. If all fragments are prepared, a data receiving section reads the fragments from a mail server sequentially from the first. Text codes of attached files included in the fragments are binary converted sequentially so as to be stored in a buffer section. A printing determination section instructs a print processing section to execute printing when there is image data corresponding to one page of an original in the buffer. This makes it possible to receive a division mail at low cost in the internet facsimile apparatus.

Abstract: A fax interface unit provides a novel way of sending and receiving a fax over a global computer network such as the internet. The fax interface unit is coupled to a legacy fax machine on one side and to both a local area network and the telephone network on the other side. When a first location transmits a fax document to a second location having an email address capable of receiving the fax document, the telephone network is bypassed and the transmitted fax document arrives as email at the second location, thereby reducing telephone cost and providing the second location with an archived document.

Abstract: A facsimile transmission relay apparatus, referred to as an Intelligent Facsimile Relay (IFR) for improving call success rates in long delay environment such as terrestrial cellular, fixed wireless, and geostationary mobile satellite systems and the like. A first bi-directional telecommunications interface is provided for receiving facsimile signals from a transmitting facsimile device via a first network such as a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). A buffer memory is used by the IFR for storing the facsimile signal, and a second bi-directional telecommunications interface retransmits the facsimile signal via the second network.

Abstract: An email communication system employed in a packet switching network environment for transmission of an email message including at least one fax message for use by fax recipient(s), through the packet switching network environment, includes a network device for communication with one or more mail servers. The mail servers are responsive to an email message having at least one tax message received from an email user. The network device receives the email message, through a forward connection, from one of the mail servers and converts the received email message into the fax message for transmission thereof to at least one fax recipient.

Abstract: To detect facsimile calls that are initiated manually by a user, a method is used that utilizes the detection of a called (CED) tone generated by a receiving facsimile machine. The detection is performed by a signal processor. Once the detection is made, the facsimile call is transmitted using an appropriate protocol.

Abstract: Internet facsimile apparatus 1 notifies a facsimile number of the final destination to server 3 and acquires an e-mail address of a relay apparatus from server 3. And it transmits an e-mail attached image information to Internet facsimile apparatus 2 corresponding to the acquired e-mail address. At this time, it inserts a relay transfer instruction command to a part of a header of the e-mail to order a relay transfer. Internet facsimile apparatus 2 functioning as a relay apparatus converts a specific predetermined information among the header information of the e-mail to be relay transferred into the same format as that of the image information, and transmits the converted specific information with the image information to facsimile apparatus 4 of the final destination.

Abstract: A facsimile machine includes a receiver receiving image data, a first setting device setting a forwarding destination to some of the image data received by the receiver and a first transmitter transmitting the image data to the forward destination set by the first setting device. The facsimile machine also includes a second transmitter transmitting the image data not set with the forwarding destination by the first setting device to a prescribed forwarding destination.

Abstract: In a selective polling communication, the apparatus on the reception side is allowed to properly recognize the absence of polling transmission information in a designated memory box. If there is no polling transmission information in the memory box, a DIS signal in which bit 47 of the FIF in the DIS signal is set to “0” (there is no SEP receiving function) is transmitted upon automatic reception. If at least one or more polling transmission information has been stored in the memory box, a DIS signal in which bit 47 of the FIF in the DIS signal is set to “1” (there is the SEP receiving function) is transmitted upon automatic reception. After that, if the polling transmission information does not exist in the memory box designated by the SEP signal transmitted from the partner polling receiver, a DIS signal in which bit 47 of the FIF in the DIS signal is set to “0” (there is no SEP receiving function) is transmitted and this fact is notified to the partner apparatus.

Abstract: A FAX receiving unit is an interface with the call originating FAX. A delivery management table is stored with a service code for designating a kind of a FAX mail service and a condition requested by the call originating FAX and also a telephone number of the destination FAX. A service subscriber table records the telephone number and the FAX-ID for every subscriber. A message accumulation unit stores the FAX message and the FAX-ID of the call originating FAX. A service control unit registers the delivery management table with the service code and the telephone number of the destination FAX received by the FAX receiving unit from a transmitting FAX and accumulates the FAX message and the FAX-ID of the call originating FAX in the message accumulation unit. The service control unit acquires a corresponding FAX-ID by retrieving the service subscriber table on the basis of the destination FAX telephone number of which the call originating FAX notifies and replies it to the call originating FAX.

Abstract: A facsimile modem transmitter (40) uses pre-fax control signals, such as an answer tone or an FSK (frequency shift keying) modulation signal, to determine a channel spectral shape of the transmission media (14) before transmitting the fax data. The transmitter (40) determines average energy values of the pre-fax signals as a function of frequencies to determine the channel spectral shape. Using the channel spectral shape information, an appropriate transmission shaping filter (64, 66, 68) is chosen for use by the transmitter (40). This achieves better transmit and receive performance by compensating for roll-off on the transmission media (14), or channel, without the need to use specific training signals.

Abstract: A facsimile network includes a plurality of nodes (10)-(14) which are disposed at different locations in the world. An originating fax machine (16) is associated with one of the nodes (10) for transmitting a fax over a local public telephone network (PSTN) (18). When the node (10) receives the fax transmission in the normal transmission mode, it then converts it to a digitized compressed and encrypted image which is transmitted over a primary network (24), such as the Internet, to a destination node (14) by a predetermined route. The node (14) then decompresses and de-encrypts the image and converts it to a facsimile image for transmission to a destination fax (20) in a normal mode over a local PSTN (22). A node (12) operates as a central node which can also receive the transmission for routing directly to the fax or for directing via another network link to the node (14).

Abstract: A destination to which a line connection is not established is memorized in the process of simultaneous multicasting to a plurality of destinations. When another multicast communication starts, if the memorized destination is included in destinations, a call is primarily performed to a destination in the next order by skipping the memorized destination.

Abstract: A communication apparatus properly switches connection by means of a transmission protocol determining section or a reception protocol determining section. In accordance with a transmission request from a telephone or a facsimile machine, the transmission protocol determining section activates either an Internet phone controller or an Internet FAX controller and performs data transmission via either a public switched telephone network interface or a LAN interface. The reception protocol determining section activates either the Internet phone controller or the Internet FAX controller and sends data, received via either the public switched telephone network interface or LAN interface, to the telephone or facsimile machine. With various terminals connected to one another over a LAN, therefore, those individual terminals can be used effectively on an Internet by adaptively connecting telephones, facsimile machines, etc. to the LAN, Internet, public switched telephone network or the like.

Abstract: A printer driver is installed on a client computer. The client requests the driver from a print server. The print server identifies a printer served by the print server. The print server retrieves a driver for the printer and a description of the printer's capabilities. The driver and the description are packaged into an electronic mail (e-mail) message and sent to the client. Software installed on the client unpackages the driver and the description from the e-mail and installs the driver on the client. The software also creates a port on the client and attaches the port to the printer driver.

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: In S100, a CPU detects reception of a call signal (CI signal). When the CPU detects a CNG signal (S200:YES), then in S300, the CPU execute a facsimile transmission routine for performing supply of information according to facsimile transmission procedures without providing verbal guidance. On the other hand, when no CNG signal is detected (S200:NO), then in S400, the CPU 40 executes a verbal guidance routine, and then provides information according to the verbal guidance.

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.

Abstract: A store-and-forward image communications system for transmitting an image signal from a first terminal to a second terminal in one of a plurality of transmission modes which comprises a transmission path between the first and second terminals, a first image signal interface in said transmission path at which said image signal is received, a message store connected to store and subsequently recall signals received at the first interface, a data store containing at least one record comprising preference data relating to preferred said transmission modes for at least one of said first and second terminals, a transmission controller selecting from said transmission control modes in accordance with said preference data and a data update arranged to update the or each said record.

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.

Abstract: Today, increased efforts are made to provide users with people-machine data-processing interfaces which are as simple and comfortable as possible. Inputting is currently carried out in data-processing systems via host terminals and personal computers as well as via other peripherals, such as network computers. However, the real evolutionary leap has been the achievement of input by means of writing and speech recognition. Handwriting in particular is a form of expression with which people are familiar from childhood onwards and which, unlike speech, also produces documented proof of expression.

