Facsimile System Interface Patents (Class 358/442)
  • Patent number: 7639403
    Abstract: An improved method and system for connecting Super Group 3 fax machines over network gateways that operate using the un-enhanced T.38 protocol. With the present invention, the CM tone is suppressed. Thus a gateway that generates an AnsAm tone, will not receive a CM tone in response. The T.38 protocol does not specify what occurs if a CM tone is not received; however, it has been found that, in practice, existing fax machines fall back to V.21 mode if a CM tone is not received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehryar Khalili Garakani, Hanh Luong, Brooks S. Read, Steven J. White, Ilya Umansky, Herbert M. Wildfeuer
  • Patent number: 7634670
    Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus having a wired interface for wired connection to a terminal device and a wireless unit for connection to a terminal device wirelessly discriminates the state of power supply at start-up and, based upon the result of discrimination, relays data communication between the terminal device connected to the wired interface and another terminal device connected by the wireless unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidetada Nago, Kenichi Fujii, Takatoshi Hirose, Takahiro Shichino
  • Patent number: 7627097
    Abstract: A communication terminal unit has a system control section including a call destination specification information analysis section that analyzes a destination number which is assigned to a communications terminal unit at the other end and input at the time of origination of a call. On the basis of a result of analysis of the destination number performed by the call destination specification information analysis section, a call origination network determination section automatically determines to originate a call over an IP network or over a public network through use of the destination information that has been subjected to analysis and through use of selected network setting information stored in a selected network setting storage section. Selected network setting information required to automatically determine to originate a call over the IP network or over the public network is stored in the call origination network determination section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Kawabata, Yoshiharu Sagiya, Kazutaka Saitoh, Hideki Fujii, Yoshihiro Maei
  • Patent number: 7626736
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a scanning structure and an audio broadcasting structure. The scanning structure includes a body and a data processing unit located in the body. The audio broadcasting structure includes a sound-generation assembly and a cabinet. The sound-generation assembly is located in the body, is electrically connected to the data processing unit, and generates sound after the data processing unit has emitted audio signals. The cabinet occupies the interior space of the scanning apparatus not occupied by other elements to function as a sound resonant space for the sound-generation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Wen-Yuan Peng
  • Patent number: 7626734
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a projector capable of projecting desired image information by enabling the user to select easily and promptly an image input interface terminal into which the desired image information is inputted, among image input interface terminals. The projector can include image input I/Fs into which image signals from image input devices are inputted, a touch panel having a liquid crystal display to display image information inputted from the image input I/Fs, a thumbnail generating portion to generate thumbnail images to be displayed on the liquid crystal display, and a changeover switch to selectively switch the image input I/Fs by operations on the touch panel. Image information inputted from the selected image I/F can be projected. This enables the user to select desired image information promptly for the desired image information to be projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuhiko Nobori
  • Publication number: 20090290197
    Abstract: The telecommunication system for communication between PSTN and analog FAXes and/or analog phones by using separated passes for data and synchronization clock flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: David Mandelstam, Michael Feldman
  • Patent number: 7623273
    Abstract: A method and system for connecting V.34 enabled fax machines (that is fax machines capable of operating at 33,600 bps) over network gateways that use the un-enhanced T.38 protocol, that is, gateways that have not been upgraded to handle the V.34 33,600 bps protocol in fax relay mode. When a gateway detects a V.8 protocol signal, the signal is modified so that the fax machines fall back to non V.34 protocol and operate at a slower speed which the un-enhanced T.38 gateway is capable of handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehryar Khalili Garakani, Steven J. White, Ilya Umansky, Herbert Michael Wildfeuer
  • Patent number: 7616336
    Abstract: A network facsimile system including a relaying server and a communication terminal connected through a network. The relaying server has a facsimile communication system, an image data creating system, an information obtaining system, and a relaying server side data communication system. Further, the communication terminal includes a communication terminal side data communication system and an image data processing system. The relaying server includes a status setting system that sets an operational status of the network facsimile system to a receivable state where the communication terminal can receive the image through the relaying server when the communication terminal has become usable by a user of the communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Michihiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7612920
