JPH04287563A - Facsimile server - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a FAX transmission data from being deleted in error by not acquiring information of a data storage section in a server at a client device but identifying and storing each information into the data storage section. CONSTITUTION:An exclusive control execution section 10 selects one of client devices 1 so that they do not make accessing simultaneously and controls the selected client device to be accessed to an identification file name generating section 11 and generates a file name so as not to be in duplicate with other data with respect to the data received from an execution section 10. The file name is given to the data received by a data storage processing section 7 and stores the result to a data storage section 9. A facsimile data processing section 8 sends the stored data to the destination. Thus, the operability is improved and misoperation is avoided.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention utilizes a LAN (Local Area Network), etc., and uses a nearby personal computer as a communication terminal to perform a facsimile function among the server functions that utilize a host computer and devices connected to it. The present invention relates to a facsimile server device.

0002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, with the development of information processing devices and the increasing sophistication of the functions of communication devices, many devices have been seen that provide various services by combining multiple information processing devices and related devices. Office automation is being achieved using such devices. The device described below also uses multiple information processing devices to perform facsimile (
(hereinafter referred to as FAX) service.

[0003] A conventional facsimile server device will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional facsimile server device. In the figure, 61 is a client device such as a laptop computer device that each user owns, and 62 is a server device such as a host computer, minicomputer, or high-performance workstation used by the entire section. Reference numeral 5 denotes a transmission actual data section in the client device 61 that stores fax transmission manuscript data created using a text creation function, etc.; 4 a control information section 63 that stores information on destinations to be sent by fax; and 63 is a data transmitting unit 66 that transmits information such as FAX transmission manuscript data to the server device 62 side;
is in the server information 62 and is a data receiving section that receives information transmitted from the data transmitting section 63; 9 is a data storage section that stores the received information; 8 is information stored in the data storage section 9. along with the specified data to the specified address.
A FAX data processing unit 72 equipped with an AX transmission function sends information to the data storage unit 9 on the server device 62.
A storage information acquisition unit 73 is a storage information providing unit that provides information of the data storage unit 9 to the storage information acquisition unit 72, which acquires information as to whether X transmission data information exists.

[0005] The mutual relationship and operation of each of the above components will be explained. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of a conventional facsimile server device. As shown in the figure, in step 1, the user first inputs information such as a fax transmission destination (telephone number and destination name) into the client device 61, and then inputs a scheduled fax transmission time. The above information is stored in the control information section 4. Next, in step 2, the user specifies the file name of the fax transmission document that the user wants to fax. At this time, it is checked whether the specified file exists in the actual transmission data section 5. The transmission actual data section 5 is a recording device for storing files such as a floppy disk or a hard disk device in the client device 61, or a temporary storage device for temporarily storing data such as RAM of the client device 61. Next, in step 3, in order to transfer the information stored in the control information section 4 and the transmission actual data section 5 to the data storage section 9 on the server device 62 side, first, the information currently stored in the data storage section 9 on the server side is transferred. It is necessary to obtain information about the file name that is being used. For this purpose, the storage information providing section 73 and the storage information acquisition section 72 are activated, and the file name information stored in the data storage section 9 is transferred from the storage information providing section 73 of the server device 62 to the storage information acquisition section of the client device 61. 7
Sent to 2. To achieve this function, methods such as obtaining information on the other party using a dedicated command or using normal network commands are used. Then, in step 4, to avoid erasing the information already stored in the data storage section 9, a file name different from the stored information (save as a file) is selected, and the file name when stored on the server side is selected. is set, and in step 5, from the data transmitter 63 to the data receiver 66,
The control information and FAX transmission manuscript data are transferred, and in step 6, each piece of information is stored in the data storage unit 9 under the set file name for storage on the server side. Finally, in step 7, based on the information stored in the data storage section 9, the FAX data processing section 8 transmits a FAX to the transmission destination at the specified time. After the FAX transmission is completed, the FAX data processing unit 8 writes the transmission file information of the FAX data processing result to a FAX history file (not shown), and saves it with the FAX transmission control information for the current FAX transmission in the data storage unit 9. , delete the fax transmission original data.

[0006]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In such conventional facsimile server devices, it is difficult to send FAX information to the server device 62.
When transferring data to the server device 62 side, the data storage unit 9
It was necessary to obtain information on For example, if you transfer information without obtaining a file name to be given to the information stored in the data storage unit 9, the information will be transferred to the data storage unit 62 with the same file name as a file name that was executed in the past by another person or yourself. There is a risk of it being stored. In other words, if you request a fax to be sent one hour from now, but someone else requests another fax with the same file name before the fax is actually sent, the previous information will be deleted. There is a danger of getting lost. This risk is even higher in an office because it is assumed that the client device will be used by multiple users (including many people who are not familiar with computers).

[0007] The present invention solves the above problem, and has a function of identifying and storing each piece of information in the data storage unit in the server device without the client device acquiring the information in the data storage unit. It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile server device that does not erase fax transmission data or the like by mistake.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a data receiving unit that receives facsimile transmission data and accompanying control information transmitted from a plurality of client devices, and a data receiving unit that receives facsimile transmission data and accompanying control information transmitted from a plurality of client devices, and provides information to the received data. an identification file name generation unit that generates a unique file name; an exclusive control execution unit that controls access that a client device of the device makes to the identification file name generation unit; and a storage process for the data using the file name. a data storage processing section, a data storage section that stores the data, and a facsimile data processing section that sends transmission data in the stored data to a destination according to its control information; Control is performed so that one device is selected and accessed to the identification file name generation section so that the devices do not access it at the same time, and the identification file name generation section transfers data received by the data reception section to other received data. Assume that the facsimile server device is trying to give a unique file name that does not overlap with the following.

[0009]

[Operation] In the above configuration, the present invention controls the exclusive control execution unit to prevent a plurality of client devices from accessing the identification file name generation unit at the same time, and the identification file name generation unit controls the data received from the client devices by other means. Generate a file name that does not overlap with the data. The data storage processing unit assigns a file name to the received data and stores it in the storage unit. The facsimile data processing unit sends the stored data to the destination.

0010

Embodiments (Embodiment 1) A facsimile server apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile server device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure,
Reference numeral 1 indicates a client device, one installed for each user, and 2 indicates a server device 4, one or more installed in each section. It is assumed that the operating system controlling the computer 2 has a multitasking function that allows multiple tasks to be executed simultaneously.However, the client device does not necessarily need to have an operating system that can implement the multitasking function.) Control information section, 5 is a transmission actual data section, 3 is a data transmitting section, 6 is a data receiving section, 9 is a data storage section, 8 is a FAX data processing section, 11 is an identification file name for determining the file name of the received information A generation unit 10 is an exclusive control execution unit that limits access to the identification file name generation unit 11 to one client device, and 7 is a data storage unit that manages data using file names and stores the data in the data storage unit 9. This is the processing section.

The mutual relationship and operation of the above-mentioned components will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the facsimile server device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in step 1, the user first inputs information such as a FAX destination (telephone number and destination name) to the client device 1. Next, enter the scheduled time for sending the fax. The above information is stored in the control information section 4.
is stored in Next, in step 3, the user specifies the file name of the FAX transmission document data created using a document creation function or the like. At this time, it is checked whether the specified file actually exists in the transmission actual data section 5. The transmission actual data section 5 exists in a storage device such as a floppy disk or a hard disk device in the client device 1, or a temporary storage device such as a RAM that temporarily stores data.

Next, in step 3, a transfer request is issued to the server side in order to transfer the aforementioned control information and information on the FAX transmission document data to the data storage unit 9 on the server device 2 side. (To simplify the explanation, it is assumed here that there is only one server device. Also, the destination of the server device is known.) Next, in step 4, the server device 2 receives a transfer request from the client device 1. When storing received and transferred information, the identification file name generation unit 11 is first activated to generate a file name in order to give it a unique name within the server device 2. (The method of generating a unique name will be explained later.) There must be only one access to the identification file name generation unit 11 within the server device 2 (the reason will be explained later). Therefore, this identification file name When requesting processing to the generation unit 11, the exclusive control execution unit 10 is also activated. Once the unique file name is determined, the process moves to the next step 5, and since there is no need to perform exclusive control anymore, the exclusive control execution unit 10
The processing of the identification file name generation unit 11 is also stopped. This unique file name information is owned by the data storage processing unit 7. Then, it notifies the client device 1 that preparations for the transfer request from the client device 1 have been completed.

Next, in step 6, the control information and fax transmission document data are transferred from the client device 1 to the server device 2, and the process proceeds to step 7. Store at 9. Finally, in step 8, the FAX data processing unit 8 uses the information stored in the data storage unit 9 to send a FAX to the specified destination at the specified time.
After transmission is complete, write the transmission file information of the FAX data processing result to a FAX history file (not shown), etc.
Delete the FAX transmission control information that has just been faxed and the FAX transmission manuscript data in the data storage section 9.

