CA2292824C

CA2292824C - Image data communications device and method

Info

Publication number: CA2292824C
Application number: CA2292824A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Hidehiko Ogawa
Original assignee: Panasonic Communications Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic System Solutions Japan Co Ltd
Priority date: 1999-03-04
Filing date: 1999-12-17
Publication date: 2010-02-23
Anticipated expiration: 2019-12-17
Also published as: EP1033865A3; US20040184093A1; EP1033865B8; US20040184087A1; US20040184095A1; US20040184085A1; US20040184092A1; US20040184089A1; US7190479B2; US7142323B2; US20040184086A1; US20040184084A1; US20040184090A1; EP1033865A2; US7139092B2; US7068390B2; JP2000253201A; US6710894B1; CA2292824A1; JP3461750B2

Abstract

A communications device for sending image data through E-mail includes: an image data creator, an image data sending system that sends the image data according to an E-mail message transfer protocol, a register for registering multiple identifications of a transmitter, and a sending system that selects at least one identification of the transmitter. When the image data is sent by E-mail over the Internet, an identification of the transmitter can be set at a transmitter side depending on an operator's intention and a recipient can identify a transmitter before opening a file attached to received data. When the recipient replies to the mail with a reply function of a mail browsing software, the reply mail can reach an intended address.

Description

P18454.S01 IMAGE DATA COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE
AND METHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image data communications device utilizing a communications apparatus such as a network facsimile apparatus, and a method of communicating the image data.

2. Background Information When a user sends data through a facsimile machine, the data generally contains a transmitter's identification. The transmitter's identification is usually registered at the facsimile machine, and is overwritten on image data or printed on the upper end of the image data received by a recipient. The transmitter's identification is generally input to the facsimile machine through its operation panel. Identification data created by a personal computer (PC) can be also sent into a facsimile machine via the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). On the other hand, registration through E-mail (electronic mail) can be practiced in a network facsimile that communicates through a network such as the Internet.
As discussed above, using a regular facsimile machine, a recipient can identify who sent a message even it has no name in a "From: " line, because the transmitter's identification is overwritten on the message or printed on the upper end of the received paper.
However, in the case of the network facsimile, a message does not always arrive at a facsimile machine, but it may arrive at a terminal of a PC or a workstation, which is capable of receiving E-mail. In such a case, the terminal confirms the arrival of data with E-mail browsing software, and because the message is sent as a file attached to the E-mail, a recipient cannot identify who sent the message until the recipient reads the attached file. When the recipient answers the message through a P18454.S01 a reply function of the browsing software, the answcr is always sent back to the facsimile machinc that has scnt the mc.ssage. Therefore, if an intended person does not watch the macl-i.ine for the arrival of an answer, or another person is present at the machine, the answer is sometimes micplaced or delivered to a wrong address.
Further, a facsiznilc machine's operation panel does not easily register multi-digit data such as a mail address, and further, such registering is time consuming. On the other hand, registration through the PSTN requires a dedicated program at a PC side, and this method thus has not become popular. Rcgistration through E-mail allows a simple input operation; however, a format readable by a facsimile machine must be employed. Thus, the operator must bc furnished with some knowledge before registering a mail address.

ST TM1VI Y OF THE rNVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the prescnt invention to provide a communications device and a mcthod of communication, through which a recipient can iden;tify a tra.nsruitter before opening a file attached to an E-mail when the recipieat receives the E-mail wi.th E-mail browsing software.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a communications device and a method of communieation, through which a transxxdtter ean send an answcr to an intendcd pexson when the transmitter uses a reply function of thc E-mail browsing software.
It is still anothcr object of the present invention to provide a communications device and a method of eommunication, where at-a*+smitter's identification can be registercd with a simplc operation without any special lcnowledge.
A communications device of the present invention comprises the following elements in order to achieve these objects: an image data creating section; an image data scza.ding sEction for sending ixnage data according to an E-mail mcssage transfer protocol; and a register for registering a plurality of identifications of the transmitter. The device also includes an identification sending section for selecting one of the identifications and scnding it through E-mail.
Using the communications device having the elements discussed above, when a transmitter sends image data by E-mail over the Internct, an operator (in most cases the F 18454.SO1 transmitter is an operator) puts the identification in a"Frorn: " line for each mail based on the transrnitter's intention. A recipient then can identify the transmittcr bcforo opening a file attached to the image data. VJhcn the rccipient answers the E-mail using a reply function of the E-mail browsing software, this communications device allows the answer data to reach an i.ntended person.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the communications device does not output the registered data or HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) document for data input when an unauthorized request is received. Such an HTTP (Hypcr Tcxt Transfer Protocol) request comes from a host or an address different from the registered hosts or IP (Intemet Protocol) addresses. In response to the unauthorized request, the device is prevented from displaying the regiStered document or regiszation screen. Thcrcfore, the communications device of the present invcntion allows an transxnitter's identification to be registered or displayed only when a registered host or a registered IP address holder makes a request. The identifications arc thus kept confidential and are not disclosed to non-registered hosts and IP
addresses.

P 18454.501 BRIEF D SCRIPTInN OF THE DRAWINGS
The preseiit invention is further dcscribed in the detailed description that follows, by rcfcrence to the noted drawings by way of non-limiting examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawing, and whcrcin:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a communications device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2A shows a default transznitter's idcntification;
Fig. 2B sho'ovs.a table of transmitter's identification in accordance with the exemplary ' - ;
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a flovcrchart depicting an operation for changing transmitter's name;
Fig. 4 is a flowchart depicting an operation for changing a name and a mail address of a transmitter;
Fig. 5A shows a basic mail format, in accordanee with the SMTP (Simple E-mail Transfer Protocol) standard used in the exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 5B shows a format where a transmitter's name is changed, in accordance with the SMTP standard used in the exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 5C shows a format where a transmitter's name and E-mail address are changed. in accordance with the SMTP standard used in the exemplary cmbodimcnt;
Fig. 5D shows a format where the transmitter's name, E-mail address, and mail From command are changed, in aeoordan,ee with the SMTP standard used in the exemplary embodiment;
Fig_ 5E shows a format whcre the transznitter's name, E-mail address, and mail From command arc changed, in accordance with the SMTp standard used in the exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 5F shows a format wherc tb.c trsnsmitter's name, E-m,ail address, and mail From command are changed, in accordance with the SMTP standard used in the cxcrrxplary embodiment;

P 18454.S01 Fig. 6 is a flowchart depicting an operation in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present izzventzon for displaying an input scrccn uscd for registering the traztstnitter's idcntification in a transtrxitter's TD table;
Fig. 7 is a flowchart depicting an operation in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention for displaying the transmittcr s identification from the transmitter's ID table;
Fig. 8 is a flowchart depicting an operation in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention for registering the transmittcr's idcntification in the transmitter's ID tablc;
Fig. 9A shows an exemplary transmitter's I17 table where identificauons have betm registered;
Fig. 9B shows an excznplary host naznc table where identifications have been registered;
Fig. 10 shows an HTML document where the transmitter's .YYDs are to be registered in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11 depicts an exemplary exchanging of information between servexs on the Tnternet, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 12A, sk,ows a verification procedure of an IP address without a mask, Fig. 12B shows a verification procedure of an IP address with a mask;
Fig. 12C shows a verification procedure of a host name; and Fig. 12D show a verification procedures of a host namE.

1'18454.S01 DETAILED ESCRIPTION F THE EXEMPLAR Y" .MpDT1~FNT

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is describcd hcroinaftcr with referencc to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a communications device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present inventiozz_ LAN (local area network) line 1 is couplcd to communications device 2 via LAN interface 18. Communications device 2 sends and receives image data via LAN line I or PSTN 19, and is provided with facsiin.ile and E-mail sending/receiving funetions. In Fig- 1, these functions are intcgrated and housed into a cabinct, which is callcd comrnunications dcvicc 2. Alternatively, functions and sections can be housed 1 a into multiple boxes, which can be integrated into a system to fanetion as eommumeations device 2. For instance, a PC having a separate scanner and printer can bc used as devicc 2.
As shown in Fig. 1, communications device 2 comprises the following elements:
(a) CPU (central processing unit) 3 for controlling the entire operation of device 2;
(b) panel section a for setting an operation and contrvll:ixtg the opcratiotz of device 2 through operation kcys and buttons;
(c) fax (facsimile) communication section (tx/re) 5 for sending/receiving data;
(d) recording section (primter/display) 6 for recording the received data on a sheet of paper or displaying the receivcd data on a display device;
(e) scanner 10 for scanning image data to be sent as electrical signals;
(f) coding section (coder/decoder) 7 for coding or decoding imagc data;
(g) memory 8 for storing transmitters' identifications, image data to be sent, and sent mail data; and (h) ROM (read ozily memory) 9 for storing an operation program of device 2.
codina scction 7 cncodes the image data scanned by scanner 10 into binary data, or decodes the binary data received through E-mail and converts it into facsiumuile format. In other words, coding section 7 has functions for converting image data into an E-mail forznat or facsimile forxrlat, converting each format into the other format, and compressing or de-compressing data when neces$ary.
Memory 8 comprises the following elements:
(g- 1) default transmitter's identification 11;

(g-2) transniitter's ID table 12;
(g-3) host namc tablc 13;
(g-4) IP address table 14;
(g-5) image data storage region 15; and (g-6) sending mail creating rcgion 16.
The default transmitter's identification 11 stores the transmitter's name and his/her mail address of the communications device 2 in pairs, and sets transmitter's identifications.
Transmitter's ID table 12 stores respcctive transmitter's identifications following the default transmitter's identification 11, thus table 12 is capable of storing multiple transmitter's identifications. Communications device 2 is usually uscd by multiplc uscrs, and when each user uses respectivc idcntifications propcr to hi:m/her, multiple transmitter's identifications are rcgistered. If comm.unications device 2 is exclusively used by one user, multiple tran.sznitter's identifications need not to be registered; however, a transmitter's name and mail address arc the minimum requircmcnt for a transmitter's idcntification. In addition to these, a company name, telephone number, and fax number may be used depending on needs- Therefore, multiple pieces of information are registered at communications device 2 regardless of the number of users.
Names of CPUs linked to communications device 2 are registered at host name table 13 of device 2. In the same manner, IP addresses are registered at IP address table 14. Zmage data storage region 15 stores the image data scanned in with scanncr 10. Sending mail creating region 16 converts the imagc data storcd in storage region 15 into an E-mail format, thereby creating image data to be sent by E~mail. A given operation at panel section 4 211ows CPU 3 to control this E-mail image data to send Ihe image data to another commtuxications device 2 via LAN line I and ovcr the Interact. This procedure is detailed later. Modem 17 is connected to fax communication section 5, and sends/receives data via PSTN 19.
A basic operation of sending/receiving image data in this cmbodiment is described hereinaftcr. Sanding/recciving irxxagc data through E-mail is xlow described.
First, set a message to be sent at scanner 10, then input a mail address of a recipicnt through operation panel 4. Second. push the start button on panel 4, then CPU
3 commences executizg the program stored in ROM 9 so that scanner 10 reads the message.
The i.tnage data xmput by scanner 10 is coded into binary data by coding section 7, and stored in image data P18454.S01 storage region 15 in memory section 8. The stored image data is converted into an E-mail format by sending mail creating region 16. Through this convcrsion, the image data is converted into 7-bit text codc in accordance with "MIME" (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions), which is well-known as an Internet E-mail standard. The image data converted into the E-mail forrnat is sent via LAN line 1 as an E-mail according to the E-mail mcssage transfer protocol.
At this time, when an operator does not specify a transmitter's identification, the transmitter's identification stored in the default transmitter's identification 11 is attached to this E-mail as a piece of E-mail information. If the operator operates panel section. 4 and sets a transmitter's idcntification to be attached to this E-mail, or selects a specific identification among those stored in trarismitter's ID table 12, the set or selected idemtification is attachcd to the E-mail and sent out. The transmitter's identification is detailed latcr.
The E-mail information thus produced in sending mail creating region 16 is sent to the recipient together with the transmittees identification as an E-nia.il via LAN
or ovcr the Internct according to a protocol such as SMTP. The recipient is thus able to see the transmitter's identification on thc E-mail without opening an attached file including the inaage data.
On the other hand, when the image data input by scanner 10 is sent through a fax machine, the image data is supplied to fax sending section 5, and then the image data is"sent to a recipicn.t's fax machine via PSTN 19. The transxnitter's identification has been stored in fax sending section 5, and is overwritten on the message or printed on the uppcr cnd of the mossage sheet before the message is sent out.
In the abovc dcscription, scanner 10 reads the message to produce image data;
however, the image data can be created on a PC screen and directly converted into binary data by coding section 7_ The casc when communications device 2 receives the image data is now descnbed.
When device 2 receives the image data in E-mail format via LAN line 1. thc recipient is able to see the image data together with the transmittcr's identification on an E-mail soreen.
The received image data is storcd in sending mail creating region 16, and can be printed on paper as a piece of fax information as well as seen on an E-mail screen. The received image data is converted into bixtary data, which is a fax format, in creating region 16, and then decoded into visible data, i.e., the printable data, by coding section 7. Then the data is printed by recording section 6. The P 18454.501 image data thus received is visible on paper. When the image data is received via PSTN 19 by a regular fax machine. the image data is printed by recording section 6 via fax sending section ' in a usual manner.
A method of creating a tran.smitter's identification is now described. Fig. 2A
shows a 5 default identification of a fax machine, and Fig. 2B shows a transrnitter's identification (ID) table.
As shown in Fig. 2A, the default stores a machine's nazne and address in pairs. A machine's name is usually shown by using this default and an error mail is returned to the machine's add.ress also by using this default.
As previously described, communications device 2 is generally used by a pluzal%ty of users. When each user establishes his/her own trmsmitter's identification, those idcnt'zfications must be registered and displayed. Fig. 2B shows am exemplary table where a plurality of users are registcred. The table entries include respective users' names and mail addresses. A rnethod of registration is described later.
Wb.en the users do not specify their own idcntifications, the default shown in Fig. 2A, i.e., the machixxe's name and mail address assigned to corrsmunieations device 2, is automatically attached to a message to be sent. If a transmitter wants to attach an identification other than that assigned to device 2, e.g., his/her own name and mail address, the machine's identification assigned to device 2 must be changed. In this case, it can be changed directly by input through panel section 4, or by using the transmitter's ID table. Thc change opcration is described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 3.
In Stcp 1(Step is called hereinaf2er "S"), input a recipient's address through panel section 4. Then, in S2, input whether a transmittez's identification should be changcd. If the change is needed, select what is to bc changcd, i.e., only a name, or a name and address, in S3 through panel section 4. When only a name is changed, select which method is taken, i.e.. input a new name of the transmitter directly through panel 4, or chaugc the namc in the trarxsxnitter's ID table (refer to Fig. 2B) in S4. When thc name is input through panel 4, go to S5 and input the transmitter's name directly. Then, go to S7, where scanner 10 reads a message, and sct the namc as a transmitter's identification in S8. Finally, in S9, send it according to the E-mail transfer protocol-P18454.501 In S4, when selecting the transmitter's ID table for changing the name of thc transmitter, select his/her owm name ref'erring to the table in S6. A method of selecting his/her own name is described lator with reference to Fig. 7. Then, follow the same procedure as discussed above, namely, go to S7 where scanner 10 reads the message, and set the name as a transrnitter's identification in S8. Finally, send it out in S9.
On the other hand, when selecting not to change the transmitter's ID in S2, use the dePa.ult (refer to Fig. 2A) as the transmitter's identification in S10, then go to S7 and follow thc samo procedure as discussed above.
In, the cascs discussed above, the default is still used as the E-mail addzess of the transmitter so that an error mail or a reply returns to or reaches commurucations dovico 2. -In S3 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 3, when changing both the name and mail address is selected, tho procedure shown in Fig. 4 executes.
Fig. 4 is a flowchait depicting an operation of changing both the name and mail address.
In S 11, select the desized method, x.e., input these two factors directly through panel 4, or change these factors in thc ID table. When inputting them directly through pan.el4, input the name and mail address directly through panel 4 in S 12. Then, in. S 13 select whether the E-mail address design.ated by the mail From cozn.mand is changed. The mail From conzmand is issued between servers, more specifically, this command is available in the information flow (refer to Fig. 11, line 4) between servers, arnd is usually utilized in returning an ezror mail.
In Fig. 11, messages betwecn a mail scrvcr R (receiving server) and a mail server S
(sending server) arc shown. "R_" indicates that a message is from mail server R and "S:"
indioates that a message is from mail server S_ The flrst Iine indicates that thc mail server R is "BBN-UNIX. ARPA." aiid that the mail trausfor service is ready. The second line indicates that mail scrver S is "USC-ISrF. ARPA." Lines 4 and 5 show the messages relating to the mail sender. Lines 6 - 11 show the messages relating to the mail recciver. Lines 12 - 17 show the messages relating to the mail data. Lincs 18 and 19 show the messages relating to terminating the mail.
In a case of changing the mail From command, change the E-mail address of the cozzunand in the message transfer protocol in S 14. Then, go to S7 and follows the steps shown -t 0-P18454.501 in Fig. 3. If the mail From command is not changed in S 13. go to S7 and follow the steps shown in Fig. 3.
On the other hand, when the name and mail address of the transmitter are changed by using the ID table, change these two factors in the table in S 15. and then go to S 13 and follow the steps onward. A method of sclccting the transmitter's identifzcation is detailed later with reference to Fig. 7.
Fig. 5A through Fig. 5F show a mail format in accordance with the SMTP
standard. Fig.
5A shows a basic E-mail format. Fig. 5B shows a format where a transznitter's name is changed, an.d Fig. 5C shows a format where a name and an E-mail address of the transmitter are changed.
Fig. 5D through Fig. 5F show formats where the uaD.smitter's namc. E-mail addrdss, and the znail From command arc changed.
The E-mail fonnat, as show'n in Fig. 5A, has the mail From command and a mail message. The command indicates the E-mail address of the transmitter. and a reply to an crror mai.l reaches this mail address. The E-mail mcssage includes a version number of the N1IMIE, which is one of the E-mail standard functions, mail software (X-Mailer: ), transmittez's name (comment) and E-m.ail address (Mail address), which make up the transmitter's identification.
The E-mail message also includes a "Subject: ", as well as a destination, i.e., "To: ".
Fig. 5B - Fig. SF show examples of mail formats that have been changed according to the transmitter's ID table shown in Fig. 2B. Fig. 5B shows an cxample whcrc only a transmitter's name of a mail mcssagc has been changcd to "suzuld". In this case, the mail From comznand and the E-mail address of the mail message remain the default, an error mail is returned to "fax@aaa.bbb.jp", i.e., "Tntemet FAX" as the machine's name of communications device 2.
Fig. 5C 5hows an examplc whcre the transmitter's name and mail address are changed to "suzulci". In this case, an error message is also retunaed to "Internet FAX", i.e., machinc's name of comxn.unications device 2.
Fig. 5D shows an cxam,plc where the transmitter's name, E-mail address and the mail From command are all changed to "suzuki". In thiS case, an error mail is returned to the E-mail address of"suzuki", the transmitter, i.e.. "usrl@abc.defg.jp".
Fig. 5E shows an example where the transmitter's name, E-mail-address, and the mail From command are all changed to "MGCS". As shown in Fig. 2B, the transmittcr's namc P18454.S01 "MGCS" does not have a mail address, therefore, a default mail-address, i.e., "fax@aaa.bbb.jp", is used as a mail address. In this casc, an error mail is returned to the machine's name "Internet F1JV of coznmwzications device 2.
Fig. 5F shows an example where the transmitter's name, E-mail address, and mail From command are all changed to "usr4@abc.defg.jp". As shown in Fig. 2B, the E-mail address "usr4@abc.defg.jp" does not have a transmitter, thus "comment" of the transmitter is omitted.
In this case, an error mail is returned to the E-mail addross "usr4@abc.dcfg jp".
When sending, thc transmittcr's idontification is shown in the text of the E-mail message and in the data of the E-mail message transfer protocol. For instance, when the transmittcr's identification is the E-mail address, it is shown as a mail address of thc traxtsrnittEr of the E-mail message transfer protocol and a mail address of a "From: " lizie in a message text. The E-mail address cannot be shown to the E-mail transfer message protocol, but it can be shown in the E-mail address of the "From- " line in the E-mail message becausc thc E-mail address is the mail address of the transmission machinc itsclf.
When a transmitter's identification is his/her mail address and his/her name, the identification is notified as a mail address an.d as a comment in the "From: "
line of the E-mail message. When the txansmitter's identification is his/her name, the identification can be riotified as a comxnent in the "From: " line in the E-mail message.

Next, a method of registering and displaying a transmitter's identification is described. 20 Figs. 6- 8 arc flowcharts dcpictixig the operation of registering and displayin.g the transmitter's identification. Fig. 6 is a flowchart depicting an operation of displaying an input screen. Fig.
7 is a:flowchart depicting an operation of displaying registorcd data. Fig. 8 is a flowchart depicting an opcration of registcring the transmitter's i,dentifieation.
The operatioxi of displaying the input screen for registering the transznitter's idcntification is now described. Communications device 2 is furnished with an indication (YES/NO) of whethcr it is neccssary to verify a recluesting party before outputting a registration form. If YES
has been registered at device 2, the device must be informed of whether vcrification by an IP
address or by a host name is necessary. When verification by IP address is practiced, the A' address must be registered in advance at the transmitter's TD table, shown in Fig. 9A; whcn P18454.501 verification by host name is practiced, the host nan-ie must bc registered in advance at the host name table, shown in Fig. 9B.
In Fig. 6, first input a password in S20 (Step 20), then determine, when HTTP
protocol makes a request, whether a registration forxn has been requested to be displayed in S21. If the protocol requests thc registration form to be displayed, it is determined in S22, when verification is necessary, whether a requesting party is already registered. This verification in S22 allows only a given host already registered to verify registcrcd information or to register information, and prevents the information from bcing accessed by other hosts. The information security is thus maintained. When the information is protected by a firewall and is adequately protected from access by outsiders, "NO verification" is set in S22.
When "YES vcrification" is sct in S22, dcterrnine in S23 whether IP address verification is required. If IP address verification is required, then determine whether an IP address of the station requesting the registration form by HTTP protocol agrccs with the IP
address already registered in S24. VV'hern the IP addressos agree, output the registration form in S25. When the IP addresses do not agree, it is determined that an outsider is attemptirxg access, and then. issue an error notice or reject the request and do not output the registration form in S26. The registering operation thus does not occur.
Because the IP address is attached to the PC terrxaznal or the server that requests tho registration form, it must be determined whcther this IP address agrees with the IP addresses already rcgistered at the transmitter's ID table. This IP address agreement is determined as follows.
Assume that the IP address and XP mask alrcady registcrod are the content of Fig. 9A.
If a PC having IP address "001.001.002.123" requests output of the registration form when the IP mask is not set, this request is accepted because this IP address agrees with that rcgistcred at the transmitters ID table. On the othcr hand, if a PC having IP address "001.001.002.12d"
requcsts the output of the registration form, this request is refused because this IP address does not agree with that registered at the transmitter's ]Ds table. Fi.g. 12A
dcpicts this procedure.
When the IP mask is set as shown in Fig. 9A, the following process is practiced. If the PC having an IP address of "001.001.001.103" requests output of the registration forrn, this request is aeeepted because the TP address with the mask agrecs with the "001.001.001" portion P18454.S01 since the Il' mask is "255.255.255.125"_ On the other hand, if the PC having an IP address of "001.001.001.201" requests the output of the registration form, this request is refused because the IP address with the mask does not agree with the registered IP address.
Fig. 12B depicts this procedure.
In Fig. 6, when the verification by IP address is not set in S23, detenmine in S27 whether a host name verification is set. If the verification has been sct, dctcnonino whether thc host name of the station requesting the output of the rcgistration form by HTTP protocol agrees with the host name already registered at the host name table, shown in Fig. 9B, in S28.
Assume that the host name has been registered as Fig. 9B shows. Whcn the PC
having the host xaarne of "pcl.abc.defg jp" requests thc output of the registration form, ss shown in Fig.
12C, this request is accepted because the host name agrees with that reSistered at the host name table shown in Fig. 9B. On the other hand, when the PC having the host name of "pc3.abc.defg.jp" requcsts the output of thc rcgistration fomn, this request is refused because the host name does not agree with that registered in the table.
When the worlcstation having the host name of "wsl.aaa.bbb.jp" requests the output of registration form as shown in Fig- 12D, this request is accepted because the domain of this host name agrees with that of the host name registered in the host name table. On the other hand, when the workstation having the host name of "ws2.aab.bbb jp" rcqucsts the output of the registration form, this requcst is rcfusod because the domain of this host name is not registered in the table and the host name does not agree with the domain of the host name in the host namc table.
When the host names agree in S28, output the registration forxxi in S25. When the host names do not agree, issue an exxor notice, or reject the request and do not output the registration form in S26. The registering operation thus does not occur. If the vcrification of the requesting party is not needed in S22, or no vcrification of the host name has been set in S27, then output the registration form in S25.
Fig. 10 depicts an ezb.bodinzent of registering and vcrifying the form by an HTML
docuxnent. In Fig. 10, "fl " indicates an input area for a password for registering and displaying, and "f2" as well as "f3" indicate an input area for selecting either registration or display. A click selects either one. Clicking "f2" selects a new registration, and clicldng "f3" selects display of P18454.501 registered data. Indicated by "f4" is an area for registerine/displaying a transmitter's name, and "#'S" indicates an area for registering/displaying a mail address. Indicated by "f6" is an ON/OFF
switch, which sets the necessity of changing a transmitter's mail address of E-mail message transfer protocol to YES/NO. Indicated by "T1" is a send switch for sending input data, and "f$"
is a canceling switch for erasing the input data.
When displaying registered data, set a password in the password input area indicated by "fl ". Next, click the display area indicated by "f ", and click thc send switch indicated by "f7".
Then, registered content is rcad out and displayed in the registering/displaying area indicated by "f4" and mail address registering/displaying area indicated by "f5".
When a new registration is required, set a password in the password inpiit area indicated by "fl ", and click the registcring/znputting area indicated by "t2" to select "registration". Next, input a ixansmitter's name in the transznitter's name registering/displaying area indicated by "f4".
and also input a mail address in the E-mail address registccringJdisplaying area indicated by "f5".
VWhen changing the E-mail address of transmitter of E-mail message transfer protocol, click the ON/OFF s-vvitch indicated by "f6" to turn ON. Finally, click the send switch indicated by "0"
to complete the registration.
Next, the process of displaying the registered data is described. When the step S21 shown in Fig. 6 is not a request for the registration form, move to the ;Qowchart shown in Fig.
7 for displaying registered data. First, determinc whether S31 has a request through HTTP
protocol for displaying registcrcd data by the input signal. If S31 has the request for displaying the registered data, determine in S32 whether verification of a requesting party is nceded, i.c., whether the requesting party is idemtified as already registercd. If the verification is needed, deterna.ine in S33 whcther verification is practiced with an IP address. When the verifacation with an IP address has been set, determine in S34 whether the IP address of the station rcquesting the registered data with HTTP protocol agrees with onc of the TP addresses already registered. If the IP addrosses agree, dctcrnaine in S35 whether password verification is needed.
If password vexzfication is needed, determine in S36 whether the password input togckhcr with the rcquest for registered data by HTTP protocol agrees with the password already registered.
When the passwords agree, output the registration form where the transmitter's name of "f4" and mail address of "f5" pair with registered data in S37.

P18454.501 When the IP address verification is not needcd in S33, determine whether a host name must be verificd in S38. If thc verification is needed, determine whether the host names agree in S39. If the host names agree, go to S35 where the necessity of password verification is determined. If the host name verification is not needed in S38, or the verification of the requesting party is not nceded in S32, go to S35 where the password is verified.
If the II' addresses do not agree in S34, the passwords do not agree in S36, or the host names do not agree in S39, go to S40. Then, issue an crror mcssage or reject the request, and do not output the registration form-NeXt, a process of registering data is deScribed- In S31 of Fig. 7. if there is no rcquest to display the registered data, go to the flowchart for rcgisteri.ng data, shown in Fig.l. First, in S41, determine whether registering data is rcquested. If registering data is requested, then confirm vvhcthcr a verification is needed, i.e., if the requesting parry has been registercd.
Respective steps from S42 to S46 are identical to S32 - S36 shown in Fig. 7, and S4S and S49 are also identical to S38 and S39 shown in Fig. 7. Their description is thus omitted here.
When the passwords agree in S46, or the password verification is not needed in S45, register the data in S47. On the other hand, when there is no request for registering data in S41, go to S50, then, issue an error notice and do not register data. Also, when the IP address in S44, the password in S46, and the host name in S49 do not agree with respectivc countcrparts, go to S50.
The communications device of the present invention as discussed above comprises the following elements: an image data creating section; an imagc data sending section for sending an image data according to an E-mail messagc transfer protocol; a register for registering nnulti.ple transmitters' identifications; and an identification sending section for seXectin.g one of thc identifications and sending it through E-mail.
Using the cozxuoawoications dcvica having the elements discussed above, when a transmitter scnds image data by E-mail over the Intemet, the tra.Txsmitter puts his/her identification in a"From: " line for each mail based on an operator's intention. A recipient then can identify the transmitter before opening a file attached to the image data.
When the recipient answers the E-mail using a reply function of the E-mail browsing software, this communications device allows ilie answer aaLa w ~ravl~ ~,x inxcndod pzroon.

.CA 02292824 1999-12-17 P 18454.SOI

According to an aspect of the prescnt invention this communications device does not output the registered data or HTML document for data input when a host other than one registered or an address other than a registered IP addresses requests, according to the HTTP
protocol, to read the registered image or data. Therefore, the communications device of the present invention allows a transmitter's identification to be registered or displayed only when a registered host or a registered 1P address holder makes a request. The identifications are thus kept secret from non-registered hosts and II' addresses.

'While the invention has bcan described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of li_tt7uitati.oln. Changes may be made within the purvi.cw of the disclosiue as presently statcd and as atnended, without deparCing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects.
Further, although the invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials, and embodimcnts, the invention is not intczzdcd to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein.
For example, requests through protocols other than, HTTP are possible, as are document formats other than HTML. Rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses. Although the present invention has been described in considerable detai] with reference to certain preferzed embodiments, other embodiments arc possible.
Thcrcforc, the scope and spirit of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. An image data communication apparatus connected to an image data source and to a network, and transmitting the image data attached to an e-mail to a receiving apparatus via the network, the e-mail including a mail message, the image data attached to e-mail as an openable document, the image data communication apparatus comprising:
a memory configured to store information regarding an identification of a user of the image data communication apparatus;

a panel section configured to select the information regarding the identification of the user in the memory; and a controller configured to set the information regarding the identification of the user selected by the panel section into the mail message of the e-mail to which the image data is attached, whereby opening, at the receiving apparatus, of the attached image data is not required to determine the information regarding identification of the user.

2. The image data communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data source comprises a scanner connected to the image data apparatus.

3. The image data communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the panel section comprises a personal computer connected to the image data communication apparatus.

4. The image data communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the personal computer displays an HTML document for storing the information regarding the identification of the user in the memory.

5. A method for controlling an image data communication apparatus connected to an image data source and to a network, and transmitting the image data attached to an e-mail to a receiving apparatus via the network, the e-mail including a mail message, the image data attached to the e-mail as an openable document, a memory storing information regarding an identification of a user, the method comprising:
selecting the information regarding the identification of the user in the memory; and setting the selected information regarding the identification of the user into the mail message of the e-mail to which the image data is attached, whereby opening, at the receiving apparatus, of the attached image data is not required to determine the information regarding identification of the user.