Image transmission device and informing method thereof

A CPU checks a relation between the terminal type information which is stored in a transmission destination terminal type of an information storing unit in association with a mail address designated as a transmission destination of the image transmission when this image transmission is designated, namely, a terminal type of a transmission destination, and a transmission system of which usage is designated. The CPU informs the confirmation result of the system designation on the basis of the class information which is stored in an information storing unit in association with a mail address, which is designated as a transmission destination.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-043825, filed Feb. 20, 2001, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image transmission device provided with a function for transmitting an image obtained, for example, by reading an original document by a scanner to other internet facsimile terminal via a network in a predetermined internet facsimile system and a function for transmitting an electronic mail attached with the image to an arbitrary terminal such as other computer terminal or the like via a network despite an Internet facsimile system and its informing method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

As a method for communicating an image to a remote place, a digital complex machine is popular by the use of a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). In the first instance, this kind of digital complex machine can be easily operated and secondary, this kind of digital complex machine can inform a message even if a party is absent. Therefore, this kind of digital complex machine is widely distributed not only in a business field but also in a household.

A communication standard of a facsimile by the use of the PSTN and the ISDN is recommended as a standard of a G3 facsimile and a G4 facsimile.

A first advantage of such a conventional facsimile is to enable the data to be transferred at the highest communication speed allowable by a bandwidth of a communication line by securing a communication line with respect to a facsimile directly at a receiving side. A second advantage thereof is to enable to check that the data has been certainly transmitted by directly communicating with a party. Further, a third advantage of such a conventional facsimile is to enable to transmit the data certainly in order to perform a capacity negotiation to check whether a transmission data system is allowable at the receiving side or not.

On the other hand, as the Internet has been generalized, a service to use Internet in place of a conventional circuit exchange network has been popular.

Particularly, when the transmission distance and the data amount are large, it is possible to keep a communication cost lower by transmitting the data via Internet. Therefore, an Internet digital complex machine provided with a function to transmit and receive the image via the Internet in addition to a function owned by a normal digital complex machine has appeared.

This kind of Internet digital complex machine generally transmits the image data as an attached file of the electronic mail through the Internet. Therefore, the image data is transferred without connection. Accordingly, a negotiation performed by the G3 facsimile and the G4 facsimile is not performed and a communication form is taken such that a transmission side unilaterally transmits the image.

As described above, the Internet facsimile transfers the image by the use of the electronic mail. Accordingly, even when a terminal of a transmission destination is not an Internet facsimile terminal, it is possible for a terminal of a computer such as a personal computer or the like to receive the image transfer if this computer terminal has a function to receive the electronic mail.

However, an image file format to be used for the Internet facsimile is not popular for a computer terminal, so that it is difficult for the computer terminal to process the image file format properly.

Therefore, in order to transfer the image to the computer terminal, it is considered that a function to convert the image data into a file format, for example, a PDF (Portable Document Format) or the like, which is standard for the computer terminal, is provided and such a file format for a computer and a file format for the Internet facsimile are selectively used. However, a user should designate which file format should be used, so that this involves a problem such that a normal image communication is not performed if the user's designation of the file format is wrong.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an image transmission device with a good usability and its informing method.

According to the embodiment of the invention, on the basis of the class information stored in an information storing unit in association with a mail address which is designated as a transmission destination, the confirmation result of the system designation is informed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Then, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings below.FIG. 1is an appearance view of a digital complex machine, which is constructed by applying an image transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 1, a reference numeral1is a digital complex machine. A original document mounting table2is mounted on an upper surface of this digital complex machine1. This original document mounting table2is composed of a glass and a scanner17is provided within it. A reference numeral3is a discharge unit, from which a copied paper is discharged, and a reference numeral24is an operating/displaying unit. Alternatively, in a steel case located at a lower side of the discharge unit3, a CPU11, a printer, . . . or the like are mounted to be described later with reference toFIG. 2.

