WO1987007101A1

WO1987007101A1 - Concealing reproduced relayed messages

Info

Publication number: WO1987007101A1
Application number: PCT/AU1987/000130
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raphael Tobias
Original assignee: Raphael Tobias
Priority date: 1986-05-09
Filing date: 1987-05-08
Publication date: 1987-11-19
Also published as: JPS63503349A

Abstract

Apparatus (1) for concealing a reproduced relayed message (29). The message (29) may be transmitted by facsimile or telex or other like means. The message (29) is transmitted with a confidential and/or secret code (123) which can enable the apparatus to conceal a message within area (121) which is intended for a recipient. A method of concealing reproduced relayed messages is also disclosed. This method comprises detecting confidential and/or secret code (123) and then concealing a message which is subsequently reproduced.

Description

CONCEALING REPRODUCED RELAYED MESSAGES Field of the Invention

This invention relates to concealing reproduced relayed messages and relates particularly, but not exclusively, to concealing such messages in relation to telefaxed and/or telexed messages.

Description of Prior Art

In the past it has been a problem in many environments that messages that are obviously commercially or personally sensitive are received on a telefax and/or telex machine and are viewed by persons other than the intended recipient. In applications where confidential information is to be transmitted, the known systems leave it open for persons to simply see the reproduced output of the telefax and/or telex machines, either immediately at the output of the associated equipment or in transit from the receiving point to the hands of the intended recipient.

Other known security systems involve the use of a personal code for the recipient. In these systems the sender electronically instructs the receiver's fax in regard to a secure message, the recipient's name and/or personal code. On receiving such a message the receiving fax electronically stores the confidential message which can only be extracted by the recipient or their delegate personally going to the receiving fax and entering the personal code.

Statement of the Invention Accordingly, the present invention has been devised to attempt to provide a method and a means whereby messages can be concealed so that they can be subsequently delivered to the intended recipient in the concealed condition. The concealing can then be rendered inoperative privately by the recipient.

Therefore, according to a first broad aspect of the present invention there may be provided a method of concealing a reproduced relayed message comprising transmitting a signal which identifies that a message to be transmitted is to be concealed, reproducing the message on a reproducing apparatus and concealing the message prior to discharge from said reproducing apparatus.

Most preferably the method involves detecting a confidentiality or secret identifying code and then concealing the message prior to dispatch from said reproducing apparatus. One preferred method for providing confidentiality involves reproducing the intended recipient's name and secret identifying code on the message and concealing the balance of the message which is to be kept confidential. It is particularly preferred that the message be printed on a page and that the page be scrolled-rolled-with the message on the inside of the roll so that following flattening of the roll it can be stapled flattened, thereby •*" 5 concealing the message.

In one preferred embodiment it is proposed that apparatus for performing the above method be provided as an attachment for existing message reproducing apparatus such as telefax and/or telex machines. It is also proposed that there 10 be provided a message reproducing apparatus such as a telefax or telex machine which has such apparatus incorporated therein.

Therefore, in accordance with a further broad aspect of the present invention there may be provided apparatus for 15 concealing a reproduced relayed message comprising means for detecting that a message is to be confidential and means activatable upon receipt of such detection for applying concealment to the reproduced message.

It is particularly preferred that suitable coding be 20 provided at the start of a message to indicate that the message is to be concealed.

Preferably, the apparatus includes means to effect discharge of messages which are not intended to be concealed, in an unconcealed manner.

25 Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention can be more clearly ascertained several preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:- 30 Figure 1 is a side view of a message concealing apparatus attached to an existing facsimile machine;

♦ Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, but showing detail of a scrolling tube and anvil and stapler;

* Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing 35 operation of the anvil; Figure 4 is a view of a facsimile page which is transmitted and which contains a secret code;

Figure 5 is a detailed circuit diagram of an optical detector used in the apparatus; Figure 6 is a block schematic diagram of circuitry of the apparatus;

Figure 7a, b and c are sequence charts showing events and functions performed for a message which is to be concealed; Figure 8 is a sequence chart for events and functions of a message which is not to be concealed; and

Figures 9a, 9b and 9c show a flow diagram of software instructions for use with the preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments It should be appreciated that the present invention is applicable to any device which is capable of reproducing messages and where at least some messages which are reproduced by the device, are required to be concealed. Typical examples of reproducing apparatus to which the present invention is applicable are facsimile machines, telex machines, computer printers, and other similar machines.

