US5291302A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Facsimile telecommunications system and method
Assignee: Catch Curve Inc
•
Filing: 1992-10-02
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Granted: 1994-03-01
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Expires: 2012-10-02
Abstract
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 mailbox as instructed by the message sender or recipient.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard J. Gordon
- 👤 James R. Kennedy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 10:17
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/32; H04N1/32358; H04N1/324; H04N1/32037; H04N1/32064; H04N1/32074; H04N1/3208; H04N1/32406; H04N1/32411; H04N1/32422; H04N1/32432; H04N1/44; H04N1/4406; H04N1/4413; H04N2201/00; H04N2201/32; H04N2201/3201; H04N2201/3212; H04N2201/3218; H04N2201/3219; H04N2201/3285; H04N2201/3295; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S379/00; Y10S379/905
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising at least one store and forward facility, means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from a transmitting facsimile machine, said store and forward facility including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, said computer means being programmed to provide a reply service allowing addressee associated with said at least one intended receiving facsimile machine to send back to the transmitting facsimile machine or a telephone number designated in an instruction received from a subscriber, a reply message which is selected from a reply service menu.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
180 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising at least one store and forward facility, means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from a transmitting facsimile machine, said store and forward facility including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, said computer means being programmed to provide a reply service allowing addressee associated with said at least one intended receiving facsimile machine to send back to the transmitting facsimile machine or a telephone number designated in an instruction received from a subscriber, a reply message which is selected from a reply service menu.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said reply service menu is a menu of standardized responses provided by the system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said reply service menu is a menu of customized responses provided by the system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said reply message is in a form of voice.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
249 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising at least one store and forward facility, means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from a transmitting facsimile machine, said store and forward facility including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, and wherein said mass storage means additionally includes mailboxes associated with particular system subscribers and wherein facsimile messages received and stored by the mass storage means and intended for receiving facsimile machines associated with those subscribers are stored in respective mailboxes, said computer means being programmed in response to instructions received from a subscriber to transmit the facsimile messages stored in that subscriber's mailbox to a paperless facsimile terminal machine designated in the instructions by the subscriber, whereby a subscriber who is away from the fixed location of his facsimile machine may have facsimile messages intended for receipt by his facsimile machine collected, and retrieve them for display on a screen from any location where said paperless facsimile terminal machine is situated.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
249 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising at least one store and forward facility, means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from a transmitting facsimile machine, said store and forward facility including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, and wherein said mass storage means additionally includes mailboxes associated with particular system subscribers and wherein facsimile messages received and stored by the mass storage means and intended for receiving facsimile machines associated with those subscribers are stored in respective mailboxes, said computer means being programmed in response to instructions received from a subscriber to transmit the facsimile messages stored in that subscriber's mailbox to a paperless facsimile terminal machine designated in the instructions by the subscriber, whereby a subscriber who is away from the fixed location of his facsimile machine may have facsimile messages intended for receipt by his facsimile machine collected, and retrieve them for display on a screen from any location where said paperless facsimile terminal machine is situated.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
121 words
The system of claim 5 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 means and a display means, 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.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 5 wherein said paperless facsimile terminal machine is also programmed to transmit outgoing facsimile message to said store and forward facility.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 5 wherein said paperless facsimile terminal machine is compatible with ordinary hardcopy machines for providing a "hard copy" of said facsimile message.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
163 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications, comprising: at least one store and forward facility, means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from a transmitting facsimile machine, said store and forward facility including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the at least one intended receiving machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one intended receiving machine, said intended receiving machine including a reader means coupled between a normal television set and a telephone line for providing communication with said store and forward facility and converting facsimile message signals received from said store and forward facility into suitable video display signals for display on the normal television set.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
163 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications, comprising: at least one store and forward facility, means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from a transmitting facsimile machine, said store and forward facility including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the at least one intended receiving machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one intended receiving machine, said intended receiving machine including a reader means coupled between a normal television set and a telephone line for providing communication with said store and forward facility and converting facsimile message signals received from said store and forward facility into suitable video display signals for display on the normal television set.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
