Facsimile Telecommunications System and Method
First Claim
1. A method for delivering a facsimile to an electronic mailbox, the method comprising:
- a) interfacing with a plurality of communication channels for receiving facsimile messages, wherein each communication channel is capable of supporting a communication session from an originating facsimile machine via a switched telephone network;
b) associating a telephone number from a plurality of telephone numbers on a switched telephone network with an intended facsimile recipient;
c) receiving a telephone call via a selected communication channel from the plurality of communication channels;
d) participating in a communication session with an originating facsimile machine using a facsimile protocol via the selected communication channel, wherein the participating step comprises receiving an inbound fax message for the intended facsimile recipient; and
e) directing the inbound fax message to a mailbox defined in a computer storage and associated with the intended facsimile recipient.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for facilitating facsimile transmissions coupled to the switched telephone network in a manner supporting multiple communication channels, each of which allowing communication sessions with originating fax machines. The store and forward facilities include a computer for controlling operations and mass data storage equipment. The store and forward facility receives a facsimile message from an originating fax machine. The store and forward facility then delivers the facsimile message to a mailbox associated with the intended receiving facsimile machine. Subscriber mailboxes may be provided as part of the mass storage, which can then be accessed by the subscriber.
-
Citations
10 Claims
-
1. A method for delivering a facsimile to an electronic mailbox, the method comprising:
-
a) interfacing with a plurality of communication channels for receiving facsimile messages, wherein each communication channel is capable of supporting a communication session from an originating facsimile machine via a switched telephone network;
b) associating a telephone number from a plurality of telephone numbers on a switched telephone network with an intended facsimile recipient;
c) receiving a telephone call via a selected communication channel from the plurality of communication channels;
d) participating in a communication session with an originating facsimile machine using a facsimile protocol via the selected communication channel, wherein the participating step comprises receiving an inbound fax message for the intended facsimile recipient; and
e) directing the inbound fax message to a mailbox defined in a computer storage and associated with the intended facsimile recipient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A system for delivering a facsimile to an electronic mailbox, the system comprising:
-
a) an interface to a switched telephone network, the interface communicating with a plurality of communication channels for receiving facsimile messages, wherein each communication channel is capable of supporting a communication session from an originating facsimile machine via the switched telephone network;
b) a data store capable of storing facsimile message information;
c) a processor comprising one or more processing elements, in communication with the interface and the data store, wherein the processor is programmed or configured to;
i) associate a telephone number from a plurality of telephone numbers on a switched telephone network with an intended facsimile recipient;
ii) store the association of the telephone number with the intended facsimile recipient in the data store;
iii) receive a telephone call via a selected communication channel from the plurality of communication channels;
iv) participate in a communication session with an originating facsimile machine using a facsimile protocol via the selected communication channel, wherein the participation in the communication session comprises receiving an inbound fax message for the intended facsimile recipient; and
v) direct the inbound fax message to a mailbox defined in a computer storage and associated with the intended facsimile recipient.
-
-
8. A system for delivering a facsimile to an electronic mailbox, the system comprising:
-
a) interfacing means for interfacing with a plurality of communication channels for receiving facsimile messages, wherein each communication channel is capable of supporting a communication session from an originating facsimile machine via a switched telephone network;
b) storing means for storing facsimile message information;
c) processing means;
i) for associating a telephone number from a plurality of telephone numbers on a switched telephone network with an intended facsimile recipient;
ii) for storing the association of the telephone number with the intended facsimile recipient in the storing means;
iii) for receiving a telephone call via a selected communication channel from the plurality of communication channels;
iv) for participating in a communication session with an originating facsimile machine using a facsimile protocol via the selected communication channel, wherein the participation in the communication session comprises receiving an inbound fax message for the intended facsimile recipient; and
v) for directing the inbound fax message to a mailbox defined in a computer storage and associated with the intended facsimile recipient. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
-
Specification