Facsimile System Interface Patents (Class 358/442)
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Patent number: 6144463Abstract: A facsimile machine is connected to another facsimile machine by a telephone line and to a computer by an exclusive line. The facsimile machine has a computer-linked mode and an ordinary facsimile mode. If the facsimile machine is in the computer-linked mode, the image data transmission between the facsimile machine and the computer is performed based on an instruction command from an operator of the computer. If the facsimile machine is in the ordinary facsimile mode, the image data transmission between the facsimile machine and another facsimile machine is performed in an ordinary facsimile transmission manner. When an instruction command comes from the computer, the facsimile machine sends a response signal (or message) to the computer in answer to the instruction command. Thus, the facsimile machine operates under the supervision of the computer. This improves the control reliability.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1996Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Utsumi, Kunji Okazaki, Shinji Kawasaki, Shinichi Tanaka
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Patent number: 6144464Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the successful transmission of facsimile data over a wireless communication channel is provided comprising a facsimile machine, a wireless transceiver and a connector interfacing therebetween. The facsimile machine detects an interface with the wireless transceiver and notifies the facsimile machine of a wireless communication channel through which facsimile data will traverse. The facsimile machine, in conjunction with the wireless transceiver, establishes a wireless communication channel according to an initial data transfer rate corresponding with the capability of the wireless transceiver or known communication channel conditions. The facsimile machine then exchanges facsimile data over the wireless communication channel and a receiving facsimile machine evaluates the facsimile data to detect errors injected through the wireless communication channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1997Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: 3Com CorporationInventors: Scott W. Rupp, John Wheeler, Brady Brown
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Patent number: 6137599Abstract: A work group fax device and method of utilizing such a device are disclosed wherein a user may control when faxes are printed. A user of the fax machine, after leaving work for the night, might not want incoming faxes to be printed until he returns to work in the morning. The user may set all incoming faxes to be saved (accumulated) in memory in the fax machine. The user may later command the fax machine to print the accumulated faxes. Also described are password protection and the ability to set times when accumulation should begin and end. A user may engage and disengage fax holding from any permitted LAN workstation or from the fax machine's front panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.Inventor: Thomas P. Mullin
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Patent number: 6134017Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1994Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Avraham Ron Schlank, Chet Allen Erez, Stanley H. Wong, Yu-Chen Tuan, Calvin C. Yee, Peter A. Knott
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Patent number: 6130760Abstract: A transmission job originating station for controlling transmission of job information, based on the processing of a print job in a printing system, is provided. The control system includes a document generating subsystem for providing at least a portion of the print job to be delivered to a print machine and a user interface for programming a set of information including one or more confirmation destinations with each confirmation destination being disposed remotely of the transmission job originating station. The transmission job originating station further includes a control subsystem which, in response to the processing of at least a portion of the print job at the printing machine, reads the set of information and determines each confirmation destination, programmed with the user interface, to which the job information is to be transmitted.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1998Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Michael J. Nickerson
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Patent number: 6128104Abstract: A facsimile apparatus having an energy saving function includes an auxiliary controller or subcontroller for managing the conditions of the apparatus. While the subcontroller is in operation, a time manager manages the duration of a stand-by state of the apparatus and feeds time information to the subcontroller. A main controller delivers, before the stand-by state, a specified cancelling time for cancelling the stand-by state to the subcontroller. In the stand-by state, the subcontroller compares the time information and specified cancelling time. When the specified cancelling time is reached, the auxiliary controller cancels the stand-by state and causes power to be fed to the main controller and preselected units.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Shohji Okabe, Shigeru Katsuragi
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Patent number: 6128103Abstract: An image communication apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus has: a receiving device for receiving coded data, a decoder for decoding the coded data received by the receiving device and for conducting an operation for detecting a transmission error in each of plural data lines based on the decoded data; a controller for controlling the operation of the decoder and for generating data to be recorded by conducting decoding of the coded data while removing the coded data of the lines in which a transmission error has been detected; and a recording device for recording an image on a recording sheet in accordance with the data decoded by the controller. The decoding and transmission error detection operation performed by the decoder are conducted in parallel with the decoding operation performed by the controller. The control means operates to cause the decoder to execute its own decoding operation preferentially to the decoding operation for generating the data to be recorded.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Wataru Kawamura
