Abstract: A scanner has a scanning module for generating image data by way of scanning a document, a motor for driving the scanning module, and a control circuit electrically connected to the scanning module and the motor for controlling operations of the scanner. The scanning module has a light source for illuminating the document and a charge coupled device (CCD) for detecting reflected light from the document so as to generate the image data. The scanner is powered only by a serial bus.

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: A novel and improved method and apparatus for providing an interface to a digital wireless telephone system compatible with standard analog wire line fax machines is described. To process a fax, a source interface waits until an interface to a destination fax machine has been established before establishing an interface to a source fax machine. The source fax transmission rate must be less than or equal to the destination fax transmission rate and the data rate of the digital channel. To establish the source fax interface at the proper rate, the source interface first selects and initial data rate from a set of standard fax transmission rates. The source interface sends unacceptable rate (failure to train) messages to the source fax machine until the source fax transmission rate is less than or equal to the data channel rate and the destination fax transmission rate.

Abstract: A document is read by a scanner, the document type is detected, and a specific block in the document, for which character recognition is to be performed, is determined. The character recognition is performed for the specific block, the obtained character strings are analyzed, and in accordance with the analysis results, document objectives, such as the extraction of data, filing, transmission to a printer or notification of transmission, are attained. A process corresponding to the attained objectives is performed for the document that has been read.

Abstract: Because an original document is often incorrectly loaded into an image capture device, the resulting captured image is often upside down, rotated 90°, or cut off. This occurs even though image capture devices have markings that indicate how the original documents are to be put into the scanner, markings that are often ignored when the original documents are loaded into the image capture device. Input orientation systems, methods and graphical user interfaces provide graphical document orientation indicators, or “input document mimics”, that provides visual indications to the user of the orientation of the original document to be captured and of the image on the original document, that will result in the desired orientation of the captured image being obtained.

Abstract: A fax to E-mail system and related method are shown, whereby a hardcopy document is sent via a fax device to its recipient via electronic mail through a data network (such as the Internet), and is delivered in such a manner that it can be retrieved by the recipient at an E-mail device, in the ordinary course of retrieving the E-mail, and displayed on the screen of the E-mail device. The invention provides for and accomplishes the delivery of a document, which begins as a hardcopy, as an electronic file retrieved through E-mail recipient's terminal and displayed on the computer screen of the E-mail recipient's terminal. The system and method also provides for an interface device which connects to a conventional fax device for communicating E-mail addresses and routing hardcopy documents to the E-mail network. The invention provides a means for embedding the functions of the interface device into conventional fax devices.

Abstract: A fax machine with an image display includes a housing, a handset, a power line, and a telephone line. The fax machine also includes a central processing unit, read only memory, random access memory, a speaker, a fax machine interface, a fax machine image display, a network interface, a modem interface, a detector, and a hook switch. The fax machine receives power input through the fax machine interface. The fax machine interface interconnects the image processing section, the operation display section, the operation control section, and the operation storage section with a control bus line. The image processing section is interconnected with a scanner and a printer. The scanner is configured to scan original fax input data. Fax input data may be a document, photograph, or an electronic data file. The printer is configured to print out fax output data on a hard copy.

Abstract: In the communication between a facsimile apparatus and an information processing terminal, the communication of status information of the facsimile apparatus is efficiently effected and an operation efficiency of the apparatus is improved. In response to a command from the information processing terminal, information indicating a change in the status of the facsimile apparatus is set in a response transmitted from the facsimile apparatus to the information processing terminal, and the information processing terminal conducts a communication request of the status information of the facsimile apparatus in accordance with the information.

Abstract: In a facsimile apparatus which communicates data through a communication line, a transmission level can be changed manually or in accordance with a type of the communication line or a type of an external unit as discriminated.

Abstract: A method for printing an image in a distributed network system is described. The distributed network system includes an image provider system, a printing service provider system, and a user terminal coupled together via a network. First, a low resolution version of the image is received in the user terminal from the image provider system. The user can customize the low resolution image using typical image processing operations. The low resolution version of the image is then sent to the printing service provider system if the image is determined to be printed. Then the printing service provider system receives a high resolution version of the image from the image provider system such that the high resolution version instead of the low resolution version of the image is printed by the printing service provider system. The customization of the low resolution image is applied to the high resolution image before it is printed. A system for printing an image in a distributed network system is also described.

