Patent ID: 6157464
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method for facilitating communication of facsimile information through a public switched telephone network with a local facsimile machine, said method comprising:providing a remotely located facsimile store and forward facility connected to the public switched telephone network;coupling an interface device to a first telephone line connected to the local facsimile machine and to a second telephone line connected to the public switched telephone network;receiving dual tone multi-frequency signals at the interface device, the signals being generated by the local facsimile machine in response to user input and corresponding to a request from a user;calling the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility from the interface device over the second telephone line; andcommunicating command information between the interface device and the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility, and an interface connect/hold command from the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility to the interface device,whereby communication of the facsimile information through the public switched telephone network with the local facsimile machine is facilitated and the request from the user is fulfilled through provision and use of the remotely located facsimile store and forward facility and the interface device.