Facsimile telecommunications system and method

• US 5,459,584 A
• Filed: 01/12/1995
• Issued: 10/17/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/1988
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Catch Curve, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Audiofax Incorporated (AudioFAX IP, LLC)
• Inventors: Kennedy, James R., Gordon, Richard J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Coles, Sr., Edward L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Grant, II, Jerome
• Application Number:
  US08/371,842
• Time in Patent Office: 278 Days
• Field of Search: 358/400, 358/402, 358/407, 358/401, 358/404, 358/403, 358/434, 358/435, 358/436, 358/442, 358/440, 358/438, 358/439, 358/405, 379/100, 379/109
• US Class Current: 358/434
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32064 Multi-address calling
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32074 Redialing, e.g. after failure to make a connection
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/3208 Transmitting a plurality of separate messages to a common destination in a single transmission
• 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 1/32422 Reprocessing messages, e.g. in case the intended destination is busy
• 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 1/4413 involving the use of passwords, ID codes or the like, e.g. PIN
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/444 to a particular document or image or part thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3218 of a confirmation, acknowledgement or receipt
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3219 of a job status, e.g. successful execution
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3295 Deletion of stored data; Preventing such deletion

Abstract

A system and method has one or more store and forward facilities, (SAFF) each associated with a plurality of subscriber facsimile machines. The SAFF include a computer for controlling operations and mass data storage equipment. A subscriber to the system delivers an outgoing facsimile message to the SAFF with which it is associated, which records the fax message, together with data as to originating facsimile machine and destination facsimile machine. The SAFF then delivers the facsimile message to the intended receiver facsimile machine, either directly or through another SAFF. If unsuccessful on an initial attempt, the SAFF periodically retries to send the facsimile message. The system also provides spooling of all facsimile messages for an intended receiver machine, which are all spooled upon connection with the receiver machine. Subscriber mailboxes are provided as part of the mass storage, which can be accessed by a subscriber to have his messages delivered to any facsimile machine he designates. Secure facsimile transmission is achieved through use of subscriber PIN numbers. Broadcasting redirecting messages and cost accounting can also be achieved by the system and method. After receipt of a message by the subscriber, the system may provide an immediate-reply service, allowing the recipient to immediately send out a message selected from a reply service menu. The system can also be used in cooperation with a paperless facsimile machine which directly displays the facsimile message on a screen and is capable of entering outgoing facsimile messages to the SAFF. The system can convert the received fax message into voice mail message and direct the converted voice message to a voice mail box as instructed by the message sender or recipient.

Claims

1. A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one receiving facsimile machine, comprising

at least one store and forward facility, and

means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving facsimile messages from a transmitting facsimile machine,

said store and forward facility including

computer means for controlling operation of said store and forward facility,

mass storage means for storing facsimile messages, together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine, under control of said computer means, and

means coupling said store and forward facility to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one receiving facsimile machine,

wherein said mass storage means additionally includes mailboxes associated with particular system subscribers,

wherein the facsimile messages received and stored by the mass storage means for subscribers are stored in respective mailboxes, and

wherein said computer means is programmed to transmit, in response to initiation by a subscriber, the facsimile messages stored in that subscriber'"'"'s mailbox to a paperless facsimile terminal machine associated with the subscriber, whereby a subscriber who is away from a fixed location may have facsimile messages collected, and retrieve them for display on a screen from any location where said paperless facsimile terminal machine is situated.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said paperless facsimile terminal machine is connected to a local telephone line with a telephone number and includes a personal computer with a signal modem and a display, said paperless facsimile terminal machine being programmed to be able to communicate with said store and forward facility in both computer communication mode and facsimile communications mode so that facsimile message stored in the subscriber'"'"'s mailbox can be directly displayed on said display means of the paperless facsimile terminal machine in the facsimile communication mode once the communication between said store and forward facility and said paperless facsimile terminal machine is established in the computer communication mode and necessary access code and command are provided.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said paperless facsimile terminal machine is also programmed to transmit outgoing facsimile message to said store and forward facility.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said paperless facsimile terminal machine is compatible with ordinary hard copy machines for providing a "hard copy" of said facsimile message.

5. A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one paperless receiving facsimile machine, comprising

at least one store and forward facility, and

means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to the switched telephone network for receiving facsimile messages from a transmitting facsimile machine,

said store and forward facility including

computer means for controlling operation of said store and forward facility,

mass storage means for storing facsimile messages, together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine, under control of said computer means, and

means coupling said store and forward facility to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one paperless receiving facsimile machine,

wherein individual subscribers may be provided with unique PIN numbers,

wherein individual subscriber PIN numbers are stored in the mass storage means, and

wherein said computer means is programmed to allow communication with the paperless receiving facsimile machine for display of the facsimile message upon receipt from said paperless receiving facsimile machine of at least the appropriate subscriber PIN number.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said computer means is also programmed to allow communication with said paperless receiving facsimile machine for input of facsimile messages entered from said paperless receiving facsimile machine.

7. A method for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one paperless receiving facsimile machine, comprising steps of providing at least one store and forward facility having computer means for controlling operation of the store and forward facility and having mass storage means for storing facsimile messages;

coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving facsimile messages from transmitting facsimile machines;

recording received facsimile messages in the mass storage means together with information indicating the transmitting facsimile machine, including steps of

defining mailboxes in the mass storage means associated with particular system subscribers, and

storing facsimile messages for those particular system subscribers in their respective mailboxes; and

transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to paperless receiving facsimile machines, including steps of

in response to initiation by a system subscriber, transmitting facsimile messages stored in that subscriber'"'"'s mailbox to a paperless facsimile terminal machine associated with that subscriber for display on a screen.

8. A system for facilitating facsimile communications between transmitting facsimile machines and receiving facsimile machines, including at least one paperless facsimile terminal machine, comprising

at least one store and forward facility, and

means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from the at least one transmitting facsimile machine,

said store and forward facility including

computer means for controlling operation of said store and forward facility,

mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions, together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine, under control of said computer means, and

means coupling said store and forward facility to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one paperless facsimile terminal machine,

wherein said mass storage means additionally includes mailboxes associated with particular system subscribers,

wherein facsimile messages received and stored by the mass storage means for those subscribers are stored in the respective mailboxes, and

wherein said store and forward facility is programmed to communicate with the paperless facsimile terminal machine in both computer communication mode and facsimile communication mode so that the facsimile messages stored in that subscriber'"'"'s mailbox can be transmitted to said paperless facsimile terminal machine for display on a display screen.

9. A system of claim 8, wherein said paperless facsimile terminal machine can also be used to enter a response message without the need to exit the system.

10. A system for facilitating facsimile communications, said system comprising:

a transmitting facsimile machine;

a receiving facsimile machine; and

a store and forward facility including, at least,

a computer means for controlling operation of the store and forward facility,

a mass storage means for storing facsimile messages together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine, and

a coupling means for coupling the store and forward facility to a receiving transmission network for receiving facsimile messages from the transmitting facsimile machine and for coupling the store and forward facility to a forwarding transmission network for transmitting facsimile messages to the receiving facsimile machine,

wherein said receiving facsimile machine includes, at least, a personal computer means for communicating with said store and forward facility and for electronically displaying facsimile messages.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said personal computer means includes, at least, means for communicating with said store and forward facility through a computer communication mode.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the receiving transmission network and the forwarding transmission network are the public switched telephone network.

13. A system for facilitating receipt of facsimile messages from transmitting facsimile devices, said system comprising:

a facsimile store and forward facility coupled to a switched telephone network; and

a paperless facsimile device coupled to the switched telephone network,

wherein said facsimile store and forward facility and said paperless facsimile device are both configured to communicate with one another to transfer to said paperless facsimile device facsimile messages received by said facsimile store and forward facility from transmitting facsimile machines and stored in said facsimile store and forward facility.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said facsimile store and forward facility and said paperless facsimile device are both further configured to communicate with one another through, at least, a facsimile communication mode.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein said facsimile store and forward facility and said paperless facsimile device are both further configured to communicate with one another through, at least, a computer communication mode.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein computer communication mode includes, at least, a terminal emulation mode.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein said facsimile store and forward facility and said paperless facsimile device are both further configured to also communicate with one another through a facsimile communication mode.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said paperless facsimile device is switchable between computer communication mode and facsimile communication mode during a single telephone call.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein said paperless facsimile device is further switchable back to said computer communication mode after said facsimile communication mode during the same single telephone call.

20. The system of claim 13, wherein said facsimile store and forward facility and said paperless facsimile device are both further configured to provide a user an ability to manipulate a queue of facsimile messages stored in said facsimile store and forward facility.

21. The system of claim 13, wherein said facsimile store and forward facility and said paperless facsimile device are both further configured to display on said paperless facsimile device a list of facsimile messages stored in the facsimile store and forward facility.

22. The system of claim 13, wherein said facsimile store and forward facility and said paperless facsimile device are both further configured to provide a user an ability to select for delivery at least one particular facsimile message stored in said facsimile store and forward facility.

23. The system of claim 13, wherein said facsimile store and forward facility includes, at least, means for storing facsimile messages along with information identifying associated transmitting facsimile machines.

24. The system of claim 13, wherein said facsimile store and forward facility includes, at least means for storing facsimile messages in facsimile mailboxes associated with particular subscribers.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein said facsimile mailboxes are accessible only by providing security codes to the facsimile store and forward facility.

26. The system of claim 13, wherein said facsimile store and forward facility includes, at least

computer means for controlling operation of the facsimile store and forward facility,

mass storage means for storing facsimile messages together with information identifying transmitting facsimile machines, and

coupling means for coupling the facsimile store and forward facility to the switched telephone network.

27. The system of claim 13, wherein said paperless facsimile device includes, at least, a personal computer with a modem and a display.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein said paperless facsimile device is portable, and wherein said modem is a facsimile modem.

29. The system of claim 13, wherein said facsimile store and forward facility and said paperless facsimile device are both further configured to provide a user an ability to send facsimile messages from said paperless facsimile device to said facsimile store and forward facility.

30. A method for operating a facsimile store and forward facility to facilitate facsimile communications, said method comprising steps of:

providing a facsimile store and forward facility accessible through a switched telephone network;

receiving facsimile messages at the facsimile store and forward facility from transmitting facsimile machines;

storing the facsimile messages at the facsimile store and forward facility;

receiving a call from a paperless facsimile device at the facsimile store and forward facility; and

transmitting facsimile messages stored in the facsimile store and forward facility from the facsimile store and forward facility to the paperless facsimile device.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising a step, before the transmitting step, of receiving from the paperless facsimile device at least one delivery request for at least one facsimile message stored in the facsimile store and forward facility.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the delivery request is in the form of a command in a computer communication mode.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the transmitting step includes transmitting the facsimile messages in a facsimile communication mode

34. The method of claim 31, further comprising a step, between the receiving steps, of communicating to the paperless facsimile device a list of facsimile messages stored in the facsimile store and forward facility.

35. The method of claim 31, further comprising steps, after the transmitting step, of

receiving tom the paperless facsimile device at least one additional delivery request for at least one additional facsimile message stored in the facsimile store and forward facility;

and

transmitting the at least one additional facsimile message stored in the facsimile store and forward facility from the facsimile store and forward facility to the paperless facsimile device.

36. The method of claim 30, wherein the storing step includes storing the facsimile messages in facsimile mailboxes associated with particular subscribers.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising a step, before the transmitting step, of receiving from the paperless facsimile device a security code required for access to a particular facsimile mailbox.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein multiple facsimile messages associated with a subscriber are stored in a facsimile mailbox associated with the subscriber, wherein the method further comprises a step of receiving from the paperless facsimile device a mailbox manipulation command selecting for delivery a subset of the facsimile messages stored in the facsimile mailbox, and wherein the transmitting step includes transmitting only the selected subset of facsimile messages.

39. A method for accessing a facsimile store and forward facility to facilitate facsimile communications, said method comprising steps of:

calling the facsimile store and forward facility from a paperless facsimile device;

transmitting a delivery request from the paperless facsimile device for delivery of at least one facsimile message stored in the facsimile store and forward facility; and

receiving delivery at the paperless facsimile device from the facsimile store and forward facility of the at least one facsimile message stored in the facsimile store and forward facility.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the delivery request is in the form of a command in a computer communication mode.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the receiving step includes receiving the facsimile messages in a facsimile communication mode

42. The method of claim 39, further comprising a step, before the transmitting step, of receiving at the paperless facsimile device from the facsimile store and forward facility a list of facsimile messages stored in the facsimile store and forward facility.

43. The method of claim 39, further comprising steps, after the receiving step, of

transmitting from the paperless facsimile device to the facsimile store and forward facility at least one additional delivery request for delivery of at least one additional facsimile message stored in the facsimile store and forward facility;

and

receiving delivery at the paperless facsimile device from the facsimile store and forward facility of the at least one additional facsimile message stored in the facsimile store and forward facility.

44. The method of claim 39, further comprising a step, before the transmitting step, of communicating an identification of a facsimile mailbox from the paperless facsimile device to the facsimile store and forward facility.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the communicating step includes transmitting from the paperless facsimile device to the facsimile store and forward facility a security code associated with the facsimile mailbox.

46. The method of claim 39, wherein the paperless facsimile device is repeatedly switchable between a computer mode of communication and a facsimile mode of communication during a single connection.

47. The method of claim 39, wherein the calling step includes calling the facsimile store and forward facility through a switched telephone network.

48. A method for accessing a facsimile store and forward facility to facilitate facsimile communications, said method comprising steps of:

calling the facsimile store and forward facility from a paperless facsimile device;

transmitting a broadcast request from the paperless facsimile device to the facsimile store and forward facility; and

transmitting a facsimile message from the paperless facsimile device to the facsimile store and forward facility for storage and delivery to multiple destinations.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the broadcast request includes a plurality of telephone numbers for the multiple destinations.

50. The method of claim 48, wherein the broadcast request identifies a list of telephone numbers for the multiple destinations stored in the facsimile store and forward facility.

51. The method of claim 48, wherein the broadcast request is in the form of a command in a computer communication mode, and wherein the step of transmitting a facsimile message includes transmitting the facsimile message in a facsimile communication mode.

52. A paperless facsimile device comprising:

display means for displaying a facsimile message;

input means connected to said display means for receiving user input; and

interface means connected to said display means and said input means for controlling said display means, for interfacing with a facsimile store and forward facility, and for manipulating facsimile messages stored in the facsimile store and forward facility.

53. The device of claim 52, wherein said interface means includes a programmed system processor and a modem.

54. The device of claim 52, wherein said interface means includes means for receiving facsimile messages at said paperless facsimile device from said facsimile store and forward facility.

55. The device of claim 54, wherein said interface means further includes means for sending facsimile messages to said facsimile store and forward facility from said paperless facsimile device.

56. The device of claim 52, wherein said interface means includes means for sending facsimile messages to said facsimile store and forward facility from said paperless facsimile device.

57. The device of claim 52, wherein said interface means includes means for communicating with said facsimile store and forward facility through a computer communication mode and a facsimile communication mode.