Abstract: In the communication between a facsimile apparatus and an information processing terminal, the communication of status information of the facsimile apparatus is efficiently effected and an operation efficiency of the apparatus is improved. In response to a command from the information processing terminal, information indicating a change in the status of the facsimile apparatus is set in a response transmitted from the facsimile apparatus to the information processing terminal, and the information processing terminal conducts a communication request of the status information of the facsimile apparatus in accordance with the information.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for manipulating data to be faxed. In one arrangement, the system and method pertain to obtaining data to be included in a facsimile document and automatically determining the total number of pages of the facsimile document. By way of example, the data may be obtained from multiple data sources. In other arrangements, the system and method can further pertain to presenting the facsimile document to a user for review prior to the step of facilitating transmission of the facsimile document.

Abstract: A digital copying machine having a facsimile function includes an automatic printing unit and a determining unit which determines a key input made by an operator. Only when it is determined by the determining unit that the key input is made for an operation related to copy or print, an automatic printing inhibition flag is set, thereby inhibiting automatic printing. Accordingly, a digital copying machine having a facsimile function can be provided in which automatic printing is not inhibited unnecessarily.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an original image scanning apparatus, a method of controlling the original image scanning apparatus, and a storage medium storing a control program for carrying out the method of controlling the original image scanning apparatus. The original image scanning apparatus includes an image sensor for converting a scanned original image into an electrical image signal, an A/D converter for converting the image signal into a digital signal, a unit adapted to transfer the digital image signal to an external apparatus, and a switch for starting a scan of the original is disclosed. The number of times the switch for starting is pressed per unit time is detected. A function of the original image scanning apparatus is changed in accordance with the detected number of times the switch is pressed per unit time.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a data communication apparatus and a method which can transfer data even if a terminal is not operated. The data communication apparatus comprises reception means for receiving data from a transmission side, connection means for connecting the apparatus to an external device, initiation means for initiating the external device when the external device which is connected through said connection means is not in an operable state, and discrimination means for discriminating a type of data which is received by said reception means, wherein said initiation means performs an initiation on the basis of a discriminated result of said discrimination means.

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: When a specified type of communication data is received by a specified interface, the communication data is processed into intermediate data based on a sheet-saving print format. Upon receiving print command, an image forming device executes sheet-saving printing for forming a compressed image based on the intermediate data. Because a relatively large amount of communication data can be printed out on a single page in this way, wasting of recording medium can be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention, which includes a USB interface for receiving recording data from an external processor by using a first logical channel of multiple logical channels thereof, a recording unit for recording an image on the basis of recording data, and the USB interface for connecting with the recording unit, transfers recording data to the recoding unit via the USB interface and causes the recording unit to record, while forbidding to receive the recording data from the external processor via the USB interface during a recording operation of the recording unit.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: A scanning system enables efficient and selective downloading of files. A scanning mechanism associated with the scanning system captures images of documents. Then, a translator analyzes the captured images to produce data files. When desired, a system controller of the scanning system transmits sufficient data from the data files such that thumbnail images of the data files can be produced. After viewing the thumbnail images, a user selects one of the data files, and the system controller transmits or downloads the selected data file in response. The selected data file can be transmitted to a computer system, which renders the selected data file to a user, or the selected data file can be transmitted directly to a printer, which prints an image of the selected data file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for handling long delays in telecommunication systems, especially in connection with transparent fax services in telecom systems wherein a Global System for Mobile commmunication (GSM) is used, and wherein is used at least one Fax Adaptor/Inter Working Function (FA/IWF), and for the purpose of improving such a telecom system in relation to prior art solutions, it is according to the present invention suggested that said method involves changes in said at least one FA/IWF only. More specifically, the method involves sending of T.30 signals (command or response) towards either of the communication links, only when the associated algorithm has detected a safe period.

Abstract: A document machine with a display screen and computer-controlled memory structure which has been configured to allow the scanning in, storing, and later presentation to users of the machine, of informational and promotional imagery.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing a graphic image on a substrate, a method performed thereby and a card for use in the apparatus, the apparatus being composed of: a computer containing a motherboard which carries a card connector and random access memory, the computer being controlled by an operating system; a controller for storing image data in the random access memory; a card connected to the card connector and having a printing device interface and components for transferring stored image data from the random access memory to the printing device interface; and a digital color printing device connected to the printing device interface for printing the graphic image on the substrate on the basis of stored image data transferred from the random access memory.

