U.S. patent application number 10/404063 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-15 for communication apparatus, data rewrite method and data download method.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANASONIC COMMUNICATIONS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Bando, Tatsuo, Sawada, Toshihisa.
Application Number | 20040010395 10/404063 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 16328253 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040010395 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bando, Tatsuo ; et
al. |
January 15, 2004 |
Communication apparatus, data rewrite method and data download
method
Abstract
A communication apparatus for receiving electronic data is
connected via a network to a server that stores a conversion table
that contains electronic data processing information. The
communication apparatus includes a mail receiver that receives
electronic data via the network, a determiner that determines
whether or not the received electronic data is processible by the
communication apparatus, and a controller that downloads the
conversion table from the server and utilizes the conversion table
to process the received electronic data when the determiner
determines that the received electronic data is not processible by
the communication apparatus. The processor further processes the
received electronic data when the determiner determines that the
received electronic data is processible by the communication
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Bando, Tatsuo; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Sawada, Toshihisa; (Inba-gun, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
PANASONIC COMMUNICATIONS CO.,
LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
16328253 |
Appl. No.: |
10/404063 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10404063 |
Apr 2, 2003 |
|
|
|
10106386 |
Mar 27, 2002 |
|
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|
10106386 |
Mar 27, 2002 |
|
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09264821 |
Mar 9, 1999 |
|
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6405244 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/188 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/107
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/188 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 9, 1998 |
JP |
JP 10-194663 |
Claims
1. A communication apparatus for receiving electronic data,
connected via a network to a server that stores a conversion table
that contains electronic data processing information, the
communication apparatus comprising: a mail receiver that receives
electronic data via the network; a determiner that determines
whether or not the received electronic data is processible by the
communication apparatus; and a controller that downloads the
conversion table from the server and utilizes the conversion table
to process the received electronic data when said determiner
determines the received electronic data is not processible by the
communication apparatus, and that processes the received electronic
data when said determiner determines the received electronic data
is processible by the communication apparatus.
2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, the server
including a plurality of the conversion tables, and said controller
selecting one of the conversion tables in order to process the
received electronic data.
3. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a printer configured to print the processed electronic
data.
4. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
determiner comprises an attribute table which stores convertible
attributes, and determines whether or not the received electronic
data is processible by the communication apparatus, based on the
convertible attributes in the attribute table.
5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a facsimile transmitter that transmits the processed
electronic data to a facsimile destination via a telephone
network.
6. A communication apparatus for receiving electronic data,
connected via a network to a server that stores a conversion table,
the communication apparatus comprising: a mail receiver that
receives electronic data via the network; a determiner that
determines whether or not the received electronic data is
processible by the communication apparatus; and a controller that
forwards the received electronic data to the server to process the
received electronic data, utilizing the conversion table, when said
determiner determines the received electronic data is not
processible by the communication apparatus, and processes the
received electronic data when said determiner determines the
received electronic data is processible by the communication
apparatus, wherein said controller controls said mail receiver to
receive the electronic data processed by the server.
7. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, further
comprising: a memory configured to store convertible attributes in
association with each of a plurality of servers; wherein said
controller selects a suitable server, based on the convertible
attributes in said memory.
8. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, further
comprising a printer configured to print the electronic data
received from the server.
9. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said
determiner comprises an attribute table which stores convertible
attributes, and determines whether or not the received electronic
data is processible by the communication apparatus, based on the
convertible attributes in the attribute table.
10. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, further
comprising a facsimile transmitter that transmits the processed
electronic data to a facsimile destination via a telephone
network.
11. A method for processing electronic data, utilizing a
communication apparatus for receiving an electronic mail, connected
via a network to a server that stores a conversion table, contains
the method comprising: receiving electronic data via the network;
determining whether or not the received electronic data is
processible by the communication apparatus; downloading the
conversion table from the server to utilize the conversion table to
process the received electronic data when the determining
determines that the received electronic data is not processible by
the communication apparatus; and processing the received electronic
data when the determining determines that the received electronic
data is processible by the communication apparatus.
12. The method according to claim 11, the server containing a
plurality of conversion tables, and the downloading comprising
selecting one of the conversion tables to process the received
electronic data.
13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising printing
the processed electronic data.
14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the communication
apparatus comprises an attribute table which stores conversion
attributes, and the determining determines whether or not the
received electronic data is processible by the communication
apparatus, based on the convertible attributes in the attribute
table.
15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising
transmitting the processed electronic data to a facsimile
destination via a telephone network.
