JP3208115B2 - Facsimile communication network system and communication method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a LAN (Local Area).
Network), a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as FAX) terminal accommodated in the public telephone network, and an e-mail terminal (hereinafter referred to as a mail terminal) connected to the Internet, a dedicated line, or a dial-up connection. And a facsimile communication network system for providing a communication service between a FAX terminal and a mail terminal over a wide area.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A facsimile server having a facsimile communication control unit, a communication control unit within a LAN, a code-to-image conversion unit and the like is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) and a public network, and a FAX terminal accommodated in the public network. As a facsimile server that realizes communication between the terminal and a terminal on a LAN, for example, a server described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-567346 is known.

Also, an electronic FAX system for the Internet (WebDeFax) has been developed with a FAX terminal accommodating a telephone network and a personal computer (PC) terminal connected to the Internet network and used for e-mail and the Web as a target system. I have. WebDeFax is a system developed by NTT,
The specification is introduced in the following literature.

[0004] NTT Journal 1997.2 "Development and Commercialization of Multimedia Gateway System for Internet" NTT Journal 1997.5 "Development of Electronic Fax System for Internet" When a Network System Over a Wide Area is Configured Using WebDeFax FIG. 24 shows an example of the configuration.

[0005] The FAX server controls connection with the telephone network and the FA.
Performs the communication procedure processing with the X terminal, and the WebDeFax server controls a plurality of FAX servers,
It performs a service processing function and the like, has a subscriber database (DB) for each subscriber to be accommodated, and has a routing table for selecting a delivery destination FAX server from destination information.

[0006] The remote extension FAX server is a FAX server for installation in a remote place, and also has a subscriber database (DB) for each subscriber to be accommodated.

[0007]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention
The system described in the official gazette is a centralized system and does not have a system configuration based on a configuration of a plurality of FAX servers. Therefore, it is not easy to accommodate FAX terminals and mail terminals over a wide area, and a large-scale nationwide network is required. Building a system is difficult.

[0008] The electronic fax system for the Internet has the following problems.

When the FAX server goes down, the service reception / delivery processing of the subscriber accommodated in the server becomes impossible (service stop).

When a FAX server is added, it is necessary to change the routing tables of all FAX servers.

[0011] The FAX server that has accepted the call is a delivery FA.
Since a transmission request is made to the X server, it is difficult to distribute the load of the delivery FAX server. It is also difficult for all the fax servers to share the load information of the delivery fax server. Not suitable for large networks.

In updating a program for adding a service, it is necessary to update all FAX servers (service stop).

[0013] Migration of subscriber data (for example, FAX
It is necessary to inform the user in advance in the case of server accommodation etc. (service suspension).

Since it is necessary to transfer image signals for the number of broadcast destinations, this has an effect on the network load.

An object of the present invention is to provide a service that does not stop even when a FAX server goes down, does not require the routing of all FAX servers to be changed when a FAX server is added, facilitates the distribution of FAX server loads, An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile communication network system with reduced load.

[0016]

According to the present invention, a service is provided by providing a centralized server for centrally managing services in addition to a FAX server as a network configuration. As a result, the conventional subscriber data management function is only available for the fax server.
The service processing function / call reception / delivery processing function has been arranged, but the subscriber server has the subscriber data management function / service processing / routing table, and the FAX server has the call reception / delivery processing function. .

That is, the facsimile communication network system of the present invention is connected to a telephone network and a local area network, and is connected to a facsimile terminal via the telephone network.
The received data to the local area network.
Is connected to a FAX server on the local area network, which distributes data received from the local area network to a FAX terminal, and to the local area network via a router and a relay network, and unifies subscriber data. to storage and manage, have a central server for performing service control, the central server is da
Analyze earring procedures, service type, list number, delivery
Dial analysis means for extracting the specified date and time
Service determination means for making a
List registration and confirmation processing, using the destination list table
Destination list analysis means for performing destination expansion processing;
A route is determined for each destination, and the fax
Server and line group, and accumulated pages for each host and route
Adds / subtracts the numbers to check the load status of each FAX server, etc.
Routing processing means to be monitored, call admission notice and reception
Editing of rejection notice, management of image signal information, delivery request processing,
Delivery control means for performing delivery result notification processing, etc.
The cut processing of the received image signal during the transmission result
Image conversion that performs code-to-pattern conversion processing etc.
Processing means and receive commands from each server and receive
Commands created for sending
Command transmission / reception processing means for transmitting to each server,
Create work format mail and give date number
It has a mail transmission reception processing means for, the FAX server
Is a PB signal reception, service code determination, image signal
FAX receiving means for performing processing such as reception of FAX code
FAX transmission for conversion / resolution conversion processing, FAX transmission processing, etc.
In the case of multi-destination instruction, the corresponding
Destination development processing means for performing development processing of multiple destinations, and date generation
FAX header processing means for assigning a number or a kanji address,
Line management means for selecting transmission ports and managing line status
And guidance means for transmitting a talkie and an audible sound, and receiving
Manage original image information until release command is received from the central server
Image signal management means to receive commands from each server
And save received commands or create for sending
Command transmission / reception processing means for transmitting commands to each server
Having.

Another facsimile communication network system of the present invention is connected to a telephone network and a local area network, and receives data from a facsimile terminal via the telephone network.
Distribute received data to the local area network
And, or distributes the data received from the local area network to the FAX terminal, wherein the FAX server on a local area network, is connected to the mail terminal via a local area network or the Internet network via a router, the mail Received from the terminal
The data that the mail gateway server is connected to
Delivered to local area network, or a mail gateway server that distributes data received via said local area network or the Internet network to the mail terminal, via said router and the relay network FAX
Server and the mail gateway server are connected
It was connected to said local area network, centrally storage and manages subscriber data, have a central server for performing service control, the central server, the solution dialing procedure
And analyze the service type, list number, delivery date and time, etc.
Dial analysis means and service for service determination
Registration and confirmation of a list with destination information
Authentication processing, destination expansion processing using the destination list table
Destination list analysis means to be performed and routes for each specified destination
Determine the destination FAX server and line group in consideration of the load.
In addition to the decision, add / subtract the accumulated number of pages for each host and route
To monitor the load status of each FAX server, etc.
Editing processing means and editing of call acceptance notices and acceptance rejection notices
Collection, image signal information management, delivery request processing, delivery result notification processing
Control means that performs processing, such as call acceptance and delivery result notification processing
Processing of received image signal at the time, code at the time of non-delivery →
Image conversion processing means for performing pattern conversion processing and the like;
Receives commands from the server and stores the received commands.
Commands created for transmission or transmission to each server
Command transmission / reception processing means and network former
Create an e-mail and send an e-mail that gives the date number
The fax server has a PB signal
Processing, such as reception of an image, determination of a service code, and reception of an image signal
FAX receiving means for performing FAX code conversion and resolution conversion
Facsimile transmission means for performing processing, facsimile transmission processing, etc.
In the case of destination designation, expand the corresponding multiple destinations from the destination list
Destination expansion processing means to perform processing, date generation number and kanji address
FAX header processing means for giving,
Line management means for selecting and managing line status,
Guidance means for sending out listening sound and receiving original image information
Image signal management means to manage until release instruction is received from server
Command received from each server, and the received command
Command for each server.
Having command transmission / reception processing means for transmitting to the mail
The gateway server can be a local area network or
From the mail received via the Internet
Email that reads the password field and notifies the master server
Incoming mail according to the request from the receiving means and the central server
E-mail sending means for delivering e-mail to the terminal, and date generation
Mail header processing means for assigning numbers and kanji addresses,
Mail to convert mail to network format
Processing means and in the network for received text and image signals
Conversion to a unified format format,
Terminal compatible format of unified format information in work
Screen conversion processing means for converting and outputting to
Information and converted image information with unique file names on the network
Manage and send in response to read requests from other servers,
Image signal management means to be deleted by the deletion request from the central server
Command received from each server, and the received command
Command for each server.
Command transmission / reception processing means for transmitting the command to the server .

