`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 1 of 20
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`EXHIBIT A
`
`EXHIBIT A
`
`
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Nonaka et al .
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . : US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`Jan . 8 , 2019
`
`US010176332B2
`
`( 56 )
`
`( 54 ) SERVER , DATA OUTPUT SYSTEM , DATA
`OUTPUT METHOD , AND OUTPUT
`TERMINAL
`
`( 75 ) Inventors : Nobuyuki Nonaka , Tokyo ( JP ) ;
`Toshimi Koyama , Tokyo ( JP )
`( 73 ) Assignee : UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT
`CORPORATION , Tokyo ( JP )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 1291 days .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 11 / 452 , 281
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Jun . 14 , 2006
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`( 65 )
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2006 / 0289626 A1
`Dec . 28 , 2006
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`( 30 )
`Jun . 24 , 2005 ( JP ) . . . . . . . . . . . .
`2005 - 184854
`( 51 ) Int . Ci .
`( 2006 . 01 )
`G06K 19 / 06
`G06F 21 / 60
`( 2013 . 01 )
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . G06F 21 / 606 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; G06F 2221 / 2153
`( 2013 . 01 )
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`CPC . GO6F 21 / 608 ; G06Q 10 / 00 ; G06Q 20 / 3674 ;
`G06Q 20 / 40 ; G07C 9 / 00111
`USPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705 / 1 , 18 , 44 , 67 ; 235 / 382 , 385 ;
`370 / 279 , 329 , 338 ; 455 / 90 . 3
`See application file for complete search history .
`
`( 52 )
`
`348 / 156
`
`. . . . . . . . . . 340 / 5 . 82
`. . . . . . . . . . . 370 / 329
`235 / 385
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5 , 544 , 321 A
`8 / 1996 Theimer et al .
`6 , 570 , 610 B1 *
`5 / 2003 Kipust . . . . . . . . . .
`6 , 590 , 877 B1
`7 / 2003 Yamakita
`6 / 2007 Coughlin et al .
`7 , 230 , 519 B2 *
`1 / 2008 Agrawal et al .
`7 , 324 , 476 B2 *
`4 / 2009 Chung . . . . . . .
`7 , 513 , 425 B2 *
`9 / 2003 Yasuda et al .
`2003 / 0172001 A1
`2004 / 0193742 A1
`9 / 2004 Ikeda
`5 / 2005 Suyehira
`2005 / 0094184 AL
`2006 / 0111053 Al *
`5 / 2006 Wu et al .
`. . . . . . . . . . 455 / 90 . 3
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`EP
`1339015 A1 *
`8 / 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . G06K 19 / 077
`A - 11 - 187127
`7 / 1999
`JP
`JP
`A - 11 - 191043
`7
`/ 1999
`( Continued )
`Primary Examiner — Thien M Le
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Lex IP Meister , PLLC
`ABSTRACT
`( 57 )
`A server comprises an electronic data item receiving unit , an
`identification code receiving unit , an identification code
`storing unit , and an electronic data item transmitting unit .
`The electronic data item receiving unit receives an electronic
`data item . When a person exists within a predetermined
`range from
`an output terminal , the identification code
`receiving unit receives a first identification code concerning
`any one of the person and a device used by the person and
`a second identification code for identifying the output ter
`minal . The identification code storing unit stores therein the
`first and second identification codes received by the identi
`fication code receiving unit , in association with each other .
`The electronic data item transmitting unit transmits the
`electronic data item received by the electronic data item
`receiving unit to a corresponding output terminal based on
`the first and second identification codes stored in the iden
`tification code storing unit .
`19 Claims , 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 2 of 20
`
`MAIN PROCESSING EXECUTED
`BY FACSIMILE MACHINE
`
`cin
`STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`<
`AND PC IDENTIFICATION CODE RECEIVED
`FROM PERSONAL COMPUTER ?
