Patent attributes
A method for transmission of image messages comprises the use of a plurality of transmission modalities to allow coupling of a conventional facsimile apparatus or other image-generating devices to remote equipment. An image transmission is made to a point of presence facility. The facsimile transmission includes identification of the ultimate recipient for the transmission. The point of presence facility identifies the recipient, and re-transmits received facsimile image information to the recipient in a format appropriate for the recipient. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the recipient's address is identified as an e-mail address, and the point of presence facility converts the facsimile or other image data to an e-mail-compatible format. Data initially transmitted in a non-facsimile format for ultimate reception by a facsimile apparatus may be similarly received by a point of presence facility, converted to the facsimile format, and transmitted to the recipient, as identified by address information accompanying the initial transmission to the point of presence facility. Confirmation signals may be generated by the point of presence facility to advise a sender of a successful re-transmission.