The following description describes use of a preferred apparatus in relation to a facsimile machine which is of the type which has two output trays. One output tray is for discharging the original fax message and the other output tray is for discharging a received message. Various facsimile machines have different configurations for the discharge of original documents which have been transmitted and documents which are received. The invention is applicable to all such facsimile machines but the particular facsimile machine shown is of a type similar to Cannon Model 710 (Cannon is a registered trade mark) .

The function of the preferred concealing apparatus is to receive output messages from the facsimile machine and to distinguish between those which are to be concealed and those which are not. If the messages are to be concealed they are diverted from a nonconcealed message discharge tray to a concealed message discharge tray. If the message is to be concealed then it is concealed within the apparatus prior to discharging to the concealed message discharge tray. Referring firstly to Figure 1 there is shown an apparatus 1 attached relative to a facsimile machine 3. Conveniently the apparatus 1 may have a base 5 which is of sufficient size so that the facsimile machine 3 can be seated thereon. This will hold the facsimile machine in position relative to the concealing apparatus 1. The facsimile machine 3 has two discharge regions 7 and 9. Discharge region 7 is for discharging original documents which have been transmitted. These documents simply exit from the facsimile machine and pass onto an original document tray 11. Received documents which are discharged from the discharge region 9 are passed over a guide surface 13 and are driven by a diverter conveyor 15 either to a nonconcealed message discharge tray 17 or to a concealed message discharge tray 19.

If the message 29 is to be concealed then the diverter conveyor 15 is arranged to be moved to discharge the message 29 into a transfer guide 21 to cause the message 29 to enter a scroll tube 23 to be scrolled-rolled-with the message 29 on the inside of the roll. An anvil 25 can be advanced into the scroll tube 23 to flatten the message and to provide a backing for a stapling gun 27 which will staple the flattened scrolled layers of the message 29. After the message 29 is stapled, the scroll tube 23 is opened, and the concealed message 29 is dropped into the concealed message discharge tray 19. If a message 29 is not to be concealed, then the diverter conveyor 15 is normally in a position where the message will discharge onto the nonconcealed message discharge tray 17.

The guide surface 13 comprises a sheet of metal shaped in a somewhat flattened "S" configuration as shown in Figure 1. The guide surface 13 is of a width which corresponds to the width of a message 29 which is discharged from discharge region 9. The message 29 is discharged with the printed matter on the upper surface thereof.

The message 29 firstly passes a detector Dl and then a detector D2. These detectors will be explained in due course. The detectors Dl and D2 are offset relative to each other laterally across the message. As the message 29 leaves the guide surface 13, it passes onto the upper surface of diverter conveyor 15. Diverter conveyor 15 has four belts 31 which are spaced apart over rollers 33. As the message 29 is passed onto the belts 31 a pressure plate 35 applies pressure onto the message 29 which causes it to firmly engage with the belts 31. The undersurface of the pressure plate 35 is treated with a silicon or like material to minimise friction between the plate 35 and the message 29. The message 29 can thus be delivered to a discharge end of the diverter conveyor 15. The rollers 33 are mounted onto a frame (not shown) and the frame is, in turn, mounted so that it can swing about the axis of the roller 33 which is adjacent the guide surface 13. A diverter conveyor solenoid 37 is used to swing the diverter conveyor 15 from a position where the discharge end will discharge the message 29 into the transfer guide 21, to a position where the discharge end will transfer the message 9 to the nonconcealed message discharge tray 17. When power is not applied to the solenoid 37 the diverter conveyor 15 assumes a position where the discharge end will discharge messages 29 onto the nonconcealed message discharge tray 17. When power is supplied to the solenoid 37 the diverter conveyor 15 is swung to the position shown in Figure 1. A plunger 39 of the discharge conveyor solenoid 37 is pivoted to the frame of the diverter conveyor 15. The plunger 39 carries spring means 41 which is retained between the coil 43 thereof and a washer 45. The washer 45 is held relative to the plunger 39 by a pin 47. Thus, the spring 41 urges the diverter conveyor 15 to the position where the discharge end will discharge messages 29 onto the nonconcealed message discharge tray 17. A drive motor 49 carries a belt 51 which drives the roller 33 which is adjacent the guide surface 13. Thus, as the diverter conveyor 15 is swung by the diverter solenoid 37, drive can still be imparted to the belts 31 thereon. The motor 49 also drives belt 53 which, in turn, drives a pair of transfer guide rollers 55. The transfer guide rollers 55 are arranged to grip and drive the message 29 as it passes through the transfer guide 21 so that the message 29 can be driven into the scroll tube 23. A further detector means D3 is mounted relative to the transfer guide 21 so as to detect information on the message 29. The information detected by detector D3 is utilised to set up a number of timing intervals which trigger the stapling of the scrolled message. These will be described in due course.