Abstract: A data terminal which is coupled to a local area network includes a first facsimile communications device and a second communications device. The first communications device performs a standard facsimile communications operation with respect to an information transfer request to a different data terminal through the local area network in order to transfer facsimile image information via the different data terminal to an arbitrary facsimile machine which is connected to a public switched telephone network. The different data terminal is coupled to the local area network and the public switched telephone network. The second facsimile communications device performs the standard facsimile communications operation with the first communications device and receives information, including a telephone number of the arbitrary facsimile machine, image information to be transferred, property information of the image information, and identification information of the data terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for transcoding a document to be transmitted to a mobile station according to document display capabilities thereof and a wireless infrastructure containing the same. The system includes: (1) a station identifying circuit that receives data indicating a particular mobile station's document display capabilities and (2) a transcoding circuit that modifies the document according to the document display capabilities before the document is transmitted to the particular mobile station, the particular mobile station thereby freed of having locally to substantially modify the document according to the document display capabilities.

Abstract: In a facsimile system having a server device connected to a local-area network system, to which a plurality of client terminals are connected, and connected also to an ISDN and a pay-station telephone network, the server device performs communication with the pay-station telephone network and the plurality of client terminals, performs communication with the ISDN and the plurality of client terminals, and changes over communication between the ISDN and the pay-station telephone network in accordance with a command from each of the plurality of client terminals.

Abstract: In an image reading system having an image reading apparatus for reading the image of a document and an information processing terminal which receives the image data output by the image reading apparatus, the information processing terminal verifies the kind of operation performed at a control panel of the image reading apparatus, calls an image reading module and instructs the image reading apparatus to perform an operation based upon the kind of operation. The image reading apparatus responds by reading the image of the document, and the information processing terminal accepts the image data obtained and stores the image data in a predetermined area of a hard disk. This makes it possible to operate the image reading system efficiently.

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 left-side odd-component image signal (ODDL) output from an output terminal (OS1) of a 4-channel output CCD (4-division photoelectric conversion element) is input to an amplifier. A left-side even-component image signal (EVENL) output from an output terminal (OS2) of the 4-channel output CCD is input to the amplifier. A right-side odd-component image signal (ODDR) output from an output terminal (OS3) of the 4-channel output CCD is input to another amplifier. A right-side even-component image signal (EVENR) output from an output terminal (OS4) of the 4-channel output CCD is input to the amplifier. The amplifiers multiplex the left-side and right-side signals respectively, and a high-speed scanner control ASIC performs right/left correction.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an information management system and device that makes it possible to connect the conventional facsimiles, to a network system such as a local area network (LAN).

Abstract: There is disclosed 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 units for transferring the image data, read by the reader, to a computer through the connection unit, the apparatus comprises a specifying unit for specifying 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 portable imaging system transportable by a user between a first and second location for scanning an image for later production of an image product. The system includes (a) a first and second member movable between an open and closed position; (b) a scanning area accessible when the system is in the open position for receiving and scanning the image to produce a digital image; (c) memory for storing the digital image; and (d) a communication port adapted to transmit the digital image from the portable imaging system to a device for later production of the imaging product comprising the digital image. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a display for displaying the digital image.

Abstract: An image processing system comprises a photocopier and an information processor. The photocopier scans and images each page of a document, creates a thumbnail image from each scanned image, and sends the thumbnail images to the information processor. Using the information processor, a user then specifies an image output sequence by rearranging the thumbnail images with a pointing device. The photocopier receives this output sequence information from the information processor, and using the printer section of the photocopier prints the scanned images according to the specified output sequence contained in the received sequence information.

Abstract: A multifunction device includes a multifunction controller, a first interface for receiving input data from at least one scanner and a second interface for outputting processed input data to at least one printer, wherein the first interface and the second interface are each a standard interface. In a presently preferred embodiment the first interface is comprised of a SCSI interface. The multifunction device further includes a graphical user interface for controlling the operation of the multifunction device, including setting operational parameters for the at least one scanner and the at least one printer. Other interfaces are also provided, including one for coupling to a facsimile device for outputting processed input data to the facsimile device, and another interface for coupling to an e-mail port for outputting processed input data to the e-mail port.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system for enabling searching of stored information, the system including

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system for enabling searching of stored information, the system including

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving transmission between terminals in a telecommunication system, especially the transmission between two fax machines connected for fax transmission, and in order to solve the problem of long delays and enhance the utilization of the protocols in question, it is according to the present invention suggested that the total connection between the two fax machines are divided in at least two separate connections.