The reason why there must be only one access to the identification file name generation unit 11 within the server device 2 will be explained below. In the first embodiment, the number of server devices 2 is one, and the number of client devices is not limited. That is, F is sent from multiple client devices 1a, ab... (not shown) at the same time.
It is assumed that a request for AX service will come. Therefore, even if a plurality of requests can be made at the same time, the server device 2 needs to have the ability to simultaneously provide a plurality of services in response to the plurality of requests. Assume now that requests are received from two client devices 1a and 1b at the same time. In order to cope with this, the server device 2 side is provided with data receiving sections 6a and 6b (not shown) in order to provide services to two parties at the same time. There are also two data storage processing units for each data reception device 6a, 6b (data storage processing units 7a, 7b (not shown)). However, it is necessary to generate mutually unique foul names for each transfer request. therefore,
It is necessary to limit access to this identification file name generating section 11 to only one within the server device 2, and to perform exclusive control only in the portion where the file name is determined. Note that in this example, two data receiving units are provided in order to simultaneously realize requests from two locations, but this number can be set according to the server device 2. However, even if a large number of servers are created, there is a limit to the ability of the main body of the server device 2 to provide services. Furthermore, this data receiving section 6 may be configured to delete all but one processing section when the processing for the others is completed (within the set limit number, only when a transfer request is received, the data receiving section 6 is deleted). 6.) In the embodiment of number 1, the client device 1 side and the server device 2
There are the following means for communicating between the parties. RS232C
There are those that use cables and cables such as GPIB, those that use modems, those that use LAN, and those that use wireless communication (radio waves, light, etc.).

[0015] For example, the means for generating the identification file name is constructed as follows. Only one numerical information file is provided in the server device 2 as source data for generating an identification file name. This numerical information file stores numbers up to a certain digit (for example, 5 digits). When installing a new FAX server device, the value 0 is stored in this file. From now on, whenever this numerical information file is accessed, the rule is to always store information with 1 added. (However, only one can access this numerical information file.) With this configuration, a 5-digit decimal number can take values up to 99999. If the configuration is such that the number returns to 0 after reaching 99999, it is possible to identify about 10 days' worth of tasks even if one FAX transmission request is accepted every minute. By increasing the number of digits or changing the information handled from decimal numeric information to information containing alphabetic characters, etc., the number of items that can be identified increases dramatically. With such a simple method, you can generate a file name that will become the basis of an identification file name. However, this numerical information file needs to be realized by a recording device such as a hard disk that has a function of retaining information even when the server device 2 is powered off. Otherwise, it would start from 0 every time and it would be impossible to create a unique file name. Time information can also be used as another means. However, when using time information, the person who maintains and manages the server device 2 needs to always set the time information correctly. In addition,
The information inside the data storage section 9 is also configured to remain in a storage device such as a hard disk drive so that it will not be erased even if the power is turned off.

Furthermore, the components of the identification file name require information that can distinguish the unique file name, control information, and FAX transmission original data. Also, FAX
When multiple files are specified at the same time as transmission original data, it is necessary to be able to distinguish between them. An example is shown in (Table 1). (Table 1) is the identification file name

001
7]

[Table 1]

[0018] This is a table showing file names created by the generator. In Table 1, the unique file name is stored in the file name field 14, and the file type is stored in the file type name field 15. Furthermore, assuming that a similar service other than the FAX service is shared, the type of service is stored in the service name field 13. For FAX, enter F. Furthermore, if numerical information is used as the means for composing the unique file name, the information in the file name field 14 will be 0000.
1,00002...In addition, the information representing the control information is C, the information representing the actual data that is the fax transmission document is D, and if there are multiple contents for the same C or D, then Add serial number to . (If you want to specify multiple destinations at the same time, multiple control information for C exists,
When it is desired to send a plurality of files to one destination, a plurality of pieces of data information of D exist. Therefore, it is also possible to send multiple files to multiple destinations. ) By generating identification file names in this manner, the FAX data processing unit 8 can appropriately process files as required.

The FAX transmission management table shown in (Table 2) is configured for the FAX data processing section 8 to perform FAX transmission.

[0020]

[Table 2]

[0021] In addition to storing the relevant information from the data storage processing unit 7 to the data storage unit 9, the FA of this (Table 2)
The information in the X transmission management table is created as a FAX transmission request file, and processes such as additions and deletions to this information are performed as necessary. In this fax transmission management table,
Information on a transmission time 33, a control information file 34, and a transmission file 35 is stored. Further, the transmission times 33 are sorted and stored in ascending order of time information. Therefore, the FAX data processing unit 8 compares the information of the first transmission time 33 of this table information with the current time, and sends the FAX only when the current time is the same or has passed the set time. All you have to do is process it. When the FAX transmission process ends normally, or when some trouble occurs, the transmission completion information or trouble information is written to a FAX history file or the like, and the corresponding data is deleted from the FAX transmission management table.

[0022]Furthermore, F sent from the client device side
In addition to text character data edited using a document creation function, the AX transmission manuscript data may be image data captured using an image scanner or the like. Server device 2
It is only necessary to have a function to identify these data on the side and convert them into data necessary for FAX transmission. Data format information may be stored in the control information section 4 as needed.