`
`C2
`
`YES
`ASSOCIATE STAFF DENTIFICATION CODE
`AND PO IDENTIFICATION CODE WITH EACH OTHER
`AND STORE THEM INTO RAM
`
`C3
`
`AUTOMATIC SIGNAL RECEIVED ?
`YES
`READ STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`
`e2O STATI DESTEICATION CODE
`
`C4
`
`TRANSMIT STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`AND FAX IDENTIFICATION CODE TO SERVER
`
`RECEIVE X
`NO GFAX DATA RECEIVED
`YES
`
`C6
`
`DENTIFY PERSONAL COMPUTER
`
`OUTPUT FAX DATA
`
`TRANSMIT NOTIFICATION SIGNAL TO
`DENTIFIED PERSONAL COMPUTER
`
`rc9
`
`
`
`US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`Page 2
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`8 / 2003
`A - 2003 - 244059
`2003 - 323490
`11 / 2003
`JP
`A - 2004 - 015401
`1 / 2004
`* cited by examiner
`
`323490
`
`1 2003
`
`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 3 of 20
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`
`
`U . S . Patent
`
`Jan . 8 , 2019
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`
`100
`
`101
`
`101
`
`DATA memory
`. IN - ROOM PERSON
`
`
`
`DISPLAY UNIT
`
`
`
`OPERATING UNIT
`
`.
`
`. .
`
`OFFICE
`
`OFFICE
`
`www
`
`CPU
`
`ROM
`
`RAM
`
`14
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION UNIT
`
`SERVER
`
`OFFICE
`
`101
`
`30 ,
`
`102
`
`*
`
`*
`
`*
`
`FACSIMILE MACHINE
`OPERATING UNIT
`
`SCANNER UNIT
`
`
`
`PRINT UNIT
`
`CPU
`
`ROM
`
`RAM
`
`25
`
`ANTENNA
`DEMODULAT OR CIRCUIT
`
`COMMUNICATION UNIT
`
`101
`
`21
`
`OFFICE
`
`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 4 of 20
`
`FIG . 1
`
`
`
`U . S . Patent
`
`Jan . 8 , 2019
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
`
`US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`
`61
`
`L - t - - - 60a
`
`60
`
`CPU
`
`63 62
`
`- - - - - - -
`
`
`
`MODULATOR / DEMODULATOR CIRCUIT |
`
`
`
`POWER SOURCE
`
`MEMORY
`
`64
`
`65
`
`+
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`66
`
`67
`
`- - LIL
`
`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 5 of 20
`
`G
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`FIG . 2
`
`606
`
`
`
`U . S . Patent
`
`Jan . 8 , 2019
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`
`FIG . 3
`
`IN - ROOM PERSON DATA TABLE
`
`STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE FAX IDENTIFICATION CODE
`abcd
`0010
`( THIRD FACSIMILE MACHINE )
`efgh
`( FIFTH FACSIMILE MACHINE )
`
`0013
`
`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 6 of 20
`
`
`
`nt
`
`Jan . 8 , 2019
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`
`FIG . 4
`
`MAIN PROCESSING
`EXECUTED BY IC CARD
`
`INTERROGATION SIGNAL
`RECEIVED ?
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`EMIT RESPONSE SIGNAL
`
`A3
`
`PREDETERMINED PERIOD
`OF TIME HAS ELAPSED ?
`
`NO
`
`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 7 of 20
`
`YES
`
`A4 As y EMIT AUTOMATIC SIGNAL
`
`EMIT AUTOMATIC SIGNAL
`
`
`
`nt
`
`Jan . 8 , 2019
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`
`FIG . 5
`
`MAIN PROCESSING EXECUTED
`BY PERSONAL COMPUTER
`
`B1
`
`EMIT INTERROGATION SIGNAL
`
`RESPONSE SIGNAL
`RECEIVED ?
`
`VNO
`
`YES
`
`B3
`
`TRANSMIT STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`AND PC IDENTIFICATION CODE TO
`FACSIMILE MACHINE NEARBY
`
`B6
`
`NOTIFY
`UNAUTHORIZED USE
`
`SHUT DOWN
`
`B4
`
`NO
`
`NOTIFICATION SIGNAL
`RECEIVED ?
