Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a fax transmission over a relay network that includes at least first and second portions and a relay portion that couples the first and second portions to each other. At a second gateway connecting the second portion to the relay portion, data frames received over the relay portion are processed to determine if they are corrupted, and signals are sent back to a first gateway to resend any data frames that are corrupted. The first gateway connects the first portion to the relay portion.

Abstract: The data communication apparatus of the present invention includes a CPU, operation panel, reading unit, image memory for storing read image data, resolution converter for converting stored image data to an optional resolution, telephone communication unit for transmitting data over a telephone line, network communication unit for transmitting data over an internet line, and a printing unit. The resolution converter converts fine detail data to low detail data and sends the low detail data to the telephone communication unit when transmitting data over the telephone line. In this way data reception reliably occurs simultaneously with data transmission. Thereafter, when fine detail request data including resolution data are received over the telephone line, the data are converted to the desired resolution, and sent to the network communication unit. In this way the apparatus attains excellent operationality since fine detail data are transmitted only as necessary.

Abstract: Described are a method of running an internet fax network, an internet fax system, and a transmission result ascertaining module. In the present invention, a transmission message produced when fax data are transmitted is transferred to the receive party with the fax data, and a return message including information about the receive time and state according to the fax data is transmitted to the transmission. Therefore, the transmission party enables to ascertain the transmission state and time of the fax data.

Abstract: An electronic mail apparatus includes an electronic-mail receiver that receives electronic mail from a mail sender via a communication network, a converter that converts the electronic mail into printable image data, and a printer that prints the converted image data. Further, the electronic mail apparatus includes a processor that transmits an error message to the mail sender when electronic mail that the electronic-mail receiver receives is not applied at the electronic-mail apparatus. The electronic-mail receiver, the converter, the printer and the processor are integrated in the electronic-mail apparatus.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus which is capable of notifying a called facsimile terminal of an electronic mail transmission includes a facsimile image transmitter and receiver, a memory, an electronic mail generator, an electronic mail transmitter and receiver, and an electronic mail controller. The memory registers a plurality of facsimile terminals to be called and stores information sets pertinent thereto, wherein each of the information sets includes a user name, a facsimile number, and an electronic mail address for an Internet communication. The electronic mail generator generates electronic mail with an image file, addressed to one of the registered facsimile terminals using the electronic mail address thereof. The electronic mail transmitter and receiver transmits the electronic mail to an Internet server of a subscribing Internet service provider and receives electronic mail from the Internet server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing communication between a sending facsimile machine and a receiving facsimile machine first receives an answer tone message for a specified time. It then is determined if a given joint menu message has been received from the receiving facsimile machine at any time during the specified time. If it is determined that the given joint menu message has not been received from the receiving facsimile machine at any time during the specified time, then the above noted alias joint menu message is forwarded to the sending facsimile machine. The alias joint menu message is different from the given joint menu signal and thus, not a true joint menu message that can be used by the sending facsimile machine.

Abstract: In order to allow various user setups associated with a communication using a plurality of communication channels, the number of communication channels used in a communication with a single partner is varied depending on whether or not the automatic answering mode is set. The number of communication channels used in the communication with the single partner can be independently set in correspondence with transmission and reception. The number of communication channels used in the communication with another communication partner can be independently set in correspondence with whether an incoming call or a call origination request is detected.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus transmits facsimile data converted from e-mail data to a facsimile destination via a public communication network. A receiver receives the e-mail data from a requesting node. A memory stores a password and a domain name of a requesting node. An acquiring section acquires a destination address including at least a telephone number, a password and a domain name, from the requesting node. A converter converts the e-mail data into facsimile data. A comparator compares the password and the domain name acquired by the acquiring section, with the password and the domain name stored in the memory, respectively. A facsimile transmitter transmits the converted facsimile data to the facsimile destination designated by the telephone number when a result of the comparison indicates that the password and the domain name acquired are the same as the password and the domain name stored in said memory.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fax service system in a home network. When the fax data destined for the fax machine connected to the home network through a power switch and a telephone line, is received from an external network through the Internet Protocol, the fax service system stores the received fax data in the storage means, and detects power on/off states of the fax machine through a middleware server which collects and controls device information and control information from information devices connected to the home network. If the fax machine is detected to be in an off state from the middleware server, the fax service system switches the fax machine into a power on state through the middleware server, and transmits the stored fax data to the fax machine. Since a user can be immediately informed of the receipt of the fax data, power consumption can be saved.