The transfer guide 21, rollers 55 and the scroll tube 23 are all of a width which extends completely across the message 29.

The anvil 25 is carried on an arm 57 of generally "U" shape which is pivotted on bearing 59 so that it can swing and carry the anvil 25 through an opening 61 in the scroll tube 23 to flatten the scrolled message 29 and to hold the flattened message 29 adjacent the stapling gun 27. The arm 57 is caused to swing by means of an anvil solenoid 63 which has a plunger 65 engaged therewith. The engagement is by means of a pin 67 which is located within an elongate inclined slot 69. When the anvil solenoid 63 is operated, the plunger 65 swings the arm 57 so that the anvil 25 passes through the opening 61. During this motion, the pin 65 traverses from one end of the inclined slot 69 to the other end. This motion is shown in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 3 shows that spring means 71 is carried on the plunger 65 between the coil 73 and a washer 75. The washer 75 is retained relative to the plunger 65 by means of a pin 77. Accordingly, when the solenoid 63 is de-energised the spring 71 will cause the anvil 25 to be withdrawn from within the scroll tube 23. The stapling gun 27 is operable by means of stapling solenoid 79 and is of known construction. The stapling solenoid 79 has a plunger 81 with a stapling head 83 at one end. The opposite end of the plunger 81 carries spring means 85 retained between the coil 87 and a washer 89 which is retained relative to the plunger 81 by means of a pin 91. Accordingly, when the plunger 81 operates, following activation of the solenoid 79, then the stapling head 83 can be withdrawn by means of the spring means 85. Staples 93 can be fed to the stapling gun 27 in known manner. When the stapling gun 27 is operated, the staples 93 pass through an opening 95 in the scroll tube 23.

Electric circuitry 97 for the apparatus is mounted to the base 5 and is shown in block schematic form in Figure 6 which will be referred to in due course.

The scroll tube 23 is in two halves, half 99 and half 101. Half 101 can swing about bearing 103 to an open position, as shown in dotted lines, in Figure 2. A scroll opening solenoid 105 is used to effect such opening. Solenoid 105 has a plunger 107 which is pivotally attached to half 101 by pin 109. Plunger 107 carries spring means 111 retained between coil 113 and a washer 115 which is retained relative to the plunger 107 by a pin 117. Thus, when the scroll opening solenoid 105 is energized, half 101 opens allowing a flattened and stapled message 29 to drop into the concealed message discharge tray 19. When the scroll opening solenoid 105 is de-energized, then the spring means 111 closes the scroll tube 23.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a typical message 29 which is to be transmitted and which is to be concealed. The message 29 has the recipient's name and other related details in an area 119. This is conveniently at the tail of the message 29. The message 29 has the message which is to be reproduced in area 121. A confidential or secret code 123 comprising two black bars is applied in area 125 at the head of the message. Conveniently, area 125 is on one side of the page and area 119 is on the opposite side of the page. The confidential code 123 may be comprised of a multiplicity of coding bars or other identification means, but for convenience it is here shown in the form of two black bars. An end code 127 comprising two black bars is applied in area 129 below area 121. The end code 127 may be different to the start code 123 but for convenience it is shown as two black bars. The confidential or secret code 123 is positioned in line with the end code 127 relative to the side edge of the message 29. If desired, the confidential or secret code 123 and the end code 127 may be preprinted on a sheet of message paper which is to be used when a confidential message is to be transmitted. Alternatively the confidential or secret code 123 and the end code 127 may be printed on stickers which can be adhered to the paper on which message 29 is printed. Accordingly, when the fax machine 3 reproduces message 29 containing the confidential or secret code 123 and the end code 127, the detectors Dl, D2 and D3 will act to enable the message to be delivered to the concealed message discharge tray 19 in a stapled concealed manner. As the message 29 leaves the fax machine 3, it passes over guide surface 13 with the printed message including the confidential or secret code 123, the recipients name, the intended message and the end code 127 uppermost. Detector Dl—i,s used to detect the leading edge of the paper of message 29. Detector Dl starts motor 49 and sets a time period Tl of five seconds which, in turn, sets the electronic circuitry so that it can anticipate a confidential or secret code 123 within that period. If detector D2 does not detect the confidential or secret code 123 within that period, then the message 29 is moved to the nonconcealed discharge tray 17. Motor 49 continues to be energised until the expiration of period T8 after detector Dl detects the end of the message paper. If detector D2 detects the confidential or secret code 123 it is inhibited from detecting further code signals until reset by detector D3. On receipt of a confidential or secret code 123 from detector D2, the electronic circuitry energizes the diverter conveyor solenoid 37 which swings the diverter conveyor 15 to the position where the message 29 can be discharged into the transfer guide 21. The message 29 then passes through the transfer guide 21 and is gripped by the transfer guide rollers 55 to drive the message 29 into the scrolling tube 23. Detector D3 is set by detector D2 to seek the end code 127. Conveniently, the detector D3 is inhibited from reacting with the electronic circuitry upon detecting the confidential and/or secret code 123 by arranging for the confidential or secret code 123 to then set the electronic circuitry to act only on detection of the second set of two bars, i.e. only the end code 127. In the present embodiment the confidential or secret code 123 is identical to the end code 127 and the first detection of two black bars by detector D3 does not cause any action to occur. When the second pair of black bars - the end code 127 - is detected then a series of timing intervals T2 - T8 are initiated. The sets of black bars are detected by four transitions of light levels, i.e. - for one set -