57 words
The system of claim 9 wherein said computer means of the store and forward facility is further programmed to provide immediate-reply service, allowing a recipient to immediately send out a response to a receipt, which is selected from one of the menus with standardized replies provided by the system and with customized replies maintained in the system.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 10 wherein said immediate response message is in a form of automated-voice.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 9 wherein said computer means of the store and forward facility is programmed to support paging through sections of a document or facsimile message so that the document or facsimile message can be sequentially transmitted, section by section, or page by page, to said paperless facsimile terminal machine.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
123 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications from a store and forward facility, said system comprising: a reader means coupled between a normal television set and a telephone line for providing communication through said telephone line, said reader means including, a memory means for storing any incoming message, a processor means for controlling operation of the reader means, an input means for input of user command, and a video display generator and RF modulator means for converting facsimile messages received from a store and forward facility into display signals supplied to the ordinary television set, wherein said reader means is capable of magnifying the image on the screen of the television set by mapping a smaller segment of said memory means to the screen.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
123 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications from a store and forward facility, said system comprising: a reader means coupled between a normal television set and a telephone line for providing communication through said telephone line, said reader means including, a memory means for storing any incoming message, a processor means for controlling operation of the reader means, an input means for input of user command, and a video display generator and RF modulator means for converting facsimile messages received from a store and forward facility into display signals supplied to the ordinary television set, wherein said reader means is capable of magnifying the image on the screen of the television set by mapping a smaller segment of said memory means to the screen.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
208 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising at least one store and forward facility, means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to the switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from a transmitting facsimile machine, said store and forward facility including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions, together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, and wherein individual subscribers may be provided with unique PIN numbers, wherein individual subscriber PIN numbers are stored in the mass storage means, and wherein the store and forward facility recognizes an incoming facsimile message that is security coded by a transmitting facsimile machine and said computer means being programmed to allow communication with a paperless facsimile terminal machine for display of the facsimile message upon receipt of said paperless facsimile terminal machine of the appropriate subscriber PIN number and command.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
208 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising at least one store and forward facility, means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to the switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from a transmitting facsimile machine, said store and forward facility including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions, together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, and wherein individual subscribers may be provided with unique PIN numbers, wherein individual subscriber PIN numbers are stored in the mass storage means, and wherein the store and forward facility recognizes an incoming facsimile message that is security coded by a transmitting facsimile machine and said computer means being programmed to allow communication with a paperless facsimile terminal machine for display of the facsimile message upon receipt of said paperless facsimile terminal machine of the appropriate subscriber PIN number and command.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 14 wherein said computer means is also programmed to allow communication with said paperless facsimile terminal machine for input of facsimile message entered from said paperless facsimile terminal machine.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 14 wherein said computer means is also programmed to provide a reply service which allows a message recipient to send back a reply selected from a reply service menu.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
354 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising a plurality of geographically separate store and forward facilities, with a plurality of subscriber facsimile machines in a particular geographic area being associated with one of said store and forward facilities, means coupling each store and forward facility to the switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from any transmitting facsimile machine that is associated with each respective store and forward facility, each of said store and forward facilities including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for directly transmitting a facsimile message stored in the mass storage means to an intended receiving facsimile machine if the intended receiving facsimile machine is in the plurality of facsimile machines associated with that particular store and forward facility, and for transmitting the stored facsimile message to a particular another of the store and forward facilities when the intended receiving facsimile machine is in the plurality of facsimile machines associated with that particular another store and forward facility, and wherein the computer means of each store and forward facility is programmed such that with respect to facsimile messages received and stored in its mass storage means if the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine is busy or otherwise unable to receive a transmission at the time the store and forward facility attempts to transmit a facsimile message stored in its mass storage means, the store and forward facility periodically retries transmitting the facsimile message to the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, and said computer means being further programmed upon successful receipt of a facsimile transmission by the addressee to provide a reply service allowing addressee to send back to the transmitting facsimile machine or an instructed telephone number, a reply message which is selected from a reply service menu.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
354 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising a plurality of geographically separate store and forward facilities, with a plurality of subscriber facsimile machines in a particular geographic area being associated with one of said store and forward facilities, means coupling each store and forward facility to the switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from any transmitting facsimile machine that is associated with each respective store and forward facility, each of said store and forward facilities including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for directly transmitting a facsimile message stored in the mass storage means to an intended receiving facsimile machine if the intended receiving facsimile machine is in the plurality of facsimile machines associated with that particular store and forward facility, and for transmitting the stored facsimile message to a particular another of the store and forward facilities when the intended receiving facsimile machine is in the plurality of facsimile machines associated with that particular another store and forward facility, and wherein the computer means of each store and forward facility is programmed such that with respect to facsimile messages received and stored in its mass storage means if the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine is busy or otherwise unable to receive a transmission at the time the store and forward facility attempts to transmit a facsimile message stored in its mass storage means, the store and forward facility periodically retries transmitting the facsimile message to the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, and said computer means being further programmed upon successful receipt of a facsimile transmission by the addressee to provide a reply service allowing addressee to send back to the transmitting facsimile machine or an instructed telephone number, a reply message which is selected from a reply service menu.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system of claim 17 wherein the computer means of each store and forward facility is additionally programmed to establish a linked queue in its mass storage means spooling all stored facsimile messages intended for a particular receiving facsimile machine, and transmitting all spooled facsimile messages intended for that particular receiving facsimile machine upon successfully making contact with the intended receiving facsimile machine.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
100 words
The system of claim 17 wherein the computer means of each store and forward facility is programmed, upon being unsuccessful in making a transmission to an intended receiving facsimile machine, to transmit a message to the transmitting facsimile machine or to another store and forward facility having the transmitting facsimile machine associated therewith for passing the message to the transmitting facsimile machine, indicating that the message has been entered into the mass storage means at the store and forward facility, and at least also indicating the reason for a delay in transmitting the message to the intended receiving facsimile machine.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
84 words
The system of claim 17 wherein each store and forward facility includes means for receiving broadcast instructions from a user at a transmitting facsimile machine and associating those broadcast instructions with a facsimile message received from the transmitting facsimile machine and stored in the mass storage means, and for transmitting the stored facsimile message to a plurality of receiving facsimile machines, either directly or through other store and forward facilities having the intended receiving facsimile machines associated therewith, in accordance with the broadcast instructions.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
376 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising a plurality of geographically separated store and forward facilities, with a plurality of subscriber facsimile machines in a particular geographic area being associated with one of said store and forward facilities, means coupling each store and forward facility to the switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from any transmitting facsimile machine that is associated with each respective store and forward facility, each of said store and forward facilities including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for directly transmitting a facsimile message stored in the mass storage means to an intended receiving facsimile machine if the intended receiving facsimile machine is in the plurality of facsimile machines associated with that particular store and forward facility, and for transmitting the stored facsimile message to a particular another of the store and forward facilities when the intended receiving facsimile machine is in the plurality of facsimile machines associated with that particular another store and forward facility and wherein said mass storage means of at least one of the store and forward facilities additionally includes mailboxes associated with particular system subscribers and wherein facsimile messages received and stored by the mass storage means and intended for receiving facsimile machines associated with those subscribers are stored in the respective mailboxes, said store and forward facility being responsive to instructions received from a subscriber to transmit the facsimile messages stored in that subscriber's mailbox to a paperless facsimile terminal machine designated in the instructions by the subscriber, said paperless terminal being able to communicate with said store and forward facility in both computer communication mode and facsimile communication mode, whereby a subscriber who is away from the fixed location of his facsimile machine may have facsimile messages intended for receipt by his facsimile machine collected, and retrieve them for display on a screen from any location where any said paperless facsimile terminal machine is situated.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
376 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising a plurality of geographically separated store and forward facilities, with a plurality of subscriber facsimile machines in a particular geographic area being associated with one of said store and forward facilities, means coupling each store and forward facility to the switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from any transmitting facsimile machine that is associated with each respective store and forward facility, each of said store and forward facilities including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the at least one intended receiving facsimile machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for directly transmitting a facsimile message stored in the mass storage means to an intended receiving facsimile machine if the intended receiving facsimile machine is in the plurality of facsimile machines associated with that particular store and forward facility, and for transmitting the stored facsimile message to a particular another of the store and forward facilities when the intended receiving facsimile machine is in the plurality of facsimile machines associated with that particular another store and forward facility and wherein said mass storage means of at least one of the store and forward facilities additionally includes mailboxes associated with particular system subscribers and wherein facsimile messages received and stored by the mass storage means and intended for receiving facsimile machines associated with those subscribers are stored in the respective mailboxes, said store and forward facility being responsive to instructions received from a subscriber to transmit the facsimile messages stored in that subscriber's mailbox to a paperless facsimile terminal machine designated in the instructions by the subscriber, said paperless terminal being able to communicate with said store and forward facility in both computer communication mode and facsimile communication mode, whereby a subscriber who is away from the fixed location of his facsimile machine may have facsimile messages intended for receipt by his facsimile machine collected, and retrieve them for display on a screen from any location where any said paperless facsimile terminal machine is situated.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
298 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising a plurality of geographically separated store and forward facilities, with a plurality of subscriber facsimile machines in a particular geographic area being associated with one of said store and forward facilities, means coupling each store and forward facility to the switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from any transmitting facsimile machine that is associated with each respective store and forward facility, each of said store and forward facilities including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for directly transmitting a facsimile message stored in a mass storage means to an intended receiving facsimile machine if the receiving facsimile machine is in the plurality of facsimile machines associated with that particular store and forward facility, and for transmitting the stored facsimile message to a particular another of the store and forward facilities when the intended receiving facsimile machine is in the plurality of facsimile machines associated with that particular another store and forward facility and wherein individual subscribers may be provided with unique PIN numbers, wherein individual subscriber PIN numbers are stored in the mass storage means of the store and forward facility having the facsimile machines of those individual subscribers associated therewith, and wherein the store and forward facility recognizes an incoming facsimile machine, and said computer means is programmed to allow communication with a paperless facsimile terminal machine for display of the facsimile message at said paperless facsimile terminal machine upon receipt of the appropriate subscriber PIN number and command.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
298 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising a plurality of geographically separated store and forward facilities, with a plurality of subscriber facsimile machines in a particular geographic area being associated with one of said store and forward facilities, means coupling each store and forward facility to the switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from any transmitting facsimile machine that is associated with each respective store and forward facility, each of said store and forward facilities including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for directly transmitting a facsimile message stored in a mass storage means to an intended receiving facsimile machine if the receiving facsimile machine is in the plurality of facsimile machines associated with that particular store and forward facility, and for transmitting the stored facsimile message to a particular another of the store and forward facilities when the intended receiving facsimile machine is in the plurality of facsimile machines associated with that particular another store and forward facility and wherein individual subscribers may be provided with unique PIN numbers, wherein individual subscriber PIN numbers are stored in the mass storage means of the store and forward facility having the facsimile machines of those individual subscribers associated therewith, and wherein the store and forward facility recognizes an incoming facsimile machine, and said computer means is programmed to allow communication with a paperless facsimile terminal machine for display of the facsimile message at said paperless facsimile terminal machine upon receipt of the appropriate subscriber PIN number and command.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
179 words
A method for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising the step of providing at least one store and forward facility having computer means for controlling its operation and having mass storage means for storing facsimile messages, coupling the at least one store and forward facility to the 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 and the intended receiving facsimile machines and including the step that if an intended receiving facsimile machine is busy or otherwise unavailable to receive at the time the at least one store and forward facility attempts contact to transmit a facsimile message, of periodically retrying to transmit the facsimile message to the intended receiving facsimile machine, and the step, upon successful receipt of a facsimile transmission by the addressee, of providing a reply service menu for transmitting a message selected from said menu to the transmitting facsimile machine or an instructed telephone number.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
179 words
A method for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising the step of providing at least one store and forward facility having computer means for controlling its operation and having mass storage means for storing facsimile messages, coupling the at least one store and forward facility to the 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 and the intended receiving facsimile machines and including the step that if an intended receiving facsimile machine is busy or otherwise unavailable to receive at the time the at least one store and forward facility attempts contact to transmit a facsimile message, of periodically retrying to transmit the facsimile message to the intended receiving facsimile machine, and the step, upon successful receipt of a facsimile transmission by the addressee, of providing a reply service menu for transmitting a message selected from said menu to the transmitting facsimile machine or an instructed telephone number.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
183 words
A method for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising the step of providing at least one store and forward facility having computer means for controlling its operation 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 and the intended receiving facsimile machine, and transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to intended receiving facsimile machines, and including the step of defining mailboxes in the mass storage means associated with particular system subscriber, and including the step of storing facsimile messages intended for those particular system subscribers in their respective mailboxes, and further including the step, in response to instructions received from a system subscriber, of transmitting facsimile messages stored in that subscriber's mailbox to a paperless facsimile terminal machine designated by that subscriber in the instructions for display on a screen.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