FIGS. 22 (1) and 22 (2) show a configuration example of a facsimile communication network system for domestic communication, and FIG. 23 shows a configuration example of a facsimile communication network system for international communication.

In a domestic communication network facsimile communication network system (FIG. 22 (1)), a facsimile is
FAX server connected to terminal is LAN, router and FR
A facsimile communication network system for domestic communication in which a central server, an NMS, and a mail gateway server are connected via a network, and a mail terminal is connected to the central server, the NMS, and a mail gateway server via a router and a LAN (FIG. 22 (2)) )), The FAX server connected to the FAX terminal in INS 1500 is connected to the central server, NMS and mail gateway server via LAN and router, and the mail terminal is connected to the central server, NMS and mail gateway via Internet, router, firewall and LAN. In the facsimile communication network system for international communication connected to the server (Fig. 23), the Japanese control server, NMS, and mail gateway server are connected to foreign firewalls via firewalls, routers, and dedicated connections. To have.

The facsimile communication network system of the present invention has the following advantages.

By storing subscriber data centrally in the central server, the FAX server and the mail server are simply positioned as access points. In particular, in the FAX server, it is possible to accept calls without being restricted to the accommodation area. Even if the FAX server goes down, the call can be accepted at the nearest access point and the call can be delivered using the nearest delivery FAX server.

Since the master server has a routing table, only the master server needs to be rewritten.

Since the central server issues a transmission request to the delivery FAX server, load distribution of the delivery FAX server is facilitated. Further, it is possible to perform delivery using the nearest delivery FAX server according to the load of the FAX server (also dynamic routing).

The service is controlled by the central server, and the service can be added by updating the central server.

By having subscriber data in the centralized server in a unified manner, it is possible to accommodate not only FAX users but also users on the Internet and the like at the same time.

The same contractor can receive services by FAX and Internet mail.

In this method, since the destination expansion processing is performed in the FAX server / mail gateway server in accordance with the broadcast list, image signals need only be transferred by the number of FAX servers / mail gateway servers, and the network load is reduced. be able to.

Further, since the FAX server / mail gateway server storing the image signal can directly set a link, no load is applied to the backbone accommodating the central server.

[0030]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, a facsimile communication network system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a general server 1, a mail gateway server 2, a facsimile server 3,
And _{1-3 4,} a FAX terminal 4 _{1-4 4,} mail terminal 5 ₁
And 5 _3, the router 6 _{1-6 7,} firewall 7
When a _{LAN8 1, 8 2, 8 3} , 8 5, a relay network 9 _1,
The Internet network 9 _2, and a telephone network 9 _3.

The central server 1 is a LAN 8_FiveAnd 8₁And router 6
₁Via the mail gateway server 2 via the LAN 8₁ When
Router 6₁ Via relay network 9₁ Connected to the relay network 9₁ To
Is router 6_Four And LAN8_Two FAX server 3 via₁ And 3
_Two Is connected, router 6_Five And LAN8_Three Through fax
Server 3_Three And 3_Four Is connected. FAX server 3₁~
3_Four Is the telephone network 9_Three FAX terminal 4₁ ~ 4_Four Connected with
Have been. Control server 1 and mail gateway server 2
Is router 6_Two And 6₆ And LAN8_Four Via e-mail terminal 5₁
Connected to the firewall 7 and router 6_Three And inter
-Net network 9_TwoVia e-mail terminal 5_Two Is connected to
TA6₇And telephone network 9_ThreeVia e-mail terminal 5 _ThreeConnected with
I have.

Next, the configuration and function of each server will be described. 1. General server 1 General-purpose Uni with LAN connection function as basic function
An x machine is used, and functions required as a facsimile communication network system are realized by a program.

In order to ensure the reliability of the network system, the central server 1 is configured by a duplex system as shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a main program block configuration of the central server 1. The main program blocks include a call processing unit 11, a subscriber data group 12, routing-related data 13, a Unix basic program group 14, and others 15.

The functions of the main processing units in the call processing unit 11 will be described below. The dial analysis processing unit 11a analyzes the dial procedure,
The service type, list number, designated delivery date and time are extracted. The service determination unit 11b performs service determination and the like. The destination list processing unit 11c performs registration and confirmation processing of a list in which destination information is described, destination development processing using a destination list table, and the like. The routing processing unit 11d determines a route for each designated destination, determines a destination FAX server and a line group (port group) in consideration of a load, and calculates a cumulative number of pages for each host and route. The addition and subtraction are performed to manage the load status of each FAX server and the like. The delivery control unit 11e performs editing of a call acceptance notice message and a reception rejection notice message, management of image signal information, delivery request processing, delivery result notification processing, and the like. The image conversion processing unit 11f cuts a received image signal (for example, １ ／) at the time of call reception and delivery result notification processing.
(Page cut), screen conversion processing (for example, reduction conversion), code-to-pattern (CP) conversion processing at the time of non-delivery, and the like. The command transmission / reception processing unit 11g receives a command from each server, receives a mail from the LAN, saves the received mail in a received mail storage device or a predetermined storage area, or sends a command created for transmission to each server. . The e-mail transmission reception processing unit 11h generates an e-mail in MIME format and gives a date number. 2. Mail gateway server 2 As the mail gateway server 2, a general-purpose mail gateway server compatible with Unix, Windows NT, or the like having a LAN connection function can be applied, and the required function of the mail gateway server as a facsimile communication network system is realized by a program. . The number of mail gateway servers installed is determined based on the traffic conditions of the communication service with the mail terminal and the processing capacity of the mail gateway server. When a high reliability is required for the mail gateway server 2 as a network system, measures such as a double countermeasure as illustrated in FIG. 2 are taken as the configuration of the central server.

FIG. 4 shows a main program functional block configuration of the mail gateway server 2. The main program blocks are a mail receiving unit 21, a mail transmitting unit 22, a mail header processing unit 23, a MIME mail processing unit 24, an image conversion processing unit 25, an image signal management unit 26, a command transmission / reception processing unit 27, and a Unix / general-purpose personal computer. It comprises a basic program group 28 and other 29. The mail receiving unit 21 reads the To: field, notifies a service to the central server 1, and the like. -The mail transmission unit 22 responds to the request from the
Performs mail delivery to the incoming mail terminal. The mail header processing unit 23 gives a date issue number and a kanji address. The MIME mail processing unit 24 performs MIME message generation processing, MIME message expansion processing, base64 encoding / decoding processing, network kanji-text conversion processing, and the like. The screen conversion processing unit 25 performs a process of converting information such as a received text and an image signal into a network unified format (TIFF) and a process of converting the network unified format information into a terminal compatible format (GIF). Do. The image signal management unit 26 manages the received original image information / converted image information with a unique file name on the network, transmits it in response to a read request from another server, and manages it until an erasure instruction from the central server 1 is received. . The command transmission / reception management unit 27 receives a command from each server, saves the received command, and transmits a command created for transmission to each server. 3. FAX server 3 ₁ to 3 ₄ device configuration of the FAX server 3 ₁ to 3 for _4, Window
s A general-purpose personal computer for NT, etc.
A function for connecting a modem or the like for connecting the X terminal, a relay network connection article, or the like, and a required function of the FAX server as a facsimile communication network system are realized as a program function described below. FAX server 3 ₁ -
3 ₄ main program function block diagram shown in FIG. The main program blocks are FAX receiver 31, F
The AX transmission unit 32, the destination development processing unit 33, the FAX header processing unit 34, the line management unit 35, the guidance notification unit 36, the image signal management unit 37, the command transmission / reception processing unit 38, the general-purpose personal computer basic program group 39, and the other 40 It is configured. The FAX receiving unit 31 performs processing such as PB signal reception, service code determination, image signal reception, and the like. The FAX transmission unit 32 performs FAX code conversion / resolution conversion processing, FAX transmission processing, and the like. In the case of a multi-destination instruction, the destination expansion processing unit 33 performs the expansion processing of the corresponding multiple destinations from the destination list. The FAX header processing unit 34 performs date issuing, kanji address assignment, and the like. The line manager 35 selects a transmission port and manages the line state. The guidance unit 36 transmits a talkie / audible sound. The image signal management unit 37 manages the received original image information until a release instruction is received from the central server 1. The command transmission / reception processing unit 38 receives a command from each server, saves the received command, or transmits a command created for transmission to each server.