1. white to black;

2. black to white;

3. white to black;

4. black to white. Timing period T2 is for a duration of 1 second and allows the message 29 to be scrolled within the scroll tube 23. It will be observed that when the message 29 leaves the transfer guide rollers 25 it will no longer be driven into the scroll tube 23. Thus, the area 119 will not be within the scroll tube 23. Accordingly, the recipient's name and other details will not be within the scroll tube 23.

After expiration of time period T2 of 1 second then the anvil solenoid 63 is energized to cause the anvil 25 to enter the scroll tube 23 and flatten the scrolled message. At the expiration of time period T3 of 1.5 seconds the stapling solenoid 79 is energized which causes the stapler 93 to pass through the flattened message 29 within the scroll tube 23. The anvil 25 allows for the staple 93 to close thereby holding the message 29 in a flattened condition.

At the expiration of time period T4 of 1.6 seconds the stapler solenoid 79 is deactivated.

At the expiration of time period T6 of 2.5 seconds the anvil solenoid 63 is deactivated. Thus, the stapling head 83 is withdrawn from the scroll tube 23 and the anvil 25 is withdrawn from the scroll tube 23.

At the expiration of time period T6 of 2.5 seconds, the scroll opening solenoid 105 is activated to cause half 101 to open and the concealed message 29 to drop into the concealed message discharge tray 19.

At the expiration of time period T7 of 3.5 seconds the scroll opening solenoid 105 is deactivated which causes half 101 to close.

At the expiration of time period T8 of 15 seconds, if a further confidential and/or secret code 123 is not detected by detector D2 , then the drive motor 49 is deactivated so that the concealing apparatus is shut down.

Figures 7a, 7b and 7c are sequence charts showing events and functions performed for a message 29 which is concealed by the concealing apparatus 1. Figure 7a reads onto Figure 7b and Figure 7b reads onto Figure 7c.

Figure 8 is a sequence chart for events and functions of a message 29 which is not to be concealed.

When the end of the paper sheet reaches Dl it sets a time period T9 of 15 seconds, so that if a second paper sheet does not pass Dl and reset T9 within that period, then the drive motor 49 is deactivated and the apparatus shut down.

The circuit of detector Dl is shown in Figure 5. It can be seen that the detector Dl has a light emitting diode 131 operatively connected with a phototransistor 133. ^' Light emitting diode 131 is arranged to project light downwardly towards the message 29. When an edge of the message 29 - i.e. a start of the sheet or the end of the sheet - passes across the light emitted from the diode 131, then there is a reflection change at the phototransistor 133. Phototransistor 133 is provided with a RC circuit which shapes the transition signal detected by the phototransistor 133 as the edge of the paper passes detector Dl. The RC combination provides for a sharp transition signal which can be utilized in the electronic circuitry.

Detectors D2 and D3 are identical and are comprised of only the optics and electronics of Hewlett Packard digital bar code wands type HEDS3000.

A block schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry used in the apparatus 1 is shown in Figure 6. Here it can be seen that there is shown a power supply 135 for a logic circuit 137. The logic circuit 137 comprises in the preferred embodiment IC type 8751. Detectors Dl, D2 and D3 are connected with the logic circuit 137. It is noted that detector Dl passes its output signal through a comparator 139 which is used to provide a threshold level, above which an output pulse 141 will be generated. Detectors Dl and D2 provide respective four output pulses 141 and 143 representative of the confidential or secret code 123 and the end code 127 respectively. The logic circuit 137 processes the signals from the detectors Dl, D2, and D3, and sends respective output signals to driving amplifiers 145 which provide outputs to respective silicon controlled rectifiers 147 for supply of power to the respective solenoid coils of the drive motor 49, the diverter solenoid coil 43, the anvil solenoid coil 73 and the stapling gun solenoid coil 87 and the scroll opening solenoid coil 113.