16. A method for processing electronic data, utilizing a
communication apparatus for receiving an electronic mail, connected
via a network to a server that stores a conversion table, the
method comprising: receiving electronic data via a network;
determining whether or not the received electronic data is
processible by the communication apparatus; forwarding the received
electronic data to the server to process the received electronic
data, utilizing the conversion table, when the determining
determines that the received electronic data is not processible by
the communication apparatus; processing the received electronic
data when the determining determines the received electronic data
is processed by the communication apparatus, and receiving the
electronic data processed by the server.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the communication
apparatus comprises a memory configured to store convertible
attributes in association with each of a plurality of servers;
wherein the forwarding selects a suitable server, based on the
convertible attributes stored in the memory.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/106,386, filed Mar. 27, 2002, which is a Divisional of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/264,821, filed Mar. 9, 1999, which is now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,244, the contents of both of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a communication apparatus
for downloading data, a data rerwrite method and a data download
method, through a network.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] A facsimile apparatus for transmitting image data via the
internet in the same operation as a general facsimile has been
developed. Since the internet is usually used in all or a part of
communication path, this type of facsimile is called internet
facsimile.
[0004] The internet facsimile comprises an electronic mail
converting section for mutually converting a format of facsimile
data and a format of electronic mail data to transmit and receive.
The internet facsimile thereby operates as follows:
[0005] The internet facsimile at a transmitting side converts
facsimile data into the format of electronic mail to transmit. The
internet facsimile at a receiving side converts inversely a
received electronic mail into a format of image data, and then
prints the image data in the same way as facsimile data received by
ordinary facsimile communication.
[0006] However, the technology concerning the internet has been
improved very fast. As a result, a communication program, image
processing program and others comprised in the internet facsimile
become old easily. The frequency to upgrade a version of the
program in the internet facsimile is thereby higher than the
ordinary facsimile. In the ordinary facsimile, since the program is
memorized in a ROM (Read Only Memory), it is necessary to exchange
the ROM to upgrade a version, thereby remaining a problem that it
takes much time and labor. This problem is not limited by the
internet facsimile but common to so called network home electric
appliances such as a telephone, a television, and a refrigerator
that comprise network communication function.
[0007] On the other hand, the internet facsimile receives the
electronic mail and converts it into image data to print, as
described above. However, in the case where a character code used
in the electronic mail does not correspond, or a data file that can
not be extended, such as a document by word processor or a spread
sheet is attached, the internet facsimile can not perform a normal
printing. It is necessary to prepare a lot of conversion programs
and conversion tables in order to correspond to all character codes
and data files. However, since the internet facsimile does not
usually have a second memory device with a large memory capacity
such as a hard disk, it is difficult for the internet facsimile to
correspond to all character codes and data files.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The first object of the present invention is to provide a
communication apparatus for enabling an easy data rewrite and the
processing of various data.
[0009] The second object of the present invention is to provide a
data rewrite method for enabling an easy data rewrite and the
processing of various data.
[0010] The third object of the present invention is to provide a
data download method for enabling an easy data write and the
processing of various data.
[0011] The present invention provides a communication apparatus for
receiving an electronic mail, which comprises a mail reception
section for receiving an electronic mail via a network, a program
data extraction section for extracting program data from the
electronic mail, and a data storage section for storing the
extracted data.
[0012] The present invention provides a communication apparatus for
receiving an electronic mail, which comprises a data storage
section for storing program data, a mail reception section for
receiving an electronic mail via a network, a program data
extraction section for extracting the program data from the
electronic mail, and a data rewrite section for rewriting the
program data stored in the data storage section using the extracted
program data.
[0013] The present invention provides a communication apparatus for
receiving an electronic mail, which comprises a mail reception
section for receiving an electronic mail via a network, and a
download section for executing a download of data when the
electronic mail is a download instruction message for instructing a
download of the data.
[0014] The present invention provides a communication apparatus for
receiving an electronic mail, which comprises a mail reception
section for receiving an electronic mail via a network, a
notification section for notifying of a reception of the electronic
mail when the electronic mail is a download instruction message for
instructing a download of data, a download section for executing a
download of the data, and an input section which is used to
instruct a download to the download section from an outside.
[0015] The present invention provides a communication apparatus for
receiving an electronic mail, which comprises a mail reception
section for receiving an electronic mail via a network, a decision
section for deciding whether or not it is possible to process data
in the electronic mail, and a download section for downloading data
that is necessary to process the data in the electronic mail from a
server when the decision section decides that it is not possible to
process the-data in the electronic mail.
[0016] The present invention provides a communication apparatus for
transmitting and receiving an electronic mail, which comprises a
mail reception section for receiving an electronic mail via a
network, a decision section for deciding whether or not it is
possible to process data in the electronic mail, and a data forward
section for forwarding the data to a processing server when the
decision section decides that it is not possible to process the
data.
[0017] The present invention provides a method for downloading
data, which comprises the steps of extracting program data from an
received electronic mail, and storing the extracted program
data.
[0018] The present invention provides a method for rewriting data,
which comprises the steps of extracting program data from an
received electronic mail, and rewriting current data using the
extracted program data.