Next, a common processing method will be described. 1. Designation method of incoming destination number (1) Specification method from FAX terminal A method of listing telephone numbers as a method of specifying a destination from FAX terminal (telephone number notation), and destinations are registered in the system in advance in the form of a list. Method (destination list specification method). Destination designation in telephone number string notation FIG. 6 shows a format example of input information.

After the outgoing FAX server connection number, a user ID, a password, a service code (in FIG. 6, an example of 263 indicating telephone number list communication) and a destination FAX terminal telephone number are entered. When the authentication using the caller ID notification provided by the telephone network is used, the input of the user ID and the password can be omitted.

The user ID is a unique number on the network,
For example, the user's FAX telephone number, which is registered in the system together with the password when subscribing to the service, is collated with the user ID and password registered in advance when the service is requested, and is used for qualification check. Alternatively, when the caller ID notification provided by the telephone network is used, a qualification check is performed based on the transmitted caller ID and the FAX telephone number registered in the user ID. Authentication by password is omitted. The user ID is a facsimile signal of the user. Destination Specification by Destination List Specification Method FIG. 7 shows a format example of input information.

After the originating FAX server connection number, the user I
D, a password, and a service code (in FIG. 7, an example of 273 indicating destination list communication) is input. An identification code or code is inserted between the pieces of information, and the destination list number is in a format that allows a plurality of designations.

The user ID is a facsimile telephone number of the user, and is registered in the system together with the password when subscribing to the service. When the service is requested, the user ID is collated with the user ID and the password registered in advance and used for qualification check.

In the case of this destination list communication, a destination is registered in the system in advance, and a destination is selected by designating a registered list number. By defining a mail address represented by alphanumeric characters in the list, a mail terminal can be specified as a destination from a FAX terminal based on telephone operation, and FAX → mail terminal communication can be realized. (2) Method of designation from mail terminal FIG. 8 shows a mail format received from the outgoing mail terminal.

The information of the destination terminal is represented by T in the mail header.
o: Using the field of the user name in the field column as the destination information, the destination specification from the mail terminal to the destination terminal can be performed by the following three methods such as a telephone number specification method, a destination list specification method, and a destination file attachment method. Make it possible.

In the From: field, the mail address of the outgoing mail terminal is set.

In the mail body, a user ID and a password field are provided, and a user ID and a password registered in the system in advance are set in the fields. Prevent unauthorized access from other than terminals. Phone Number Designation Method (FIG. 9 (1)) To: This is a method of designating the incoming FAX terminal phone number following the service code in the destination information in the field column. In the case of broadcast communication, a plurality of incoming FAX terminal telephone numbers are designated. Destination List Designation Method (FIG. 9 (2)) To: A method of designating a destination list number in which a destination terminal telephone number or a destination mail address registered in advance in the system is described in the destination information in the field column, following the service code. It is. Destination file attachment method (Fig. 9 (3)) A file in which the telephone number of the destination FAX terminal and the mail address of the mail terminal are entered is attached to the mail as an address file, and the address to which the network can receive the service is attached. This is the method of sending. Designation of a mail terminal and designation and change of a plurality of destinations can be easily realized. 2. FAX Server Selection Method The central server 1 selects a FAX server during the following communication. : Selection of incoming FAX server in FAX terminal → FAX terminal, mail terminal → FAX terminal communication: Selection of outgoing FAX server at the time of terminal delivery notification etc. in FAX terminal → FAX terminal, FAX terminal → mail terminal communication FIG. 10 shows a schematic processing diagram for selecting the corresponding FAX server.

The general server 1 obtains the connection route number of the FAX server corresponding to the telephone number from the area code of the telephone number of the destination by using the route conversion table. When the route number is obtained, the FAX server corresponding to the route number is obtained from the FAX server management table, the load status of each FAX server in the route is obtained, and the FAX server having the minimum load status is selected. . When the selection is completed, the central server 1 sends the fax
Activate the server and update the load status according to the contents of the communication.

The designation of the telephone line connection port for connecting the FAX terminal can be made either by the FAX server or by the central server 1, and is determined based on the operating conditions and the like. In addition, the present method can be used to change the status of the FAX server even if the FAX server is in a failure state.
By managing with the server management table, it is possible to select another operating fax server.

The FA by the central server 1 based on the above method
Depending on the method of X server selection, incoming F
In addition to the selection of the AX server, outgoing FA at the time of terminal delivery notification
Also in the selection of the X server, the selection of the optimal FAX server is realized. 3. Basic Configuration of Subscriber Data To receive services provided by this system, a service user subscribes to this system and registers basic data as subscriber data. The central server 1 manages these subscription data, collates information entered as dial information or the like with subscriber data when receiving a service, and uses it for qualification screening and the like.

FIG. 11 shows the basic contents of the subscriber data managed by the central server 1. The subscriber data is composed of fields such as a user ID, a terminal address, a password, service option information, and others. The user ID is a unique number in the network,
The terminal address is the email address for an email terminal,
In the case of a FAX terminal, a telephone number is used, an e-mail address uses an e-mail address of the e-mail terminal, a password is composed of alphanumeric characters, and service option information indicates a contract text such as a notice text and a destination list.

Having the subscriber data in the central server 1 in a unified manner makes it possible to accommodate not only FAX users but also users such as the Internet at the same time. Also, the same contractor can receive services by FAX and Internet mail.

Next, a communication sequence will be described.

First, the symbols in the communication sequence (FIG. 12)
Will be described.・ FAX protocol: Telephone network (analog network or ISDN)
This is a communication procedure related to communication between a G3 FAX terminal and a G4 FAX terminal via the Internet, and is a protocol standardized by the ITU-T recommendation.-Image signal: Communication speed of 64 kb by FAX protocol
/ S, 28.8 kb / s, 14.4 kb / s, 9600
FAX image information transmitted at b / s, 4800b / s, etc. ・ TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Inte
rnet Protocol): A protocol used in the Internet. TCP corresponds to the fourth layer (transport layer) of the OSI reference model, and provides reliable data transfer. IP corresponds to the third layer (network layer) and provides a connectionless datagram service. -FTP (File Transfer Protocol): TCP / IP application protocol for transferring files between network hosts-SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): TC
Protocol for transferring e-mail in P / IP network (defined by RFC 821) By using TCP / IP as a base for a protocol used between various servers in the network, easy connection to the Internet is achieved. For transferring an image signal which becomes a large amount of information as an information transfer amount between various servers in a network, FTP which operates as an upper layer of the TCP / IP protocol is used as a base, and in addition, control information or the like having a small transfer information amount is used. The transfer is based on SMTP.

According to the above-described method, information transfer between servers can be realized with high reliability and efficiency by a protocol corresponding to the feature of each information type.

In the following communication sequence diagrams, FAX
The telephone network between the terminal and the FAX server, the relay network between the servers, the Internet between the mail gateway server and the mail terminal, and the like are omitted. In the following description of the operation using the processing sequence, for ease of description,
A terminal that issues a request for a communication service is a sending FAX terminal or an outgoing mail terminal, and a destination terminal is a sending F that is a server that accepts a request from a receiving FAX terminal, an incoming mail terminal, or a calling terminal.
The AX server, the outgoing mail gateway server, and the server that handles the receiving terminal are logically separated into outgoing / incoming calls from the incoming FAX server, the incoming mail gateway server, and the like. And the receiving server may be processed by the same server.

In the present invention, as a processing method, a corresponding communication medium is based on a facsimile image signal, which is a large amount of information, and the mail information is also included in the processing method. Based on distribution processing in a broadcast service in which the number of destinations with a large demand is plural, communication in the case where the number of destinations is 1 (hereinafter, general communication) is included in the broadcast processing.

The processing of communication between a facsimile terminal and a mail terminal by the facsimile communication network system will be described below.