183 words
A method for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising the step of providing at least one store and forward facility having computer means for controlling its operation 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 and the intended receiving facsimile machine, and transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to intended receiving facsimile machines, and including the step of defining mailboxes in the mass storage means associated with particular system subscriber, and including the step of storing facsimile messages intended for those particular system subscribers in their respective mailboxes, and further including the step, in response to instructions received from a system subscriber, of transmitting facsimile messages stored in that subscriber's mailbox to a paperless facsimile terminal machine designated by that subscriber in the instructions for display on a screen.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
209 words
A method for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising the step of providing at least one store and forward facility having computer means for controlling its operation 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 and the intended receiving machine, and transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to intended receiving facsimile machines, and including the step of providing subscribers with unique individual PIN numbers, storing the individual PIN numbers in the mass storage means, recognizing an incoming facsimile massage from a transmitting facsimile machine which has been security coded, transmitting to the intended facsimile machine for the security coded message a message indicating that the store and forward facility is holding a security code message, and transmitting to a paperless facsimile terminal machine the security coded message for display on a screen only after receipt by the store and forward facility from said paperless facsimile terminal machine of the unique PIN number of a subscriber.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
209 words
A method for facilitating facsimile communications between a transmitting facsimile machine and at least one intended receiving facsimile machine, comprising the step of providing at least one store and forward facility having computer means for controlling its operation 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 and the intended receiving machine, and transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to intended receiving facsimile machines, and including the step of providing subscribers with unique individual PIN numbers, storing the individual PIN numbers in the mass storage means, recognizing an incoming facsimile massage from a transmitting facsimile machine which has been security coded, transmitting to the intended facsimile machine for the security coded message a message indicating that the store and forward facility is holding a security code message, and transmitting to a paperless facsimile terminal machine the security coded message for display on a screen only after receipt by the store and forward facility from said paperless facsimile terminal machine of the unique PIN number of a subscriber.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
243 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between transmitting facsimile machines including at least one paperless facsimile machine, and intended receiving facsimile machines including at least one paperless facsimile terminal machine, comprising at least one store and forward facility, means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from the at least one transmitting paperless facsimile terminal machine, said store and forward facility including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions, together with information identifying the transmitting paperless facsimile terminal machine and the at least one intended receiving paperless facsimile terminal machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one intended receiving paperless facsimile terminal machine, and wherein said mass storage means additionally includes mailboxes associated with particular system subscribers and wherein facsimile messages received and stored by the mass storage means and intended for receiving paperless facsimile terminal machines associated with those subscribers are stored in the respective mailboxes, said store and forward facility being programmed to communicate with the paperless facsimile terminal machines 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 receiving paperless facsimile terminal machine for display on a display screen.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
243 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between transmitting facsimile machines including at least one paperless facsimile machine, and intended receiving facsimile machines including at least one paperless facsimile terminal machine, comprising at least one store and forward facility, means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from the at least one transmitting paperless facsimile terminal machine, said store and forward facility including computer means for controlling its operation and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions, together with information identifying the transmitting paperless facsimile terminal machine and the at least one intended receiving paperless facsimile terminal machine under control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to at least one intended receiving paperless facsimile terminal machine, and wherein said mass storage means additionally includes mailboxes associated with particular system subscribers and wherein facsimile messages received and stored by the mass storage means and intended for receiving paperless facsimile terminal machines associated with those subscribers are stored in the respective mailboxes, said store and forward facility being programmed to communicate with the paperless facsimile terminal machines 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 receiving paperless facsimile terminal machine for display on a display screen.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system of claim 26 wherein said receiving paperless facsimile terminal machine can also be used to enter a response message without the need to exit the system.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system of claim 26 wherein said intended receiving facsimile machines includes at least one voice mail box means for storing voice mail message.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system of claim 28 further including means for converting facsimile messages into voice mail messages and directing said converted voice message to said voice mail box means as instructed by message sender or recipient.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
