Point to multi point fax transmission method and system

A method of simultaneously transmitting information to a plurality of standard facsimile receivers in which each receiver has timing and response characteristics which may vary from other receivers, comprising:

• transmitting by a selected carrier path a unitary signal from a unitary transmitter location to a plurality of facsimile receivers time-spaced ring signals, the number of ring signals being at least equal to the number of ring signals to which each of the receivers respond;
• delaying further transmission a preselected length of time during which the individual receivers generate standard called station identification and other signals which are irrelevant to the transmitter;
• transmitting predetermined command signals which are simultaneously received by said facsimile receivers as required to place all receivers in condition to receive a facsimile message;
• delaying further transmission a preselected length of time during which the individual receivers generate standard confirmation to receive signals which are irrelevant to the transmitter;
• transmitting a facsimile message simultaneously to the plurality of receivers;
• and
• transmitting an end of procedure message simultaneously to the plurality of receivers.

For use with a CCITT Group 3 facsimile machine, a synchronizer circuit enabling such machine to receive simultaneously with other CCITT Group 3 facsimile machines, a facsimile transmission from an unitary source, comprising:

• means providing, in response to received signals from said unitary source, current loop and ring signals emulating those produced by standard telephone company protocol and to which the facsimile receiver is responsive;
• means, in response to receipt of a synchronizer signal from unitary source, of controllably delaying said ring signals a preselected time corresponding to the characteristics of the facsimile machine to which said synchronizer circuit is attached, whereby the last ring signal required is rung substantially simultaneously in each separate facsimile machine;
• and
• means providing preselected address signals responsive to the facsimile machine to which it is connected to place the machine in condition to receive a subsequent facsimile message.