Abstract: A message-data transmitting and receiving unit, includes: an extract section which extracts transmission information from message data that has been received; a decision section which decides whether or not the received message data has already been transmitted, based on the extracted transmission information; a message-data creation section which creates message data, based on the decision result by the decision section; and a transmission section which transmits the created message data.

Abstract: A network facsimile device connected to the Internet or a local area network, employs an electronic mail function, and has a function of exchanging image information through said Internet or said local area network and functions of a facsimile device. The device comprises delivery notifying partner storing means for storing a mail address of a destination address to which a confirmation is to be delivered. Delivery confirmation mail confirming means detects, at a time of receiving electronic mail, whether the received electronic mail is an electronic delivery confirmation mail for confirming mail delivery. Delivery confirmation mail transferring means transfers said delivery confirmation mail confirmed by said confirming means to said destination address stored in said delivery notifying partner storing means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to urgently receive data via a facsimile where the method, which is performed by the facsimile, includes determining whether during communication with a first party, an urgent transmission of data is demanded by a second party; and interrupting communication with the first party and receiving the urgent data from the second party upon determining that the urgent transmission of data is requested from the second party. Therefore, according to the method and apparatus to urgently receive data via facsimile, when an urgent transmission of a message is demanded by a predetermined party in the midst of communication with a different party, it is possible to interrupt the in-progress communication and receive the urgent message. Further, it is possible to urgently receive the message from the predetermined party in an environment designated by the user, such as, during the data transmission and/or receipt to/from the facsimile.

Abstract: A method for conveying digital information can include initiating a telephone connection to a receiving device. Prior to establishing a voice channel connection with the receiving device, supplemental data can be digitally encoded into a CNG transmission. The CNG transmission can be conveyed via a CNG channel, wherein the CNG channel is capable of transporting a facsimile calling tone signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a communication apparatus connected to an analog public line, which can be actualized at low costs and can save its space. This communication apparatus includes a first communication means connected to a telephone line, for performing communications, and a connecting means for connecting a second communication means connected to the telephone line via the first communication means and thus performing communications.

Abstract: In a communications device, a terminal machine transmits/receives data over a network and makes a request for a response to a data transmission from a receiving-end machine. In the terminal machine, an e-mail message identifying unit determines whether data to be received over the network is response data to the response request, and a main control unit controls so as to preferentially receive data identified as the response data by the e-mail message identifying unit over other data. Thus, if an e-mail message is transmitted with a request for a disposition verification, a reply message to the disposition verification request can be quickly received from the receiving-end machine.

Abstract: In a facsimile communication method for transmitting facsimile data to a reception terminal from a facsimile machine via a communication network, a transmission process in the facsimile machine includes the following steps: (a) a step of saving image data of an original to be transmitted as facsimile data in a storage; (b) a step of generating access information data for access to the image data, saved in the storage, from the reception terminal via the transmission network; (c) a step of sending the access information data to the reception terminal by an e-mail; and (d) a step of transmitting the image data in the storage to the reception terminal from the facsimile machine by a communication protocol of a point-to-point data transfer form upon reception of an access request for the image data from the reception terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing data transfer notification. In one embodiment, a method for notifying a recipient user includes detecting pickup of a receiver of a telephone connected to a telephone line to which the data receiving device is connected, interrupting data transmission to the data receiving device, notifying the recipient of the data transfer with a spoken message using the telephone receiver. In one embodiment, a system for notifying a recipient user includes logic configured to detect pickup of a telephone receiver of a telephone connected to a telephone line to which a data receiving device is connected, logic configured to facilitate interruption of data transmission from a data sending device to the data receiving device, and logic configured to facilitate presentation of a spoken message using the telephone receiver that explains that a data transfer is being attempted.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for receiving incoming information from multiple information sources, both interactive and passive, and for engagingly presenting that information to a recipient on a presentation interface. The system includes a “background” element, which interacts with interactive information sources and receives from passive information sources, and determines whether information from those sources is likely to be interesting to the recipient, possibly using one information so source to determine priority for another. The system also includes a “foreground” element, which presents information to the recipient when active, but not when inactive.

Abstract: A communication system for transmission of facsimile (fax) information using an email message from a sending fax device used by a sending fax user to a receiving fax device used by a receiving fix user through at least one mailer device including a sending gateway device coupled to the sending fax device for causing transfer of a fax message received from the fax device. The sending gateway device further attaches the transferred fax message to an email message. At least one of the mailer device is coupled to a receiving gateway device and is further coupled to the sending gateway device for receiving the email message and transferring the same to the receiving gateway device. The receiving gateway device is coupled to the receiving fax device for detaching the fax information from the transferred email message and coupling the detached fax information, through a receiving communication link, to the receiving fax device for use by the receiving fax user.

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

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for the automatic routing of incoming facsimiles (faxes) to their intended recipients. The faxes are received by a fax server and the routing information is automatically determined by analysis of the fax pages. The fax is converted into data in the fax server, whereby it is routed to the intended recipient, for example, in an electronic format such as electronic mail (e-mail). The system does not impose any constraints on the content of the faxes or their sending mechanism, and is thus transparent both from the sender's viewpoint and the recipient's.

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

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

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

Abstract: An operator/facsimile interface includes an Undo key that enables an immediately previous action to be reversed, thereby allowing an operator to correct an erroneous entry or a mistakenly commenced operation with one key press. The operator/facsimile interface further enables entry of alpha-numeric data from a telephone-style keyboard. Alteration of displayed alpha-numeric characters may be accomplished by actuation of arrow keys, or sequential key presses of an alpha-numeric key. A displayed alpha-numeric character may be entered by actuation of an arrow key, an Enter key or a different alpha-numeric key. Completion of an alpha-numeric entry may be signaled by actuation of a Start key or Enter key. The * and # keys in the telephone-style keyboard are assigned Yes and No functions, respectively, when the facsimile interface is in an alpha-numeric entry mode, thereby allowing immediate operator response to a displayed query.

Abstract: A data communication apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving data, a memory unit for storing received data, an informing unit for, after memory reception is performed by the memory unit, automatically calling a predetermined destination and informing that memory reception is performed, and a transmitting unit for transmitting data of the memory unit in accordance with reception of a control signal.

Abstract: A communications apparatus connected to a network, such as the Internet or a LAN, includes an input system for inputting image data, a transmitter that transmits the image data via e-mail, a receiver that receives a reply related to the transmission, and a communication control memory. The communications control memory stores a transmit result indicating whether the transmitting device has completed the transmission and a delivery result indicating whether a destination side apparatus has received the transmission. Both the results are stored along with their correspondence to each other. A communication method utilizing this communications apparatus is also provided. The apparatus and the method allow users to confirm completion of transmission and delivery to a destination with ease and without fail by storing a notice of completing the transmission as well as information about a return mail into the communication control memory in the apparatus on the transmitter side.

Abstract: Integration of telecommunication message services and other communication services is achieved by notifying a user of a communication system of successful receipt of a message (e.g., a facsimile message) by sending a confirmation message to the user, e.g., using e-mail, facsimile, voice and/or data communications. The user may be identified by a unique identifier, e.g., a telephone number. The confirmation message may comprise a facsimile message, an attachment which includes the received message or a computer network address of a location where information regarding the received message and/or the message itself may be accessed. For the latter case, the computer network address is preferably a universal resource locator (URL) associated with a web page at which the information and/or received message may be accessed. The information may allow the user to view the message (e.g.

