JP3591336B2 - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having an e-mail function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the convenience of the e-mail function has been evaluated, and companies using the e-mail function have been increasing. A personal computer is generally used for use, and it requires specialized knowledge such as provider settings, DNS settings, and IP address settings. General users who are not familiar with personal computers can use the e-mail function. It is very difficult to do. Further, a facsimile apparatus connected to a public line cannot use the e-mail function. Therefore, a system has been considered in which a public line is connected to an e-mail server connected to the Internet network and the facsimile apparatus requests the e-mail server to send image data via the Internet network.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When various services (for example, telephone service companies such as DDI and Japan Telecom) are used in the facsimile machine, the application form is sent by facsimile, and after the service company confirms the reception, it becomes ready for use. In this case, it usually takes several days to several weeks. Similarly, when transmitting image data by requesting to an e-mail server, the application form is sent to a communication company having an e-mail server, and a contract for service is made. The problem was that it took a few days and it couldn't be used immediately.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus which can be immediately used by using a telephone line when various services of a communication carrier are used.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a means for inputting information necessary for making an e-mail usable, a means for storing inputted information, a means for communicating the inputted information to an e-mail server, and a cancellation from the e-mail server This is an e-mail facsimile machine having means for receiving data necessary for performing the operation and means for confirming the received data.
[0006]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus connected via a public line to an e-mail server connected to the Internet network, which is provided with a function capable of performing a contract procedure online using a telephone line or the like. is there.
[0007]
(Embodiment 1)
In FIG. 1, 101 is a CPU for controlling a fax, 102 is a ROM storing a program, and 103 is a RAM for storing data and the like. An input device 104 is used for inputting an e-mail address and performing various operations. Reference numeral 105 denotes a line control unit for connecting to a telephone line. Reference numeral 106 denotes a clock used for checking time and intervals, and 107 denotes a display device for displaying various information.
[0008]
FIG. 7 shows an example of the input device 104. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 108 denotes an e-mail button, and 109 denotes a "start" button for instructing transmission.
[0009]
Reference numeral 200 denotes an e-mail server. E-mail server 200 is connected by public line 110.
[0010]
For example, FIG. 2 shows an operation flowchart for online registration, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show a user registration communication sequence. FIG. 6 shows a user cancellation sequence. FIG. 5 shows terminal data (RAM status) necessary for registration.
[0011]
Hereinafter, description will be given along the flowchart of FIG. In order to register a user online, three pieces of information shown in FIG. 5 are required, and this information is stored in the RAM. The telephone number shown here is the subscriber number of the contracting user, that is, the subscriber number of the line to which the facsimile machine is connected. The e-mail SW is a SW that indicates an e-mail operating state. This information is OFF by default and is turned ON by exchanging information with the E-mail server 200. The security ID is a password for identifying the user, and is used when logging in to the e-mail server 200.
[0012]
First, the user presses the function button to instruct the start of function setting (step 500), and the display device 107 displays "KINOU FULL MODE". Next, an "e-mail" button 108 is pressed to make e-mail related settings (step 501). On the display device 107, "User information" is displayed. In this state, the user selects an item for user registration.
[0013]
Next, the user inputs his telephone number (step 502). The display device 107 displays the telephone number entered after “TEL =”. Next, the user sets an application form in which the address name and the like are written (step 503). A message prompting the user to set an application form is displayed on the display device 107. When the user presses the "start" button 109 in this state (step 505), the facsimile apparatus calls the e-mail server 200 (step 506). Thus, the facsimile terminal and the e-mail server 200 are connected by the telephone line.
[0014]
Hereinafter, the communication sequence after connection will be described based on the sequence of FIG. At step 600, the e-mail server 200 is dialed, and at step 601 the e-mail server 200 issues a response signal.
[0015]
In step 602, the facsimile apparatus uploads the telephone number input in step 502 to the e-mail server 200. In step 603, the e-mail server 200 downloads a security ID unique to the facsimile machine. At step 604, the facsimile apparatus responds, and upon receiving the instruction to end step 605, the communication ends. In this state, the facsimile apparatus is ready for operation except for the email SW = OFF shown in FIG.
[0016]
In the above embodiment, the user confirmation sequence shown in FIG. 4 is executed by calling from the e-mail server 200 after the user registration sequence shown in FIG. 3 in consideration of an input error such as the telephone number of the facsimile machine. are doing.
[0017]
Hereinafter, description will be given based on the sequence of FIG.
At step 700, the email server 200 dials the telephone number uploaded at step 602. In step 701, an activation code indicating a server call is sent out together with the other party response. The facsimile apparatus identifies the activation code and uploads the telephone number in step 702 and the security ID downloaded in step 603 in step 703. The e-mail server 200 processes the information and, if there is no mistake, downloads the e-mail SW = ON in step 704. The facsimile apparatus responds at step 705, and the e-mail server 200 issues an end instruction at step 706 to end the communication. In this state, the e-mail function can be used.
[0018]
Hereinafter, the communication sequence of the user cancellation will be described based on the sequence of FIG. At step 800, the email server 200 dials the telephone number uploaded at step 602. In step 801, an activation code indicating a server call is sent out together with the other party response. The facsimile apparatus identifies the activation code and uploads the telephone number in step 802 and the security ID downloaded in step 603 in step 803. The E-mail server 200 processes the information and, if there is no mistake, downloads the E-mail SW = OFF in step 804. The facsimile apparatus responds in step 805 and ends the communication.
[0019]
Thus, the facsimile machine cannot use the e-mail function. Regarding user cancellation, this example shows an example of a server call, but there is also a case of a terminal call.
[0020]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, there is a merit that an e-mail function can be used immediately. Also, there is a merit that the use can be easily stopped by calling the server even when the user wants to refuse the use due to unpaid fee or the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram using a facsimile device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flowchart of user registration in the facsimile device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a system using the facsimile device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a user confirmation sequence diagram in a system using the facsimile apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a RAM state of the facsimile apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a user cancellation sequence in a system using the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an input device of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.
101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 input device 105 line control unit 106 RTC (clock)
107 Display device 110 Public line 200 E-mail server

Claims (1)

A facsimile apparatus connected via a public line to an e-mail server connected to the Internet network,
After the facsimile machine makes a call to the server to enter the connection state, the connection state is released, and based on the telephone number from the facsimile machine, the server calls the facsimile machine to connect to the connection state. In the facsimile apparatus, the facsimile apparatus notifies the server of the security ID, and when the server matches the security ID, a predetermined signal for activating an e-mail function from the server is sent to the facsimile apparatus. A facsimile apparatus wherein an e-mail function becomes movable upon receipt of a facsimile.

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