Abstract: A configuration of an image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus and at least one of a paper feed apparatus and a post-process apparatus is defined based on system configuration information including a combination of identification information for the apparatuses and setting information for the order of arrangement of the apparatuses corresponding to the identification information without using a dedicated line connection.

Abstract: A data communication system, an image processing apparatus, a program and a data communication method which permit a user to command a reply multicast transmission in reply to a multicast transmission with easy operations. In executing a multicast transmission of first image data, the image processing apparatus sends a job ID together with the first image data to a computer which is one of the receivers of the multicast transmission. Concurrently, the image processing apparatus stores the job ID and the receivers of the multicast transmission in relative to each other as history information. When the computer replies to the multicast transmission, the computer sends a reply e-mail including second image data and the job ID to the image processing apparatus. Then, the image processing apparatus extracts the job ID from the reply e-mail and searches the history information for receivers of the multicast transmission identified by the job ID.

Abstract: An image-reading controlling method and a scanning apparatus using such method are disclosed. The method comprises the following steps. First, a user profile is selected. Next, a computer terminal is notified that a user profile has been selected. Then, a scan command is received from the computer terminal, and an image-reading job is executed in response to the scan command.

Abstract: Signal-type dependent real-time fax Relay.

Abstract: A technique allowing the pictographic characters or the face marks to be converted to, for example, the corresponding, but more expressive and more vivid facial image of high picture quality and thereby to achieve compact but smooth and amusing communication. Images are distributed via e-mail constructed so that, when a text accompanied with pictographic characters is transmitted from a user terminal and received by a communication processor of a server a registering station and an image/text processor read out user-registered images corresponding to the ideographic characters from a user database are then combined these images with the text back such combination sent back to the user terminal via the communication processor. Thus, it is also possible for the image processor to utilize the image database for the purpose of synthesis of a morphing processed image, as a user instruct it, and to distribute the text accompanied with such morphing processed image.

Abstract: A network scan system includes a network scanner accessible by a computer and capable of communicating with the computer through a firewall. A method of operating the network scan system includes installing a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) server module into the computer, transmitting a uniform resource locator (URL) of the computer to the network scanner using the HTTP server module, and transmitting scanned data to the computer from the network scanner using the transmitted URL. Accordingly, it is possible to exchange data between the network scanner and the computer using the HTTP server module installed into the computer even if a firewall is installed.

Abstract: A display operation device includes: a display-integrated operation panel; a first UI component display device displaying a read start key; a read activating device responsive to a user operation of the read start key, for starting a document reading process; a second UI component display device, responsive to activation of the document reading process, for displaying a read stop key in place of the read start key; and a reading process stopping device, responsive to a user operation of the read stop key, for stopping execution of the reading process. When reading ends, an additional read key is displayed in place of the read stop key. The background color of read stop key is selected to be much different from the background color of read start key, and the background color of additional read key is selected to be analogous to the background color of read start key.

Abstract: The analog signal buffer is connected with a photoelectric converter to convert an optical image to an analog signal and an analog signal processing circuit to convert the analog signal to a digital signal, and transmits the analog signal to the analog signal processing circuit. The analog signal buffer includes a first buffer having a NPN transistor; and a second buffer having a PNP transistor. The first buffer includes a circuit to block a reverse current caused in the analog signal buffer by dropping of a voltage output from the photoelectric converter.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first acquiring unit and a selecting unit. The first acquiring unit acquires information on respective communication capacities of a plurality of transmitters with a facsimile communication function and communication capacity of a partner device to be in facsimile communication with the transmitter. The selecting unit selects a transmitter having communication capacity that is the same as or closest to the communication capacity of the partner device from the plurality of transmitters.

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

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to incorporating a fax machine function into a mobile device. A camera on the mobile device is used to scan or capture an image of an existing document. Logic on the mobile device converts the image into a fax transmittal that can be transmitted to a fax machine. Once the fax transmittal is ready, a connection is initiated with a traditional fax machine across one or more networks, and the fax transmittal is sent to the fax machine at a speed determined by the slower device. Upon a successful transmission, the connection is terminated, and a report is generated.

Abstract: A process coordinating system includes an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus that are connected via a network. The image forming apparatus includes an acquiring unit configured to acquire image data; an attaching unit configured to attach metadata including process contents to the image data acquired by the acquiring unit; and a transmit unit configured to transmit the acquired image data and the attached metadata. The information processing apparatus includes a receive unit configured to receive the image data and the metadata; a display control unit configured to cause an execution button for executing the process contents included in the received metadata and the received image data to be displayed in the same screen; and a processing unit configured to perform a process indicated by the process contents on the image data upon pressing of the execution button.