    Abstract: A control unit of a multifunction image forming apparatus obtains document information concerning copied documents, scanner read documents, and e-mail documents, and stores the obtained document information to a storing unit of a document storing unit. The control unit counts usage frequency concerning each document stored in the document storing unit, and stores the information as usage frequency information. The control unit has the operator, who carries out document searching, input predetermined information. The control unit matches the input information, and determines whether the operator is an authorized person concerning the searched document. In a case where it is determined that the operator is a legitimate authorized person, the control unit displays the information of the documents stored in the document storing unit, in an order of high usage frequency, to a display unit of an input operation unit, based on the usage frequency information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takezo Fujishige, Kiyoshi Kasatani, Yoshihiko Abe
  • Patent number: 7612905
    Abstract: A method of communicating through facsimiles is disclosed. The method starts by receiving a message and a destination facsimile number from a first user. A unique reply number is allocated and recorded in a pending reply list. The message and the reply number is then transmitted to the destination facsimile number. Upon receipt of a received facsimile and a received reply number addressed to the first user, it is determining whether the received reply number matches an entry in the pending reply list. The received facsimile is delivered only if a match is found. The reply number is also removed from the pending reply list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7595914
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment for the inventive portable picture storage device comprises an input for receiving a plurality of pictures, a storage area for storing the plurality of pictures, and a plurality of user interface indicator. Each indicator is associated with a respective meta data of a plurality of meta data, and each meta data indicates at least one disposition of a plurality of dispositions. At least one picture of the plurality of pictures is associated with a meta data and thereby at least one disposition, via activation of an indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: David S Haining
  • Publication number: 20090237742
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce Gregory Nachman, Marvin Nachman
  • Publication number: 20090225374
    Abstract: Provided is a screen display control device including: a compression unit which compresses image data; a rewritable video memory in which the data compressed by the compression unit of image data of one frame including line data (Y (Y: natural number) pixels/one line) of X (X: natural number) lines is written asynchronously with reading; an expansion unit which expands the compressed data which is periodically read from the video memory in synchronization with a frame period of a screen display, and restores original image data; a display unit which displays an image of the image data expanded and restored by the expansion unit; an input image data holding unit which holds input image data of one frame including line data (X pixels/one line) of Y lines by M (M: natural number, M<Y) lines; and a data replacement control unit which performs a replacement process of replacing the M lines held in the input image data holding unit of the image data restored by the expansion unit with the input image data and ou
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Michio YOSHITAKE
  • Patent number: 7585067
    Abstract: A modular printer system includes a number of modules connected together to define a substantially pen-shaped structure. A male connector is at one end of each module and a female connector is at an opposite end of each module. The modules include at least one image processing module, at least one housekeeping module and at least one isolated module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Patent number: 7586654
    Abstract: A method of annotating a document on a scanner while generating an electronic representation of that document preferably includes: receiving an electronic representation of a hardcopy document from a scanner bed of the scanner, receiving material to be added to a scanned document from a user interface integrated with the scanner, and adding the material from the user interface to the electronic representation of the hardcopy document to produce an annotated electronic document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Tim Mitchell Hoberock
  • Publication number: 20090213436
    Abstract: To provide a technique that can maintain satisfactory operability with a simple configuration regardless of brightness of an environment in which an image processing apparatus is set. The image processing apparatus includes an operation input section that receives an operation input of a user, a supporting member that supports the operation input section in a position away from an apparatus main body, and a light source that is supported together with the operation input section by the supporting member and illuminates an area for work by the user in the apparatus main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noriyuki Takuwa
  • Patent number: 7580160
    Abstract: A facsimile use modem apparatus includes an analog interface formed from a silicon data access arrangement interfacing with an analog telephone line. A digital interface is provided to interface with an ISDN line. A signal converting device is provided to convert a modem signal used in facsimile communications via the analog telephone line into a signal used in the ISDN line, vice a versa. A data transmitting device is provided to transmit linear data to a monitor via the silicon data access arrangement when G3 facsimile communications are performed via the ISDN line so as to monitor a progress of the G3 facsimile communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Tokuda
  • Patent number: 7576882
    Abstract: Facsimile documents are communicated between a facsimile machine and a telephone network through an information handling system local area network to provide improved flexibility with the usage and positioning of the facsimile machine with minimal impact on the usage model. A facsimile module associated with the local area network and located distal the facsimile machine converts digital documents provided from the facsimile machine through the local area network into formats for transmission on the telephone network, such as an analog modem signal, TDM packets representing an analog modem signal or VoIP/FoIP packets representing an analog modem signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Pratik M. Mehta, John Medica