`
`YES
`
`DISPLAY NOTIFICATION THAT
`FAX DATA HAS BEEN OUTPUTTED
`
`B5
`
`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 8 of 20
`
`Ceremo
`
`END
`
`
`
`U . S . Patent
`
`Jan . 8 , 2019
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`
`FIG . 6
`
`MAIN PROCESSING EXECUTED
`BY FACSIMILE MACHINE
`
`STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`AND PC IDENTIFICATION CODE RECEIVED
`FROM PERSONAL COMPUTER ?
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`ASSOCIATE STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`AND PC IDENTIFICATION CODE WITH EACH OTHER
`AND STORE THEM INTO RAM
`
`C3
`
`AUTOMATIC SIGNAL RECEIVED ?
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`READ STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`
`C5
`
`TRANSMIT STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`AND FAX IDENTIFICATION CODE TO SERVER
`
`NO
`
`FAX DATA RECEIVED ?
`
`_ C6
`
`YES
`
`IDENTIFY PERSONAL COMPUTER Ptas
`IDENTIFIED PERSONAL COMPUTER PUTEROLco
`
`OUTPUT FAX DATA
`
`TRANSMIT NOTIFICATION SIGNAL TO
`
`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 9 of 20
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`
`
`nt
`
`Jan . 8 , 2019
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`
`FIG . 7
`
`MAIN PROCESSING
`EXECUTED BY SERVER
`
`STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`AND FAX IDENTIFICATION CODE RECEIVED
`FROM FACSIMILE MACHINE ?
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`UPDATE IN - ROOM PERSON DATA
`
`D2UPDAT
`D3
`
`FAX DATA RECEIVED ?
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`CORRESPONDING TO SPECIFIC CODE
`
`D4 DA RETRIEVE STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`RETORRESPO
`05sokes RETRIEVE FAX IDENTIFICATION CODE
`
`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 10 of 20
`
`b
`
`ASSOCIATED WITH THE STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`y
`
`TRANSMIT FAX DATA
`
`TRANSMI
`
`
`
`U . S . Patent
`
`Jan . 8 , 2019
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`
`FIG . 8
`
`D13
`
`MAIN PROCESSING
`EXECUTED BY SERVER
`
`. .
`
`D10
`
`STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE ,
`PC IDENTIFICATION CODE ,
`AND FAX IDENTIFICATION CODE RECEIVED
`FROM FACSIMILE MACHINE ?
`
`NO
`
`011
`
`YES
`
`UPDATE IN - ROOM PERSON DATA
`
`D3
`
`D12
`NO
`
`FAX DATA RECEIVED ?
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`DESTINATION SPECIFIDED ?
`
`YES
`
`RETRIEVE STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`CORRESPONDING TO SPECIFIC CODE
`
`- D4
`
`RETRIEVE FAX IDENTIFICATION CODE
`ASSOCIATED WITH THE STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`
`www . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`
`. . . . . .
`
`RETRIEVE FAX IDENTIFICATION CODE
`ASSOCIATED WITH
`AUTHENTIC STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`
`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 11 of 20
`
`-
`
`ATA
`TRANSMIT FAX DATA
`
`D6
`
`Z
`
`TRANSMIT NOTIFICATION SIGNAL TO
`PERSONAL COMPUTER
`
`- D14
`
`
`
`atent
`
`Jan . 8 , 2019
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`
`FIG . 9
`
`MAIN PROCESSING EXECUTED BY FACSIMILE MACHINE
`
`STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`AND PC IDENTIFICATION CODE RECEIVED FROM
`PERSONAL COMPUTER ?
`
`I YES
`ASSOCIATE STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`AND PC IDENTIFICATION CODE WITH EACH OTHER
`AND STORE THEM INTO RAM
`
`C3
`
`w
`
`AUTOMATIC SIGNAL RECEIVED ?