In the next place, with reference toFIG. 2, a block diagram illustrating a construction of a substantial part of this digital complex machine will be described. The digital complex machine1comprises a CPU11, a ROM12, a RAM13, an information storing unit14, an image storing unit15, a coding/decoding unit16, a scanner17, a printer18, a modem19, an NCU20, an telephone controlling unit21, a circuit signal detecting unit22, a LAN interface23, an operating/displaying unit24and a clock unit25.

Then, the a CPU11, the ROM12, the RAM13, the information storing unit14, the image storing unit15, the coding/decoding unit16, the scanner17, the printer18, the modem19, the NCU20, the circuit signal detecting unit22, the LAN interface23, the operating/displaying unit24and the clock unit25are connected to each other via a system bus26. Additionally, the modem19and the telephone controlling unit21are connected to the NCU20and the circuit signal detecting unit22each is connected to the telephone controlling unit21.

The CPU11realizes the operation as the digital complex machine by performing the control processing in order to generally control each unit on the basis of the control program which is stored in the ROM12.

The ROM12stores the control program or the like of the CPU11.

The RAM13is used as a work area or the like to store various information necessary for the CPU11to perform various processes.

The information storing unit14uses, for example, a flash memory or the like and it stores various setting information and other information. A portion of the storage area of this information storing unit14is set in a transmission destination terminal type storage table as an address storing means and a class information storing means. As shown inFIG. 3, in addition to an area to store a mail address, an area to store the terminal type information indicating whether a terminal having the mail address is an internet facsimile (IFAX) or other terminal in association with each mail address is set in this transmission destination terminal type storage table.

For example, the image storing unit15uses a mass storage DRAM and a mass storage hard disk device or the like and it temporarily stores the received image data and the image data waiting for transmission.

The coding/decoding unit16decodes the image data to which is coded for compressing the redundancy as well as performs the coding processing for compressing redundancy with respect to the image data.

The scanner17reads a transmitter original document and generates the image data indicating this transmitter original document.

The printer18prints out an image indicated by the image data on the recording paper.

The modem19generates a facsimile transmission signal by modulating the image data and generates a command transmission signal by modulating a command to be given from the CPU11. The modem19transmits these transmission signals to a PSTN subscriber's line2via an NCU20. Alternatively, the modem19demodulates the facsimile transmission data, which arrives via the PSTN subscriber's line2and is given via the NCU20, to reproduce the image data and demodulates the command transmission signal to reproduce a command.

The PSTN subscriber's line2contained in the PSTN3is connected to the NCU20. Further, the NCU20monitors a condition of this connected PSTN subscriber's line2and performs the transmission process of this connected PSTN subscriber's line2to a network or the like. Alternatively, the NCU20sets a level as well as equalizes a facsimile transmission signal to be transmitted to the PSTN subscriber's line2.

An external telephone set4is connected to the telephone controlling unit21according to need. Then, the telephone controlling unit21performs a well known control process so that a call can be established by the use of the connected external telephone set4through the PSTN subscriber's line2.

The circuit signal detecting unit22receives a signal arriving through the PSTN subscriber's line2via the NCU20and the telephone controlling unit21to detect the arrival of a predetermined signal.

Internet7is connected to the LAN interface23via a LAN circuit5and a mail server6. Then, the LAN interface23transmits the data via the LAN circuit5or the Internet7.

The operating/displaying unit24has a key inputting unit for receiving various indicating inputs with respect to the CPU11by the user and a display unit for displaying various information to be informed to the user under the control of the CPU11or the like.

The clock unit25always performs the clock operation and outputs the current time information indicating the current time.

As a control means to be realized by operating the CPU11on the basis of a control program stored in the ROM12, the digital complex machine according to the embodiment has a first transmission means, a second transmission means, a mail receiving means, a class information generating means, a first informing control means and a second informing control means in addition to a well known and popular one in the digital complex machine.

