Method and apparatus for transmitting document data

Details Method and apparatus for transmitting document data Method and apparatus for transmitting document data

1998-02-27

2001-12-04

Chin, Wellington (Department: 2664)

Multiplex communications

Data flow congestion prevention or control

Flow control of data transmission through a network

Reexamination Certificate

active

06327248

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting data, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for transmitting document data.
2. Description of the Related Art
Apparatus for transmitting document data, such as facsimile apparatus, have already been widely used. Further, there has been used a telephone set which selects the most economical communication path to make a call from among a plurality of communication paths of different carriers contracted with the user. If a call is not established over the communication path, a call is originated again over another communication path. Once a connection between the calling and called parties is established, communication is carried out over the communication path. In short, communication is effected over the selected communication path until either party terminates the call.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Hei-4-351127 discloses a technique, wherein when communication in cordless mode is feasible, this communication is selected. In contrast, if communication in cordless mode is not possible, the communication mode is switched to portable cellular phone mode.
In a case where an apparatus for transmitting document data is connected to a plurality of communication paths which are prioritized according to certain properties, it is desirable to select a communication path assigned the highest possible priority to send document data. For examples, if the apparatus is connected to a plurality of communication paths having different transmission rates, it is desirable for the apparatus to select a communication path of the highest transmission rate. In this regard, it is said that use of a communication path assigned the highest possible priority is desirable for even one communication.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for transmitting document data capable of selecting a communication path assigned the highest possible priority to effect communication.
Additional objects, advantages, and other novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the aforementioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of transmitting document data, comprising the steps of:
a partial-document data transmission process for transmitting partial-document data, or a part of document data, over a communication path assigned a certain priority other than the highest priority among a plurality of prioritized communication paths; and
a communication processing process for executing a communication processing operation after the partial-document data transmission process for the purpose of transmitting a given amount of residual document data following the partial-document data over a communication path which is higher in priority than the communication path used in the partial-document data transmission process.
Under the foregoing document data transmission method, when partial-document data are transferred over a communication path other than the highest-priority communication path, the remaining part of document data are then transferred over a communication path which is higher in priority than the communication path used for transmitting the partial-document data. Since the majority of document data are transferred over the communication path assigned the highest possible priority, the greatest possible benefits can be ensured, these benefits resulting from prioritization of communication paths according to a certain standard. For example, if communication paths are prioritized according to communication rate, the transfer of document data at a higher communication rate can be realized.
Preferably, the higher-priority communication path selected in the communication processing process is the highest-priority communication path. Accordingly, the document data can be transferred over the highest-priority communication path.
Preferably, a communication processing operation performed in the communication processing process corresponds to a decision made as to whether or not the higher-priority communication path can be ensured. If the higher-priority communication path is available, a call is made to the called party over the higher-priority communication path, thereby transmitting document data over the higher-priority communication path.
Preferably, the communication processing operation performed in the communication processing step corresponds to origination of a call to a called party. As a result, if a call is connected to the called party over the higher-priority communication path, document data can be transferred over the higher-priority communication path.
Preferably, the document data transmission method further comprises:
a process performed before the partial-document data transmission process, wherein an attempt is made to make a connection with the called party over the highest-priority communication path; wherein if the attempt is successful, the entire sets of document data are transferred to the called party over the highest-priority communication path; wherein if the attempt is unsuccessful, another attempt is made to establish a connection with the called party over a communication path which is lower in priority than the highest-priority communication path; and wherein if a call is established over the lower-priority communication path, the partial-document document are transferred in the partial-document data transmission process. If a connection with the called party is established as a result of origination of a call over the highest-priority communication path, document data are transferred over the highest-priority communication path. Therefore, the greatest possible benefits can be ensured, these benefits resulting from prioritization of communication paths according to a certain standard. For example, if communication paths are prioritized according to communication rate, the transfer of document data at the highest communication rate can be realized. In contrast, if a connection with the called party cannot be made over the highest-priority communication path, a call is originated over a communication path which is lower in priority than the highest-priority communication path. Therefore, document data can be transferred over even a lower-priority communication path.
Preferably, the plurality of communication paths are prioritized according to transmission rate. Accordingly, a connect time can be reduced by transfer of document data at a higher communication rate.
Preferably, the plurality of communication paths are prioritized according to calling rate. Accordingly, document data can be transferred at as low a calling rate as possible.
Preferably, the attempt to make a connection with the called party over the highest-priority communication path is carried out at the first stage of the document data transmission processing process. As a result, if a call can be made to the called party over the highest-priority communication path at the outset, document data can be transferred over the highest-priority communication path. For example, document data can be transferred at the highest communication rate.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document data transmission apparatus, comprising:
communication devices respectively connected to a plurality of prioritized communication paths;
a controller which transmits partial-document data, or a part of document data, over a communication path assigned a certain priority other than the highest priority among a plurality of prioritized communication paths and then executes a

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