`
`NO
`
`YES
`READ STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`
`TRANSMIT STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`AND FAX IDENTIFICATION CODE TO SERVER
`
`NO
`
`FAX DATA RECEIVED ?
`IYES
`STORE FAX DATA
`
`ACQUIRE SPECIFIC CODE
`
`C6
`
`C10
`
`Cu1
`
`NO
`
`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 12 of 20
`
`STAFF IDENTIFICATION CODE
`CORRESPONDING TO SPECIFIC CODE
`IS STORED IN RAM ?
`
`YES
`IDENTIFY PERSONAL COMPUTER
`
`OUTPUT FAX DATA
`
`TRANSMIT NOTIFICATION SIGNAL TO
`IDENTIFIED PERSONAL COMPUTER
`
`. .
`
`. . . . . . .
`
`co
`
`
`
`US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`
`SERVER , DATA OUTPUT SYSTEM , DATA
`OUTPUT METHOD , AND OUTPUT
`TERMINAL
`
`storing unit , and an electronic data item transmitting unit .
`The electronic data item receiving unit receives an electronic
`data item . When a person exists within a predetermined
`range from an output terminal , the identification code
`receiving unit receives a first identification code concerning
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`any one of the person and a device used by the person and
`APPLICATION
`a second identification code for identifying the output ter
`minal . The identification code storing unit stores therein the
`This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
`first and second identification codes received by the identi
`priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No .
`fication code receiving unit , in association with each other .
`2005 - 184854 , filed on Jun . 24 , 2005 , the entire contents of 10
`The electronic data item transmitting unit transmits the
`which are incorporated herein by reference .
`electronic data item received by the electronic data item
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`receiving unit to a corresponding output terminal based on
`the first and second identification codes stored in the iden
`15 tification code storing unit .
`1 . Field of the Invention
`In the first aspect , only when someone exists around an
`The present invention relates to a server that transmits
`output terminal , an electronic data item is transmitted to the
`electronic data to an output terminal , a data output system
`output terminal so that the output terminal outputs the data
`that includes the server and output terminals , a data output
`item . As a consequence , it can be prevented that no one
`method for outputting electronic data to an output terminal ,
`20 notices output of the data item from the output terminal .
`and an output terminal .
`According to a second aspect of the present invention ,
`2 . Description of Related Art
`there is provided a data output system comprising a plurality
`An increasing number of companies are introducing a
`of output terminals and a server that is data - communicably
`free - space office in which each staff member does not have
`connected to the output terminals . Each of the output ter
`his / her own seat and is allowed to freely sit in any empty seat
`to work thereat . In the free - space office , however , when a 25 minals includes a reading unit , an output unit , and an
`staff member wants to communicate with another staff
`identification code transmitting unit . When a person exists
`member , he / she has to find where another staff member
`within a predetermined range from the output terminal , the
`stays , because staff members do not have his / her own seats .
`reading unit reads a first identification code concerning any
`A possible way to solve this problem is , for example ,
`one of the person and a device used by the person . The
`introduction of a system that uses an IC tag for obtaining 30 output unit outputs an electronic data item . The identifica
`information about where a person is , as disclosed in Japa -
`tion code transmitting unit transmits to the server the first
`nese Patent Unexamined Publication No . 2003 - 323490 .
`identification code read by the reading unit and a second
`The system disclosed in the above - mentioned publication
`identification code for identifying the output terminal . The
`is adopted for example in a hospital in order to always know
`server includes an electronic data item receiving unit , an
`where a patient is . Each patient carries an IC tag which emits 35 identification code receiving unit , an identification code
`an identification code at predetermined intervals , and IC tag
`storing unit , a retrieval unit , and t electronic data item
`readers disposed at various places receive the identification
`transmitting unit . The electronic data item receiving unit
`code , to thereby grasp where each patient is .
`receives the electronic data item . The identification code
`receiving unit receives the first and second identification
`40 codes transmitted by the identification code transmitting unit
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`of any one of the output terminals . The identification code
`storing unit stores therein the first and second identification
`By introducing the above - described system into an office ,
`a location of each staff member can be grasped . However , it
`codes received by the identification code receiving unit , in
`is likely that no staff member cannot notice a data output in
`association with each other . The retrieval unit retrieves from
`a case where , for example , staff members concentrate on a 45 the identification code storing unit first and second identi
`certain place in an office and the data is outputted from an
`fication codes corresponding to a specific code that specifies
`output terminal , such as a facsimile machine , a printer , etc . ,
`a destination of the electronic data item received by the
`that is placed at a distance from the certain place . To be more
`electronic data item receiving unit . The electronic data item
`specific , an output terminal outputs data regardless of
`transmitting unit transmits the electronic data item received
`whether someone exists therearound or not . Accordingly , for 50 by the electronic data item receiving unit to an output
`example in a large office in which several output terminals
`terminal that is assigned the second identification code
`are placed , when data is transmitted to an output terminal
`retrieved by the retrieval unit .
`around which no one is present , the data is outputted under
`According to a third aspect of the present invention , there
`such a condition , i . e . , a condition that no one is present
`is provided a data output method comprising the steps of :
`therearound . This may cause a problem that the outputted 55 receiving an electronic data item ; receiving from each of a
`data is noticed by no staff member and therefore left
`plurality of output terminals , when a person exists within a
`unattended , a problem that paper jam , paper scattering , etc . ,
`predetermined range from the output terminal , a first iden
`occur but are not cleared , and the like . Moreover , if the
`tification code concerning any one of the person and a device
`outputted data is left unattended , data missing , data stealing ,
`used by the person and a second identification code for
`60 identifying the output terminal ; storing the first and second
`or the like can be caused .
`An object of the present invention is to provide a server ,
`identification codes received in the step of receiving iden
`a data output system , a data output method , and an output
`t ification codes , in association with each other ; retrieving ,
`terminal , which can prevent that no one notices data out
`from what has been stored in the step of storing identifica
`putted by an output terminal .
`tion codes , first and second identification codes correspond
`According to a first aspect of the present invention , a 65 ing to a specific code that specifies a destination of the
`server comprises an electronic data item receiving unit , an
`electronic data item received in the step of receiving an
`identification code receiving unit , an identification code
`electronic data item ; and transmitting the electronic data
`
`Case 6:20-cv-00667-ADA Document 1-1 Filed 07/23/20 Page 13 of 20
`
`
`
`US 10 , 176 , 332 B2
`
`FIG . 8 is a flowchart showing a modification of the main
`processing that is executed by the server ; and
`FIG . 9 is a flowchart showing a modification of the main
`processing that is executed by the facsimile machine .
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`item received in the step of receiving an electronic data item
`to an output terminal that is assigned the second identifica -
`tion code retrieved in the step of retrieving .
`In the second and third aspects , a destination of an
`electronic data item is specified by a specific code . In this 5
`case , first and second identification codes that correspond to
`this specific code are retrieved from the identification code
`storing unit , and the electronic data item
`is transmitted to an
`In the following , a certain preferred embodiment of the
`output terminal that is assigned the second identification
`code thus retrieved . Accordingly , an electronic data item m 10 present invention will be described with reference to the
`accompanying drawings .
`addressed to a specific destination can be outputted from an
`First , with reference to FIG . 1 , a description will be given
`output terminal that is placed near the destination . This can
`to a server 10 and a data output system 100 that includes the
`effectively prevent that no one notices output of the data
`server 10 according to an embodiment of the present inven
`item from the output terminal .