For the sake of convenience, the contents of processing in communication between terminals in the case of general communication with the number of destinations = 1 will be described.
The characteristic contents of the present invention in the case of the broadcast processing will be described. In the case of communication between a FAX terminal and a FAX terminal FIG. 13 shows a FAX terminal in the present network system.
In the communication between FAX terminals, an example of correspondence between the FAX image signal format transmitted by the originating FAX terminal and the FAX image signal format received by the destination FAX terminal is shown. FIG. 14 shows the FAX terminal → F
4 shows a communication sequence between AX terminals.

When using this facsimile network service, the originating FAX terminal sets up a call with the nearest originating FAX server using a special number, toll-free number, etc. (step 100), and performs image signal transfer. Then, the call is disconnected.

The method of specifying the telephone number of the incoming fax terminal or the like is as described above.

When the outgoing FAX server receives the incoming call from the FAX terminal, the service request information received in the above call setting sequence processing is transmitted to the general server 1 as an outgoing request to the SM.
Transfer using the TP protocol (Step 1
01), the image signal transferred from the calling FAX terminal is stored in the file memory.

The general server 1 performs various inspections of the service reception of the outgoing FAX terminal, which has been inquired by the outgoing FAX server in the outgoing request (user ID / password, service code / number of destination digits, service number combination, service condition, etc.) ), And the result is used as a transmission request response as S
A reply is sent to the originating FAX server using MTP (step 102).

In the transmission FAX server, when the inspection OK is returned from the central server 1 as a response to the transmission request, the transmission F
When the image signal transfer from the AX terminal is completed, the completion of the image signal transfer preparation is transferred to the central server 1 using SMTP (step 103). If the response to the transmission request is a check NG, the transmission FAX server disconnects the call from the transmission FAX terminal (step 104).

Upon receiving the image signal transfer preparation completion, as described above, the central server 1 manages the optimal incoming fax server corresponding to the destination fax terminal, the relation between the fax server and the terminal accommodation area, the load status, and the like. The destination FAX server is used to specify the line group to be used and to send the outgoing FAX server name, transfer image signal name, call acceptance date / outgoing FAX number, incoming FAX terminal address information, and the like. Transfer is performed using SMTP as a delivery request (step 105).

Upon receiving the delivery request, the incoming FAX server sets up a direct communication link with the outgoing FAX server designated by the central server 1 without passing through the central server 1 by the FTP protocol, and transmits the outgoing FAX. An image signal extraction request is made to the server (step 106).

The outgoing FAX server transfers the corresponding image signal stored in the file memory to the incoming FAX server via the above direct communication link (step 10).
7).

The incoming FAX server stores the image signal transferred from the outgoing FAX server in the file memory, and upon completion of the transfer, sets up a call with the incoming FAX terminal (step 108) and then stores the image signal in the file memory. After performing the image signal terminal transfer processing of the image signal (step 109), the call is disconnected (step 110), and the terminal delivery completion is notified to the general server 1 by SMTP (step 111).

When the delivery result notification is requested from the originating FAX terminal, or when the general server 1 receives a notification from the receiving FAX server that the delivery processing has failed, the central server 1 sends the terminal delivery notification described below. If the terminal does not correspond to any of them, the terminal receives the notification of the completion of the terminal delivery from the incoming fax server,
Assuming that the communication service process between the terminals has been completed, a communication history and a billing process are performed, and a journal of the communication is kept.

On the other hand, when the delivery server is requested to notify the delivery result from the sending FAX terminal, or when the managing server 1 receives a notification from the destination FAX server that the delivery processing has failed, the central server 1 performs delivery to the sending FAX terminal. Start the process for delivering the notification text. For this reason, in order to read the image signal, the central server 1 sets a communication link for extracting the image signal with the corresponding transmitting FAX server by FTP, and issues an image signal extraction request (step 112).

Upon receiving the request, the originating FAX server sends the relevant image signal necessary for creating the notification message to the
Transfer with P (step 113).

The central server 1 sends an image signal (for example, a 1/3 page screen) necessary as the call delivery result notification message and the incoming call F
A call delivery result notice is created using the information of the terminal delivery completion received from the AX server, a transmission FAX server to which the delivery notice is transferred is selected, and the notification FAX is transmitted to the transmission FAX server. SM with image information attached in MIME format
Transfer using TP (step 114).

In the above description, the selection of the sending FAX server for delivering the call delivery result notification message is performed in the same manner as the selection of the receiving FAX server.

Upon receiving the notification message transfer request, the outgoing FAX server sets up a call with the outgoing FAX terminal (step 115), and transmits the outgoing F using the call delivery result notification message as an image signal.
After transferring to the AX terminal as a terminal delivery notification (step 1
16), the call is disconnected (step 117). Then, the completion of notification message delivery is notified to the general server using SMTP (step 118).

Upon receiving the notification message delivery completion, the central server 1
The fact that the FAX-FAX terminal communication has been completed as the entire processing of the network system is managed and recorded. In case of communication between FAX terminal and mail terminal FIG. 15 shows FAX through this network system
In the communication between the terminal and the mail terminal, an example of correspondence between the FAX image signal format transmitted by the originating FAX terminal and the mail format received by the destination mail terminal is shown. FIG. 16 shows a communication sequence between the FAX terminal and the mail terminal.

When using this service, F
As described in the communication sequence from AX terminal to FAX terminal communication, the outgoing FAX terminal
Call setting is performed with the X server (step 200), and after the image signal is transferred (step 201), the call is disconnected (step 202). The specification of the mail address of the receiving mail terminal is as described above.

When the outgoing FAX server receives the incoming call from the FAX terminal, the service request information received in the above-described call setting sequence processing is transmitted to the general server 1 as a SM request.
Transfer using TP protocol (Step 2
03), the image signal transferred from the calling FAX terminal is stored in the file memory.

The centralized server 1 performs various inspections of the service reception of the originating FAX terminal, which has been inquired by the originating FAX server in the originating request (inspection of the user ID / password, service code / destination digit, service number combination, service condition, etc.). ), And the result is used as an outgoing request response as SM
Reply to originating FAX server using TP (step 20)
4).

In the transmission FAX server, when the inspection OK is returned from the central server 1 as a response to the transmission request, the transmission F
When the image signal transfer from the AX terminal is completed, the image signal transfer preparation completion is transferred to the central server 1 using SMTP (step 205). If the outgoing request response is a check NG, the outgoing FAX server disconnects the call from the outgoing FAX terminal.

Upon receiving the image signal transfer preparation completion, the central server 1 determines the optimum incoming mail gateway server corresponding to the destination mail terminal, as described above, the relation between the incoming mail gateway server and the terminal accommodation area, and the load. Select using a table that manages the status, etc., specify the line group to be used for the incoming mail gateway server,
The outgoing FAX server name, transfer image signal name, call reception date / outgoing FAX number, destination mail terminal number information, etc. are transferred as a delivery request using SMTP (step 20).
6).

Upon receiving the delivery request, the incoming mail gateway server sends the outgoing FA specified by the
A direct communication link with the X server that does not pass through the central server 1 is set by the FTP protocol, and the outgoing FA is set.
An image signal extraction request is made to the X server (step 20).
7).

The outgoing FAX server transfers the corresponding image signal stored in the file memory to the incoming mail gateway server via the above direct communication link (step 208).

The incoming mail gateway server which has received the delivery request performs a process of extracting the image signal converted into the TIFF format or the like from the originating FAX server, and converts the image signal into a GIF (G
rapics Interchange Formata
t) format and deliver it to the incoming mail terminal as an attached file of mail information by SMTP (step 2)
09), the terminal delivery completion is notified to the central server 1 by SMTP (step 210).

If the delivery result notification is requested from the originating FAX terminal or if the delivery processing at the incoming mail gateway server is unsuccessful, the central server 1 performs the terminal delivery notification process described below. However, if none of the above cases is satisfied, the communication service processing between the FAX terminal and the mail terminal is considered to be completed at the stage when the terminal delivery completion notification is received from the incoming mail gateway server, and the communication history and charging processing are performed. And a journal of the communication is taken, and the communication service processing ends.

On the other hand, when the delivery result notification is requested from the originating FAX terminal or when the delivery processing at the incoming mail gateway server is unsuccessful,
A process for delivering a delivery notice to the originating FAX terminal is started. For this reason, in order to read out the image signal, the central server 1 sets a communication link for extracting the image signal with the corresponding outgoing FAX server by FTP, and issues an image signal extraction request (step 211).

Upon receiving the request, the sending FAX server sends the corresponding image signal necessary for creating the notification message to the
The image signal is transferred at P (step 212).

Upon receiving the transfer of the image signal, the central server 1 receives the image signal (for example, 1/3 page screen) required as the call delivery result notification message and the completion of the terminal delivery already received from the incoming mail gateway server. A call delivery result notice is created using the information and the sending FAX server to which the delivery notice is transferred is selected, and an SMTP with the image information of the notice attached in MIME format is sent to the sending FAX server. Transfer using In the above description, the selection of the sending FAX server for delivering the call delivery result notification message is performed in the same manner as the selection of the receiving FAX server as described above (step 213).

Upon receiving the notification message transfer request, the outgoing FAX server sets up a call with the outgoing FAX terminal (step 214), and sends the outgoing F as a picture signal using the call delivery result notification message as an image signal.
After transferring to the AX terminal as a terminal delivery notification (step 2
15), the call is disconnected (step 216). After that, the completion of notification message delivery is notified to the general server using SMTP (step 217).

Upon receiving notification message delivery completion, the central server 1
The fact that the communication between the FAX and the mail terminal is completed as the entire processing of the network system is managed and recorded.

Note that, in the present communication mode, the “terminal delivery notification” is notified when a non-delivery case is specified. In case of communication between mail terminal and FAX terminal FIG. 17 shows a mail terminal in this network system →
In communication between FAX terminals, an example of correspondence between a mail format transmitted by an outgoing mail terminal and a FAX image signal format received by an incoming FAX terminal is shown. Fig. 18 shows mail terminal → FAX
4 shows a sequence of communication between terminals.

When a mail addressed to the FAX terminal arrives at the outgoing mail gateway server (step 30)
0), the outgoing mail gateway server sends an outgoing request to the central server 1 by SMTP (step 30).
1).

Using the user ID and password notified by the outgoing request, the central server 1 performs a service acceptance check on the outgoing mail terminal, and returns the result to the outgoing mail gateway server by SMTP as a outgoing request response (step). 302).

The outgoing mail gateway server receives the outgoing request response and converts the mail information received from the outgoing mail terminal into an image signal that can be received by the FAX terminal. The transfer preparation completion is notified to the central server 1 by SMTP (step 30).
3).

Upon receiving the completion of the image signal transfer preparation, the central server 1 returns a call acceptance notice to the originating mail terminal.
First, an image signal extraction request converted by the outgoing mail gateway server is sent to the outgoing mail gateway server by setting an FTP link (step 304).
Upon receiving the image signal transfer (step 305), a call acceptance notice is created, and the notice is sent to the mail gateway server by SMTP as a notice delivery request (step 306).

Further, the incoming FAX server for performing the process of delivering the received mail information to the FAX terminal is connected to the FAX terminal →
Selection is made in the same manner as in the case of communication between FAX terminals, and a delivery request is notified to the corresponding incoming FAX server by SMTP (step 307).

The outgoing mail gateway server that has received the call acceptance notification message delivery request from the central server 1 transfers the call acceptance notification message created by the central server 1 to the outgoing mail terminal using SMTP (step 308). . Thereafter, the notification message delivery completion is returned to the central server 1 by SMTP (step 311).

In the above, the originating mail gateway server returns the call acceptance notice to the originating mail terminal, so that it is possible to realize that the communication service request has been reliably received by the originating mail terminal side by the system side. If another mail terminal improperly makes a service request to the system on behalf of the terminal, the situation can be detected early.

On the other hand, the incoming FAX server which has received the delivery request from the central server 1 accesses the outgoing mail gateway server by FTP, makes a request to take out an image signal converted into an image signal (step 309), and is transferred by FTP. The incoming image signal is stored in the file memory, and when the transfer is completed, a call is set with the incoming FAX terminal (step 3).
12) After the image signal stored in the file memory is transferred, the call is disconnected (step 314), and the terminal delivery completion is notified to the central server 1 by SMTP (step 315).

Upon receiving the notification of the completion of the terminal delivery from the incoming fax server, the central server 1 sends the mail information converted into the image signal from the outgoing mail gateway server to the FTP server.
Then, the image signal is incorporated as a terminal delivery notification message, and the notification message transfer request is transferred to the outgoing mail gateway server using the SMTP attached with the image information of the notification message in MIME format (step 318).

The outgoing mail gateway server which has received the notification message transfer request from the central server 1 transfers the information to the outgoing mail terminal as a terminal delivery notice (step 31).
9), the completion of delivery of the notification text is notified to the central server 1 (step 320).

Upon receiving notification message delivery completion, the central server 1
The fact that the communication service has been completed as a whole processing of the network system is managed and recorded.

In the above, the terminal delivery request is always notified in this communication mode. In case of communication between mail terminal and mail terminal Fig. 19 shows the mail terminal in this network system.
In the communication between mail terminals, an example of correspondence between a mail format transmitted by an outgoing mail terminal and a mail format received by an incoming mail terminal will be described. FIG. 20 shows a sequence of communication between the mail terminal and the mail terminal.

When a mail addressed to the FAX terminal arrives at the outgoing mail gateway server (step 40)
0), the outgoing mail gateway server sends an outgoing request to the central server 1 by SMTP (step 40).
1).

Based on the outgoing request, the central server 1 performs a service acceptance check on the outgoing mail terminal using the notified user ID and password, and returns the result as a outgoing request response to the outgoing mail gateway server by SMTP ( Step 402).

When the outgoing mail gateway server receives the outgoing request response, the outgoing mail gateway server converts the body of the mail and the attached file into a TIFF (Tape) standardized as an image exchange format.
ggedImage File Format). When the conversion processing is completed, the image signal transfer preparation completion signal is notified to the central server 1 by SMTP (step 403).

Upon receiving the image signal transfer preparation completion signal from the outgoing mail gateway server, the central server 1 sends an image signal take-out request to the mail gateway server by FTP in order to create a call acceptance notice (step 404).
After the call acceptance notice is created using the transferred image signal (step 405), the created call acceptance notice delivery request is sent to the outgoing mail gateway server by SMTP (step 406) and sent to the incoming mail gateway server. Notifies the delivery request by SMTP (step 407).

The outgoing mail gateway server that has received the call acceptance notification message delivery request from the central server 1 transfers the call acceptance notification message created by the central server 1 to the mail terminal using SMTP (step 408). After that, the notification delivery completion of the call acceptance is returned to the central server 1 by SMTP (step 411).

In the above, the above-mentioned mail terminal → FAX
As in the case of terminal-to-terminal communication, the outgoing mail gateway server returns a call acceptance notice to the outgoing mail terminal, so that it is possible to realize that the communication service request has been reliably received by the outgoing mail terminal. In addition, when another mail terminal improperly makes a service request to the system in place of the terminal, the situation can be detected at an early stage.

On the other hand, the incoming mail gateway server that has received the delivery request sends a T
Take out the image signal converted to IFF format etc.,
The image signal is converted into a GIF (Grafics Interchange Format) format, delivered as an attached file of mail information to the incoming mail terminal by SMTP (step 412), and the completion of terminal delivery is notified to the central server 1 by SMTP (step 413). .

Upon receiving the notification of the completion of the terminal delivery from the incoming mail gateway server, the central server 1 fetches the mail information converted into the image signal from the outgoing mail gateway server by FTP (step 414) and cuts out the necessary information. The notification message transfer request is transferred to the outgoing mail gateway server using the SMTP attached with the image information of the notification message in the MIME format (step 416).

