Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer conferencing – Demand based messaging
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-12
2002-12-24
Maung, Zarni (Department: 2153)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer conferencing
Demand based messaging
Reexamination Certificate
active
06499055
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a communication apparatus having a dial-up connection to the Internet via a network for providing a client with electronic mail and viewing of Web pages on the Internet, as well as to a method of such communication.
A method using a dial-up router is available as a method of connecting a terminal device, which has been connected to a local area network (LAN), to a network such as the Internet via a public network (PSTN/ISDN).
In a case where a terminal in the LAN uses a dial-up router to access the device of another party not included in the LAN, the dial-up router recognizes destination information such as an IP address from data output by the terminal and dials the public network automatically to make the connection to the other party's device.
In a case where a terminal in the LAN is to view a Web page on the Internet, the dial-up router recognizes a datagram that carries a data request from the terminal. If a connection to a public network has not been made, the dial-up router makes the connection at such time.
In a case where Internet e-mail is to be sent, the dial-up router recognizes a datagram that carries the destination of the predesignated mail server and effects a dial-up connection from the public network in a manner similar to that mentioned above. If e-mail is received from a mail server, then the dial-up router makes the connection in like fashion.
In the example of the prior art described above, a connection to the public network is made whenever a Web page is viewed from each terminal in the LAN and whenever e-mail is sent or received by each terminal. As a result, a billing charge is made is made each time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication apparatus and method in which when a connection is made to the Internet via a network, the efficiency with which the network is utilized is improved by implementing e-mail store-and-forward.
According to the pre sent invention, the foregoing object is attained by providing a communication apparatus for making a dial-up connection to the Internet via a network to provide a client with e-mail and viewing of Web pages on the Internet, comprising: interface means for connecting a plurality of clients; dial-up connection means for making a dial-up connection to the Internet; and e-mail processing means for storing and forwarding e-mail, the e-mail processing means storing and forwarding e-mail when the connection to the Internet has been made by the dial-up connection means.
Further, according to the present invention, the foregoing object is attained by providing a communication method using a communication apparatus for making a dial-up connection to the Internet via a network to provide a client with e-mail and viewing of Web pages on the Internet, comprising the steps of: transmitting e-mail to a mail server on the Internet in a case where e-mail waiting to be transmitted from the client exists when a dial-up connection has been made to the Internet; and receiving and forwarding, from a mail server on the Internet, e-mail to the client.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.
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Mosher, Sue, Microsoft exchange user's handbook. 1997, Duke Press p. 298.
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Fitzpatrick ,Cella, Harper & Scinto
Flynn Kimberly
Maung Zarni
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