`15 tion . As shown in FIG . 1 , the data output system 100
`According to a fourth aspect of the present invention ,
`includes facsimile machines 20 ( only one of which is shown
`there is provided an output terminal comprising an elec
`in FIG . 1 ) functioning as output terminals and placed in
`tronic data item storing unit , a specific code acquiring unit ,
`respective offices 101 , and the server 10 that is data
`a reading unit , a determination unit , and an output unit . The
`communicably connected to the respective facsimile
`electronic data item storing unit stores therein a received 20 machines 20 with or without a wire . Also , many personal
`electronic data item . Based on the electronic data item stored
`computers 30 are placed in each office 101 . Each of the
`in the electronic data item storing unit , the specific code
`personal computers 30 is data - communicably connected to a
`acquiring unit acquires a specific code for specifying a
`facsimile machine 20 nearby with or without a wire . Two or
`destination of the electronic data item . When a person exists
`more of the personal computers 30 are connected to one
`within a predetermined range from the output terminal , the 25 facsimile machine 20 .
`reading unit reads a first identification code concerning any
`The office 101 has introduced a so - called free spacing ,
`one of the person and a device used by the person . The
`and a staff member 102 working at each office 101 does not
`determination unit determines whether the first identification
`have his / her own seat . The staff member 102 always carries
`code read by the reading unit corresponds to the specific
`an IC card 60 ( see FIG . 2 ) , and freely uses an empty seat to
`code acquired by the specific code acquiring unit or not . 30 work thereat . As shown in FIG . 2 , the IC card 60 has an IC
`When the determination unit determines that the first iden -
`main body 60a and a mounted body 60b that is removably
`tification code corresponds to the specific code , the output
`mounted to the IC main body 60a .
`unit outputs the electronic data item stored in the electronic
`The IC main body 60a has an IC chip 61 and an antenna
`66 for wireless communication . Through the antenna 66 , the
`data item storing unit .
`In the fourth aspect , a destination of an electronic data 35 IC main body 60a communicates data with the facsimile
`item is specified by a specific code . In this case , whether the
`machine 20 and the personal computer 30 . The IC chip 61
`specific code corresponds to the first identification code read
`includes a CPU 62 , a memory 63 , a modulator / demodulator
`by the reading unit or not is determined . When it is deter -
`circuit 64 , and a power source 65 . The memory 63 is
`mined that the specific code corresponds to the first identi -
`electrically writable and erasable , and stores therein a staff
`fication code , the electronic data item is outputted . Accord - 40 identification code which is specific to each individual IC
`ingly , an electronic data item addressed to a specific
`card 60 . The staff identification code is composed of a
`destination can be outputted from an output terminal that is
`4 - digit number ( see FIG . 3 ) . The modulator / demodulator
`placed near the destination . This can prevent that no one
`circuit 64 modulates and demodulates data that is transmit
`notices output of the data item from the output terminal .
`ted or received through the antenna 66 . The power source 65
`45 supplies power to the CPU 62 and the modulator / demodu
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`lator circuit 64 . Since the power source 65 is provided in the
`IC main body 60a , the IC main body 60a is able to emit a
`Other and further objects , features and advantages of the
`weak radio wave by itself .
`The IC main body 60a emits at predetermined intervals an
`invention will appear more fully from the following descrip .
`tion taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
`50 automatic signal carrying the staff identification code . The
`automatic signal is received by a facsimile machine 20 that
`which :
`FIG . 1 schematically illustrates a construction of a data
`is placed within a communication coverage of this signal .
`output system that includes a server according to an embodi -
`Also , as will be described later , when a staff member 102
`who carries the IC card 60 including the IC main body 60a
`ment of the present invention ;
`FIG . 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical construc - 55 powers up a personal computer 30 , the personal computer 30
`transmits an interrogation signal . Upon reception of this
`tion of an IC card that is carried around by each staff
`interrogation signal , the IC main body 60a emits a response
`member ;
`FIG . 3 shows an in - room person data table that is stored
`signal carrying the staff identification code . The response
`signal is received by the personal computer 30 that has
`in the server ;
`FIG . 4 is a flowchart showing a main processing that is 60 transmitted the interrogation signal .
