Patent ID: 6603569
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method of communicating information from a local fax machine, comprising the steps of:coupling said local fax machine to a fax interface unit, where said fax interface unit comprises a single modem, a hardware switch and a memory, said hardware switch having a first connection to a first communications network and a second connection to a second communications network; storing a plurality of email addresses in said memory; initiating a fax call at said local fax machine; generating a fax signal, including a preassigned identifier associated with said fax call; receiving, at said fax interface unit, said preassigned identifier; determining whether said preassigned identifier corresponds to one of said email addresses; controlling a state of said hardware switch in order to direct said signal through said single modem to either said first or said second communications networks; converting said fax signal to an email signal, if said one email address corresponds to said preassigned identifier; sending said email signal to said corresponding one of said email addresses through said first connection and across said first communications network; and routing said fax signal through said second connection and across said second communications network, if said one email address does not correspond to said preassigned identifier.