MFP Fax Emulation via Mail Transfer Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing integration of fax and email functionalities in office environments is inefficient due to the need for dedicated hardware and lines for both PSTN and Internet access, leading to high costs and underutilization of capacity, as well as time-consuming processes for accessing and selecting destination addresses in multiple-function peripherals.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that enable multiple-function peripherals to communicate documents via email applications, using a mail transfer agent to generate destination addresses and apply message processing controls, allowing for fax emulation or local area network fax modes, and converting documents into image format files for transmission over the PSTN through a fax server, eliminating the need for dedicated fax modems and reducing the requirement for dual sets of dedicated lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated T1/E1 lines are used for both PSTN fax and Internet access, then reliable communication is ensured, but the cost increases and line capacity is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single data network connection to serve multiple functions: both Internet access and PSTN fax transmission. The fax server receives faxes from the PSTN and converts them to email messages that can be transmitted over the existing data network, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated fax line while maintaining both communication capabilities through one universal connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the previously separate PSTN fax transmission path and data network email transmission path into a unified system. By converting fax messages to email format and transmitting them over the data network, the system combines both communication functions into a single infrastructure, reducing the number of dedicated lines required from two to one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple-function peripherals are used with integrated network interfaces, then device functionality is enhanced, but the process of accessing and selecting destination addresses becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically generating destination email addresses from the fax destination number without requiring manual intervention. The fax server extracts the destination information from the incoming fax, converts it to an appropriate email address format, and routes the message automatically, eliminating the need for operators to manually access address books or select destinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fax server acts as an intermediary between the multiple-function peripheral and the email system. It receives the fax message, automatically processes the destination information, generates the appropriate email address, and forwards the converted message, thereby bridging the gap between fax and email systems without requiring manual address selection.
3Reliability
If dedicated hardware is used for interfacing with the PSTN, then fax functionality is ensured, but the expense and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fax transmission system with an electronic/email-based system. Instead of using dedicated fax modems and PSTN interface hardware, the system converts fax messages to email format and transmits them over the existing data network infrastructure, substituting complex dedicated fax hardware with simpler software-based conversion and standard network communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the existing data network infrastructure to serve dual purposes: both Internet access and fax transmission. By converting fax messages to email format, the same network interfaces and communication protocols used for Internet traffic can also handle fax transmission, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fax hardware and interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes telephone and packet-switched network interfaces and a translator. The translator receives messages. Outgoing messages originate from a multiple-function peripheral (MFP) and are received via a transfer agent (TA). Outgoing e-mail messages include an attached file in an image file format. The translator removes and delivers the attachment in facsimile format. Incoming fax messages are attached to an e-mail message. The TA receives and relays the e-mail message to an identified MFP, which discards the e-mail message and prints the attachment. A method for processing fax messages includes associating an identifier with a MFP, receiving a fax intended for the MFP, generating an e-mail message with an attachment representing the fax and communicating the e-mail message to a transfer agent that relays the e-mail to the MFP, which discards the e-mail body and prints the attachment.