Abstract: A touch panel includes a ring-like shaped light-transmissive portion. A ring-shaped diffusion surface is formed on the bottom surface of a light guide element. The ring-like shape includes a second region provided at a location corresponding to two light sources adjacent to a first region corresponding to one light source. A distance from a location of the ring-shaped light-transmissive portion to a periphery of the ring close to the light source is greater in the second region than in the first region. Light emitted from the light source and incident to the light guide element is diffusion-reflected on the diffusion surface and a part of the diffusion-reflected light illuminates the light-transmissive portion.

Abstract: A scan system includes a request reception unit that stores a message corresponding to a document processing job in a queue in response to the receipt of an execution request for the document processing job from an image forming apparatus; and a back-end processing unit that makes an acquisition request for the message with respect to the queue at a regular interval, acquires the message, executes a document processing job corresponding to the acquired message, and stores the execution result of the job. Before the image forming apparatus transmits an execution request for a document processing job to the request reception unit, the back-end processing unit acquires information indicating a location at which the execution result of the acquired job is stored, and the request reception unit causes the image forming apparatus to display information indicating a location at which the execution result of the acquired job is stored.

Abstract: A system registers a specified storage region included in a plurality of storage regions for storing data and a specified property item given to data stored in the specified storage region, selects data to be facsimile-transmitted from among a plurality of pieces of data stored in the plurality of storage regions, and determines whether the selected data is the data stored in the specified storage region. When the selected data is the data stored in the specified storage region, the information processing system acquires a value of the specified property item given to the selected data, and sets the acquired value as the facsimile number of the destination.

Abstract: The image reading apparatus includes an operation unit operated by a user for detecting an instruction from the user, a transportation unit for transporting a read medium, a medium detector for detecting the read medium, a reader for reading the read medium, and an instruction detector for detecting the instruction from the user. The instruction detector is different from the operation unit. Moreover, the apparatus includes a controller for performing control, based on the instruction from the user. The instruction detector is valid between a time when the medium detector detects the read medium and a time when reading the read medium is finished.

Abstract: A communication device includes a first acquisition unit that acquires communication setting information of communication device from a server, the communication setting information being information necessary for communication between communication devices through a communication network; a second acquisition unit that acquires network identification information, which is information for identifying the communication network to which the communication device is connected, on the basis of the communication setting information acquired by the first acquisition unit; and a selection unit that, in accordance with the network identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit, selects an operation scheme of the communication device when the communication device communicates with another device through the communication network.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus is provided with a scanning unit configured to scan a first image containing a specific image representing information related to a destination of a facsimile transmission, a setting unit configured to obtain and set the destination based on the specific image included in the first image, a generating unit configured to generate transmission data representing second image which is similar to the first image but the specific image is excluded, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the transmission data generated by the generating unit to the destination set by the setting unit.

Abstract: This invention suppresses accidental change of an adjustable parameter that influences a print job. For this purpose, when the print data of a certain job exists in a storage unit, change of the adjustable parameter by a user interface is inhibited.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that configures a facsimile transmission protocol for a facsimile device is disclosed. The method can include transmitting an echo request via a network connection to a facsimile device. The method can include receiving a response to the echo request via the network connection from the facsimile device. The method can include determining network throughput impairments based on the received response to the echo request. The method can include adjusting a facsimile transmission protocol based on the determined network throughput impairments. The method can include transmitting a facsimile message based on the adjusted facsimile transmission protocol.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus has a line interface for facsimile communication and is capable of communicating with a host computer through a remote host computer interface or a local host computer interface. The facsimile apparatus includes a facsimile data transferring unit for transferring facsimile data to the host computer through the remote host computer interface or the local host computer interface; an interface recognizing unit for recognizing the host computer interface that is connected from among the remote host computer interface and the local host computer interface; a transfer destination registering unit for registering a destination of the host computer to which the facsimile data transferring unit transfers the facsimile data through the remote host computer interface when the interface recognizing unit recognizes that the remote host computer interface is connected.