Figures 9a, 9b and 9c depict a flow diagram of software instructions for the IC logic circuit 137.

It should be appreciated that many modifications may be made to the present embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the confidential or secret code 123 need not be a code which is printed on the message 29. It may be possible to generate a confidential and/or secret code at the transmitting station which may conveniently be an electronic signal which is subsequently dispatched to the receiver which will place the concealing apparatus into a mode whereby the received message will be concealed.

Instead of having the converter conveyor 15 in a mode where the diverter conveyor solenoid 37 is deenergized and will deliver unconcealed messages into the nonconcealed message discharge tray 17, it may discharge messages 29 into the transfer guide 21. When the diverter convertor solenoid 37 is activated it will then discharge the messages 29 into the nonconcealed message discharge tray 17.

Instead of the mechanism being external to the fax machine, it can be incorporated within the fax machine. Instead of using the secret codes 125 and 127, the transmitting fax could transmit a code to the receiving fax indicating the transmission of a secure message and the number of pages. The receiving fax would incorporate a similar message diverting, scrolling and stapling mechanism and paper start and finish detectors. Secure messages would be diverted into the scrolling or other paper securing mechanism, stapled and released into a secure message bin.

By suitable design, the existing electronic secure message coding systems could be used with a standardised code replacing the variable personal codes, which when detected by an appropriate circuit would activate the confidential message securing system described herein.

Instead of scrolling or rolling the paper prior to stapling, the paper may be folded. Instead of stapling, other means of physically securing the message which can be opened by the receiver and whose opening and resecuring can be detected by the receiver may be used.

Instead of concealing the message as by scrolling or rolling the message 29 and then subsequently stapling it closed, it may be possible to place a sheet of paper over the area 121 where the message for the recipient is printed. This sheet may be adhered to the paper of message 29 in a manner whereby if it is removed, then the recipient will be able to detect its prior removal and subsequent re-adhesion to the paper. If desired the message could be fed into a suitable container such as an envelope for concealment within the concealing apparatus 1. It may be possible to arrange for the recipients name details to be recorded in a recording circuit and a label applied to the container after the message 29 is concealed therein.

These and other modifications may be made without departing from the ambit of the invention the nature of which is to be determined from the above description and appended claims .

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A method of concealing a reproduced relayed message comprising transmitting a signal which identifies that a message to be relayed is to be concealed, reproducing the message on a reproducing apparatus and concealing at least a confidential part of the message prior to discharge from said reproducing apparatus.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising deriving said signal from a confidentiality code in said message.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, comprising producing said confidentiality code at a head of said message prior to relaying and producing details of the intended recipient at a tail of said message prior to relaying, and at the reproducing apparatus, concealing that portion of the message which is prior to said tail.

4. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said message which is reproduced is a printed message and comprising rolling a medium on which the message is reproduced into a roll with at least a part of the message to be concealed on the inside of said roll, flattening said roll, and holding said roll in a flattened condition by holding means which the recipient can render inoperative to enable reading of the message.

5. Apparatus for concealing a reproduced relayed message comprising means for detecting that a message being relayed is to be concealed and means activatable upon receipt of such detection for applying concealment to at least a confidential part of the reproduced message prior to discharge from said apparatus.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said message has a confidentiality code which identifies that it is confidential and wherein said apparatus has confidentiality code identifying means therefor.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said confidentiality code is at a head of said message to be relayed and details of the intended recipient is at a tail of said message, and wherein said apparatus is constructed to conceal that portion of the message prior to said tail.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said message is a printed message and said apparatus has rolling means which will roll the medium on which the message is reproduced into a roll with at least a part of the message to be concealed on the inside of said roll, flattening means for flattening said roll and holding means for causing said roll to be held in the flattened condition following discharge from said apparatus, so that the intended recipient can render said holding means inoperative to read the message.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said apparatus includes means to effect unconcealed discharge of messages which do not have said confidentiality code reproduced.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said apparatus has diverting means for the medium on which said message is reproduced which is activatable in response to detection of said confidentiality code by said detection means to divert said medium for concealment or nonconcealment depending on whether said confidentiality code is in said message or not.