[0019] The present invention provides a method for downloading
data, which comprises the steps of deciding whether or not a
received electronic mail is a download instruction message for
instructing a download of data, and downloading the data when it is
decided that the mail is the download instruction message.
[0020] The present invention provides a method for downloading
data, which comprises the steps of notifying of a reception of an
electronic mail when the received electronic mail is a download
instruction message for instructing a download of data, and
downloading the data when an instruction is performed from an
outside after the reception is notified.
[0021] The present invention provides a method for downloading
data, which comprises the steps of deciding whether or not it is
possible to process data in a received electronic mail, and
downloading data that is necessary to process the data in the
electronic mail from a server when it is decided that it is not
possible to process the data in the electronic mail.
[0022] The present invention provides a method for processing data,
which comprises the steps of deciding whether or not it is possible
to process data in a received electronic mail, and forwarding the
data to a processing server when it is decided that it is not
possible to process the data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The above and other objects and features of the invention
will appear more fully hereinafter from a consideration of the
following description taken in connection with the accompanying
drawing wherein one example is illustrated by way of example.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a network in
which internet facsimile apparatuses according to the first
embodiment to the third embodiment of the present invention
operate;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware
configuration of the internet facsimile apparatus according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an operation panel of the
internet facsimile apparatus according to the above first
embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a function block diagram illustrating the internet
facsimile apparatus according to the above first embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of the
internet facsimile apparatus according to the above first
embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of the
internet facsimile apparatus according to the above first
embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a download
instruction message used in the internet facsimile apparatus
according to the above first embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a download
request message according to the above first embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of a
downloaded data storage server in the above first embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a function block diagram illustrating the
internet facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment of
the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an attribute table in the
second and third embodiments of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an
electronic mail in the second and third embodiments of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a server
table used in the above second embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of the
internet facsimile apparatus according to the above second
embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 15 is a function block diagram illustrating the
internet facsimile apparatus according to the third embodiment of
the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a server
table used in the above third embodiment; and
[0040] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of the
internet facsimile apparatus according to the above third
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] The embodiments of the present invention are explained in
detail in the following with reference to drawings.
[0042] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a network in
which internet facsimile apparatuses according to the first
embodiment to the third embodiment of the present invention
operate. An internet facsimile apparatus (hereinafter referred to
as IFAX) 1 is connected to the internet 3 via a LAN (Local Area
Network) 2. In this example, the LAN 2 is constructed of an
Ethernet, however it may be a wireless LAN or others. In the
internet 3, there are a downloaded data storage server 4 and a data
conversion server 5.
[0043] (First Embodiment)
[0044] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware
configuration of the internet facsimile apparatus according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] A CPU 11 executes various programs to control each section
of the IFAX 1. A ROM 12 is used to store a basic program such as an
operations system (OS) executed by the CPU 11 that is, for example,
Java (Registered Trade-mark) OS. A RAM 13 is used for a data area
of a program, while used as an image memory to store facsimile
data.
[0046] A flash memory 14 is to store a communication program, an
image processing program and others that are executed by the CPU 11
and used in order to enable the programs to be rewritten. As this
memory means, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM
(Electric Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a volatile
semiconductor memory such as a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)
with a backup battery may be used other than the flash memory.
[0047] A facsimile section 15 performs a communication with an
external facsimile via a PSTN 16 according to a facsimile
communication procedure. The facsimile section 15 includes for
example, a modem for executing modulation and demodulation, an
image compression section for compressing image data and an image
extension section for extending image data.
[0048] A printer 17 outputs data with printing. A scanner 18
performs scanning of an original.
[0049] An operation panel 19 is used for a user to perform various
operations of the IFAX 1, while indicates various information to a
user. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an operation panel of the
internet facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment. The
operation panel 19 comprises a ten-key 31 to, for example, dial,
and an indication section 32 composed of, for example, a liquid
crystal display (LCD). Further, a confirmation button with lamp 33
is independently provided on the operation panel 19.
[0050] A network connection section 20 is an interface to control
transmission and reception of data with the LAN 2.
[0051] A bus 22 is a path via which data are transferred between
the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the flash memory 14, the
facsimile section 15, the printer 17, the scanner 18, the operation
panel 19 and the network connection section 20.
[0052] FIG. 4 is a function block diagram illustrating the internet
facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0053] A mail communication section 41 transmits and receives an
electronic mail via the network connection section 20. The mail
communication section 41 transmits and receives an electronic mail
according to a message transfer protocol such as, for example, SMTP
(Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and POP (Post Office Protocol).
[0054] A download (DL) control unit 42 comprises a DL decision
section 43, a notification/instruction control section 44, a DL
execution section 45 and a history management section 46. The DL
decision section 43 decides whether or not an message received by
the mail communication section 41 indicates an instruction of a
download of a program (hereinafter referred to as DL instruction
message).