`The mounted body 60b has a sub antenna 67 that is
`executed by the IC card ;
`FIG . 5 is a flowchart showing a main processing that is
`adapted to a frequency band different from a frequency band
`executed by a personal computer ;
`to which the antenna 66 of the IC main body 60a is adapted .
`FIG . 6 is a flowchart showing a main processing that is
`Each of the antenna 66 and the sub antenna 67 is a so - called
`65 dipole antenna including a
`flat - plate conductor . The
`executed by a facsimile machine ;
`FIG . 7 is a flowchart showing a main processing that is
`mounted body 60b is mounted to the IC main body 60a in
`such a manner that the conductor of the antenna 66 and the
`executed by the server ;
`
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`lator / demodulator circuit . The modulator / demodulator cir
`conductor of the sub antenna 67 are separated away from
`cuit modulates and demodulates a response signal received
`each other and at least partly confront each other . This makes
`through the antenna .
`the antenna 66 and the sub antenna 67 function like electrode
`As shown in FIG . 1 , the server 10 has a CPU 11 , a ROM
`plates of a capacitor , so that a signal received by the sub
`12 , a RAM 13 , a communication unit 14 , a memory 15 , a
`antenna 67 is supplied from the sub antenna 67 through the 5
`display unit 16 , and an operating unit 17 such as a keyboard .
`antenna 66 to the IC chip 61 .
`The ROM 12 stores therein a program executed by the CPU
`When an interrogation signal transmitted from a personal
`11 , and the like . The communication unit 14 implements
`computer 30 is in a frequency band that is different from a
`data communication with the facsimile machines 20 and an
`frequency band to which the antenna 66 is adapted , the IC
`main body 60a cannot receive this interrogation signal . " external network . The RAM 13 stores therein fax data
`However , when the interrogation signal corresponds to a
`received through the communication unit 14 from the fac
`frequency band to which the sub antenna 67 of the mounted
`simile machine 20 or the external network , and the like .
`body 606 is adapted , the interrogation signal is received by
`Every time the server 10 receives a staff identification
`the mounted body 60b and transmitted to the IC main body 1
`code and a fax identification code through the communica
`60a . Accordingly , presence of the mounted body 606
`tion unit 14 from any of the facsimile machines 20 , the
`enables the IC card 60 to receive a signal in broader
`server 10 creates or updates in - room person data . The
`frequency band as compared with when the IC card 60 has
`in - room person data is , in the form of a data table associating
`the IC main body 60a alone .
`each staff identification code with a fax identification code ,
`As shown in FIG . 1 , each facsimile machine 20 includes 20 stored in the memory 15 ( see FIG . 3 ) . The server 10 refers
`a CPU 21 , a ROM 22 , a RAM 23 , a communication unit 24 ,
`to an in - room person data table stored in the memory 15 , to
`a demodulator circuit 25 , an antenna 26 , an operating unit
`know around which facsimile machine 20 within the office
`27 , a scanner unit 28 , and a print unit 29 .
`101 each staff member 102 currently stays . Based on the
`The ROM 22 stores therein a program executed by the
`in - room person data table , the server 10 transmits received
`CPU 21 , a fax identification code which is specific to each 25 fax data to a corresponding facsimile machine 20 .
`individual facsimile machine 20 , and the like . The RAM 23
`The memory 15 stores therein , in addition to the in - room
`stores therein various data . The communication unit 24
`person data table , a fax position data table associating each
`fax identification code with data about where a facsimile
`implements data communication with the server 10 and with
`machine 20 having this fax identification code is placed , and
`the personal computer 30 . The antenna 26 receives an
`Is 30 the like . The server 10 refers to the in - room person data table
`automatic signal that is emitted at predetermined intervals 30
`and the fax position data table , to roughly know where each
`from an IC card 60 carried around by a staff member 102
`staff member 102 currently stays .
`existing within a predetermined range . Here , the predeter
`Next , a main processing that is executed by the CPU 62
`mined range means a communication coverage of the auto
`of the IC card 60 will be described with reference to FIG . 4 .