The outgoing mail gateway server receiving the terminal delivery notice from the central server 1 transfers the terminal delivery notice to the outgoing mail terminal (step 417), and notifies the central server 1 of the completion of the notice delivery by SMTP. (Step 418).

Upon receiving the notification message delivery completion, the central server 1
The fact that the communication service has been completed as a whole processing of the network system is managed and recorded. Communication sequence in broadcast communication (FAX terminal → FA
X terminal) As a typical example of a communication sequence in broadcast communication, FA
FIG. 21 shows the case of X terminal → multiple FAX terminals. In the following description, the processing sequence of the above-described general communication from the FAX terminal to the FAX terminal will be described focusing on parts different from those in the general communication.

The central server 1 selects a receiving FAX server corresponding to a destination FAX terminal group which is a plurality of destinations of the broadcast according to the contents of the service request from the transmitting FAX terminal. The number of the selected incoming fax servers is 1 based on the relationship between the contents of the broadcast destination (accommodation area of the destination incoming fax terminal and the number of broadcast destinations) and the installed incoming fax server.
Or more, but the incoming F
The selection is made based on the relationship between the AX server and the receiving FAX terminal accommodation area, the load status of the receiving FAX server, and the like.

When the central server 1 selects the incoming FAX server, the FAX server incorporates the destination list of the FAX terminal group of the corresponding broadcast destination into the delivery request and transfers it by SMTP (step 500).

The receiving FAX server receiving the broadcast destination list and the delivery request makes a corresponding image signal reading request from the transmitting FAX server by FTP (step 501), and receives the corresponding image signal transfer (step 502). Store in file memory. When the image signal storage is completed, the incoming fax
The server sends multiple incoming faxes notified on the broadcast destination list.
The terminal performs processing for transferring the image signal to the terminal (step 50).
3) When all the delivery processes specified in the broadcast destination list are completed, or when the terminal delivery is completed at regular intervals and at regular intervals, the terminal delivery completion is notified to the central server 1 by SMTP (step 504). The transfer of the image signal from the sending FAX server to the receiving FAX server does not have to be performed for the number of destinations, but may be performed only once.

The subsequent communication sequence is the same as that of the general communication in which the above-mentioned calling terminal is a FAX terminal except that the contents of the terminal delivery notification notified to the calling FAX terminal correspond to the broadcast destination. According to.

According to this processing method, since the broadcast image signal is developed into a required number of broadcast notification messages by the incoming fax server, the image signal transfer processing amount in the network can be minimized. And an economical broadcast service can be realized.

The above-described processing method between the FAX terminal and the FAX terminal described as an example of the processing in the broadcast communication is different from the communication method of the mail terminal → the FAX terminal, the FAX terminal → the mail terminal, the mail terminal → the mail terminal. This method can be similarly applied to broadcast communication in such communication. Further, even if a facsimile terminal and a mail terminal are mixed as destination terminals in the broadcast communication, it is easily realized by a combination of the above-described processing in the network.

[0118]

As described above, the present invention is as follows.
It has an effect. Claims 1, 2,13,14Invention: One in the central server
By storing subscriber data, FAX server,
The mail gateway server is just an access point
It will be positioned. In particular, in a FAX server,
Calls can be accepted without being bound by the area. Ma
Even if the FAX server goes down, the nearest access point
Call can be accepted at the
It is also possible to deliver using the delivery FAX server of
You. Inventions of Claims 1 and 2: The central server is a routing server
Since there is a network, only the central server needs to be rewritten.
It is the central server that controls the services, and
To add a service, update the central server. Claims 1, 2, 4,13Invention: Delivery server is delivery F
To make a transmission request to the AX server,
Server load distribution becomes easy. In addition, the fax server
Deliver using the nearest delivery FAX server according to the load
(Dynamic routing) is also possible.  Claim 2,8-12,14-16Invention: general server
FAX users by having subscriber data in one place
In addition to accommodating users such as the Internet at the same time
It becomes possible. In addition, the same contractor
Internet mail service
You.  Claim5,13-16: In this method, the fax server
Destination exhibition according to the distribution list on the mail gateway server
Since the opening process is performed, the fax server / mail gateway
It is only necessary to transfer image signals for the number of
Work load can be reduced. It also stores image signals.
FAX server / mail gateway server directly
Since the link can be set, the central server is collected.
There is no load on the backbone.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a facsimile communication network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a device configuration of a central server 1.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a program of a central server 1.

FIG. 4 is a program configuration diagram of the mail gateway server 2.

5 is a program block diagram of a FAX server 3 ₁ to 3 _4.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of specifying an incoming call destination from a calling FAX terminal (in the case of a telephone number string notation).

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a method of specifying a destination from a calling FAX terminal (in the case of a destination list specifying method).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a method of designating a service request from an outgoing mail terminal.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method of specifying destination information from a sending mail terminal.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of selecting a fax server.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing basic contents of subscriber data.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of symbols in a communication sequence.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a format of transmission / reception information at the time of communication between a FAX terminal and a FAX terminal.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram of communication between a FAX terminal and a FAX terminal.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a format of transmission / reception information at the time of communication between a FAX terminal and a mail terminal.

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram of communication between the FAX terminal and the mail terminal.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a format of transmission / reception information during communication between a mail terminal and a FAX terminal.

FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram of communication between a mail terminal and a FAX terminal.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a format of transmission / reception information during communication between a mail terminal and a mail terminal.

FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram of mail terminal → mail terminal communication.

FIG. 21: Broadcast communication (from a FAX terminal to a FAX terminal)
FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile communication network system for domestic communication of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile communication network system for international communication of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a configuration diagram of a facsimile communication network system at the time of Web De Fax communication.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Control server 2 Mail gateway server 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ FAX server 4 ₁ to 4 ₄ FAX terminal 5 _{1 to} 5 ₃ Mail terminal 6 _{1 to} 6 ₇ Router 7 Firewall 8 ₁ to 8 ₄ LAN 9 ₁ Relay network 9 ₂ Internet network 9 ₃ telephone network 11 call processing unit 12 subscriber data group 13 routing-related data 14 Unix basic program group 15 other 11a dial analysis processing unit 11b service determination unit 11c destination list processing unit 11d routing processing unit 11e delivery control unit 11f image conversion processing Unit 11g command transmission / reception processing unit 11h mail transmission reception processing unit 21 mail reception unit 22 mail transmission unit 23 mail header processing unit 24 MIME mail processing unit 25 screen conversion processing unit 26 image signal management unit 27 command transmission / reception processing unit 28 Unix / general-purpose personal computer Base Program group 29 Other 31 FAX receiving unit 32 FAX communication unit 33 Destination expansion processing unit 34 FAX header processing unit 35 Line management unit 36 Guidance notification unit 37 Image signal management unit 38 Command transmission / reception processing unit 39 General-purpose personal computer basic program group 40 Others 100 ~ 118,200 ~ 217,300 ~ 320,4
00-418,500-504 steps

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-6-233040 (JP, A) JP-A-9-121274 (JP, A) JP-A-7-177181 (JP, A) JP-A 8- 256235 (JP, A) JP-A-6-245012 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04L 12/58 H04L 12/66

Claims (18)