[0055] The notification/instruction control section 44 is connected
to the DL decision section 41. The notification/instruction control
section 44 turns on or off a lamp of the confirmation button with
lamp 33 according to a decision of the DL decision section 41.
Specifically, the notification/instruction control section 44 puts
on a light of the lamp when the mail communication section 41
receives the DL instruction message. Further, the
notification/instruction control section 44 outputs a DL execution
command when the confirmation button with lamp 33 is pushed
down.
[0056] The DL execution section 45 executes a download of a program
according to the DL execution command from the
notification/instruction control section 44. The DL execution
section 45 generates a message requesting the downloaded data
storage 4 to transmit a program to this IFAX 1 (hereinafter
referred to as DL request message). The mail communication section
41 transmits the DL request message to the downloaded data storage
server 4 illustrated in FIG. 1. In additiop, the DL execution
section 45 extracts the program from an electronic mail- to which
the program is attached (hereinafter referred to as program
attached mail) transmitted from the downloaded data storage server
4. As a result, the program is downloaded from the downloaded data
storage saver 4.
[0057] The history management section 46 is connected to the DL
decision section 41 and holds various information contained in the
DL instruction message. In addition, the history management section
46 indicates the held information in the indication section 32 and
prints it in the printer 17.
[0058] A program storage section 47 is provided in the flash memory
14 illustrated in FIG. 2, and composed of a plurality of storage
areas including a first program storage area 48, a second program
storage area 49 and a temporal storage area 50. The downloaded
program is stored alternately in the first program storage area 48
and the second program storage area 49. The downloaded program is
also temporally stored in the temporal storage area 50. A program
rewrite control section 51 executes interpreter processing of the
program stored in the temporal storage area 50, and stores the
program in the first program storage area 48 or the second program
storage area 49 when the program is normally interpreted. According
to the forgoing constitution, since a used program is not erased
soon, it is possible to use an old program when a new program has a
bug. The number of program storage areas is not limited by two, and
may be more than two.
[0059] A program execution section 52 reads out a program from the
first program storage area 48 or the second program storage area 49
to execute.
[0060] An authentication unit 53 performs authentication with a
transmission side or a reception side in transmitting and receiving
an electronic mail. In this example, a public-key cryptography is
used. The authentication unit 53 is composed of an authentication
decision section 54 and a private-key/public-key storage section
55. The private-key/public-key storage section 55 stores a
private-key that is confidential for each individual and a
public-key that is opened to the public. In transmitting, the
authentication decision section 54 compresses a document with
one-way function to cypher with the private key so as to generate a
digital signature, and attaches the digital signature to an
electronic mail along with the original document. Further, in
receiving, the authentication decision section 54 decodes a digital
signature attached to an electronic mail using the public-key to
compare with a digital signature generated from an original
document by the section for itself 54 using the one-way function,
and when those digital signatures coincides, decides that
falsification or alternation is not performed.
[0061] A panel control section 56 controls an input by the ten-key
31 provided on the operation panel 19 and an indication by the
indication section 32.
[0062] An information acquisition section 57 acquires program
information such as a name, a type, a version, date, a file name of
a program included in an electronic mail such as a DL instruction
message. In addition, the information acquisition section 57
transmits the acquired information to the history management
section 46 in order to enable the section 46 to store it with
presence or absence, date, execution person name and others of a
download. The history management section 46 indicates or prints the
program information in a list form in the indication section-32 or
in the printer 17 respectively. The print of the list can be
performed by an instruction of an operator or automatically at
predetermined intervals.
[0063] Operations of the IFAX 1 according to this embodiment
configured as described above are explained. FIGS. 5 and 6 are flow
diagrams illustrating operations of the IFAX 1 according to the
first embodiment.
[0064] In step (hereinafter abbreviated as ST) 501, the IFAX 1
enters a reception stand-by state.
[0065] In ST502, an operator selects either of a compulsion mode or
a confirmation mode (hereinafter described as download mode) of the
DL decision section 43. The DL decision section 43 usually is in
the confirmation mode. At this point, a light is put off in the
confirmation button with lamp 33. When an operator desires the
compulsion mode, the operator pushes down the confirmation button
with lamp 33. By this operation, the notification/instruction
control section 44 instructs the DL decision section 43 to shift to
the compulsion mode. On the other hand, the light is put on in the
confirmation button with lamp 33 in order to notify the operator of
the compulsion mode.
[0066] In ST504, the mail communication section 42 receives a
message. The DL decision section 43 decides whether or not the
message is a DL instruction message. The decision is performed by
detecting that a code sequence or symbols indicating a DL
instruction are contained in the electronic mail. FIG. 7 is a
diagram illustrating an example of the DL instruction message used
in the IFAX 1 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in
FIG. 7, the DL instruction message conforms to MIME (Multipurpose
Internet Mail Extensions). Note that a subject of a header section
of the DL instruction message is "!!download". In this case, the DL
decision section 43 decides that the message is the DL instruction
message when detects that the subject is "!!download".
