Facsimile and static presentation processing – Facsimile – Specific signal processing circuitry
Reexamination Certificate
1995-03-27
2001-10-02
Lee, Tommy (Department: 2624)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Facsimile
Specific signal processing circuitry
C358S442000, C380S053000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06297892
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to communications equipment, and more particularly to a device for use with facsimile machines and/or computers to allow protected transmission and receipt of confidential messages.
The problem of ensuring confidentiality of facsimile transmissions has long been recognized in the communications industry. It is well known that facsimile transmissions can be received by non-designated addressee, and that confidentiality of the transmission can be easily compromised. To overcome this problem, various devices have been proposed for encoding an outgoing message, so that only a designated facsimile machine equipped with the key for decoding the message can decrypt the message into a readable form. Some of these devices can be found in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos.:
U.S. PATENT NO.
ISSUE DATE
3,715,478
February 6, 1973
4,091,423
May 23, 1978
4,989,244
January 29, 1991
5,241,595
August 31, 1993
5,321,749
June 14, 1994
5,351,136
September 27, 1994
Additionally, a number of devices have been patented for encoding textual data with the use of a computer. Some of these devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos.
U.S. PATENT NO.
ISSUE DATE
5,159,635
October 27, 1992
5,245,655
September 14, 1993
Standard facsimile machines use optical scanners for reading the message to be transmitted, with the image then being changed into a binary code, and then encoded into a dual tone modulated frequency (DTMF) signal suitable for facsimile transmission. The receiving facsimile machine converts the DTMF signal into a binary code, which is then decoded to receive the textual or graphic image transmitted by the first facsimile machine.
Many of the known devices utilize decoding electronic means which are built into the facsimile machine and which can be activated by the user with the use of a keyboard or a computer.
Some of these devices also have means for storing the encoded information which can be retrieved by a user who possesses the password or a decoder.
However, none of the known devices discloses a portable device which can be easily connected to a standard facsimile machine to receive the intended message and to store the information until the user is ready to read it through a facsimile machine or a computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a portable device for storing and transmitting an encoded message.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for encoding facsimile messages at the time when the textual or graphic image is changed into a binary code.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for storing facsimile messages which can be connected to a computer or standard facsimile machine for printing of decoded messages.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved through a provision of a device for protecting data transmitted by a facsimile machine. The device comprises a lightweight detachable portable housing which can be attached to a free standing facsimile machine or directly to a telephone line. Mounted within the housing is a keypad and a visual display associated with the keypad for transmitting command signals to an electronic circuitry mounted within the housing.
The electronic circuitry allows to encrypt the data received by the facsimile machine and to store the encrypted data for the subsequent retrieval upon demand of the user. When the retrieval signal is transmitted to the electronic circuitry, the data is either transmitted in an encrypted form to a receiving facsimile machine, where it is decrypted in accordance with the matching code, or is decrypted by a similar device which is attached to a remote facsimile machine. The encrypting and decrypting of the data is accomplished at the level of converting the data to a binary code.
An optional encoder/decoder of dual tone modulated frequency signal is provided if the device is to be connected to a telephone line or to a computer equipped with input/output ports. The device is equipped with an independent power source to allow functioning of the device independently of a facsimile machine or a computer.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3715478 (1973-02-01), Vasseur
patent: 4091423 (1978-05-01), Branscome
patent: 4229817 (1980-10-01), Morgan et al.
patent: 4956863 (1990-09-01), Goss
patent: 4989244 (1991-01-01), Naruse et al.
patent: 5159635 (1992-10-01), Wang
patent: 5241595 (1993-08-01), Kuno
patent: 5245655 (1993-09-01), Buhn et al.
patent: 5321749 (1994-06-01), Virga
patent: 5351136 (1994-09-01), Wu et al.
patent: 5398283 (1995-03-01), Virga
Stein, III William
Stein, IV William
Brinich Stephen
Keaty Professional Law Corporation
Lee Tommy
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