Abstract: A facsimile communication system includes a calling and a called facsimile machine connected via a communication network. Each of the facsimile machines has a timer value representing a maximum allowable response time for a response signal relative to a signal transmitted to the counterpart facsimile machine. Using the timer value, each of the facsimile machines monitors whether the response signal is received from the counterpart facsimile machine within the timer value. If the response signal is not received within the timer value, retransmission of the transmitted signal is required. The called facsimile machine transmits all timer value change information for increasing the timer value to the calling facsimile machine. The calling facsimile machine selects the optimum timer value change information within the range of the timer value change information received from the called facsimile machine, and transmits the selected timer value change information to the called facsimile machine.

Abstract: A FAX-through data network includes a receiver side LAN end station and a sender side LAN end station. A first converter receives a FAX communication from the sender FAX and generates a FAX packet. The FAX packet includes a predefined session port number and a receiver FAX-network ID. A FAX-network server receives the FAX packet, extract the receiver FAX-network ID, performs a lookup of a destination IP address in a mapping table and forwards the FAX packet to the destination IP address. A second converter intercepts and identifies the FAX packet, extracts the FAX communication from the FAX packet, establish a communication with the receiver FAX without routing a signal through the PSTN and transmits the FAX communication to the receiver FAX machine. A remote access appliance control apparatus includes an appliance side LAN end station. An appliance control packet is generated by the remote network user and includes a predefined session port number, an appliance network ID and the control command.

Abstract: Facsimile apparatus stores, in a memory, a telephone number for connecting to a server of an Internet facsimile transmission service company. The facsimile apparatus transmits facsimile signals via the Internet, a registration number of a user of the service company, a facsimile number of the destination, and a protocol for connecting to the service company. Connection to a server of the service company is established by pressing a button and further processing for connection with the Internet is executed. The server of the service company converts the image information of the facsimile signals as received from the facsimile apparatus into image data of its own format appropriate for Internet transfer, selects a second server which is located close to the destination based on the destination facsimile number, and transfers the data via the Internet. The second server reconverts the image data into a format conforming to the destination facsimile, connects to the destination facsimile, and transmits the data.

Abstract: The Internet facsimile apparatus in the present invention is provided with data memories such as telephone book data memory, relay FAX data memory and adjacent district number memory. Its collation section collates the telephone number of the recipient with the data of the telephone book memory, then the relay destination search section searches for data in the relay FAX data memory and obtains the address of a relay apparatus candidate. If there is no appropriate relay apparatus in the same district, the adjacent district number search section searches for the number of an adjacent district and continues the search based on the district number. In this way, when carrying out image transmission using the Internet facsimile apparatus as a relay apparatus, the nearest Internet facsimile apparatus suitable for use as a relay apparatus is automatically selected.

Abstract: A facsimile machine provides firmware to remotely activate and deactivate fax forwarding. The firmware enables a user to remotely activate or deactivate fax forwarding through an email, fax, or a telephone. The facsimile machine may be set by the user to activate and deactivate fax forwarding at a predetermined activation time and a predetermined deactivation time. If fax forwarding with local printing is activated, the facsimile machine locally prints a fax after the fax is forwarded. The facsimile machine may be a multifunctional peripheral.

Abstract: To effectively executing the relay multi-address calling with sub-address signals in a communication system capable of data communication according to ITU-T Recommendation T.33. When relay multi-address calling destinations are designated with sub-address signals from a calling facsimile apparatus, the facsimile apparatus instructed to execute the relay multi-address calling notifies relay multi-address calling impermissible ones of the designated multi-address calling destinations to the calling facsimile apparatus and executes the relay multi-address calling to relay multi-address calling permissible destinations, then notifying this communication result to the calling facsimile apparatus having instructed on relay multi-address calling. On the other hand, the calling facsimile apparatus having instructed to execute the relay multi-address calling directly calls the relay multi-address calling impermissible destination and sends the original data thereto.

Abstract: Remote data entry is performed in such a manner that a plurality of entry items and a plurality of data items are caused to collectively enter within one communication and the check sum is calculated simultaneously with the data entry so that abnormality of the data is easily detected even if the contents of the entry data are changed due to the abnormality occurring in a facsimile apparatus. Data is collectively stored in a receiving buffer and a great quantity of data is caused to remote enter if the capacity of the buffer permits. After all remote data entries have been completed, the check sums of all entry memory regions are performed so that the memory capacity of the program code of the check sum is saved.

Abstract: A data communication apparatus has the capability of properly requesting another data communication apparatus to transmit a notification message as to the result of relay broadcasting and has the capability of properly receiving the notification message thereby preventing an unacceptable request from being sent and a useless notification message from being returned. When a request for relay broadcasting is issued via a sub-address signal, a selection is made as to whether or not to request transmission of a notification message as to the result of relay broadcasting. Depending on the selection made above, a request is issued for transmission of a notification message as to the result of relay broadcasting as well as a request for relay broadcasting.

Abstract: A facsimile server device that can append TTI information to facsimile data in various manners. The facsimile server device is connected to a plurality of data processing devices such as client PCs over LAN, and is adapted to send facsimile data to a designated remote communication device upon instructions from a data processing device. The facsimile server device includes CPU, a keyboard or mouse and a display to set TTI information. TTI information may contain information about recipient, sender, time and page. The facsimile server device stores the TTI in RAM. TTI information in a certain form may also be provided from a data processing device. The TTI information programmed in the facsimile server device or the TTI information sent from the data processing device is given priority and appended to the facsimile data.

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.

Abstract: A multifunctional apparatus transfers and receives facsimile data and communication data by using an integrated service digital network constructed with a computer interface conducting facsimile and communication data; a line interface transferring data to the network and receiving facsimile and communication data from the network at the first transfer rate; an ISAC controlling a connection with the integrated service digital network, conducting facsimile and communication data via the network, converting the transfer rate of data received from the network to a second transfer rate, and converting the transfer rate of data received from for the network to the first transfer rate. A serial I/O converts the communication data transmitted from the computer through the computer interfacing section, and facsimile data scanned in a scanning section, into serial data, and transfers serial data to the ISAC, and receives communication and facsimile data from the network via the ISAC.

Abstract: An image sending device has a functional block in the control section for the resolution setting operation. The control section is made up of a sending destination/sending mode setting section for setting a sending mode for sending image data from plural types of sending modes, an image quality setting section for setting an image quality for the sending image data, a resolution setting section for setting a resolution corresponding to the image quality set by the image quality setting section, referring to a resolution setting table, from a range of applicable resolutions for the sending mode set by the sending destination/sending mode setting section, and an image processing section for processing the image data, based on the resolution set by the resolution setting section into a form suitable for the sending mode set by the sending destination/sending mode setting section.

Abstract: Upon simultaneously transmitting identical data to a plurality of destinations, a plurality of line control means prepared in units of lines independently transmit data with reference to transmission management means commonly used by these line control means. The transmission management means commonly used manages an image file, and includes a table for managing at least destinations.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for storing document information in an application service provider (ASP) which is connected to a user terminal through a network, such as the Internet. The method on which the system and computer program product are based includes inputting the document information into the user terminal, inputting a previously created e-mail address into the user terminal, the e-mail address being confirmed by the ASP and corresponding to a storage location in the ASP, and sending the document information to the e-mail address via the network. The document information may be input into the user terminal either manually or automatically and a storage folder may be created for storing documents to the ASP. Where the user terminal is an Internet fax machine, the Internet fax machine can be set up to automatically send all document information received by the Internet fax machine to the ASP for storage.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating a facsimile (fax) message over a computer network. A user initiates the sending of the fax to a recipient fax transceiver located outside the user's local-toll area of a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). A first fax transceiver transmits the fax to a first server, wherein the first fax transceiver and the first server both are located in the same local-toll area. The first server then transmits the fax via the Internet to a second server, which is located in the same local-toll area as the recipient fax transceiver. The second server, having an inbound, dial-up access modem pool, is configured to process and transmit the fax via the local PSTN to the recipient fax transceiver.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus (12) and a computer apparatus (14) are provided which enable systematic arrangement of information with respect to operations such as communication management information of a communication terminal apparatus and saving of recording paper. Report data is accumulated in accordance with information with respect to operations of the apparatus. When a request for sending a report is sent from the computer apparatus (14) via an interface (13), the accumulated report data is sent to the computer apparatus via the interface (13).

Abstract: A network facsimile apparatus that can be coupled to a local area network and a telephone network includes a first communications mechanism for the local area network, a second communications mechanism for the telephone network, and a relay controller. The relay controller determines whether the apparatus receives image information with a relay request from a relay request station, and selects one of the communications mechanisms in accordance with address information of a next relay station, or a destination station, which is designated by the relay request station. The relay controller generates electronic mail in which the image information and address information of the relay request station are included in contents and a header thereof, respectively, and sends the E-mail to the next relay station, or the destination station, with the communications mechanism selected.