163 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between transmitting facsimile machines and intended receiving facsimile machines which includes at least one voice mailbox means for receiving voice message, comprising at least one store and forward facility, means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from the transmitting facsimile machine, said store and forward facility including computer means for controlling its operations and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions, together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machines and the at least one voice mailbox means under the control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means for converting facsimile message into voice mail message, said store and forward facility further including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to intended receiving facsimile machines and transmitting said converted voice mail messages to said at least one voice mailbox means.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
163 words
A system for facilitating facsimile communications between transmitting facsimile machines and intended receiving facsimile machines which includes at least one voice mailbox means for receiving voice message, comprising at least one store and forward facility, means coupling the at least one store and forward facility to a switched telephone network for receiving transmissions from the transmitting facsimile machine, said store and forward facility including computer means for controlling its operations and including mass storage means for storing facsimile transmissions, together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machines and the at least one voice mailbox means under the control of said computer means, said store and forward facility also including means for converting facsimile message into voice mail message, said store and forward facility further including means coupling it to the switched telephone network for transmitting facsimile messages stored in the mass storage means to intended receiving facsimile machines and transmitting said converted voice mail messages to said at least one voice mailbox means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
56 words
A system in accordance with claim 30, wherein said mass storage means includes mailboxes associated with particular system subscribers and wherein said facsimile messages received and stored by the mass storage means and intended for receiving facsimile machines including said at least one voice mailbox means associated with those subscribers are stored in the respective mailboxes.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system in accordance with claim 30 wherein said transmitting facsimile machines and intended receiving facsimile machines includes at least one paperless facsimile terminal means for displaying facsimile message on a screen.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system in accordance with claim 30 further including means for providing immediate reply service for facsimile message recipient.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
176 words
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 transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the receiving facsimile machine, and a coupling means for coupling the store and forward facility to a receiving transmission network for receiving facsimile transmissions from the transmitting facsimile machine and for coupling the store and forward facility to a forwarding transmission network for transmitting facsimile transmissions to the receiving facsimile machine, wherein said receiving facsimile machine includes, at least, a coupling means for coupling said receiving facsimile machine between the forwarding transmission network and a normal television set, a communication means for communicating with said store and forward facility through the forwarding transmission network, and a conversion means for converting facsimile signals received from said store and forward facility into suitable video display signals for display on the normal television set.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
176 words
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 transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the receiving facsimile machine, and a coupling means for coupling the store and forward facility to a receiving transmission network for receiving facsimile transmissions from the transmitting facsimile machine and for coupling the store and forward facility to a forwarding transmission network for transmitting facsimile transmissions to the receiving facsimile machine, wherein said receiving facsimile machine includes, at least, a coupling means for coupling said receiving facsimile machine between the forwarding transmission network and a normal television set, a communication means for communicating with said store and forward facility through the forwarding transmission network, and a conversion means for converting facsimile signals received from said store and forward facility into suitable video display signals for display on the normal television set.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
17 words
System of claim 34, wherein the forwarding transmission network includes, at least, a public switched telephone network.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
20 words
System of claim 34, wherein the receiving transmission network and the forwarding transmission network are the public switched telephone network.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
132 words
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 transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the receiving facsimile machine, and a coupling means for coupling the store and forward facility to a receiving transmission network for receiving facsimile transmissions from the transmitting facsimile machine and for coupling the store and forward facility to a forwarding transmission network for transmitting facsimile transmissions 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 transmissions.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
132 words
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 transmissions together with information identifying the transmitting facsimile machine and the receiving facsimile machine, and a coupling means for coupling the store and forward facility to a receiving transmission network for receiving facsimile transmissions from the transmitting facsimile machine and for coupling the store and forward facility to a forwarding transmission network for transmitting facsimile transmissions 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 transmissions.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
System of claim 37, wherein said personal computer means includes, at least, means for communicating with said store and forward facility through a computer communication mode.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
System of claim 37, wherein the receiving transmission network and the forwarding transmission network are the public switched telephone network.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-02-28 | 1997-08-30 | 1998-03-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-02-28 | 2001-08-30 | 2002-03-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-02-28 | 2005-08-30 | 2006-03-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |