Patent ID: 6330309
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An apparatus having a body, the apparatus comprising:an electronic-mail receiver that receives an electronic-mail including image data in an electronic-mail format;a converter that converts the image data in said electronic-mail format into image data in facsimile format;a controller that determines whether the received electronic-mail is to be relayed by facsimile transmission;a facsimile transmitter that negotiates with a facsimile destination, and transmits the converted image data in the facsimile format to the facsimile destination via a telephone network, when the controller determines that the received electronic-mail is to be relayed by facsimile transmission; andan output system that outputs the image data in the facsimile format when the controller determines that the received electronic-mail is not to be relayed by facsimile transmission, wherein the electronic-mail receiver, the converter, the controller, the facsimile transmitter, and the output system are integrated in the body of the apparatus.