`matic signal . The demodulator circuit 25 demodulates data
`First , the CPU 62 determines whether an interrogation
`s dala 35
`that is received through the antenna 26 . The antenna 26 and
`signal is received from a personal computer 30 or not ( A1 ) .
`the demodulator circuit 25 function as a reading unit of the
`When an interrogation signal is received from a personal
`computer 30 ( A1 : YES ) , the CPU 62 emits a response signal
`present invention . The operating unit 27 is operated by a user
`that carries a staff identification code stored in the memory
`of the facsimile machine 20 . The scanner unit 28 reads a
`document or the like , and converts it into image data . The 40 63 ( A2 ) . Then , the processing proceeds to A3 . The response
`print unit 29 , which functions as an output unit of the present
`signal emitted in A2 is received by the personal computer 30
`invention , performs printing based on fax data received
`that has transmitted the interrogation signal . When an inter
`through the communication unit 24 from the server 10 .
`rogation signal is not received from a personal computer 30
`Through the communication unit 24 , the facsimile
`( A1 : NO ) , the processing skips A2 and proceeds to A3 .
`machine 20 transmits and receives fax data to / from the 45
`In A3 , the CPU 62 determines whether a predetermined
`server 10 . The fax data includes image data after conversion
`period of time has elapsed since it emitted the previous
`by the scanner unit 28 , and a specific code that specifies a
`automatic signal or not . When the predetermined period of
`destination of the fax data . The specific code corresponds to
`time has elapsed ( A3 : YES ) , the CPU 62 emits an automatic
`signal that carries the staff identification code stored in the
`a staff identification code .
`It may be possible that , when transmitting fax data , a user 50 memory 63 ( A4 ) . Then , the processing returns to A1 . When
`of the facsimile machine 20 inputs a specific code through
`the predetermined period of time has not elapsed ( A3 : NO ) ,
`the operating unit 27 . More specifically , it may be possible
`the processing returns to Al without performing A4 .
`to , after a user of the facsimile machine 20 inputs a fax
`Next , a main processing that is executed by the CPU of
`number to thereby access a communication line , provide a
`the personal computer 30 will be described with reference to
`guidance according to which the user inputs a specific code . 55 FIG . 5 . This main processing is started upon a powerup of
`Alternatively , it may also be possible that the scanner unit 28
`the personal computer 30 .
`reads a document on which a specific code is written . The
`First , the CPU emits an interrogation signal ( B1 ) . The
`specific code can be set appropriately . For example , in a case
`interrogation signal is received by an IC card 60 carried
`where the communication line is an intra - office line , the
`around by a staff member 102 who has powered up the
`specific code may be a staff member number , a name of a 60 personal computer 30 . In response to the interrogation
`signal , the IC card 60 emits a response signal ( A2 of FIG . 4 ) .
`staff member 102 , etc .
`Each personal computer 30 has a memory ( not shown )
`The CPU of the personal computer 30 determines whether
`and a reader ( not shown ) . The memory stores therein a PC
`the response signal is received or not ( B2 ) . When the
`identification code which is specific to each individual
`response signal is received ( B2 : YES ) , the reader of the
`personal computer 30 . The reader contactlessly reads a staff 65 personal computer 30 reads a staff identification code
`identification code out of an IC card 60 carried around by a
`included in the response signal , and then transmits the staff
`staff member 102 . The reader has an antenna and a modu -
`identification code and a PC identification code stored in the
`
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`memory of the personal computer 30 , to a facsimile machine
`After C8 , the CPU 21 transmits a notification signal for
`20 nearby that is data - communicably connected to this
`notifying that the fax data have been outputted , to the
`personal computer 30 identified in C7 ( C9 ) . This notification
`personal computer 30 ( B3 ) .
`Then , the CPU determines whether a later - described
`may be made , for example , through an electronic mail using
`notification signal is received from the facsimile machine 205 the PC identification code as an e - mail address , or through
`any other means . After C9 , the processing returns