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Patent number: 6122066Abstract: A facsimile equipment of the present invention is a facsimile equipment which is constructed to comprise an interface which enables the facsimile equipment to communicate with a computer device, access to an opposite station on the basis of telephone number data of other stations sent from the computer device, and transmit data stored in the computer device to the opposite station through receiving data sent from the computer device and transmitting signals corresponded to the data; during communications, the facsimile equipment is controlled so as to answer to the computer device as if it had a reception from the opposite station, accumulate the data sent from the computer device following to the answer in the storage unit of the facsimile equipment, and transmit the data accumulated in the facsimile equipment to the opposite station on the basis of telephone number data of other stations indicated by the computer device, after that data accumulation is finished.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1996Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., LTDInventor: Yoshihiro Hobo
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Patent number: 6122071Abstract: A data communication apparatus for executing a first communication protocol by a low rate modem and executing data communication by a high rate modem in accordance with the first communication protocol includes a communication protocol unit for executing a second communication protocol for identifying a type of a modem of a destination station and designating a modem to be used for the communication and a control unit for causing said communication protocol unit to designate the execution of the first communication protocol by said low rate modem in accordance with the type of modem of the destination station identified by said communication protocol unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1996Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takehiro Yoshida
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Patent number: 6118546Abstract: A printer/facsimile system includes a printer/facsimile driver to automatically insert a facsimile cover sheet at the beginning of a facsimile document.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: George A. Sanchez, Rakesh Mahajan, Loren A. Wood
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Patent number: 6115142Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for supporting analog fax calls between two wireless subscriber stations in a tandem configuration. The existence of a tandem configuration is detected, and a more efficient communication protocol is established between two base stations upon detection of the tandem configuration. A message generator in a first base station generates an identification message. If the identification message is received by a second base station, the second base station will be informed that the tandem configuration exists. A message generator in a second base station may then generate a return message, which when received by the first base station, will notify the first base station of the existence of the tandem configuration. To support the tandem configuration, full duplex communication may be established between the two base stations.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1997Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Qualcomm IncorporatedInventor: Nikolai K. N. Leung
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Patent number: 6115145Abstract: A data communication device having an on-line mode and off-line mode and being capable of parallel operation of the on-line and off-line modes. The device includes a display for displaying the operation state of the device; a controller for controlling to selectively display the on-line operation state and off-line operation state on the display; a manual instruction unit for manually outputting a display change instruction to the controller; and an automatic instruction unit for automatically outputting the display change instruction to the controller; wherein the controller functions to perform display change in accordance with the display change instruction from the manual or automatic instruction unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shigeo Miura
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Apparatus and method for selective modem communications on shared, closed-loop communication systems
Patent number: 6111663Abstract: A closed-loop communication system includes a closed-loop communication link with a shared communication channel. A set of communication devices are connected to the closed-loop communication link. Each communication device has un-arbitrated access to the shared communication channel. A responding modem connected to the closed-loop communication link includes a modem signal detection circuit to identify a modem signal on the closed-loop communication link and respond to it by facilitating a squelch disable signal. A transmission squelch circuit squelchs all transmission signals from the responding modem except when the transmission squelch circuit is disabled in response to the squelch disable signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Dantel, Inc.Inventor: Ronald J. Dean -
Patent number: 6111662Abstract: In an electronic imaging apparatus, image information of an image signal photoelectrically converted from an image incident is stored in image information storing means in a format dependent upon a type of the applied storage device. Provided therein are communication means for transmitting and/or receiving image information generated in this apparatus or the other equivalent apparatuses while an operation mode of the apparatus is set for communication and switch means for causing the communication means to start a communication mode operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1997Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiaki Satoh, Yawara Saitoh, Izuru Kiyokawa
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Patent number: 6097506Abstract: An electricity turning-on control device having a main control section, a main-power source, a power source switch, an operation panel control section, a sub-power source. The main control section has a RAM for storing information regarding an input/output interface and a CPU having a high clock frequency. The operation panel control section has a CPU having a low clock frequency. When no predetermined detecting signal is detected by the operation panel control section for a predetermined time, the power source switch is switched to the electricity turning-off state, thereby turning off supply of electric power to the main control section. On the other hand, when the predetermined detecting signal is detected, the power source switch is switched to an electricity turning-on state, thereby turning on supply of electric power to the main control section, and the main control section establishes a condition regarding the input/output interface on the basis of the information stored in the RAM.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventors: Noriyuki Eda, Toshiya Inotsume, Kenji Iwata
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Patent number: 6091518Abstract: An image transfer apparatus cooperates with an image reception and reproduction means to reduce network burden while transferring profile information. Specifically, a profile storage device is connected to a network. The profile storage device stores profile information for a color correction made to color image information on color image information prepared from object information. An image transmission device transmits profile specification information specifying the profile information corresponding to the color image information or the object information together with the color image information or the object information. A receiving device receives the color image information or the object information and the profile specification information transmitted by the image transmission means. A call device requests profile information specified by the profile specification information received by the reception device from the profile storage device.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsushi Anabuki
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Patent number: 6088125Abstract: A communication result notifying method for notifying a result of a process result in a facsimile machine or a printing machine to a notification destination node, comprises the following steps. A step of obtaining an e-mail address of the notification destination node from facsimile data or print, received via a LAN from a requesting node, a step of detecting a result of a process result in the facsimile machine or printing machine, and a step of notifying the detected process result to the e-mail address of the notification destination node.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1997Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Graphic Communication Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Kumi Okada, Kiyoshi Toyoda
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Patent number: 6075847Abstract: A method and system for detecting fax calls in a network that alternatively operates in either a voice mode or a fax mode. A detection threshold is first initialized, a first detector detects whether a calling tone has been transmitted from a calling fax machine to a called fax machine, and a second detector detects whether an identification tone has been sent from the called fax machine to the calling fax machine. If the calling tone has been transmitted from the calling fax machine to the called fax machine the detection threshold is decremented a first amount, if the identification tone has been transmitted from the called fax machine to the calling fax machine the detection threshold is decremented a second amount, and if both the calling tone and the identification tone have been sent the detection threshold is decremented a third amount. A flag measure is generated by monitoring, with a third detector, signals sent from the called fax machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1999Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Qualcomm Inc.Inventor: Nikolai K. N. Leung
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Patent number: 6072599Abstract: Image data received from an original-document reading portion is stored in an image memory, and then transmitted to another facsimile apparatus. At this time, whenever image data for one communication is transmitted, information indicating a result of the transmission is stored. Also, image data received from a personal computer is stored in an image memory, and is then transmitted to the other facsimile apparatus. At this time, whenever image data for one communication is transmitted, information indicating a result of the transmission is stored. A communication management report is then output which enables identification to easily be performed with respect to whether image data supplied from the original-document reading portion has been transmitted or image data supplied from the personal computer has been transmitted.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1997Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryozo Oba, Takeo Nishijima, Yasuichi Kishino
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Patent number: 6072912Abstract: An image scanner produces white level data when the white plate is irradiated with light. The image scanner produces black level data when the white plate is irradiated with no light. Correction data constructed from the thus produced white level data and black level data is transferred to the host computer. Next, the image scanner produces tone data for the original, and transfers the tone data to the host computer. In the host computer, the tone data is corrected into either one of the 256 levels "00" to "FF." This correction operation is attained with using average values of the transferred white level data and average values of the transferred black level data.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1996Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiko Orito
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Patent number: 6072598Abstract: In a device with limited processor and/or memory capability, such as a Personal Digital Assistant or handheld computer, that has a viewscreen, a method and system for viewing a facsimile transmission image. After being sent, the facsimile transmission is routed to and intercepted by a computer system for processing before it reaches the device. The processing of the facsimile transmission includes recognizing text and outputting it, along with rendering information such as position, to a transmittal file. Once the recognizable text has been filtered from the facsimile transmission, the remaining images are edge-fit and output to the transmittal data file by position and other rendering information. The transmittal file is sent to the device with the viewscreen. The device then uses the information contained within the transmittal file to render a version of the facsimile transmission image and display it on the viewscreen.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1997Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Michael Man-Hak Tso
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Patent number: 6069712Abstract: System components provide for a method of: processing an exposed photographic film at a processor-scanner station which has both a scanner and a processor at the same location, to produce one or more hardcopy images at the processor-scanner location; reading data on the film which indicates that a set of one or more of the hardcopy images, is to be communicated to a hub station, which hub station is remote from the processor-scanner station; scanning the set at the same processor-scanner location at which the film was processed, to obtain a corresponding image set signal; communicating the image set signal from the scanner to the hub station; and storing the communicated image set signal at the hub station.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: David William Dellert, Carl Joseph Tesavis
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Patent number: 6067172Abstract: A terminal, such as a group 4 (G4) facsimile, coupled to an integrated services digital network has a function for setting up a confirmation call for automatically detecting a change of a different terminal, from a group 3 (G3) facsimile to a G4 facsimile. The G4 facsimile has a memory for memorizing information of a different terminal, such as, for example, a calling number, a short formed calling number under an abbreviated dialing mode, and a corresponding identification whether the different terminal conforms to a G3 or G4 facsimile procedure. The G4 facsimile sets up a confirmation call under the G4 facsimile procedure to confirm whether or not the different terminal has been updated to a G4 facsimile, only at a time of when the different terminal is identified as being conformable to the G3 facsimile procedure by the identification, and, optionally, when an arbitrary time period, which is memorized in the calling G4 facsimile, is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1996Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Koji Yokoyama
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Patent number: 6064489Abstract: An apparatus relates to the switching of the flow of image data so as to optimize the data flow in accordance with the connection state of the respective optional boards of a PM unit, a FAX unit, a PRT unit, and an HDD unit. The flow of image data can be switched to optimize the data flow depending on the connection state of various optional boards.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takefumi Nosaki, Masahiko Taniguchi, Toshiharu Takahashi, Hironobu Machida, Kenji Takano
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Patent number: 6064491Abstract: A facsimile apparatus having a scanner for reading original images, a memory for storing images, a printer for recording images, and a communication control section for controlling the transmission/reception of data with a receiving communication apparatus is connected to a host computer via a small computer system interface (SCSI). As a result, the scanner, the memory, the printer and the communication control apparatus provided in the facsimile apparatus can be controlled from the host computer. Data can be transferred between the host computer and the facsimile apparatus at a higher speed, and the scanner, the memory, the printer and the communication control apparatus can be effectively controlled from the host computer. Thus, various kinds of applications can be realized.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1997Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Naoyuki Matsumoto
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Patent number: 6061149Abstract: A communication system in which if the connection between a facsimile apparatus and a host computer such as a PC is confirmed, the facsimile apparatus obtains information on whether or not the host computer is in ready status, as operation information of the host computer. If the host computer is not connected to the facsimile apparatus or it does not in operable state, otherwise the host computer operates but it is in busy status, the facsimile apparatus changes a negotiation protocol between the facsimile apparatus and another facsimile apparatus as the communication destination.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1997Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuko Hosokawa, Hiroshi Nobuta
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Patent number: 6057942Abstract: An image processing apparatus overcomes deterioration of performance in a FAX image information receiving process by disconnecting an unwanted transmission line. The image processing apparatus overcomes deterioration in a character recognition process due to noise on the line, when recognizing characters from image information input via a transmission line. The image processing apparatus includes an identifying unit identifying a type of image information input via the transmission line, and a modifying unit modifying connecting conditions for the transmission line on the basis of the identification result from the identifying unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Jun Sato
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Patent number: 6058249Abstract: An image forming apparatus having at least one of a copying function of forming an image represented by copy data, a facsimile function of forming an image represented by facsimile data, and a printing function of forming an image represented by print data, characterized by comprising means for acquiring the data, means for storing the data acquired by the data-acquiring means, means for registering image-forming commands for forming an image represented by the data stored in the storing means, means for selecting a plurality of image-forming commands registered in the command-registering means, one after another in a predetermined order, and means for forming images in accordance with the image-forming commands selected by the command-selecting means.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yoji Matsuda, Toshiharu Takahashi, Masako Shibaki, Miki Konno