Here, the first transmission means performs the image transmission (hereinafter, referred to as Internet facsimile transmission) according to an Internal facsimile system. That is, this first transmission means converts the image data into an image file in a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) system in accordance with, for example, an ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Sector) which is defined by an Internet facsimile system and further, the first transmission means generates an electronic mail in a predetermined format (i.e., a format defined by the Internet facsimile system) attached with this image file to transmit it. Further, when the user designates the Internet facsimile system as a transmission system, this first transmission means performs the Internet facsimile transmission. Alternatively, this first transmission means has a transmission confirmation mode as a first mode. This transmission confirmation mode adds predetermined information, which requires the transmission destination to return a response of an electronic mail as a transmission confirmation notice defined by the Internet facsimile system, to the electronic mail. Then, the first transmission means decides to use this transmission confirmation mode or not depending on the mode designation by the user. Thus, when this transmission confirmation mode is not used, the transmission destination is not required to return a response of the electronic mail as the transmission confirmation notice and this condition corresponds to a second mode.

The second transmission means performs the image transmission to the computer terminal despite an Internet facsimile system. That is, the second transmission means converts the image data into an image file in a standard file format by the computer terminal and further, the second transmission means generates an electronic mail attached with this image file in an arbitrary format to transmit it. Alternatively, according to the embodiment, it is assumed that this second transmission means uses a PDF format as a file format and the image transmission due to this second transmission means is refereed to as the PDF transmission. Then, this second transmission means performs the PDF transmission when the user designates a non-Internet facsimile system as a transmission system. Alternatively, this second transmission means has the transmission confirmation mode. This second transmission confirmation mode adds the predetermined information, which requires the transmission destination to return a response of an electronic mail as a transmission confirmation notice defined by a general electronic mail protocol which is different from the Internet facsimile system, to the electronic mail. Then, the second transmission means decides to use this transmission confirmation mode or not depending on the mode designation by the user.

The mail receiving means receives the electronic mail, which is arrived via the LAN circuit5and is addressed to itself.

In the case that the image file is attached to the received electronic mail, the class information generating means identifies whether the terminal of the transmitter is an Internet facsimile terminal or a computer terminal other than the Internet facsimile terminal on the basis of a file format of this attached image file. Then, the class information generating means stores the terminal type information indicating the identification result in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14.

If a mail address designated as a transmission destination is stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14when the image transmission is required and further, the terminal type information is stored in association with this mail address, the first informing control means estimates whether the transmission system designated by the user on the basis of this terminal type information is appropriate or not. Then, if it is estimated that the transmission system is not appropriate, the first informing control means makes the operating/displaying unit24display a message to prompt the user to check the designation of the transmission system.

The second informing control means makes the operating/displaying unit24display a message to prompt the user to check the transmission confirmation mode if the transmission confirmation mode is OFF despite the altered transmission system is the Internet facsimile transmission system or if the transmission confirmation mode is ON despite the altered transmission system is the PDF transmission when the user designates the alternation of the transmission system in accordance with the message displayed under the control of the first informing control means.

In the next place, the operation of a digital complex machine constructed as described above will be explained below. The digital complex machine according to the embodiment has a copying function, a printing function or a G3 facsimile function or the like. However, the operations for realizing these functions are the same as those of the conventional digital complex machine, so that the explanations thereof are herein omitted but the operations of the Internet facsimile function and the function for transmitting the image to the computer terminal will be explained in detail below.

At first, prior to explaining the operation of the actual image transmission, the process for automatically storing the terminal type information in the transmission destination type storing table of the information storing unit14upon receiving the electronic mail will be explained.

The CPU11will perform the process upon receiving the mail as shown inFIG. 4if the electronic mail addressed to itself arrives via the LAN circuit5.

In this process upon receiving the mail, the CPU11at first checks whether the attached file is attached to the arrived electronic mail or not (step ST1). If the attached file is attached to the arrived electronic mail, the CPU11subsequently extracts the mail address of the transmitter from the electronic mail and checks whether this mail address has been already stored in the transmission destination type storing table of the information storing unit14(step ST2). Then, if the corresponding mail address is not stored in the transmission destination type storing table of the information storing unit14, the CPU11stores the mail address of the electronic mail of the transmitter, which is received in this time, in the transmission destination type storing table of the information storing unit14(step ST3). Alternatively, if the corresponding mail address has been already stored in the transmission destination type storing table of the information storing unit14, the CPU11passes the process at the step ST3.