(57) [Claims] 1. Connected to a telephone network and a local area network, and received from a facsimile terminal via the telephone network
Distributed data to the local area network
Or a FAX server on the local area network that distributes data received from the local area network to a FAX terminal, and is connected to the local area network via a router and a relay network to unify subscriber data. storage and manage and have a central server for performing service control, the central server analyzes the dialing procedure, the service kind
Dial solution to retrieve other, list number, delivery date and time, etc.
Analysis means, service determination means for making a service determination, and
Registration and confirmation processing of a list with destination information, destination list
List solution that performs destination expansion processing using a port table
Method and route for each specified destination, taking into account load
To determine the destination FAX server and line group,
Add / subtract the cumulative number of pages for each
Routing processing means for monitoring the load status of servers etc.
Edit call acceptance notice and acceptance rejection notice, image signal information
That manages delivery, delivery request processing, delivery result notification processing, etc.
Control means and reception during call reception and delivery result notification processing
Image signal cut processing, non-delivery code → pattern conversion processing
Image conversion processing means for processing
Command and save or send the received command
Command to send the command created for each server to each server
Reception processing means and network format mail
E-mail transmission reception processing means to create and give date numbering
And the FAX server receives a PB signal, a service code
Facsimile receiving means for performing processing such as image determination and image signal reception
And FAX code conversion / resolution conversion processing and FAX transmission processing
Facsimile transmission means for performing a destination, etc.
Destination expansion processing that expands the corresponding multiple destinations from the list
To a fax machine that assigns date numbers and kanji addresses, etc.
Data processing means and transmission port selection and line state management.
Line management means to perform, and guidance to send talkie and audible sound
Release means for releasing the received original image information from the central server.
Image signal management means that manages until the indication comes, and from each server
Received the command, save the received command,
Command to send the command created for sending to each server
Facsimile communication networks over with de reception processing means
System. 2. Connected to a telephone network and a local area network, and received from a facsimile terminal via the telephone network.
Distributed data to the local area network
And, or distributes the data received from the local area network to the FAX terminal, wherein the FAX server on a local area network, is connected to the mail terminal via a local area network or the Internet network via a router, the mail Receive from terminal
The data from the mail gateway server
Delivered to over local area network, or a mail gateway server that distributes data received via said local area network or the Internet network to the mail terminal, via said router and the relay network FA
X server and the mail gateway server are connected
A centralized server that is connected to the local area network, stores and manages subscriber data in a centralized manner, and performs service control. The centralized server analyzes a dialing procedure and provides a service type.
Dial solution to retrieve other, list number, delivery date and time, etc.
Analysis means, service determination means for making a service determination, and
Registration and confirmation processing of a list with destination information, destination list
List solution that performs destination expansion processing using a port table
Method and route for each specified destination, taking into account load
To determine the destination FAX server and line group,
Add / subtract the cumulative number of pages for each
Routing processing means for monitoring the load status of servers etc.
Edit call acceptance notice and acceptance rejection notice, image signal information
That manages delivery, delivery request processing, delivery result notification processing, etc.
Control means and reception during call reception and delivery result notification processing
Image signal cut processing, non-delivery code → pattern conversion processing
Image conversion processing means for processing
Command and save or send the received command
Command to send the command created for each server to each server
Reception processing means and network format mail
E-mail transmission reception processing means to create and give date numbering
And the FAX server receives a PB signal, a service code
Facsimile receiving means for performing processing such as image determination and image signal reception
And FAX code conversion / resolution conversion processing and FAX transmission processing
Facsimile transmission means for performing a destination, etc.
Destination expansion processing that expands the corresponding multiple destinations from the list
To a fax machine that assigns date numbers and kanji addresses, etc.
Data processing means and transmission port selection and line state management.
Line management means to perform, and guidance to send talkie and audible sound
Release means for releasing the received original image information from the central server.
Image signal management means that manages until the indication comes, and from each server
Received the command, save the received command,
Command to send the command created for sending to each server
Mail transmission / reception processing means, wherein the mail gateway server
Received via a network or the Internet
Read out the destination field from the mail and send it to the
Mail receiving means for notifying the server, etc.
Mail delivery to the incoming mail terminal side
Mail sending means and assign date issue and kanji address
To mail header processing means and network format
Mail processing means for converting mails to each other and received text
To a unified format format within the network for video and image signals
Conversion process and unified format in the network
An image that converts and outputs information to a terminal-compatible format
Surface conversion processing means, and receive original image information / converted image information
It is managed with a unique file name in the work,
Sent in response to a read request and a delete request from the central server
Image signal management means and commands from each server
Received, and saves the received command or works for transmission.
Command transmission / reception processing for sending generated commands to each server
Facsimile communication network system having a processing means . 3. The facsimile communication network system according to claim 1, wherein the central server is duplicated. 4. The general server obtains a connection route number of a FAX server corresponding to the telephone number from an area code or the like of a destination telephone number by using a route conversion table including a telephone number and a route number. From the FAX server management table including the route number, the FAX server, and the load status, the load status of each FAX server in the route is determined, the FAX server with the smallest load status is selected, and the FAX server is activated. The facsimile communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication is performed. 5. A step in which a calling FAX terminal sets up a call with a calling FAX server and transfers a FAX image signal, and when the calling FAX server receives an incoming call from the FAX terminal, Transferring the received service request information as an outgoing request to the central server, and performing a process of storing the image signal transferred from the outgoing FAX terminal in a file memory; and Performing various checks on the service reception of the outgoing FAX terminal inquired by the outgoing request, and returning the result as a outgoing request response to the outgoing FAX server; If the inspection OK is transferred as
When the image signal transfer from the terminal is completed, the image signal transfer preparation completion is transferred to the general server, and when the inspection NG is transferred, the call with the outgoing FAX terminal is disconnected. Upon receipt of the image signal transfer preparation completion, the most suitable incoming FAX server corresponding to the destination FAX terminal is selected, the line group to be used is specified, the outgoing FAX server name, the transfer image signal file name is given to the incoming FAX server. Transferring the call reception date and time, the outgoing FAX number, and the number information of the incoming FAX terminal as a delivery request; and, when the incoming FAX server receives the delivery request, between the incoming FAX server and the outgoing FAX server specified by the general server so,
Setting a direct communication link that does not pass through the central server, and making an image signal extraction request to the outgoing FAX server; and the outgoing FAX server sends the image signal stored in the file memory to the incoming FAX server. Transferring via the communication link, the incoming fax server accumulates an image signal transferred from the outgoing fax server in a file memory, and when the transfer is completed, setting up a call with the incoming fax terminal. A method of performing a terminal transfer process of an image signal stored in a file memory, and then notifying the general server of the completion of the terminal transfer, comprising: 6. The terminal server according to claim 1, wherein the central server receives a request for a delivery result notification from the originating FAX terminal or receives a notification from the destination FAX server that the delivery process has failed. The communication method according to claim 5 , further comprising performing. 7. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the central server sets a communication link for taking out an image signal with the outgoing FAX server,
Making an original image take-out request, transmitting a corresponding image signal required for creating a notification message to the general server, and transmitting the image signal necessary for creating a notification message, the image signal required for the general server as the call delivery result notification message. A call delivery result notice is created using the terminal delivery completion information received from the incoming fax server and the incoming fax server, and a sending fax server that delivers the delivery notice is selected.
Transferring the call delivery result notice to an AX server; and when the sending FAX server receives the delivery notice transfer request,
A call is set up with the calling FAX terminal, and the call delivery result notification is transferred as an original image signal to the calling FAX terminal as a terminal delivery notification, and then the call is disconnected. 7. The communication method according to claim 6 , further comprising a step of notifying delivery completion. 8. A calling FAX terminal sets up a call with a calling FAX server and transfers an image signal. When the calling FAX server receives an incoming call from the FAX terminal, the call is received in the call setting processing. Transferring the service request information to the general server as a transmission request, and performing a process of storing image signals transferred from the transmission FAX terminal in a file memory; and transmitting the transmission from the transmission FAX server to the general server. Performing various inspections of the service reception of the outgoing FAX terminal inquired by the request and returning the result to the outgoing FAX server as a outgoing request response; and If inspection OK is transferred, the outgoing fax
When the image signal transfer from the terminal is completed, the image signal transfer preparation completion is transferred to the general server, and when the inspection NG is transferred, the call with the outgoing FAX terminal is disconnected. When the image signal transfer preparation completion is received, the most suitable incoming mail gateway server corresponding to the destination mail terminal is selected, and the outgoing FAX server name, transferred image signal file name, call reception date / outgoing call are sent to the incoming mail gateway server. Transferring a FAX number and address information of an incoming mail terminal as a delivery request; and when the incoming mail gateway server receives the delivery request, the unifying server communicates with the outgoing FAX server designated by the unifying server. Setting up a direct communication link that does not pass through the server and making an image signal extraction request to the outgoing FAX server; AX server, the incoming image signal already stored in the relevant file memory mail gateway server, and transmitting via the communications link, the incoming mail gateway server, the calling FAX
The image signal transferred from the server is stored in the file memory, and when the transfer is completed, a call is set up with the incoming mail terminal, and after the terminal signal is delivered to the image signal stored in the file memory, the general control is performed. A method of communicating between a FAX terminal and a mail terminal, comprising a step of notifying a server of completion of terminal transfer. 9. The terminal server executes the terminal delivery notification processing when the central server receives a delivery result notification from the originating FAX terminal or receives a notification from the incoming mail gateway server that the delivery processing has failed. The communication method according to claim 8 , further comprising performing. 10. The transmitting server according to claim 1, wherein
Setting a communication link for taking out an image signal with the server, making a request for taking out the original image, and transmitting a corresponding image signal necessary for creating a notice to the general server, and The managing server creates a call delivery result notice using the image signal required as the call delivery result notice and information on terminal delivery completion received from the incoming mail gateway server, and delivers the delivery notice. Selecting a sending FAX server for performing the following, and transferring the call delivery result notice to the sending FAX server;
A call is set up with the calling FAX terminal, and the call delivery result notification is transferred as an original image signal to the calling FAX terminal as a terminal delivery notification, and then the call is disconnected. The communication method according to claim 8 , further comprising a step of notifying delivery completion. 11. When the outgoing mail gateway server receives a mail from the outgoing mail terminal, the outgoing mail gateway server sends outgoing request to the central server, and the central server performs service acceptance inspection for the outgoing mail terminal and transmits the result. Replying to the outgoing mail gateway server as a request response, and, when the outgoing mail gateway server receives the outgoing request response, converts the mail information received from the outgoing mail terminal into an image signal in a predetermined format, When the processing is completed, a step of notifying the general server of the completion of the image signal transfer preparation is performed.
Make an image retrieval request to the outgoing mail gateway server, receive an image signal transfer, create a call acceptance notification,
The notification message is sent to the outgoing mail gateway server as a notification message delivery request, and a receiving FAX server that performs a process of delivering received mail information to a FAX terminal is selected.
Notifying a delivery request to the AX server, transmitting the call acceptance notice to the outgoing mail terminal by the outgoing mail gateway server receiving the call acceptance notice delivery request from the central server; The incoming fax server that received the delivery request
Access the outgoing mail gateway server, make a request to take out the image signal converted to the image signal, store the transferred image signal in the file memory, and when the transfer is completed,
Setting up a call with the incoming FAX terminal and transferring the image signal stored in the file memory, disconnecting the call, and notifying the general server of the completion of the terminal delivery; A communication method between a mail terminal and a facsimile terminal, comprising a step in which an outgoing mail gateway server received from the general server transfers the request as a terminal delivery notification to the outgoing mail terminal side and notifies the general server of completion of delivery of a notification sentence. . 12. When the outgoing mail gateway server receives an incoming call from a mail from the outgoing mail terminal, the outgoing mail terminal sends outgoing request to the central server, and the central server performs service acceptance inspection for the outgoing mail terminal and transmits the result. Replying to the outgoing mail gateway server as a request response, and when the outgoing mail gateway server receives the outgoing request response, the mail information received from the outgoing mail terminal is converted into an image signal in a predetermined format, When the process is completed, the image signal transfer preparation completion is notified to the general server. When the general server receives the image signal transfer preparation completion signal,
An AX image extraction request is sent to the outgoing mail gateway server to receive an image signal transfer, a call acceptance notification message is created, and the notification message is sent to the outgoing mail gateway server as a notification message delivery request. Notifying the delivery request to the outgoing mail gateway server that has received the call acceptance notification message delivery request from the central server, returns a call acceptance notification message to the outgoing mail terminal, and then delivers the call acceptance notification message Returning the completion to the general server; and receiving the delivery request from the general server, the incoming mail gateway server takes out the image signal converted into a predetermined format from the outgoing mail gateway server, and converts the image signal into a predetermined format. And deliver it to the incoming mail terminal as an attached file of the mail information. A step of notifying the central server, the central server is, the more incoming mail gateway server receives the notification of the terminal delivery completion, extracts the mail information from the outgoing mail gateway server is converted into image signals,
Assembling the terminal delivery notice and transferring the notice transfer request to the outgoing mail gateway server; and the outgoing mail gateway server receiving the terminal delivery notice from the central server sends the terminal delivery notice to the outgoing mail terminal. A mail terminal-to-mail terminal communication method including a step of transferring and notifying completion of notification message delivery to the central server. 13. A receiving server which is a destination of a broadcast communication according to a service request content from a sending FAX terminal.
A step of selecting an incoming fax server corresponding to the X terminal group;
The X server incorporates the destination list of the fax terminal group of the corresponding broadcast destination into the delivery request and transfers it to the incoming fax server. The incoming fax server receiving the broadcast destination list and the delivery request transmits the outgoing fax. The server sends a read request for the corresponding image signal, receives the corresponding image signal transfer, stores it in the file memory, and when the image signal storage is completed, the image signal is sent to a plurality of incoming fax terminals notified by the broadcast destination list. A step of notifying the general server of the completion of the terminal delivery when all the delivery processes specified in the broadcast destination list are completed or when the terminal delivery is completed at a fixed time and a fixed delivery number. Broadcast communication method between terminal and FAX terminal. 14. A step in which the central server selects an incoming mail gateway server corresponding to a group of incoming mail terminals that are destinations of the broadcast according to the service request content from the originating FAX terminal; When the server is selected, the mail gateway server incorporates the destination list of the mail terminal group of the corresponding broadcast destination into the delivery request and transfers the list to the incoming mail gateway server. Upon receipt, the incoming mail gateway server issues a read request for the corresponding image signal from the outgoing FAX server, receives the corresponding image signal transfer, stores it in the file memory, and notifies the broadcast destination list when the image signal storage is completed. Transfer of the image signal to the specified incoming mail terminals, and the delivery process specified in the broadcast destination list. There Upon completion of all, comprising the step of notification to the central server of the terminal delivery completion, FAX terminal → mail terminal between the broadcast communication method. 15. The receiving server according to the service request content from the outgoing mail terminal, the destination server of the broadcast communication.
A step of selecting an incoming fax server corresponding to the X terminal group;
The X server incorporates the destination list of the fax terminal group of the corresponding broadcast destination into the delivery request and transfers it to the incoming fax server. The receiving fax server receives the broadcast destination list and the delivery request, and the incoming fax server sends the outgoing mail. The gateway server issues a read request for the image signal, receives the image signal transfer, stores the image signal in the file memory, and when the image signal storage is completed, the image is sent to the plurality of incoming FAX terminals notified by the broadcast destination list. Performing a terminal transfer process of the signal, and completing all the delivery processes instructed in the broadcast destination list, or at a fixed time, when the terminal delivery is completed for every fixed number of deliveries, comprising a step of notifying the general server of the completion of the terminal delivery, Broadcast communication method between mail terminal and FAX terminal. 16. A step in which the central server selects an incoming mail gateway server corresponding to a group of incoming mail terminals that are destinations of the broadcast according to the service request content from the outgoing mail terminal; When the server is selected, the mail gateway server incorporates the destination list of the mail terminal group of the corresponding broadcast destination into the delivery request, transfers the list to the incoming mail gateway server, and receives the broadcast destination list and the delivery request. The incoming mail gateway server sends a request to read the relevant image signal from the outgoing mail gateway server, receives the relevant image signal transfer, stores it in the file memory, and notifies the broadcast destination list when the image signal storage is completed. Transfer processing of the image signal to multiple incoming mail terminals specified in the And the delivery process is completed, including the step of notifying the central server of the terminal delivery completion, mail terminal → mail terminal between broadcast method. 17. The protocol used between various servers in the network, using the TCP / IP as a base, a method of communication according to any one of claims 5-16, wherein. 18. An image signal transfer in a network includes T
Using FTP to operate as an upper layer of CP / IP protocol as the base, the transfer of such other transferring less information control information using SMTP as the base claims 5 to
Item 17. The communication method according to any one of Items 16 .