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Patent number: 6049398Abstract: The facsimile machine connected with a personal computer such that it can send image data to the personal computer. The facsimile machine first requests the personal computer to supply data about communication capability of the personal computer such as resolution mode (scanning line density) and coding method to the personal computer. Upon this request, the personal computer outputs necessary data to the facsimile machine. If a user of the facsimile machine sets to scan the image at a resolution finer than a resolution of the personal computer, then resolution is automatically changed to a rougher resolution to conform with the personal computer. The facsimile machine then scans the image at the modified resolution. The scanned image is coded by the same coding method as the personal computer. The image scanned and coded in line with the communication capability of the personal computer is then stored in a memory and transmitted to the personal computer from the memory.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshifumi Tanimoto
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Patent number: 6046823Abstract: An interface for a color image signal processing system is implemented with a common input/output data lines to reduce the number of pin-counts of a integrated circuit. The input control protocol is shared with the data output and selected by an "Output Enable" signal, which also acts as a synchronization control signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Avision Inc.Inventor: Michael Chen
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Patent number: 6043902Abstract: When a communication apparatus determines that a LAN terminal designated by a transmitting facsimile machine has not logged on to the LAN, the communication apparatus sends a transfer result error back to the facsimile machine and sends the facsimile machine an inquiry as to what measures should be taken subsequently. Depending upon the response to the inquiry, either notification of the incoming call from the facsimile machine is transferred to a proxy user who has logged on to the LAN or it is determined, at fixed time intervals, whether the designated terminal or proxy user has logged on. If log-on can be confirmed, notification of the incoming call is transferred to or printed out. If log-on cannot be confirmed, the received data are erased. Refusal of an incoming call can thus be avoided even if the designated communication terminal on the LAN has not logged on.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1996Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Sato
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Patent number: 6043904Abstract: There is provided a facsimile machine including an image data source to create image data, and a transmitting subsystem to transmit the created image data to a first remote receiving station. The facsimile machine further includes a receiving subsystem to receive job status information, relating to the transmission of the created image data to the first remote receiving station, from the first remote receiving station, and a control subsystem to cause the transmitting subsystem to transmit the received job status information to a second remote receiving station.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Michael J. Nickerson
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Patent number: 6040921Abstract: A communication apparatus performs a maintenance operation in a short period of time, without using a communication apparatus which includes a special communication protocol on a maintenance side. In a facsimile machine 24, upon receipt of a DTMF signal on a communication line 1, the DTMF signal is supplied to a modem 8 through a relay 3 and a transformer T1. This is done such that the modem 8 converts the received DTMF signal into a code signal such as 1 to 0, * and # and supplies the code signal to a CPU 16 through a data bus, formed by a gate array 11 and a main gate array 23. The CPU 16 stores the code in a temporary storage RAM 19, digit by digit. In the meantime, when it is determined that the code signal is "96#," from a RAM 17, the CPU 16 reads a functional parameter associated with the number of a soft switch which is temporarily stored in the RAM 19.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1997Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Motohiko Hayashi, Masahiro Tanaka
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Patent number: 6038037Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1996Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Qualcomm IncorporatedInventors: Nikolai K. N. Leung, Johnny K. John
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Patent number: 6031636Abstract: This invention discloses a battery-powered scanner that does not require use of commercial power source, wherein the scanner not only selects components of low power consumption but also implements high efficient and low worn switching regulation technique to convert power source supplied by a primary or secondary battery into working voltage for all components within the scanner so as to be utilized by the scanner in operation. To prevent the possibility of insufficient battery power supply, the scanner is provided with a power management device that terminates power supply to peripheral components of the scanner while the scanner in not in operation so as to conserve power consumption, and that activates power supply to all components when the scanner is in operation. The power management device further stops timing pulses other than those required to connect a control device and a computer connected to the scanner so as to reduce power consumption, whereby the scanner may be portable to various locations.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Avigramm Technologies CorporationInventor: Ling-Chien Chen