Subsequently, the CPU11checks whether the attached file is a TIFF file in accordance with the ITU-T or not (step ST4). Then, if the attached file is the TIFF file in accordance with the ITU-T, the CPU11writes the terminal type information “IFAX” in a storage area of the terminal type information in accordance with a mail address of the transmitter in the transmission destination type storing table of the information storing unit14(step ST5). On the contrary, if the attached file is not the TIFF file in accordance with the ITU-T, but the attached file is, for example, a PDF file or a bit map file or a TIFF file not in accordance with the ITU-T such as an image file of which resolution is a DPI (Dot Per Inch) or a file of a particular application soft ware or the like, the CPU11writes the terminal type information, i.e., “non-IFAX” in a storage area of the terminal type information in accordance with a mail address of the transmitter in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14(step ST6).

After that, the CPU11performs the receiving mail process (step ST7). This receiving mail process serves to perform various processes in accordance with a content of the received electronic mail. For example, if it is in accordance with an Internet facsimile system of the ITU-T, an image is developed from the attached file and the printer18prints out the image.

Alternatively, when it is confirmed that the attached file is not attached to the electronic mail, which is received in this time in the step ST1, it is not possible to perform the processes from the step ST2to the step ST6. Therefore, the CPU11passe these processes and shifts to the process in the step ST7so that it performs the receiving mail process.

Then, if this receiving mail process is terminated, the CPU11terminates the mail receiving process in this time.

If the original document is set on the scanner17and the image transmission is indicated via the computer network (a LAN and the Internet7), the CPU11starts the image transmission process as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6.

In this image transmission process, at first, the CPU11receives the mail address of the transmission destination, the transmission system and the user designation by the transmission confirmation mode (step ST11inFIG. 5). Subsequently, the image data to be generated by the scanner17is stored in the image storing unit15.

In the next place, the CPU11checks whether the mail address designated in the step ST11is stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14or not (step ST13). Here, if the designated mail address is not stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14, the CPU11checks the user designation in the transmission system (step ST14) and the CPU11performs the well known Internet facsimile transmission (IFAX transmission) process or the PDF transmission process (step ST15or step ST16). If the image transmission is terminated, the CPU11terminates the image transmission process in this time.

On the contrary, if it is confirmed that the mail address designated in the step ST11is stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14in the step ST13, the CPU11checks whether the Internet facsimile transmission system is designated by the user's designation of the transmission system or not (step ST17inFIG. 6).

If the Internet facsimile transmission system is designated, the CPU11checks whether the terminal type information is stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14in association with a mail address designated in the step ST11or not (step ST18). If the relevant terminal type information is stored, subsequently, the CPU11checks whether this terminal type information is “IFAX” or not (step ST19).

In the case that the relevant terminal type information is not “IFAX”, namely, when the information of the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14indicates that a terminal type of a mail address of the transmission destination is not an Internet facsimile despite the user requires the Internet facsimile transmission, it is possible to estimate that the user's designation of the transmission system is not appropriate. Accordingly, the CPU11makes the operating/displaying unit24display a certain message having a content for recommending the PDF transmission (step ST20). Then, in this condition, the CPU11receives the user's designation of the transmission system again (step ST21) and checks whether the transmission system designated in this time is the Internet facsimile transmission system or not (step ST22).

In the case that the user designates the PDF transmission in this time, namely, when the user alters the transmission system according to the displayed message, the CPU11subsequently checks whether ON of the transmission confirmation mode is designated in the step ST11or not (step ST23). Then, if ON of the transmission confirmation mode is designated, the CPU11makes the operating/displaying unit24display a certain message having a content for recommending OFF of the transmission confirmation mode (step ST24). Then, in this condition, the CPU11receives the user's designation of the transmission confirmation mode again (step ST25) and performs the PDF transmission process in an ON/OFF condition in the transmission confirmation mode designated in this time (step ST26). Alternatively, if it is confirmed that OFF of the transmission confirmation mode is designated in the step S23, the CPU11passes the step ST24and the step ST25and shifts to the process in the step ST26so that it performs the PDF transmission process in the ON/OFF condition of the transmission confirmation mode designated in the step ST11. Then, if this PDF transmission process is completed, the CPU11terminates the image transmission process in this time.