Abstract: An electronic-mail reception apparatus has a body and includes a facsimile receiver that negotiates with a sender before receiving image data, to receive image data in facsimile format from the sender via a telephone network. An electronic-mail receiver receives image data in an electronic mail format from a mail sender via a communication network, a converter converts the image data in the electronic mail format into image data in the facsimile format, and an output section outputs the converted image data. An error transmission section, when the data format that the electronic-mail receiver receives is different from a predetermined data format of the image data in an electronic-mail format, transmits an error message to the mail sender. The facsimile receiver, the electronic-mail receiver, the converter, the output section and the error transmission section are integrated in the body of the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention is the addition of a wireless radio link to a real estate lock box to transfer the data obtained from the access keypad to a nearby receiver which sends the data to a central site computer and compiles the data for dissemination. The lock box can also be controlled from a central site via a radio link.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an ISDN terminal apparatus in which a facsimile and an ISDN interface are integrated and the functions thereof are merged to avoid waste. An ISDN line control unit is disposed between an ISDN line and a facsimile unit. When detecting an occurrence an abnormal condition in the ISDN line, a control CPU of the ISDN line control unit directly transmits the occurrence of the abnormal condition to a CPU of a control unit of the facsimile unit. When detecting an occurrence of an abnormal condition in the facsimile unit, the CPU of the control unit of the facsimile unit directly transmits the occurrence of the abnormal condition to the CPU of the ISDN line control unit. A control panel and a display can be used for both performing settings of the ISDN line control unit and operating the facsimile unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for indicating a call charge on a display of a facsimile device determines whether a message which is included in a D-channel of service information is a facility message or a display message. If the message is a facility message, the call charge is calculated by multiplying the number of calls included in the facility message by a call rate, and the call charge is outputted to a display window and/or a printer. If the message is a display message, the call charge included in the display message is detected, and the call charge is outputted to the display window and/or the printer. Accordingly, a user can identify the call charge easily and conveniently.

Abstract: When CPU of a communication apparatus judges that a telephone line is not closed-and-connected and also judges that a transmission original is set, CPU performs processing of setting a transmission concentration. If it judges that no transmission original is set, the volume of a ringing sound is set. Further, when CPU judges that the telephone line is connected and closed and also judges that a telephone receiver is not on hook, it performs processing of setting a receiver volume. If it judges that the telephone receiver is on hook, it sets the volume of voices of a communication partner which are output from a speaker.

Abstract: A method of transmitting one text message to a plurality of receivers is disclosed. The method includes inputting numbers of the receivers and a text message to be transmitted, determining a type of a transmission speed of the inputted text message, and transmitting the inputted text message of the determined type to numbers of the respective receivers. If the text message transmission succeeds, the method further includes confirming whether any further receivers of the text message exist and, if so, inputting new numbers of the further receivers and re-transmitting the corresponding text message to the new numbers of the further receivers. In inputting the phone numbers of the receivers, the sender can transmit the text message more rapidly and conveniently using the phonebook function and one-touch dial function.

Abstract: A facsimile communication system and a communication apparatus reduce a loss time due to the synchronization of transmission/reception and shorten a communication time. They also shorten a communication time in a full duplex communication mode and allow proper switching of the full duplex communication at the transmission/reception replacement. DIS-CFR signals, EOP-DCN signals, NSS-TSI signals and TSI-DCS signals of a facsimile communication protocol are connected by synchronization signals so that the synchronization signals are sent even after the sending of the protocol signal. Thus, the sending of the synchronization signal for one second when the next protocol signal is sent is not necessary and a time required for the protocol signal is shortened.

Abstract: A communication terminal device of the present invention is provided with both facsimile communication function and electronic mail transmission/reception function. At the transmission side, scanned image data is coded by MH, MR method and the like, converted to text data, then edited according to electronic mail format for transmitting it as an electronic mail to computer network like internet. The transmission side also transmits by facsimile (by a circuit switching method) a transmission notification indicating transmission of the electronic mail and a signal indicating reception of the electronic mail. After receiving the signal requesting reception of the electronic mail, the receiving side receives the electronic mail from the computer network, converts it into image data and prints the image data out by facsimile.