[0067] At this point, when the message is not the DL instruction
message, the message is processed as a normal electronic mail. On
the other hand, when the message is the DL instruction message, the
authentication unit 53 executes authentication of a server in
ST505. Specifically, the downloaded data storage server 4
illustrated in FIG. 1 as a tranmistter attaches the digital
signature in a program section of an electronic mail in the DL
instruction message as illustrated in FIG. 7. The digital signature
is obtained by cypering a digest of message, which is generated
from the program section with the one-way function, using the
public-key of the IFAX 1. The authentication decision section 54
decodes the digital signature using the individual private-key
stored in the private-key/public-key storage section 55, compares
the decoded digest of message with the digest of message processed
with the one-way function from the program section for itself, and
confirms it when these digests coincident. An authentication method
is not limited by the public-key cryptography method.
[0068] In ST506, the authentication unit 53 decides whether or not
the authentication is proper. When the authentication is improper,
the processing is finished. On the other hand, the authentication
is proper, in ST507, the information acquisition section 57
acquires program information from the DL instruction message to
memory.
[0069] In ST508, the DL control section 42 decides whether or not
the download mode is the compulsion mode. When it is not the
compulsion mode, in ST509, the notification/instruction control
section 44 puts on a light in the confirmation button with lamp 33
to notify of the DL instruction.
[0070] In ST510, the notification/instruction control section 44
stands by until an operator pushes down the confirmation button
with lamp 33. When the notification/instruction control section 44
detects the push down of the confirmation button with lamp 33, the
processing moves to ST511.
[0071] In ST511, the IFAX 1 requires the operator to select a
version. The history management section 46 transmits program
information about programs of old versions that are not downloaded
to the panel control section 56. The panel control section 56
indicates the program information in the indication section 32 in
the list form or to print in the printer 27 in the list form. The
operator refers to the program information to select any version,
for example, with the ten-key 31. The selection result is
transmitted to the notification/instruction control section 44 via
the ten-key 31 and the panel control section 56. The
notification/instruction control section 44 designates a version to
output the DL execution instruction to the DL execution section
45.
[0072] In ST512, the DL execution section 45 generates the DL
request message to transmit to the downloaded data storage server 4
via the mail communication section 41. FIG. 8 is a diagram
illustrating an example of a DL request message according to the
first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the DL request message
includes a request message command composed of a character sequence
and/or symbols such as, for example, "#request" in a text section.
The request message command may be added a command designated the
selected version in the ST511.
[0073] On the other hand, when the download mode is the compulsion
mode in ST508, in ST513, the DL execution section 45 generates the
DL request message without a designation of a version to transmit
to the downloaded data storage 4 server via the mail communication
section 41.
[0074] In ST514, the IFAX 1 receives a program. Specifically, the
mail communication section 41 receives a program attached mail from
the downloaded data storage server 4. The program attached mail
includes print request information indicative of whether or not to
print the program information such as a version. In addition,
program data are encoded to ASCII code in a code form such as, for
example, base 64. The DL execution section 44 decodes the program
data, and then temporally stores the data in the temporal storage
area 50 in the program storage section 47.
[0075] In ST515, the program rewrite control section 51 transfers
the downloaded program from the temporal storage area to either of
the first storage area 48 or the second storage area 49. As a
result, the old program are overwritten by the new program.
[0076] In ST516, the history management section 46 decides whether
or not a print is requested according to the print request
information included in the program attached mail. When the print
is requested, in ST517, the history management section 46 instructs
the printer 17 to print the program information. When the print is
not requested, the processing moves to ST518 by passing ST 518.
[0077] In ST518, the DL execution section 44 transmits a DL finish
message to a sender of the DL instruction message or the program
attached mail to finish the processing.
[0078] Next, operations of the downloaded data storage server are
explained.
[0079] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of the
downloaded data storage server in the first embodiment.
[0080] In ST901, the downloaded data storage server 4 (hereinafter
referred to as server 4) selects the IFAX 1 for executing a
download of a program of a new version according to a setting of an
operator or others.
[0081] In ST902, the server 4 sets a print request. The print
request is a setting of whether or not to print the program
information in the IFAX 1 as described previously.
[0082] In ST903, the server 4 transmits the DL instruction message.
In ST904, it is decided whether or not the DL instruction message
was normally transmitted. When it was transmitted normally, the
server 4 awaits the DL request message from the IFAX 1 in
ST905.
[0083] When the server 4 receives the DL request message, it is
decided whether or not the DL request message includes a
designation of a version in ST906. When the designation is
included, the server 4 transmits program data of the designated
version in ST907. On the other hand, when the designation is not
included, the server 4 transmits program data of the latest,
version in ST908.
[0084] In ST909, the server 4 awaits the DL finish message, and
finishes the processing when receives the DL finish message.