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Patent number: 6028679Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting class 1, 2, or 3 fax image data streams over Internet Global Area Networks is shown. A first device converts local fax image data streams into electronic data streams, transmits the data stream over the network, to a second device at the remote fax machine which reconverts the electronic data to fax image data and prints it out on said remote fax machine.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: NetFax IncorporatedInventor: Frederick J. Murphy
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Patent number: 6025931Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1997Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: E-Mate Enterprises, LLCInventor: Mark C Bloomfield
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Patent number: 6023345Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: E-Mate Enterprises, LLCInventor: Mark C. Bloomfield
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Patent number: 6021256Abstract: An image processing system for providing edge enhancement of low resolution binary image files processes the low resolution data in sections or windows using a binary edge enhancement processor unit to determine whether an edge transition or "kink site" occurs within each window. The edge enhancement processor includes a decision matrix that identifies a pixel based on a calculated gradient magnitude and direction. In one operating mode, the original data in the window is replaced with edge enhanced gray-scale data stored in a look-up table if a kink site is identified. In a second operating mode original data is replaced with higher resolution binary data. To improve speed of operation of the processor, a set of criteria used for determining where enhancement pixels are to be generated has logic operators used for processing the criteria operated simultaneously with a bias provided favoring determinations having closer proximity towards a site likely to require image enhancements.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Yee Seung Ng, Glenn Robert Van Lare, Richard Thomas Fischer
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Patent number: 6016387Abstract: A facsimile apparatus which records received information on a recording sheet includes a recorder that has an active mode and a standby mode using less electric power than the active mode. With the recorder in the standby mode, the received information is stored in a memory without being recorded until a detector detects that the amount of stored information has reached a predetermined value. At such time, the mode of the recorder is changed to the active mode to cause the recorder to record the stored information.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takehiro Yoshida
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Patent number: 6011634Abstract: A portable facsimile equipment in which document data to be transmitted can be displayed on an LCD display. When it is desired for a communication module to transmit document data obtained through a document module or a scanner module, the document data to be transmitted can be displayed on the LCD display. When it is desired to display image data read out by a scanner and stored in a RAM on the LCD display; the image data having a resolution of 8 lines/mm read out by the scanner and stored in the RAM is converted to data having a resolution of 3 lines/mm for display thereof on the LCD display. Further, the communication module performs its communication with a wired line through a modular connector provided at a side of an LCD board, and the received information is displayed on the LCD display.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Masayoshi Aihara, Toshiyuki Yokochi, Akira Nakano, Masaru Yamamura, Yasuaki Hashimoto, Hiroshi Hashizume, Hiroshi Miyauchi
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Patent number: 6008908Abstract: A telephone line interface section, which has a selector switch for selectively connecting two of a facsimile section, a telephone line and an information unit such as a personal computer, is provided. The telephone line interface section is provided with a telephone line monitor which detects an ON/OFF state of a start switch for directing the facsimile section to be operated and detects existence or non-existence of a DC loop current which is a connecting signal at the time when the facsimile section is connected to an external telephone switchboard via the telephone line. The selector switch connects the facsimile section to the information unit based upon the telephone line monitor when the start switch is in the ON state and the connecting signal is not detected. As a result, in the case where the facsimile section is used as a scanner and printer of the information unit, the facsimile section can be simply connected to the information unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masafumi Matsumoto, Shigekazu Fujiwara, Ryoji Kambara, Koji Shimada, Morihiro Katsurada, Hiroshi Yamada
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Patent number: 6008909Abstract: An secured fax adapter apparatus uses a relay circuit to selectively couple a G3 fax to a secured line via a secured telephone unit (STU). The G3 fax can alternatively be coupled to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) via a PSTN port. The secured fax adapter has an enhanced DAA having a controller, a fax communication circuit, a current limited off hook detection circuit, a relay circuit for selectively coupling the external device ports, and a ring generation circuit for producing a square wave for ring generation. In one embodiment, the current-limited off-hook detection circuit uses a symmetrical network of transistors coupled to diodes to limit the current drawn by a load. In another embodiment, the relay circuit has four relays for selectively coupling the G3 fax to the fax communication circuit, the STU to the PSTN, the G3 fax to the PSTN, or the STU to the fax communication circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignees: Ricoh Company, Ltd., Ricoh CorporationInventor: James S. Hui