Furthermore, the file name created by the identification file name generation unit 11 may be configured to be sent back to the client device 1 side when necessary. The client device 1 is stored in the data storage section 9 on the server device 2 side.
When the client device 1 needs to know the file name under which the data transferred from the client device 1 is registered, a device that can meet this request can be provided.

(Embodiment 2) A facsimile server apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration when there are a plurality of server devices shown in FIG. 3; In the figure, 2 is a first server device, and 22 is a second server device. (It is assumed that the client side has a plurality of devices as in the first embodiment. However, the figure shows a case where there is only one client device for simplicity.) A data transmitting unit equivalent to the example, 6 a first data receiving unit in the first server device 2, 26 a second data receiving unit in the second server device 22, 20 information on a plurality of server devices This is a server information table that includes the following information.

As shown in the figure, when a plurality of server devices exist, the following control becomes possible, for example. As in the first embodiment, the client device prepares data related to the FAX transmission request, and also sends data to the data transmitter 3.
issues a transfer request to the first server device 2 listed in the server information table 20. At this time, the first
There are cases where the server device is accepting a large number of transfer requests from others and cannot handle any more requests. In such a case, the data transmitter 3 transmits data within a specified time (for example, 1
If no response is received within approximately 0 seconds), the server device 2
is in a state where it cannot be processed, and issues a transfer request to the second server device 22 listed in the server information table 20. With this configuration, when a particular server device is under load,
It can be configured to request another server device to perform processing in place of a server device that cannot respond due to a failure or the like. Having two or more server devices in the same section,
By configuring it so that it can be shared with other sections,
It is possible to provide a FAX server device that can handle troubles such as breakdowns or when processing is concentrated on one side.

[0026] Furthermore, if there are multiple server devices,
As another configuration, it is also possible to configure so that the load is distributed between the server devices. That is, the transfer request from the client side and the FAX data processing are divided, each server device receives the transfer request, and the data storage unit 9
After storing each information in
Search for the X data processing section 8, and find the vacant FAX processing section F.
It can also be configured to perform AX transmission. When configured in this way, it is easier to operate if the data storage section 9 is configured so that only one exists among the plurality of server devices 2. In addition, each data storage section 9 has control information and fax transmission manuscript data, and in addition to the information in the fax transmission management table in (Table 1), information indicating which server device the data resides in is added. (However, this FA
If only one X transmission management table exists in a plurality of server devices), the object of the invention can be achieved.

As described above, according to the facsimile server device of the embodiment of the present invention, there is an identification file name generation unit that generates a unique file name for data from a client device, and only one of a plurality of client devices. and an exclusive control execution unit that accesses the identification file name generation unit, and by giving data from the client a file name that does not overlap with other data, the client device side can check other file names and overlap them. This eliminates the need to assign unique file names, improving operability.

[0028]

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above embodiments, the present invention includes a data receiving section that receives facsimile transmission data and accompanying control information transmitted from a plurality of client devices, and a unique file to be given to the received data. an identification file name generation unit that generates a name, an exclusive control execution unit that controls access that the plurality of client devices make to the identification file name generation unit, and a data storage process that stores the data with the file name. a data storage section for storing the data; and a facsimile data processing section for transmitting transmission data in the stored data to a destination according to its control information; The identification file name generation unit selects one file and controls the access to the identification file name generation unit so as not to access it at the same time, and the identification file name generation unit overlaps the data received by the data reception unit with other received data. By using a facsimile server device that assigns a unique file name that does not overlap, the client device must check other file names and assign a file name that does not overlap, which improves operability and reduces the possibility of misoperation. You don't have to worry about it anymore.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile server device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the facsimile server device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile server device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 4] Block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional facsimile server device

[Fig. 5] Flowchart showing the operation of a conventional facsimile server device

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Client device 2 Facsimile server device 6 Data receiving section 7 Data storage processing section 9 Data storage department 10 Exclusive control execution unit 11 Identification file name generation section

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A data receiving unit that receives facsimile transmission data and accompanying control information transmitted from a plurality of client devices; an identification file name generation unit that generates a unique file name to be given to the received data; an exclusive control execution unit that controls access made by a client to the identification file name generation unit; a data storage processing unit that stores the data with the file name;
The exclusive control execution unit includes a data storage unit that stores the data, and a facsimile data processing unit that transmits transmission data in the stored data to a destination according to its control information, and the exclusive control execution unit prevents multiple client devices from accessing the data at the same time. The identification file name generation unit selects one file to access the identification file name generation unit, and the identification file name generation unit selects one file for the data received by the data reception unit, which is the only file that does not overlap with other received data. A facsimile server device that is given a name.