Patent ID: 6137599
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A work group fax system comprising:(a) a data communications network;(b) a first general purpose computer workstation coupled to the data communications network, the first computer workstation including a control program, the control program including instructions for sending facsimile control messages, the facsimile control messages including:(i) a selective hold message for having all facsimile messages held which meet first criteria by a user of the workstation,(ii) a selective print message for printing all facsimile messages on hold which meet criteria specified by the user of the workstation,(iii) a selective release message for discontinuing a previously established hold on all facsimile messages which meet third criteria specified by the user of the workstation;(c) a facsimile machine comprising:(i) a control processor;(ii) a network interface coupled to the data communications network;(iii) a facsimile modem unit coupled to a telephone network for converting facsimile messages in facsimile compatible form into digital format;(iv) a message memory coupled to the control processor for receiving facsimile messages in digital format from the facsimile modem and for storing the facsimile messages for later retrieval;(v) a hard output unit for printing digital format facsimile messages;(vi) a program memory having stored therein programs for use by the control processor in controlling the operation of the facsimile machine, the program memory including a control program including instructions for:monitoring facsimile control messages received by the network interface,in response to the selective hold message, causing all facsimile messages received by the facsimile modem which meet the first criteria to be stored in a message memory of the facsimile machine,in response to the selective print message, causing all facsimile messages on hold which meet the second criteria to be routed for printing by the hard output unit,in response to the selective release message, causing all facsimile messages received by the facsimile modem which meet the third criteria to be routed for printing by the hard output unit.