Abstract: An invented image processing apparatus includes an image data storing unit for storing image data in a prescribed file format, an image data information producing unit for producing, in response to a request from a user, image data information corresponding to the image data stored in the image data storing unit, a requested format entering unit for entering a requested format of the image data designated by the user from the image data information, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the image data corresponding to the requested format.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image scanning unit, a metafile creating unit, a transmission file name creating unit, and a control unit. The metafile creating unit creates a first metadata file and a second metadata file. The control unit transmits image data files in units of a page, created by the image scanning unit, after transmitting the first metadata file to the file delivery apparatus. The control unit transmits the second metadata file after transmitting the image data files (in a unit comprising all the pages) to the file delivery apparatus. The control unit provides a transmission file name (including a common part created by the transmission file name creating unit) to the first meta data file, the image data file, and the second meta data file.

Abstract: Apparatus for interfacing a conventional facsimile machine with a PC enabling the use of the facsimile machine as a scanner or printer. A first switch assembly selectively couples the PC modem and facsimile machine either to independent telephone lines in a normal mode or to one another in a scan print mode. A manually operated switch assembly is depressed for a brief interval sufficient to activate a ringing circuit which converts DC power from a small battery source to a 20 Hz sine wave of 90 volt amplitude and applies the sine wave signal to the PC to cause the PC or facsimile to enter into a scan or print mode, respectively. The manually operable switch is then released to apply a constant current to the facsimile machine to simulate an off-hook condition.

Abstract: A communication interface unit of a facsimile and a transformer for preventing a power source noise. The communication interface unit includes the transformer between a line unit and a MODEM for electrically separating the circuit boards of the line unit and the MODEM for preventing the power source noise causing data transmission error from flowing into the line unit. Also, a method for bonding the ferrite core and the housing in order to prevent damage to the transformer caused by an external force and minimizing generation of capacitance component by bonding. The bonding method can be more effectively implemented when an integrated circuit type data access arrangement circuit is used for accessing the PSTN. The present invention can prevent distortion of data generated by power source noise such as EFT and also prevent the ferrite core slipping off from the housing.

Abstract: To provide a technology enabling a terminal device to use various functions provided in a data processing device without the use of a device driver. A multifunction device executes a process for implementing a function indicated by instruction data when such instruction data is stored in a shared area of the RAM. Here, the shared area of the RAM in which the instruction data is stored can be recognized by a personal computer connected to the multifunction device as a storage area that can be accessed through the file system, which is a function provided as a standard feature of the operating system. Accordingly, operations of the multifunction device can be controlled from the personal computer end simply by storing instruction data in the shared area via the operating system, eliminating the need for a special device driver to control the operations of the multifunction device.

Abstract: An operation device includes a cover and a substrate on which a plurality of electrodes which detects a capacitance and which is provided corresponding to each of a plurality of touch switches is mounted. The operation device includes a laminated structure in which at least an elastic sheet that is self-tacking and closely contacts a plurality of electrodes is inserted between the cover and the substrate. At least one through hole is formed at a location on the substrate facing the elastic sheet.

Abstract: A plurality of touch switches includes a first switch and a second switch provided adjacent to each other. A distance between an electrode and a surface of a cover at the location of the first switch is smaller than a distance between an electrode and the surface of the cover at the location of the second switch.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, methods and systems are provided for processing facsimiles. A call processing system receives a first message transmitted from a first carrier system regarding a facsimile call to a phone address. The first message includes an identifier associated with the user. The identifier is used to determine if the user is authorized to receive call processing system services. If the user is authorized, a second message is transmitted to the first carrier system, the second message indicating that the first carrier system is to connect the call to the call processing system. The call processing system is connected to the call. A facsimile is received via the call at the call processing system. Information regarding the facsimile call is provided over a network, wherein some or all of the information is displayed in a call log visually accessible by the user.

Abstract: An operation unit is provided with a touch panel display which includes a touch panel, a display panel, and a control portion which causes the display panel to display an operation screen so as to allow the touch panel to provide an operation instruction. The control portion is provided with an area display control portion which displays a function setting area and a task trigger area at positions opposing each other by taking a preview area as a reference on the operation screen, and a display position switching control portion which switches a positional relation in which the function setting area 2000 and the task trigger area 5000 are displayed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a facsimile job managing apparatus includes a storing unit, a storage control unit, a history-display-user-interface providing unit, and a transmission processing unit. The storage control unit causes the storing unit to store image data transmitted by facsimile and the outcome of the facsimile transmission processing in association with each other. The history-display-user-interface providing unit provides a client terminal with a history display user interface for acquiring the image data transmitted by facsimile and the outcome of the facsimile transmission processing from the storing unit, displaying a thumbnail image of the image data transmitted by facsimile and outcome information indicating the outcome of the facsimile transmission processing in association with each other, and displaying a retransmission button in association with a thumbnail image of image data unsuccessfully transmitted by facsimile.