Abstract: Described are a method of running an internet fax network, an internet fax system, and a transmission result ascertaining module. In the present invention, a transmission message produced when fax data are transmitted is transferred to the receive party with the fax data, and a return message including information about the receive time and state according to the fax data is transmitted to the transmission. Therefore, the transmission party enables to ascertain the transmission state and time of the fax data.

Abstract: A fax server connected to a plurality of client PCs and user LAN, forming a client-server system. It is also connected via an ISDN or PSTN line to a fax server of another communication network. A communication activity record which matches a reception record of receipt confirmation from a recipient with a transmission record of the transmitted document is generated and displayed on the screen of a display unit. This communication activity record can be output from printer, or displayed as printed characters.

Abstract: In a communication apparatus, it is judged whether or not received data can be outputted from a memory device to the exterior. When the received data can be outputted, the data is outputted from the memory device to the exterior, while data reception is continued. When the data reception is completed, a delete signal is sent back to a server and the relevant data stored in the server is erased. When received data cannot be outputted from the memory device to the exterior, it is judged whether the amount of the data exceeds empty capacity of the memory or not. When it is judged that the memory device reaches a memory overflow condition, the delete signal is not transmitted, and a warning is given to a user, and line is disconnected. When the memory device recovers from the memory overflow condition, the server is automatically called, transmission of data is requested, and a routine is repeatedly performed until the reception of one case data is completed.

Abstract: An Internet facsimile apparatus makes inquiry about capability, which a destination possesses, to a local server. The server is connected to the same LAN as that of the Internet facsimile apparatus. When the local server has no capability information of the destination, the Internet facsimile apparatus makes inquiry to a DNS server and obtains capability information. Then, the Internet facsimile apparatus makes an image to be suitable for the capability of the destination and transmits it to the destination via the Internet. As a result, the Internet facsimile apparatus on a transmitter side can surely obtain capability information of a destination terminal, thereby making it possible to carry out the same capability exchange as that of G3 facsimile apparatus.

Abstract: Improved methods and arrangements are provided for actively monitoring and/or controlling calls and related features in a communications system, such as, for example, computer telephony system. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided to visually represent the telephony resources, features, services, and users prior to, during, and after a call. An operator can interface with the computer telephony system through the selective activation and/or manipulation of graphical and iconic representations of the call, the calling party, and called party as provided through the GUI.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for selective transmission and reception of facsimile transmissions. A facsimile call is placed. A station identifier received from the other facsimile during the facsimile call is checked against a stored list of “acceptable” facsimile station identifiers. If a match is found, the transmission is allowed to proceed. If no match is found, the transmission is terminated. Alternatively, the termination can subject to an override by user selection, and the transmission can be allowed to proceed. In an alternative, the station identifier is checked against a list of “unacceptable” facsimile identifiers, and if a match is found the call is terminated; if no match is found, the transmission is allowed to proceed. In other alternatives, a transmission from a facsimile machine whose station identifier is not found on an “acceptable” list, or alternatively, whose station identifier is found on an “unacceptable” list, is stored.

Abstract: An improved telephone answering machine uses a personal computer or work station to analyze incoming caller data. Calls to be automatically answered by the answering machine can be answered with the accompaniment of a customized announcement to the caller based upon the caller's phone number, name or other data item received by the telephone answering device. Messages to be left by a caller can be stored on a computer storage media, including being segregated by calling number, name or other criteria. The improved answering machine includes the ability to retrieve messages from particular callers.

Abstract: An alerting system is provided for proactively ensuring awareness of pending customer generated trouble tickets which have not been resolved for at least a predetermined time duration corresponding to an escalation level. A customer service center selects the time duration. The alerting system includes a manager module which periodically monitors the pending customer generated trouble tickets and determines whether each pending customer generated trouble ticket remains unresolved for the time duration corresponding to the escalation level. The alerting system also includes an alerting module which sends an alert to a recipient assigned to the escalation level when the manager module determines the pending customer generated trouble ticket has not been resolved for the time duration corresponding to the escalation level. The alerting system may also include a parsing module which parses the pending customer generated trouble tickets to remove extraneous and invalid information.