On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the terminal type information is not stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14in association with the mail address designated in the step ST11in the step ST18, when it is confirmed that the terminal type information stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14in association with the mail address designated in the step ST11is “IFAX” in the step ST19, and when it is confirmed that the transmission system designated in the step ST21is the Internet facsimile transmission system in the step ST22, the CPU11performs the Internet facsimile transmission process in the ON/OFF condition of the transmission confirmation mode designated in the step ST11(step ST27). Then, if this Internet facsimile transmission process is completed, the CPU11terminates the image transmission process in this time.

The operations when the user designates the Internet facsimile transmission system as a transmission system in the step ST11are as described above. On the contrary, if the PDF transmission process is designated as a transmission system in the step ST11, the CPU11checks whether the terminal type information is stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14in association with the mail address designated in the step ST11or not (step ST28). Then, if the relevant terminal type information is stored therein, the CPU11subsequently checks whether this terminal type information is “non-IFAX” or not(step ST29).

If the relevant terminal type information is not “non-IFAX” in this case, namely, when the information of the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14indicates that a terminal type of a mail address of the transmission destination is an Internet facsimile despite the user requires the PDF transmission, it is possible to estimate that the user's designation of the transmission system is not appropriate. Accordingly, the CPU11makes the operating/displaying unit24display a certain message having a content for recommending the Internet facsimile transmission (step ST30). Then, in this condition, the CPU11receives the user's designation of the transmission system again (step ST31) and checks whether the transmission system designated in this time is the PDF transmission or not (step ST32).

In the case that the user designates the PDF transmission in this time, namely, when the user alters the transmission system according to the displayed message, the CPU11subsequently checks whether OFF of the transmission confirmation mode is designated in the step ST11or not (step ST33). Then, if OFF of the transmission confirmation mode is designated, the CPU11makes the operating/displaying unit24display a certain message having a content for recommending ON of the transmission confirmation mode (step ST34). Then, in this condition, the CPU11receives the user's designation of the transmission confirmation mode again (step ST35), shifts to the process of the step ST27and performs the Internet facsimile transmission process in an ON/OFF condition in the transmission confirmation mode designated in the step ST35. Alternatively, if it is confirmed that ON of the transmission confirmation mode is designated in the step S33, the CPU11passes the step ST34and the step ST35and shifts to the process in the step ST27so that it performs the Internet facsimile transmission process in the ON/OFF condition of the transmission confirmation mode designated in the step ST11.

On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the terminal type information is not stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14in association with the mail address designated in the step ST28in the step ST18, when it is confirmed that the terminal type information stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14in association with the mail address designated in the step ST11is “non-IFAX” in the step ST29, and when it is confirmed that the transmission system designated in the step ST31is the PDF transmission system in the step ST32, the CPU11shifts to the process of the step ST26and performs the PDF transmission process in the ON/OFF condition of the transmission confirmation mode designated in the step ST11.

As described above, according to the embodiment, when the transmission system designated by the user is different from the transmission system which is appropriate for a terminal type of a terminal type indicated by the terminal type information stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14in association with the mail address designated as a transmission destination, a message is displayed to prompt the user to alter the transmission method. Therefore, if the user designates the transmission system by mistake, the user is capable of knowing this fact, so that it is possible to prevent the useless image transmission in a wrong transmission system by designating an appropriate transmission system again.

Alternatively, according to the embodiment, upon receiving an electronic mail attached with the attached file, a terminal type of a transmitter of the electronic mail is identified on the basis of a file format of this attached file and the terminal type information is automatically stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14on the basis of the identified terminal type, so that it is not necessary for the user to check the terminal type of the partner's terminal or to register the terminal type information. As a result, it is very convenient for the user.