[0085] According to the IFAX 1 in the first embodiment described
above, when the program attached mail is received, the DL execution
section 45 extracts a program to store in the program storage
section 47, and the program rewrite control section 51 rewrite an
old program. Therefore, it is not necessary for an operator to
perform a series of operations for rewriting a program such as
accessing the downloaded data storage server 4 and downloading the
program to rewrite an old program. As a result, it makes possible
to upgrade a program very easily.
[0086] In addition, the DL decision section 44 decides whether or
not a received electronic mail is a DL instruction message, and
automatically shifts to the download processing when it is the DL
request message. Therefore, it is not necessary for an operator to
perform a series of operations such as receiving a DL instruction
by electronic mail and reading it to access a designated
server.
[0087] Of course, when a program is not stored yet in the first
program storage area 48 or the second program storage area 49, it
is possible to download the program newly from the loaded data
storage server 4 by electronic mail to store. Even in this case, it
is not necessary for an operator to perform a set of complicated
operations, thus enabling the operator to execute the download very
easily.
[0088] In addition, since the DL execution section 45 transmits the
DL request message to the downloaded data storage server 4 in order
to enable the server 4 to transmit the program attached mail, it is
possible to execute the download of the program by electronic mail.
Therefore, it is possible to execute an upgrade of the program even
though a program transfer is limited by a firewall provided between
the LAN 2 and the internet 3.
[0089] In addition, in the confirmation mode, since an operator is
notified of reception of a DL instruction message by the
confirmation button with lamp 33, it is possible for the operator
to know easily that the DL instruction is received. Next, the
download of the program is executed by an operator pushing down the
confirmation button with lamp 33. It is thereby possible to confirm
an operator's intention of whether to perform the upgrade of the
program, thus making it possible to prevent the program to be
downloaded not depending on the operator's intention.
[0090] In the compulsion mode, the download is executed
automatically according to the DL instruction message to enable the
upgrade of the program.
[0091] Further, since an operator can select the compulsion mode or
the confirmation mode by pushing down the confirmation button with
lamp 33 during standing by, the operator can select optionally
whether to perform the upgrade automatically without confirmation
or to perform the upgrade after confirmation
[0092] In addition, since the history management section 46 holds
the program information such as version information of a program
and indicates or prints it in the indication section 32 or the
printer 17 respectively, it is possible for an operator to easily
understand a type of a new program, a previous upgrade result and
others.
[0093] In the confirmation mode, the history management section 46
indicates or prints an old version that is not downloaded from
among the held program information, then-an arbitrary version of a
program that is selected by an operator is downloaded. Therefore it
is possible to upgrade the program to a necessary version by an
operator's intention.
[0094] The download is executed only after the authentication unit
53 performs authentication and it is confirmed that a DL request
message is transmitted from a transmission side, thereby making it
possible to prevent a program from being rewritten improperly by
the download executed by an improper electronic mail.
[0095] The above first embodiment describes about the case where a
program is downloaded to upgrade a version. However, an object to
be downloaded may be data other than programs such as, for example,
a conversion table and the other.
[0096] In addition, in the above first embodiment, an arbitrary
version is designated with a list in which various versions of the
same program are indicated in the confirmation mode. However, it
may be possible to designate arbitrary data with a list in which
various data are indicated.
[0097] In addition, it may be possible to use a lamp having a
plurality of color lights as the confirmation button with lamp 33
in this case, puts the lamp on a different light depending on a
type of an object to be downloaded based on information included in
the DL instruction message. Therefore, it is possible to indicate,
for example, a program or a conversion table, or download of a
basic program such as application software and utility software or
an optional program to distinguish in downloading. Further, it may
be possible to indicate a program that should be downloaded or a
program that is downloaded optionally. It is thereby possible for
an operator to know the type of the object to be downloaded easily,
decides whether or not the download is appropriated and performs
the download by pushing down the confirmation button with lamp
33.
[0098] It may be possible to use other indication means or input
means such as a confirmation button icon provided in a tough panel
display instead of the confirmation button with lamp 33. Further,
it is may be possible to use other notification means with sound,
voice or the like other than the indication means. In any means, by
providing a button exclusive used for a download, an operator can
execute a download only by pushing down the button. The download is
thereby executed more easily than the case of using a PC (Personal
Computer).
[0099] In addition, in the above first embodiment, a download of a
program is not executed until a DL request message is brought.
However, in the case where the flash memory 14 of the IFAX 1 has a
large memory capacity, it may be possible that a transmission side
transmits a program attached mail to the IFAX 1, the IFAX 1
receives all data to store in the temporal storage area 50, asks an
operator whether or not it is necessary to rewrite the program, and
when the operator instructs the rewrite, instructs the program
rewrite control section 51 to rewrite the program in the first
program storage area 48 or the second program storage area 49.
[0100] (Second Embodiment)
[0101] Next an internet facsimile apparatus for converting received
electronic mail data is explained.
[0102] FIG. 10 is a function block diagram illustrating the
internet facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment of
the present invention. The same configurations as the first
embodiment have the same symbols to omit the explanation.
[0103] A conversion table acquisition section 101 is composed of an
attribute decision section 102, an attribute table 103, a DL
execution section 104 and a server table 105. The attribute
decision section 101 decides whether or not it is possible to
convert a text character code in electronic mail data received by
the mail communication section 41 to print. As illustrated in FIG.
11, the attribute that is convertable in standard is registered in
the attribute table 103. In this example, a character code conforms
to a JIS code in standard.
[0104] The attribute decision section 102 obtains the attribute of
electronic mail data using attribute information described in the
electronic mail. As illustrated in FIG. 12, an attribute
information area 121 is provided in an electronic mail. The
attribute information area 121 includes character code attribute
information 122 and file attribute information 123.
[0105] When it is decided that it is possible to convert the
attribute of the electronic mail, the attribute decision section
102 instructs the program execution section 52 to execute the
conversion. On the other hand, when it is not possible to convert,
the attribute decision section 102 instructs the DL execution
section 104 to download the conversion table.
[0106] When a character code of the electronic mail data is not
present in the attribute table 102, the DL execution section 104
accesses the downloaded data storage server 4 to download the
conversion table. The download of the conversion table is executed
according to the procedure where the DL execution section 104
transmits the DL request message to downloaded data storage server
4, the downloaded data storage server 4 transmits an electronic
mail to which the conversion table is attached (hereinafter
referred to as data-attached mail) to the DL execution section 104.
The DL execution section 104 extracts the conversion table from the
received data-attached mail.
[0107] In the server table 105, a type of data, an IP address and a
mail address of a server having the conversion table for the data
are set in correlation with each other. FIG. 13 is a diagram
illustrating an example of a server table used in the second
embodiment. Each IP address and each mail address of a server
having a conversion table is set corresponding to each character
code such as, JIS code (JIS), expand UNIX code (EUC) and IS010646
code (ISO).
[0108] A data storage section 106 is provided in the RAM 13
illustrated in FIG. 2, and has a data area 107. Further, the data
storage section 106 stores a conversion table 108 and a conversion
program 109. The conversion program 109 is used to convert a
character code into image data according to the conversion
table.
[0109] Operations of the IFAX 100 according to the second
embodiment configured as described above are explained with
reference to drawings. FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating
operations of the internet facsimile apparatus according to the
second embodiment.
[0110] In ST1401, the mail communication section 41 receives an
electronic mail. In ST1402, the attribute decision section 102
reads the character code attribute information 122 included in the
electronic mail and decides whether or not it is possible to
convert the character code to output by referring to the attribute
table 103.
[0111] When it is impossible to output, in ST1403, the DL execution
section 104 refers to the sever table so as to select the
downloaded data storage server 4 having the conversion table to
convert the character code of the received electronic mail.
[0112] In ST1404, the DL execution section 104 generates the DL
request message to transmit to the downloaded data storage server 4
via the mail communication section 41.
[0113] In ST1405, the mail communication section 41 receives the
data-attached mail to which the conversion table is
attachedfromthedownloadeddatastorageserver4. In ST1406, the DL
execution section 104 decodes the conversion table attached to the
data-attached mail to store in the data storage section 107.
[0114] In ST1407, the program execution section 52 reads out the
conversion table from the data storage section 107 and converts the
character code of the electronic mail into image data using the
conversion table. In ST1408, the converted image data are output.
Specifically, the printer 17 illustrated in FIG. 2 prints the image
data. In addition, the facsimile control section 15 compresses the
image data into facsimile data such as MH data to forward to a
facsimile apparatus via the PSTN 16.
[0115] When it is possible to output in ST1402, in ST1409, the
character code of the electronic mail is converted into image data
using the conversion table. In ST 1408, the image data are
output.
[0116] According to the IFAX 100 in the second embodiment described
above, it is decided whether or not it is possible to convert a
character code of an electronic mail, and when it is not possible,
a conversion table is downloaded from the downloaded data storage
and the character code is converted using the conversion table. It
is thus possible to respond to any character code, thereby allowing
all electronic mail to be output. Further, since it is not
necessary for the IFAX 100 to comprise all conversion tables, it is
possible to make memory capacities of the RAM 13 and the flash
memory 14 comparatively low, thereby resulting in a reduction of
the product cost.
[0117] The above second embodiment describes about the case where a
conversion table is downloaded to convert a character code.
However, the object to be downloaded is not limited by the case,
and the object may be a program for expanding an attached file to
convert into image data.
[0118] (Third Embodiment)
[0119] Next, an internet facsimile apparatus for forwarding
received electronic mail data to a conversion server in order to
enable the data to be converted in the conversion server is
explained.
[0120] FIG. 15 is a function block diagram illustrating the
internet facsimile apparatus according to the third embodiment of
the present invention. The same configurations as the first
embodiment have the same symbols to omit the explanation.
[0121] A conversion table acquisition section 201 is composed of an
attribute decision section 202, the attribute table 103, a data
forward section 203 and a server table 204. The attribute decision
section 202 decides whether or not it is possible to convert an
attached file of an electronic mail received by the mail
communication section 41 to output. The decision is executed
according to the attribute table 103 illustrated in FIG. 11. In
this example, the attribute is an attached file format that is
distinguished by extension such as ".doc" or ".xls".
[0122] The attribute decision section 202 obtains the attribute of
the attached file using file the attribute information 123
contained in the attribute information area 121 of the electronic
mail.
[0123] When it is decided that it is possible to convert the
attached file, the attribute decision section 102 instructs the
program execution section 52 to execute the conversion. On the
other hand, when it is not possible to convert, a data forward
section forwards the attached file.
[0124] The data forward section 203 accesses the data conversion
server 5 to forward the attached file so that the conversion server
converts the attached file into data that the IFAX 200 can process.
The data conversion server 5 transmits an electronic mail to which
the converted data are attached (hereinafter referred to as
converted data attached mail) to the data forward section 203. The
data forward section 203 extracts the converted data from the
received converted data attached mail.
[0125] In the server table 204, a type of data, an IP address and a
mail address of a server for converting the data are set in
correlation with each other. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an
example of a server table used in the third embodiment. Each IP
address and each mail address of a server for processing a
conversion are set corresponding to PDP (Portable Document Format)
file (.PDF), word processor document (.doc) and spread sheet
(.xls).
[0126] The data storage section 205 is provided in the RAM 13 and
stores an attached file to be converted and converted data.
[0127] Operations of the IFAX 200 according to the third embodiment
configured as described above are explained with reference to
drawings. FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating operations of the
internet facsimile apparatus according to the third embodiment.
[0128] In ST1701, the mail communication section 41 receives an
electronic mail. In ST1702, the attribute decision section 202
reads the file attribute information 123 of the electronic mail and
decides whether or not it is possible to convert an attached file
to output by referring to the attribute table 103.
[0129] When it is impossible to convert, in ST1703, the data
forward section 203 selects, by referring to the server table 204,
the data conversion server 5 for converting the attached file.
[0130] In ST1704, the data forward section 203 generates an
electronic mail to which an attached file is attached (hereinafter
referred to as forward mail) to transmit to the data conversion
server 5 via the mail communication section 41.
[0131] In ST1705, the mail communication section 41 receives the
converted data attached mail from the data conversion server 5. The
data forward section 203 decodes the converted data attached in the
converted data attached mail to store in the data storage section
205.
[0132] In ST1706, the program execution section 52 reads out the
converted data from the data storage section 205 to output.
Specifically, the data is printed in the printer 17 illustrated in
FIG. 2. In addition, the facsimile control section 15 compresses
the converted data into facsimile data to forward to a facsimile
apparatus via the PSTN 16.
[0133] When it is possible to convert in ST1702, the attached file
is converted in ST1707, and output in ST1706.
[0134] According to the IFAX 200 in the third embodiment described
above, it is decided whether or not it is possible to convert an
attached file of an electronic mail, and when it is not possible,
the attached file is forwarded to the data conversion server 5 to
be converted, then the converted data is received from the data
conversion server 5. It is thus possible to respond to any attached
file, thereby allowing all electronic mail to be output. Further,
since it is not necessary for the IFAX 200 to comprise all
conversion programs for attached files, it is possible to make
memory capacities of the RAM 13 and the flash memory 14
comparatively low, thereby resulting in a reduction of the product
cost.
[0135] The above third embodiment describes about the case of
forwarding an attached file to a server so that the server converts
it. However, an object to be forwarded is not limited by the case.
It may be possible to forward text data with a character code that
can not be converted to a server so that the server converts
them.
[0136] The present invention is not limited by the above first
embodiment to the third embodiment. For example, an internet
facsimile apparatus is explained in the above first embodiment to
the third embodiment. However, the present invention is further
applicable widely to a communication apparatus such as, for
example, a personal computer that is connected to a LAN or an
information terminal device with a communication function. However,
the present invention is especially effective in electronic
equipment comprising communication function without a large
capacity second memory device such as an internet facsimile
apparatus in view of enabling a response to various attributes of
data.
[0137] As described above, according to the present invention, in a
communication apparatus, it is possible to easily rewrite various
types of data such as a program to new one and to process various
types of data.
[0138] The present invention is not limited to the above described
embodiments, and various variations and modifications may be
possible without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0139] This application is based on the Japanese Patent Application
No.HEI10-194663 filed on Jul. 9, 1998, entire content of which is
expressly incorporated by reference herein.
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