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 from which the intended facsimile recipient can retrieve the inbound fax message.
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.
101 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for delivering a facsimile to an electronic mailbox, the method comprising:
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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 from which the intended facsimile recipient can retrieve the inbound fax message. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20)
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10. A system for delivering a facsimile to an electronic mailbox, the system comprising:
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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 from which the intended facsimile recipient can retrieve the inbound fax message. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for delivering a facsimile to an electronic mailbox, the system comprising:
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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 from which the intended facsimile recipient can retrieve the inbound fax message. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification