Facsimile store and forward system with local interface

• US 6,157,464 A
• Filed: 06/24/1996
• Issued: 12/05/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 10/07/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Xpedite Systems LLC (Open Text Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Ptek Holdings, Inc.
• Inventors: Jackson, Deborah J., Dyer, Joseph T., McCown, Bruce A., Castro, Edward F., Lemons, Charles E., Bloomfield, Mark C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rogers, Scott
• Application Number:
  US08/669,065
• Time in Patent Office: 1,625 Days
• Field of Search: 358/407, 358/434, 358/468, 358/442, 358/438, 379/100.09
• US Class Current: 358/407
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00029 Diagnosis, i.e. identifying a problem by comparison with a normal state
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00079 remotely
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00885 Power supply means, e.g. arrangements for the control of power supply to the apparatus or components thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00888 Control thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/324 intermediate the transmitter and receiver terminals, e.g. at an exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32406 in connection with routing or relaying, e.g. using a fax-server or a store-and-forward facility stored and forward data switching systems H04L12/54
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32411 Handling instructions for routing or relaying
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32432 in a particular memory file for retrieval by the user, e.g. in a facsimile mailbox
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32771 in response to a request, e.g. for a particular document
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32782 using a tone- or pulse-coded request

Abstract

A local router interface couples a conventional facsimile device to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to communicate with a remotely located facsimile store and forward facility (F-SAFF) to perform a host of improved facsimile service methods, including a never no answer or busy send (NNABS) method, a never no answer receive (NNAR) method, a private facsimile method, a will call facsimile method, a pager facsimile method, a facsimile mail method, a facsimile information retrieve method, a facsimile information send method, a facsimile cover method, a facsimile speed cover method, a facsimile broadcast method, a facsimile flexible broadcast method, a facsimile access restriction method, a facsimile conversion method, an urgent facsimile method, and a facsimile addition method. Innocuous call progress monitoring with fast busy detection, post-fax line holding, F-SAFF-to-remote and remote-to-F-SAFF bridging are provided. The router includes detectors for loop-current, ring signals, call progress signals, precise busy signals, dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals, and modulated data signals, as well as generators for going off-hook, generating and transmitting DTMF signals and modulated data signals over a wall phone line as well as ring and dial tone signals through an adjustable amplifier circuit and a subscriber line interface circuit to a fax telephone line. A switching connection circuit is also included for selectively connecting the wall phone line to the fax phone line and for selectively connecting other components of the telephony interface thereto.

Claims

1. A method for facilitating communication of facsimile information through a public switched telephone network with a local facsimile machine, said method comprising:

providing a remotely located facsimile store and forward facility connected to the public switched telephone network;

coupling an interface device to a first telephone line connected to the local facsimile machine and to a second telephone line connected to the public switched telephone network;

receiving dual tone multi-frequency signals at the interface device, the signals being generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input and corresponding to a request from a user;

calling the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility from the interface device over the second telephone line; and

communicating command information between the interface device and the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility, and an interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

whereby communication of the facsimile information through the public switched telephone network with the local facsimile machine is facilitated and the request from the user is fulfilled through provision and use of the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility and the interface device.

2. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request for a diagnostics service,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

receiving the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

generating an interface connect/hold command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the interface connect/hold command through the public switched telephone network and the second telephone line to the interface device, and

receiving the interface connect/hold command at the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

monitoring the local facsimile machine from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility for facsimile machine tones,

receiving facsimile information from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

generating a diagnostics report and an interface connect command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the interface connect command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

receiving the interface connect command at the interface device,

monitoring the first telephone line for loop current at the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device in response to detecting no loop current on the first telephone line,

notifying the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility from the interface device that the local facsimile machine is connected to the first telephone line upon detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

monitoring the local facsimile machine from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility for facsimile machine tones, and

transmitting the diagnostics report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine in response to detecting the facsimile machine tones.

3. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request for enabling an access restriction service, including an access number,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

receiving the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

storing the access number at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

generating an interface hang-up command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the interface hang-up command through the public switched telephone network and the second telephone line to the interface device, and

receiving the interface hang-up command at the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the step of hanging up the second telephone line at the interface device in response to receiving the interface hang-up command.

4. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request for an information service administration service,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

receiving the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

generating an interface connect/hold command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the interface connect/hold command through the public switched telephone network and the second telephone line to the interface device, and

receiving the interface connect/hold command at the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

monitoring the local facsimile machine from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility for facsimile machine tones,

receiving facsimile information from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

storing the facsimile information at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility as information service information,

generating an information service index report and an interface connect command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the interface connect command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

receiving the interface connect command at the interface device,

monitoring the first telephone line for loop current at the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device in response to detecting no loop current on the first telephone line,

notifying the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility from the interface device that the local facsimile machine is connected to the first telephone line upon detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

monitoring the local facsimile machine from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility for facsimile machine tones, and

transmitting the information service index report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine in response to detecting the facsimile machine tones.

5. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request for a cover service administration service,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

receiving the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

generating an interface connect/hold command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the interface connect/hold command through the public switched telephone network and the second telephone line to the interface device, and

receiving the interface connect/hold command at the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

monitoring the local facsimile machine from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility for facsimile machine tones,

receiving facsimile information from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

storing the facsimile information at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility as cover service information,

generating a cover service index report and an interface connect command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the interface connect command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

receiving the interface connect command at the interface device,

monitoring the first telephone line for loop current at the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device in response to detecting no loop current on the first telephone line,

notifying the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility from the interface device that the local facsimile machine is connected to the first telephone line upon detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

monitoring the local facsimile machine from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility for facsimile machine tones, and

transmitting the cover service index report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine in response to detecting the facsimile machine tones.

6. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request for a facsimile mailbox service administration service,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

receiving the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

generating an interface connect command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the interface connect command through the public switched telephone network and the second telephone line to the interface device, and

receiving the interface connect command at the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

configuring facsimile mailbox options at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility according to the facility command,

generating a facsimile mailbox service index report at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the first telephone line for loop current at the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device in response to detecting no loop current on the first telephone line,

notifying the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility from the interface device that the local facsimile machine is connected to the first telephone line upon detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

monitoring the local facsimile machine from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility for facsimile machine tones, and

transmitting the facsimile mailbox service index report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine in response to detecting the facsimile machine tones.

7. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request for a facsimile broadcast service administration service,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

receiving the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

generating an interface connect command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the interface connect command through the public switched telephone network and the second telephone line to the interface device, and

receiving the interface connect command at the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

configuring facsimile broadcast service options at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility according to the facility command,

generating a facsimile broadcast service index report at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the first telephone line for loop current at the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device in response to detecting no loop current on the first telephone line,

notifying the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility from the interface device that the local facsimile machine is connected to the first telephone line upon detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

monitoring the local facsimile machine from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility for facsimile machine tones, and

transmitting the facsimile broadcast service index report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine in response to detecting the facsimile machine tones.

8. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request to reach a destination telephone number regardless of availability,

wherein the method further comprises, before the call step, the steps of

dialing the destination telephone number over the second telephone line from the interface device,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for call progress signals,

disconnecting the second telephone line from the first telephone line to hang-up the second telephone line in response to any result other than a timely answer on the second telephone line, and

supplying battery from the interface device only to the first telephone line in quick response to disconnection of the second telephone line,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command, including the destination number, for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility, and

commanding an interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

receiving facsimile information from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

storing the facsimile information at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

generating a job confirmation report at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

commanding another interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device in response to detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

monitoring the local facsimile machine from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility for facsimile machine tones,

transmitting the job confirmation report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine in response to detecting the facsimile machine tones,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

commanding the interface device from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to dial the destination number again and transfer the call,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to suspend the call on the second telephone line,

dialing the destination telephone number again over the second telephone line from the interface device,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to connect the first call to the second call, and

transmitting the facsimile information stored at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to a remotely located facsimile machine.

9. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request to broadcast present facsimile information to a plurality of destinations presently identified by a plurality of present destination telephone numbers,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command, including the plurality of present destination telephone numbers, for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility, and

commanding an interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

receiving facsimile information from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

storing the facsimile information at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

generating a job confirmation report at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

commanding another interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device in response to detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

transmitting the job confirmation report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

analyzing at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility the plurality of present destination telephone numbers to determine a first, preferably long distance, destination telephone number,

scheduling subsequent delivery of the facsimile information to all remaining destinations of the remaining present destination telephone numbers of the plurality of present destination telephone numbers,

commanding the interface device from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to dial the first, preferably long distance, destination telephone number and transfer the call,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to suspend the call on the second telephone line,

dialing the first, preferably long distance, destination telephone number over the second telephone line from the interface device,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to connect the first call to the second call, and

transmitting the facsimile information stored at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the destination corresponding to the first, preferably long distance, destination telephone number.

10. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request to broadcast present facsimile information to a plurality of pre-defined destinations identified by a present broadcast list number corresponding to a plurality of pre-defined destination telephone numbers stored at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command, including a present list number, for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

identifying the plurality of pre-defined destination telephone numbers from the list present broadcast list number, and

commanding an interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

receiving facsimile information from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

storing the facsimile information at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

generating a job confirmation report at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

commanding another interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device in response to detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

transmitting the job confirmation report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

analyzing at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility the plurality of pre-defined destination telephone numbers to determine a first, preferably long distance, destination telephone number,

scheduling subsequent delivery of the facsimile information to all remaining destinations of the remaining pre-defined destination telephone numbers of the plurality of pre-defined destination telephone numbers,

commanding the interface device from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to dial the first, preferably long distance, destination telephone number and transfer the call,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to suspend the call on the second telephone line,

dialing the first, preferably long distance, destination telephone number over the second telephone line from the interface device,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to connect the suspended call to the present call on the second telephone line, and

transmitting the facsimile information stored at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the destination corresponding to the first, preferably long distance, destination telephone number.

11. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request for an information send service including a present destination telephone number and a present information identification number corresponding to pre-stored facsimile information stored at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command, including the present destination telephone number and the present information identification number, for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility, and

commanding an interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

receiving facsimile information from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

storing the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

prepending the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine to the pre-stored facsimile information at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to form facsimile information for delivery,

generating a job confirmation report at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

commanding another interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device in response to detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

transmitting the job confirmation report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

commanding the interface device from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to dial the present destination telephone number and transfer the call,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to suspend the call on the second telephone line,

dialing the present destination telephone number over the second telephone line from the interface device,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to connect the suspended call to the present call on the second telephone line,

transmitting the facsimile information for delivery from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to a destination corresponding to the present destination telephone number.

12. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request for a cover sheet appending service including a present destination telephone number and a present cover sheet identification number corresponding to pre-stored facsimile information corresponding to a partial facsimile cover sheet stored at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command, including the present destination telephone number and the present cover sheet identification number, for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility, and

commanding an interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

receiving facsimile information from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

storing the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

creating a delivery cover sheet by combining the pre-stored facsimile information corresponding to the partial facsimile cover sheet with information taken from a portion of a first page of the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine,

prepending the deliverable cover sheet to the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to form facsimile information for delivery,

generating a job confirmation report at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

commanding another interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device in response to detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

transmitting the job confirmation report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

commanding the interface device from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to dial the present destination telephone number and transfer the call,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to suspend the call on the second telephone line,

dialing the present destination telephone number over the second telephone line from the interface device,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to connect the suspended call to the present call on the second telephone line, and

transmitting the facsimile information for delivery from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to a destination corresponding to the present destination telephone number.

13. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request for a speed cover sheet appending service including a present speed number corresponding to a pre-stored destination telephone number and pre-stored facsimile information corresponding to a facsimile cover sheet stored at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command, including the present speed number, for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility, and

commanding an interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

receiving facsimile information from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

storing the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

prepending the pre-stored facsimile information corresponding to a facsimile cover sheet to the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to form facsimile information for delivery,

generating a job confirmation report at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

commanding another interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device in response to detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

transmitting the job confirmation report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

commanding the interface device from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to dial the present destination telephone number and transfer the call,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to suspend the call on the second telephone line,

dialing the present destination telephone number over the second telephone line from the interface device,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to connect the suspended call to the present call on the second telephone line, and

transmitting the facsimile information for delivery from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to a destination corresponding to the present destination telephone number.

14. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request for a private facsimile service including a present destination telephone number corresponding to a recipient destination,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command, including the present destination number, for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility, and

commanding an interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

receiving facsimile information from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

storing the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

generating a private facsimile service retrieval code at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

generating a private facsimile service notification report including the private facsimile retrieval code at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

generating a job confirmation report at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

commanding another interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device in response to detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

transmitting the job confirmation report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

commanding the interface device from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to dial the present destination telephone number and transfer the call,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to suspend the call on the second telephone line,

dialing the present destination telephone number over the second telephone line from the interface device,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to connect the suspended call to the present call on the second telephone line,

transmitting the private facsimile service notification report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the recipient destination,

answering a call from a remote facsimile machine at the interface device on the second telephone line,

receiving dual tone multi-frequency signals at the interface device from the remote facsimile machine, including the private facsimile service retrieval code,

analyzing the signals received from the remote facsimile machine at the interface device,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to suspend the call on the second telephone line,

placing a call to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility from the interface device over the second telephone line,

translating the signals received at the interface device from the remote facsimile machine into a facility command, including the private facsimile service retrieval code, for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

receiving the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

commanding the interface device from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to transfer the suspended call,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to connect the suspended first call to the call presently on the second telephone line,

finding the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine stored at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility corresponding to the private facsimile service retrieval code, and

transmitting the facsimile information corresponding to the private facsimile service retrieval code to the remote facsimile machine.

15. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request for a will call facsimile service.

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility, and

commanding an interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

receiving facsimile information from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

storing the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

generating a will call facsimile service retrieval code at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

generating a job confirmation report with the will call facsimile service retrieval code at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

commanding an interface connect command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device in response to detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

transmitting the job confirmation report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine,

answering a call from a remote facsimile machine at the interface device on the second telephone line,

receiving dual tone multi-frequency signals at the interface device from the remote facsimile machine, including the will call facsimile service retrieval code,

analyzing the signals received from the remote facsimile machine at the interface device,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to suspend the call on the second telephone line,

placing a call to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility from the interface device over the second telephone line,

translating the signals received at the interface device from the remote facsimile machine into a facility command, including the will call facsimile service retrieval code, for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

receiving the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

commanding the interface device from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to transfer the suspended call,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to connect the suspended call to the call presently on the second telephone line,

finding the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine stored at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility corresponding to the will call facsimile service retrieval code, and

transmitting the facsimile information corresponding to the will call facsimile service retrieval code to the remote facsimile machine.

16. The method of claim 1,

wherein the receiving step includes receiving signals generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input corresponding to a request for a pager notification service including a present pager notification telephone number,

wherein the communicating step includes the steps of

translating the signals received at the interface device from the local facsimile machine into a facility command, including the present pager notification telephone number, for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility, and

commanding an interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device, and

wherein the method further comprises, after the communicating step, the steps of

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device,

receiving facsimile information from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

storing the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

generating at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility a pager digit delivery string including a telephone number of the second telephone line stored in the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility and a pager notification service retrieval code,

generating a job confirmation report at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

commanding another interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,

transmitting a ring signal on the first telephone line from the interface device,

connecting the first telephone line to the second telephone line at the interface device in response to detecting loop current on the first telephone line,

transmitting the job confirmation report from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the local facsimile machine,

monitoring the connected second telephone line at the interface device for concluding handshaking signals,

supplying load from the interface device to the second telephone line in response to detecting the concluding handshaking signals,

commanding the interface device from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to dial the present pager notification telephone number and transfer the call,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to suspend the call on the second telephone line,

dialing the present pager notification telephone number over the second telephone line from the interface device,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to connect the suspended call to the call on the second telephone line, and

transmitting the pager digit delivery string from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to a destination corresponding to the present page notification telephone number,

answering a call from a remote facsimile machine at the interface device on the second telephone line,

receiving dual tone multi-frequency signals at the interface device from the remote facsimile machine, including the pager notification service retrieval code,

analyzing the signals received from the remote facsimile machine at the interface device,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to suspend the call on the second telephone line,

placing a call to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility from the interface device over the second telephone line,

translating the signals received at the interface device from the remote facsimile machine into a facility command, including the pager notification service retrieval code, for the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

transmitting the facility command from the interface device over the second telephone line and through the public switched telephone network to the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

receiving the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

analyzing the facility command at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility,

commanding the interface device from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to transfer the suspended call,

instructing the public switched telephone network from the interface device to connect the suspended call to the call presently on the second telephone line,

finding the facsimile information received from the local facsimile machine stored at the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility corresponding to the pager notification service retrieval code, and

transmitting the facsimile information corresponding to the pager notification service retrieval code to the remote facsimile machine.