  • Patent number: 7576874
    Abstract: A method for processing a print job including both monochrome and color pages may include receiving values for characteristic parameters, selecting an optimization criterion and determining a process mode that corresponds to a minimum value of the selected criterion. The characteristic parameters may include printing operations, non-automated processing operations and the print job. The optimization criterion may be selected from at least one of a completion time and/or a process cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E Farrell, Javier A Morales
  • Patent number: 7570396
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image communication apparatus comprising a first FAX communication unit configured to make communications with a partner apparatus according to a first FAX communication function using a public telephone network, a second FAX communication unit configured to make communications with a partner apparatus according to a second FAX communication function using an IP network, an accepter unit configured to accept an operation designation of the first and second FAX communication functions, and a limiter unit configured to limit the first and second FAX communication functions based on the operation designation accepted by the accepter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoya Murakami
  • Patent number: 7570382
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting errors in a document transfer scheme. A user submits an electronic document transfer scheme to the document processing device including document handling instructions. The electronic document transfer scheme is then received by the document processing device and parsed, via the controller, to extract data representative of the destination designated by the scheme. Preferably, the destination data contained in the scheme provides the document processing device with a location to which a copy of an electronic document is to be sent. The source/destination information is then input as an arc on a graph, so as to generate a representation of the workflow associated with the document transfer scheme. A determination is then made, from the graph, whether the submitted electronic document transfer scheme represents at least one cycle on the graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Andrey Savov
  • Publication number: 20090161168
    Abstract: There is described a control apparatus, which makes it possible to improve maneuverability of operations for setting the sender information in the facsimile system in which a facsimile apparatus and the control apparatus are coupled to each other through a network, so that the control apparatus instructs the facsimile apparatus to conduct a facsimile transmitting operation. The control apparatus includes: a sender information acquiring section to acquire from the facsimile apparatus at least one set of sender information, each of which is information about a sender and is registered in the facsimile apparatus in advance; and a sender information selecting section to allow a user to select one of the sender information from the acquired sender information displayed on a display section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshio MIYAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20090153908
    Abstract: Implementations described herein may provide fax terminals that can communicate directly with one another over packet-based networks. In one implementation, a fax device may include a network connection configured to connect the device to a packet-based network. The fax device may further include a control unit. The control unit may, in response to a user command, transmit a facsimile document via the network connection and the packet-based network. The fax device may be implemented as a single integrated facsimile appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Verizon Services Organization Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle FAHRENTHOLD
  • Patent number: 7548332
    Abstract: A network facsimile apparatus conforms to ITU-T Recommendation T.38 Standard and includes a function of transporting packet data by using one of TCP and UDP. A packet delay detection part detects a delay in packet transmission. A UDP/TCP selection part transports a succeeding packet of an address by using UDP in a case where the delay in a preceding packet of the same address is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when transporting the packet data by using TCP, and transports a succeeding packet of an address by using TCP in a case where the delay in a preceding packet of the same address is less than the predetermined value when transporting the packet data by using UDP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohito Kajiwara
  • Patent number: 7542178
    Abstract: A method of scanning a portion of a document using an electronic device includes activating a data input to a picture element of the display to illuminate the portion of the document, in which the document is located proximate to the display. The method also includes deactivating the data input and measuring, by way of the data input, a signal from a photosensitive device, the signal being indicative of the light reflected from the illuminated portion of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: John J Youden
  • Publication number: 20090121057
    Abstract: An office device. The device includes: a paper shredder, an ink dispensing device, a housing, a display device, a user interface, a control module, a combination device, an entry slot, a transparent member, and a bin. The ink dispensing device disperses ink over paper shredded by the paper shredder. The display device is hingedly coupled to the housing. The user interface is slidably coupled to the housing. The control module communicates with the display device and user interface. The combination device includes a copier device, a fax device, and laser printer device. The entry slot permits paper to be fed thereto. The transparent member covers a portion of the entry slot. The bin is disposed within the housing. The display device is a monitor. The user interface is a keyboard. The paper shredder includes a rotating vertical shredder and a rotating diagonal shredder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Edward L. Brown, SR.