Abstract: A method of delivering a facsimile is provided. The method starts by printing, by a printer, a document on a substrate. The document has printed thereon visible user information and invisible coded tags. Each tag encodes an identity of the document and a location of the tag on the substrate. A sensing device senses the printed coded tags when the sensing device is moved relative to the document by a user so as to compose a message. The message is electronically captured by the sensing device using the identity of the document and a sequence of the respective locations of tags sensed by the sensing device. The message is then transmitted to a recipient address for facsimile delivery.

Abstract: A document delivery network server having a set of integrated functions including sending, receiving, routing and filing of FAXes and e-mails to other users which achieves numerous advantages over the prior art. The document delivery system is based on a client/server model having both analog and digital Fax line capabilities. The server side provides very highly integrated systems functionality based on industry standard, commercially available hardware and a mix of industry standard and proprietary software components including integrated FAX/modem modules, an embedded OS, embedded plug-and-play driver sets, embedded e-mail gateways, an embedded FAX archive, embedded back-up/restore, proprietary high efficiency line utilization and highly efficient load balancing.

Abstract: A power management system for a scanner device comprises an onboard power source and an interface port adapted to receive power from a remote host. The system also comprises a power manager accessible by a processor and adapted to automatically determine whether to draw power for an operating-mode from the onboard power source or the remote host.

Abstract: A document management system, a document management method, and a document management program for managing document data generated by scanning are disclosed. The document management system includes a scanning unit for reading a document and generating image data, an image data storing unit for storing a scanned image file, and a document management server that includes a destination folder for storing the scanned image file and a file name conversion table. A code attached to the document is acquired by one of a code converting process, an OCR process, and a code inputting process. A file name is generated based on the acquired code. The scanned image file is acquired from the image data storing unit, the destination folder and attribute information are acquired by converting characters of the file name using the file name conversion table such that the scanned image file is stored in the destination folder with the attribute information associated.

Abstract: A system includes a reading device configured to read an image on an original document, a first writing device configured to write image data read by the reading device into an image storage portion, a communication device configured to communicate with a separately-portable storage medium and a second writing device configured to transmit authentication information to the separately-portable storage medium, which is used to control output of the image data from the image storage portion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes: an acquiring unit configured to acquire instruction information for transmitting transmission target data by facsimile; a determining unit configured to determine, when the acquiring unit acquires the instruction information, whether information concerning a transmission destination is set; and a display unit configured to display, if the determining unit determines that information concerning a transmission destination is not set, a dialog for causing a user to set a transmission destination, the dialog including only items relating to information concerning transmission destinations.

Abstract: An image processing unit has a main body unit including scanner, facsimile and display sections, and a first control section for controlling the scanner, facsimile and display sections. A network unit includes a second control section for controlling exchange of information through an interface section. A bus connects the main body and network units. An image processing unit, connected to the bus, processes image data generated by the scanner or facsimile section according to a request of the first or second control section. The display section displays an image indicated in the processed image data acquired by the main body unit, and the interface section transmits the processed image data acquired by the network unit to an external network.

Abstract: In a system in which a facsimile apparatus is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) to which a plurality of computer terminals are connected, image data obtained by reading aft original image by the scanner of the facsimile apparatus under the control of the operation unit of the facsimile apparatus is transmitted to a destination designated by the operation unit. In this operation, if a user ID is designated, transmitted image data and information (destination, transmission time/date, or the like) related to transmission is transferred to the LAN to notify the information to a user corresponding to the user ID. In this manner, data communication performed by a local operation of the facsimile apparatus and data communication performed by a remote designation from the computer terminal can be managed together.

Abstract: A facsimile machine including an electronic mail receiving device, a condition data setting portion sets various condition data related to output of electronic mail (e-mail) message and stores the set condition data into an EEPROM. The condition data is used when an output method and an output timing of the e-mail message are specified based on contents of the e-mail message. The condition data can be set by a user using an operation inputting portion to meet user's needs. Next, an output condition determining portion compares the e-mail message received at a mail receiving portion, with the set condition data, to specify an output method according to the condition data.

Abstract: A computer readable medium having a computer program product stored thereon, the computer program product including instructions for ordering a computer to perform the following steps. The steps include a first receiving step of receiving a facsimile command from a client device configured to executes a facsimile application program, a first determining step of determining whether or not to allow communication with a facsimile device based on a predetermined condition when receiving the facsimile command at the first receiving step, and a transferring step of transferring the facsimile command received at the first receiving step to the facsimile device when the communication is allowed at the first determining step.

Abstract: A machine-implemented process determines web press printing capabilities and costs of different printing organizations using a processor. The printing capabilities comprise a number of printing units and a number of supply roll stands supplying continuous print media to the printing units. A printing request is received from a print customer through a graphic user interface. The printing request is evaluated using the processor to determine printing request requirements. A comparator compares the printing request requirements with the printing capabilities and costs to identify capable printing organizations of the different printing organizations that have abilities to process the printing request. The processor calculates different print choices and costs based on the printing capabilities and costs of the capable printing organizations and outputs the different print choices and costs to the print customer through the graphic user interface.

Abstract: A communication device is connectable to a terminal device, which can perform a data communication with the communication device. The communication device is capable of receiving data through another communication device via a communication network. The communication device may include a data storing system that stores data received from the other communication device through the communication network, a data transmitting system that transmits the data stored in the data storing system, a data counting system that counts the number of pieces of data stored in the data storing system and have not yet been transmitted to the terminal device, and an indicating system that indicates the number of pieces of data counted by the data counting system.

Abstract: A fax processing system handles faxes that are originally destined for a recipient's phone number. The fax processing system communicates with the fax recipient via a data communications network (for example, the Internet) and can provide more sophisticated fax handling capabilities than conventional fax machines.

Abstract: A multimode cordless telephone system that can be used for remote video monitoring. The system includes a base station, at least one camera that is in wireless communication, at least periodically, with the base station, and a cordless handset, having a viewing screen, also in wireless communication, at least periodically, with the base station, the cordless handset having a first mode that is operable when the cordless handset is within a predetermined range of the base station wherein the cordless handset operates in conjunction with the base station to provide telephonic communication and image monitoring of images captured by the cameras, and a second mode that is operable when the cordless handset is beyond the predetermined range of the base station wherein the cordless handset communicates with the base station over the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to monitor images captured by the cameras.

Abstract: An integrated adapter and fax device using the integrated adapter are provided. The power supply converting unit and line interface unit, each of which has a first section and a second section that are isolated from each other, are configured separately in the integrated adapter. Thus, product liability and safety standards are fundamentally satisfied, material costs of an external case of the fax device can be reduced, the external case can be more freely designed, and a power supply line and telephone line can be easily connected by a modular jack.

Abstract: A FoIP server mediating fax communication between gateways and enterprise backend systems. The gateways are VoIP capable, connected to the PSTN and the enterprise network, and mediate between the PSTN fax call and fax over IP calls. The FoIP Server mediates between the FoIP calls and enterprise backend systems, such as message transfer agent (MTA), Customer Relationship Management CRM, document management, web services, mainframe, or a specialized application requiring faxing capabilities.

Abstract: A mail terminal senses insertion of a document into the terminal, scans the document in response to the sensed document insertion, and transmits the scanned document electronically over a telephone network. A host server receives the document over the telephone network, determines the name of the addressee from the received document, looks up document delivery instructions stored in a memory in association with the name of the addressee, and delivers the document to the addressee according to the delivery instructions. The mail terminal also prints documents that it receives from the host server.

Abstract: A system including a sensing device and a printer is disclosed. The sensing device and the printer are in communication with each other. The sensing device is for sensing first coded data included in a first interface disposed on a first surface. The printer is configured to receive, from the sensing device, data representative of the sensed first coded data, to send data based on the received data to a computer system, to receive response data from the computer system, the response data being derived by the computer system from the data sent to the computer system and identifying a unique identity of a second interface, to generate the second interface based at least partially on the response data, the second interface comprising second coded data encoding the unique identity of the second interface, and to print the second interface onto a second surface.

Abstract: A control method for controlling an image processing apparatus capable of transmitting image data using any one of a plurality of communication protocols includes holding, in a holding unit, management information for managing a destination of image data to be transmitted and a communication protocol associated with the destination, displaying one or more destination candidates according to a character string entered by a user and the management information held in the holding unit, determining, in a case where a destination is selected from the one or more displayed destination candidates, a communication protocol associated with the selected destination according to the management information held in the holding unit, and transmitting the image data to the selected destination via the determined communication protocol.