Further, according to the embodiment, when ON of the transmission confirmation mode is designated when the user alters the designation of the transmission system from the Internet facsimile transmission to the PDF transmission, or when OFF of the transmission confirmation mode is designated when the user alters the designation of the transmission system from the PDF transmission to the Internet facsimile transmission, a message is displayed so as to prompt to alter the designation of the transmission confirmation mode. The Internet facsimile terminal normally has a function for returning an information mail in response to the transmission confirmation request, so that it is effective to use a transmission confirmation mode. On the contrary, a function for returning an information mail in response to the transmission confirmation request is not generally used in the computer terminal and there is a low probability that the receiving side transmits the information mail even if the transmitting side uses the transmission confirmation mode, so that there may be a possibility that the usage of the transmission confirmation mode only results in complication of the process. On this account, when the user tries to perform the Internet facsimile transmission, the transmission confirmation mode is designated as ON. On the contrary, when the user tries to perform the PDF transmission, there is a high probability that the transmission confirmation mode is designated as OFF. After the Internet facsimile transmission is performed, the transmission confirmation mode remains to be designated as ON and after the PDF transmission is performed, the transmission confirmation mode remains to be designated as OFF.

If the transmission system is only changed from such a condition, a relation between the transmission system and the transmission confirmation mode becomes inappropriate. In such a case, the user is capable of knowing that a relation between the transmission system and the transmission confirmation mode becomes inappropriate, so that it becomes possible to perform the appropriate image transmission by designating a correct transmission confirmation mode condition again.

Alternatively, the present invention is not limited to the above described embodiment. For example, according to the above described embodiment, when the relevant terminal type information is not “IFAX”, namely, when the information of the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14indicates that a terminal type of a mail address of the transmission destination is not an Internet facsimile despite the user requires the Internet facsimile transmission, the processes from the steps S20to S22are performed. However, these processes may be omitted. That is, when a terminal type of a mail address of a transmission destination is not the Internet facsimile even if the user requires the Internet facsimile transmission, it is estimated that the terminal type of the mail address of the transmission destination is a personal computer (PC). Accordingly, when a software capable of reading an image file of a TIFF file is loaded in a PC, there is no problem even if the image file of the TIFF file is transmitted to the PC, so that the information may be not provided.

For example, according to the above described embodiment, the terminal type information is automatically written in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14. However, the terminal type information designated by the user may be written therein.

Alternatively, according to the above described embodiment, the informing operation to prompt the user to check the designation of the transmission system and the informing operation to prompt the user to check the designation of the transmission confirmation mode are performed by displaying a message. However, for example, the informing operation may be performed in other manner such as reproducing a voice message or the like. Alternatively, an information command is transmitted to a computer terminal connected via the LAN circuit5and the informing operation may be performed at the computer terminal side.

Additionally, according to the above described embodiment, when a mail address which is not stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14, is a mail address of a transmitter of the received electronic mail, this mail address is stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14and further, its terminal type information is stored in association with this mail address. However, the terminal type information may be stored only with respect to a mail address stored in the transmission destination terminal type storage table of the information storing unit14in advance, namely, a mail address registered by the user in advance. Hereby, it is possible to prevent a junk mail.

Further, according to the above described embodiment, an example such that the present invention is applied to a digital complex machine is described. However, for example, it is possible to realize the present invention as a device, which is formed otherwise such as a device only having a function to transfer the image.

Alternatively, according to the above described embodiment, an Internet facsimile system defined by the ITU-T is used. However, the present invention can be applied in the case of using other Internet facsimile system such as a system which is uniquely defined, or the like.

Additionally, according to the above described embodiment, it is decided whether the transmission confirmation mode is used or not depending on the user's designation. However, for example, it is also possible that the transmission confirmation mode is automatically used upon the IFAX transmission and the transmission confirmation mode is not used upon the PDF transmission.