  • Patent number: 7532367
    Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed in which parameters or functions thereof can be executed with fewer key operations. An electronic device such as a facsimile device has a display unit that displays a plurality of keys that can be respectively used to specify and select the parameters or functions thereof, and will determine whether the length of time that each of the plurality of keys is pushed is long or short. If a key is pushed for a short period of time, that key will simply be selected, and if a key is pushed for a long period of time, that key will be selected and facsimile transmission will automatically begin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshio Morita
  • Patent number: 7515315
    Abstract: A scan description language (SDL) system and method are provided for managing a scan job. The method comprises: scanning a document at a scanning device; constructing a scan job using SDL commands; partially performing the scan job at the scanning device in response to the SDL commands; and, partially performing the scan job at a node connected to the scanning device in response to the SDL commands. The scan job can be constructed at a scanning device front panel, a connected web page, or a client connected to the scanning device. Likewise, the scan job can be initiated from a front panel of the scanning device, a connected client, or a connected web page. Further, the scan job may be partially performed a locally connected client, a network-connected client, a network-connected server, a locally connected server, another scanning device, or a telephone network-connected client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Rodney Ferlitsch
  • Patent number: 7511847
    Abstract: A printer for printing a second interface onto a second surface, in response to sensed coded data received from a sensing device in the form of a stylus. The indicating data is sensed by the stylus from first coded data included in a first interface disposed on a first surface. The printer includes an input module and a printing module. The input module is configured to receive the sensed data from the stylus. The input module generates indicating data based on the sensed data. The indicating data is sent to a computer system. The printing module includes a printing mechanism configured to receive the response data derived from the sensed coded data from the computer system. The second interface is based at least partially on the response data. The printing module then prints the second interface onto the second surface using the printing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7508555
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John Randall Fredlund, David Lynn Patton, Roger R. A. Morton, Steven Bruce Paciocco
  • Patent number: 7508551
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus is equipped with an optical unit. Just prior to shifting to a low power-consumption mode, the optical unit is shifted to a low power-consumption position that is different from a home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Shoji, Osamu Takashima, Junichi Murano, Kazuyoshi Matsumoto, Toshiyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 7502131
    Abstract: A digital multifunction device is provided with a RAM having a virtual drive area. A persona computer is connected to the digital multifunction device and is capable of communicating therewith via USB interface. The digital multifunction device enables a personal computer to recognize this virtual drive area as an external storage device, and the personal computer can access to the virtual drive area. Upon receipt of facsimile data, the digital multifunction device converts one page worth data to image data of PDF or TIFF format each time the one page worth data is received. After full page worth data have been received and the converted PDT or TIFF image data are put together in a single data file, the data file is written to the virtual drive area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tokunori Kato, Megumi Kamata
  • Patent number: 7495811
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a display section for displaying image information by being subjected to a voltage and/or an electric field, a writing section for writing the image information into the display section, and a reading section for optically reading the image information displayed on the display section. As the display section, a flexible display section such as an electronic sheet is adopted in the image reading apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazunori Soda
  • Patent number: 7495787
    Abstract: A method and system which allows a remote monitoring and diagnostic computer or system to communicate using different communication protocols which are stored within a data base. After a communication is received, it is analyzed to determine if there is a protocol identifier. If the protocol identifier exists, a data base is searched to determine the format of the header of the communication. Once the format of the header is determined, the header of the received communication is read to determine the information contained therein. This information is utilized to determine the actual format of the data which follows. If the protocol identifier does not exist, the received communication is examined to determine if it is in a format which matches one of a plurality of previously defined format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignees: Ricoh Company, Ltd., Ricoh Americas Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuro Motoyama