Abstract: A system is provided for scanning batch-type documents containing indicia on either a single side or on two sides of each document sheet. Misfeeds through a scanning device are identified by comparison of an anticipated number of pages with an actual number of scanned pages. Similar misfeeds may be identified by comparison of first and second series of pages in two-sided documents. Automatic collating of scanned pages is then performed where desired. The automatic collating may be based upon simple interleaving of pages, or upon recognition of page identifiers, such as page numbers in common or anticipated regions of the page. The scanning, analysis and collating operations may be followed by other processing steps, including transmission of facsimiles, printing, copying, and so forth.

Abstract: A system and method for fax transmission over a fax relay network that includes at least a wideband portion and a narrowband portion, includes a first fax relay gateway communicatively connecting a sending fax machine on the wideband portion of the network to the narrowband portion of the network, the first fax relay gateway receiving image data from the sending fax machine and outputting digitized image data in accordance with a data rate of the narrowband portion of the fax relay network. A second fax relay gateway, communicatively connects a receiving fax machine to the narrowband portion of the network. At least one of the first fax relay gateway or the second fax relay gateway includes a control process that determines whether an amount of data stored in a buffer in the fax relay gateway is greater or less than a particular threshold or determines that the amount of jitter in the narrow band network exceeds a particular threshold, and if so, initiates a retrain procedure to adjust the fax data rate.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus (12) and a computer apparatus (14) are provided which enable systematic arrangement of information with respect to operations such as communication management information of a communication terminal apparatus and saving of recording paper. Report data is accumulated in accordance with information with respect to operations of the apparatus. When a request for sending a report is sent from the computer apparatus (14) via an interface (13), the accumulated report data is sent to the computer apparatus via the interface (13).

Abstract: An adapter device is provided for connection to a printer and an image input device, such as a document scanner or digital camera, that enables the printer to operate as a digital copier for image data received from the image input device. The adapter device includes an input/output controller, memory and a processor. The input/output controller controls the exchange of information with the printer and with the image input device. The memory buffers input device driver software for the image input device and printer driver software for the printer, and also stores image data output by the image input device. The processor is responsive to commands made from a control panel to initiate operation of the image input device under control of the input device driver software. The processor also processes image data from the image input device under control of the printer driver software and generates printer data to be printed by the printer.

Abstract: In the case that a PC sends a call to a called site on a telephone line network, but fails in its connection, the PC and a modem of a facsimile apparatus are connected. Then, the telephone number and image data of the called site are stored in a RAM of the facsimile apparatus. After storage is completed, the telephone line network and the modem of the facsimile apparatus are connected. Then, a call is sent to the called site and the image data is sent to the called site. This allows connection to be made to the PC without using a dedicated interface and prevents burdening on the PC in redialing in the case that there is no answer from the called site.

Abstract: A store-and-forward image communications system for transmitting an image signal from a first terminal (24) to a second terminal (10) in one of a plurality of transmission modes which comprises: a trnmssion path (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) between the first and second terminals (10. 24); a first image. signal interface (20) in said transmission path at which said image signal is received: a message store (116) connected to store and subsequently real signals received at the first interface (20); a data store (302) containing at least one record (320) comprising preference data relating to preferred said trnmission modes for at least one. of said first and second terminals (10. 24); a transmission controller (118) selecting from said tranmission control modes in accordance with said preference data; and a data updater (304) arranged to update the or each said record (320).

Abstract: A print system capable of exchanging data in the form of electronic mail between a plurality of computer systems using very low-cost communication via the Internet 28, rather than one-on-one communication. When the printer driver 30 of a personal computer 4 selects a personal computer 10 on another computer system as the destination for transmitting print data, the printer driver 30 and the print mail transmission utility 31a create print mail in which a mail header including print information is added to the print data for the contents of the mail, and the print mail is transmitted via the Internet 28 addressed to the personal computer 10. The print mail reception utility 31b of the personal computer 10 receives the print mail and prints the print mail on a printer 14 based on the print information included in the mail header.