Apparatus and method for an HTTP server capable of connecting facsimile apparatuses and data terminals

A communications terminal comprising:

• first memory means for storing a transfer-request image file based on image information, which is sent through a transfer-request call from a facsimile terminal remote from said communication terminal, through a first predetermined communications procedure, said transfer-request call including a destination address;
• address conversion table means for converting said destination address into at least one transfer address which individually corresponds to at least one data terminal remote from said communication terminal, said at least one data terminal coupled to a local area network;
• first web page generating means for generating a first web page which includes a link to said transfer-requested image file stored in said first memory means and for opening said first web page to said local area network;
• electronic mail generating means for informing said at least one data terminal of said transfer-request image file by electronic mail using said at least one transfer address and through a second communications procedure, said electronic mail including a first web page locator;
• first communications controlling means for receiving a first delivery request which is sent by said at least one data terminal, using said first web page locator and a predetermined web page browsing procedure, and for transmitting said first web page to said at least one data terminal upon receiving said first delivery request;
• and
• second communications controlling means for receiving a second delivery request which is sent by said at least one data terminal through said first web page, and for transmitting said transfer-request image file to said at least one data terminal upon receiving said second delivery request.

A method of performing a relay operation for a communications terminal, comprising the steps of:

• a first storing step that stores a transfer-request image file based on image information, which is sent through a transfer-request call from a facsimile terminal remote from said communication terminal, through a first predetermined communications procedure, said transfer-request call including a destination address;
• converting said destination address into at least one transfer address which individually corresponds to at least one data terminal remote from said communication terminal, said at least one data terminal coupled to a local area network;
• a first web page generating step that generates a first web page which includes a link to said transfer-requested image file stored by said first storing step;
• a first web page opening step that opens said first web page to said local area network;
• informing said at least one data terminal of said transfer-request image file by electronic mail using said at least one transfer address and through a second communications procedure, said electronic mail including a first web page locator;
• a first receiving step that receives a first delivery request which is sent by said at least one data terminal, using said first web page locator and a predetermined web page browsing procedure;
• a first transmitting that transmits said first web page to said at least one data terminal upon a receipt of said first delivery request;
• a second receiving step that receives a second delivery request which is sent by said at least one data terminal through said first web page;
• and
• a second transmitting step that transmits said transfer-request image file to said at least one data terminal upon a receipt of said second delivery request.