  • Patent number: 7492473
    Abstract: A method of providing computer users with fax services. A user activates a fax system on the user's computer. The fax system then activates a fax service by establishing communication with the fax service across a network and transmitting information about the user to the fax service. The fax system then uses the fax service to participate in any fax transactions as desired by the user. When the system is deactivated, communication between the fax system and the fax service is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Rodney Ferlitsch, Kevin James Baker
  • Patent number: 7489423
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventors: Marvin Jules Nachman, legal representative, Bruce Gregory Nachman
  • Patent number: 7474432
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: CallWave, Inc.
    Inventors: Leland Kirchhoff, David Trandal
  • Publication number: 20090002773
    Abstract: A facsimile device may be capable of sending and receiving facsimile data by utilizing a first communication line. The facsimile device may comprise an information input device configured to input information, a line connecting device that connects the first communication line in a case where predetermined information is input to the information input device, a line disconnecting device that disconnects the first communication line in a case where facsimile sending instruction information is input to the information input device when the first communication line is in a state of having been connected by the line connecting device, and a facsimile sending device that re-connects the first communication line disconnected by the line disconnecting device and sends facsimile data by utilizing the first communication line in accordance with the facsimile sending instruction information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Wataru Mizumukai
  • Publication number: 20080316542
    Abstract: An image submission system comprises a server, a client, and a scanner. A scanner interface software module is loaded on the client for operating the scanner. An image submission software module loaded on the server remotely receives instructions through an Internet browser at the client, and presents a single click interface feature operable to receive a single click input by the user at the client, via the Internet browser. A control software module loaded on the client is in communication with the image submission software module, and is operative to direct the scanner interface software module to scan an image on the scanner and upload the scanned image to the remote server in response to a single click input by the user via the single click interface feature. A user may thus have an image both scanned an uploaded to a server, in response the same single click.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Making Everlasting Memories, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gordon Scott Mindrum, Steven Craig Sefton, Jeffrey Jon Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080316520
    Abstract: An image input and output system is provided in which a common operation screen for a plurality of image output devices having different attributes is displayed. Based on attribute information of each of printers, the server generates a signal for generating an operation screen, and transmits the signal to the scanner. At the scanner, image data is inputted, and a common operation screen, which is generated based on the signal for generating the operation screen, is displayed on a display panel. When information designating the printer and information relating to an output format of an image is inputted from the display panel, the inputted information and the image data are transmitted to the server. The server transmits, to a designated printer, the image data and the information relating to the output format of the image, which are transmitted from the scanner, and images are outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takanobu Suzuki, Toshihide Yoshimura, Hiromi Ohara, Masahiro Machida, Kanji Itaki, Shigeki Ishino
  • Publication number: 20080316519
    Abstract: An image input and output system is provided in which a common operation screen for a plurality of image output devices having different attributes is displayed. Based on attribute information of each of printers, the server generates a signal for generating an operation screen, and transmits the signal to the scanner. At the scanner, image data is inputted, and a common operation screen, which is generated based on the signal for generating the operation screen, is displayed on a display panel. When information designating the printer and information relating to an output format of an image is inputted from the display panel, the inputted information and the image data are transmitted to the server. The server transmits, to a designated printer, the image data and the information relating to the output format of the image, which are transmitted from the scanner, and images are outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD
    Inventors: Takanobu Suzuki, Toshihide Yoshimura, Hiromi Ohara, Masahiro Machida, Kanji Itaki, Shigeki Ishino
  • Patent number: 7466439
    Abstract: A method of delivering a facsimile using a printed form is provided. The form is adapted for entering a message thereon using a sensing device and include user information and coded data. The method comprises the steps of: (a) receiving, in a computer system, interaction data representing interaction of the sensing device with the coded data, the interaction data allowing the message to be electronically captured in the computer system; and (b) transmitting the message to a designated recipient address for facsimile delivery. The message is delivered with a reply number for sending a return message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Paul Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7453606
    Abstract: An image communication apparatus having an Internet facsimile communication device and a G3 facsimile communication device includes a detector for detecting a facsimile function of a communication partner's apparatus during communication by the G3 facsimile communication device, and a controller for performing control of causing the G3 facsimile communication device to disconnect communication in a G3 facsimile mode and shifting to communication by the Internet facsimile communication device, based on the detection of the facsimile function of the communication partner's apparatus by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Maeda
  • Patent number: 7450254
    Abstract: An image forming device management system includes a plurality of image forming devices, a central service station which provides a maintenance service for the image forming devices, and a communication control unit which is connected to each of the image forming devices by a signal line, the communication control unit connecting one of the image forming devices to the central service station via a communication network. In the system, each of the image forming devices includes a message unit which outputs a signal line separation message when the image forming device has no signal from the central service station or the communication control unit over a predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Tomidokoro, Tetsuo Asakawa, Shohzoh Miyawaki, Hiroshi Nishida
  • Patent number: 7446906
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Catch Curve, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Bloomfield
  • Publication number: 20080259408
    Abstract: An image processing system includes a first image processing apparatus and a second image processing apparatus that are connected via a network in which communication is performed based on a local protocol. The cooperative processing is performed between the first and second image forming apparatuses via the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Michitaka FUKUDA
  • Patent number: 7433068
    Abstract: A digital transmitter device to execute a network browser application to access an e-mail account of an e-mail server and retrieve data stored in thereat. The digital transmitter device can scan and send an image to a network address along with the retrieved data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Chad Stevens, Erica Saxton
  • Patent number: 7423785
    Abstract: A document is scanned in a scanning device to obtain electronic data. The electronic data represents information on the document. The electronic data is stored to a storage device. An error then occurs either before or after beginning transmission of the data to an e-mail server. The error causes a failure in the communication of the data to the e-mail server. The method of failure detection depends on the type of failure. For a loss of power, the data storage device is examined for the electronic data. If electronic data is found, communication is established with the e-mail server and the electronic data is transmitted to the e-mail server. The data storage device must be a non-volatile data storage device to recover from a loss of power error. For a loss of communication with the server or failure to establish communication with the server, communication is established with the e-mail server and the electronic data is transmitted to the e-mail server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Johnson, Kristin S. Dahl, Theresa L. McGuire, Clint S. Cuzzo
  • Patent number: 7420700
    Abstract: An image processing system includes an image input unit having a plurality of image input channels; a parallel image data processing unit that receives image data from the image input channels of the image input unit, divides the image data received into a plurality of divided data, each divided data including data in a number that is less than a predetermined number, and processes in parallel the divided image data; and a sequential image data processing unit that sequentially processes the divided image data output from the image parallel data processing unit while switching the divided image data for the image input channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Koji Hayashi
  • Patent number: RE40677
    Abstract: A facsimile machine includes a printer unit for printing out data having a predetermined format, and an interface circuit for converting facsimile image data into recording data having a format in which the printer unit can input the recording data and for supplying the recording data to the printer unit. The printer unit includes a printing portion for printing recording data, and a data supply control circuit for supplying the recording data from the interface circuit to the printing portion at predetermined printing intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Arai