Selective computer-generated information distribution system by computer peripheral emulation and use
First Claim
1. In a data processing system including at least one report source operative to provide a report in the form of a data stream formatted according to a predetermined peripheral device protocol, a method for distributing the report to a report recipient, comprising the steps of:
- (a) receiving the report from the report source;
(b) reading a selected data field from the report;
(c) comparing the selected data field with at least one entry in a database to find a matching database entry corresponding to the selected data field;
(d) in response to finding the matching database entry, identifying from the matching database entry at least one selected report recipient and destination information for the report associated with the selected report recipient; and
(e) in response to identifying the selected report recipient and destination information, distributing the report to a destination corresponding to the destination information.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An information distribution system operative for receiving a report in the form of a printer protocol-formatted digital data stream from a report source, identifying the report as being of particular classes and/or subclasses, identifying at least one intended recipient of the report from data contained in the report, and automatically distributing the report to at least one identified intended report recipient. The system includes a microcomputer-based controller having an input/output interface that emulates a printer interface so that the system appears as a printer resource when connected to the report source. The controller receives a report, and using positional and/or reference cues contained in the report, obtains identifying information as to intended report recipients. The identifying information is used to look up destination information relating to the recipient, such as the recipient'"'"'s facsimile machine telephone number, in a database. The controller is automatically operative to queue the report, after stripping printer control and escape codes, for transmission to the intended recipient, utilizing a facsimile machine, fax board, or other data communications device connected to the controller.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. In a data processing system including at least one report source operative to provide a report in the form of a data stream formatted according to a predetermined peripheral device protocol, a method for distributing the report to a report recipient, comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving the report from the report source; (b) reading a selected data field from the report; (c) comparing the selected data field with at least one entry in a database to find a matching database entry corresponding to the selected data field; (d) in response to finding the matching database entry, identifying from the matching database entry at least one selected report recipient and destination information for the report associated with the selected report recipient; and (e) in response to identifying the selected report recipient and destination information, distributing the report to a destination corresponding to the destination information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. In a data processing system including at least one report source operative to provide a report in the form of a digital data stream having data fields corresponding to a predetermined peripheral device protocol, a method for distributing the report to a report recipient, comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving the report; (b) reading a first selected data field from the report; (c) comparing the first selected data field with at least one entry in a database to find a first matching database entry corresponding to the selected data field; (d) in response to finding the first matching database entry, retrieving classification information for the report from the first matching database entry; (e) reading a second selected data field from the report; (f) comparing the second selected data field with at least one entry in the database to find a second matching database entry corresponding to the second selected data field; (g) in response to finding the second matching database entry, identifying from the second matching database entry at least one selected report recipient and retrieving destination information for the report from the second matching database entry; and (h) in response to the destination information, distributing the report to a destination corresponding to the destination information as modified by the classification information, whereby the report is distributed to the selected report recipient. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31)
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32. In or for use with a system operative to provide a report in a digital data stream formatted according to a predetermined peripheral device protocol, apparatus for distributing the report to a report recipient, comprising:
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an interface for receiving said report from a report source; a database for storing destination information and report class information; means for reading a first selected data field from said report; means for comparing said first selected data field with at least one entry in said database to find a first matching database entry corresponding to said first selected data field; means responsive to said first matching database entry for identifying from the first matching database entry at least one selected report recipient and retrieving said destination information for the report associated with said first matching database entry; means for reading a second selected data field from said report; means for comparing said second selected data field with at least one entry in said database to find a second matching database entry corresponding to said second selected data field; means responsive to said second matching database entry for retrieving report class information for the report associated with said second matching database entry; and means responsive to said destination information and said report class information for distributing the report to the destination corresponding to said destination information as modified by said report class information. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34)
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Specification