Abstract: Disclosed the-wireless local loop system which can support both an wireless voice service and a FAX data service by improving a current CDMA WLL system to be supported the FAX service function. The system provides a voice service and a FAX service using the first and second modems for each facsimile/telephone connected to the wire/wireless communication network of the fixed subscriber unit or the processing unit.

Abstract: Printers, such as drop-on-demand printers with piezoelectric printheads, having Internet as well as Intranet connectivity capabilities are provided, resulting in numerous service, maintenance and cost efficiencies.

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 method for avoiding time-outs during facsimile transmissions over IP networks is disclosed. In the disclosed method, T.30 commands and responses are passed in V.21 channel 2 (“ch2”) modulation with HDLC framing. Normally, when a T.30 message is sent, the V.21 ch2 carrier starts, then there is one second of HDLC flags, followed by the contents of the message. In a method according to the present invention, the V.21 ch2 carrier and HDLC flags are started when a response is late from the remote facsimile machine. This step is preferably initiated on occasions when a time-out would otherwise be likely in view of the late response. If the response from the remote facsimile machine arrives during the one second HDLC flags, the message is sent to the remote facsimile normally. If the message has not been received by the end of the one second HDLC flags, this period is extended for an additional two seconds.

Abstract: A data communication apparatus having a connection unit for connecting an information processing terminal, a memory for storing predetermined registration data, a detector for detecting a change in the registration data stored in the memory, and a transfer unit for, if the detector detects a change in the registration data, transferring the changed registration data to change registration data in the information processing terminal connected by the connection unit.

Abstract: A fax system employed in a packet switching network environment for use by fax users for transmission of fax information includes a network device coupled, through a network interface, to one or more communications devices for transmitting a processed fax message through the network interface to one or more of the communications devices, each of the communications devices being capable of receiving fax information and having a predetermined minimum scan line time therefor.

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 system for permitting insertion or replacement of electronic cards, the system includes a scanner for scanning hardcopy elements, the scanner including an electronic component for performing at least one processing function on an electronic representation of the hardcopy element; a first processor for directing operations of the scanner and for receiving directions that are passed to other components; a field-installed electronic card that performs additional processing on the electronic representation of the hardcopy element; a second processor electrically connected to the scanner for sending directions to the scanner processor which processor includes field-installed control code for directing the field-installed electronic card.

Abstract: An image transmitting apparatus for transmitting image data to an external image receiving apparatus through a network, includes: an image reading unit which reads an image of a document and generates image data of the document; a transmitting unit which is connectable with a first network and a second network to transmit the image data of the document to the external image receiving apparatus, the first network being different from the second network; and a controller which controls the transmitting unit such that the image data of the document is transmitted to the external image receiving apparatus through one of the first and second networks, and such that the image data of the document is retransmitted to the external image receiving apparatus through the remaining one of the first and second networks.

Abstract: A control system having device units removably attachable to a control device such as a computer is arranged to optimize the allocation and distribution of electric power to the device units. Each device unit of the system includes a communication circuit arranged to transmit information of electric power consumption and an operating state of the device unit detachably connected to the control device such as a computer, a stopping circuit for partly stopping a function of the device unit according to a control signal sent in reply from the control device on the basis of information of varied kinds transmitted through the transmission circuit to the control device. The control device is arranged to receive information on the device unit from the device unit, and a control circuit arranged to compare the information of electric power consumption and the operating state received by the communication circuit with information of the amount of electric power which can be supplied to the device unit.

Abstract: In an image recording apparatus, either one of a facsimile mode to function as a facsimile apparatus and a printer mode to function as a printer is indicated by a mode selection switch, and when a facsimile signal is received in the printer mode, the facsimile mode is automatically set. When a signal is received from an external equipment such as a computer in the facsimile mode, the printer mode is automatically set but the switching to the printer mode is inhibited if unprinted received data is stored in an image memory. When data is not supplied from the external equipment for a predetermined time period in the printer mode, the facsimile mode is set.

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.