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Patent number: 6005676Abstract: Data communications between a FAX modem (36) and a facsimile (38) can be performed without using a telephone line. Electric characteristics of a line (44) are interrupted in view of direct current, and is connected in view of alternating current by a capacitor (C1). When an off-hook detection circuit (62) detects an off-hook state of the FAX modem (36), and the off-hook detection circuit (62) puts the direct current converter 60 in operation, a telephone line emulation voltage is applied to the line (44). A ringback signal is outputted to the line (44) by a ringback signal output circuit (66) as a result of a judgement of the ringback signal output circuit that it is a transmission from the FAX modem when an answering tone is not detected for predetermined duration. Data communication between the FAX modem (36) and the facsimile (38) can then be performed by calling the facsimile machine (38).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Megasoft, Inc.Inventor: Masaharu Morimoto
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Patent number: 6005924Abstract: A fax and phone combination device. The combination device is coupled to an external phone. From a phone line, the combination device receives a call signal, a fax signal, and an information signal. The call signal precedes the fax signal and the information signal. The combination device comprises a fax, an internal phone, and a call signal processor. The call processor processes the call signal received by the combination device and produces a first ringing signal from the call signal. The first ringing signal is intended for the internal phone. The combination device further comprises a ringing signal generator for generating a second ringing signal that is intended for the external phone, and a switch coupled to the fax, the internal phone, and the call processor. A call pulse in the call signal causes the switch to switch the combination device in a simulated receiving mode. In the simulated receiving mode, the fax signal detector detects whether the fax signal is present.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventors: Christian Krexner, Antonius Van De Graaf, Kurt Praxl, Peter Sattler
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Patent number: 6005675Abstract: A control command indicating the end of a command is set in a remote command in file data to be transmitted, and the remote command is transmitted as packet data having a data length based on the control code to a receiving apparatus. When the receiving apparatus extracts the command from the received packet data, it informs, as a response signal, to the apparatus which transmitted the command that the command was extracted, and the transmitting apparatus restarts command transmission from a portion where the response signal cannot be received.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1995Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toru Maeda, Hitoshi Saito, Akemi Sato, Akira Matsui, Kazuhiro Sugawara
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Patent number: 6005677Abstract: A facsimile device includes local area network communication controlling means for exchanging data between the facsimile device and the terminal of a correspondence partner through a local area network connected to an internet. An exchanging network communication controlling means is provided for exchanging image information between the facsimile device and the terminal of the correspondence partner through an exchanging network in accordance with a predetermined facsimile transmitting procedure. Telephone number converting table means is provided for registering telephone numbers used to place a call by use of the exchanging network and a group of addresses for transmitting signals by use of the local area network, for the terminals of the respective correspondence partners.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Hironobu Suzuki
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Patent number: 6002490Abstract: The color digital image composing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a memory for storing therein data concerning connection between devices each constituting said apparatus and parameters specific to each device, a registration device for registering the data concerning connection between devices each constituting said apparatus and the parameters specific to each device as system parameters, and a controller for transaction of the system parameters stored in said memory prior to start of facsimile communication, so that image data most suited to capability of the receiving side can be transmitted.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroaki Suzuki
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Patent number: 5991050Abstract: A method and system for processing messages is provided. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a message scheduler, a job process, and a format resolution module are used. The message scheduler identifies when a new message is to be processed, schedules the new message for processing, invokes the format resolution module to determine a method of converting data in the message to an appropriate format for a destination device or file, and invokes a job process. The format resolution module determines an appropriate method for converting data in the message from a format acceptable to the source devices or files to a format acceptable to the destination devices or files and creates a target message containing a reference to a destination device or file. The job process sends the data between the source devices or files to a destination device or file and performs the appropriate conversion.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1995Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Sharad Mathur, Arul Menezes, Michael Robert VanBuskirk, Kevin Thomas Gallo
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Patent number: 5991052Abstract: A facsimile apparatus is connected to an information processing apparatus, such as a computer, which executes a communication protocol defined by a general-purpose communication application software program. The facsimile apparatus includes an own number memory which stores an own number, and determines whether or not an addressing number sent by the computer corresponds with the own number. When the own number and the addressing number do not correspond with each other, the facsimile apparatus transmits image data sent from the computer to another facsimile apparatus which is indicated by the addressing number. If the own number and the addressing number correspond with each other, the facsimile apparatus responds to the computer with dummy response information, and image data is sent from the computer to a printer to be printed out.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshihiro Hobo