INTERACTIVE FACSIMILE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INFORMATION RETRIEVAL

This invention allows unmodified CCITT Group 3 and 4 facsimile transceivers to interactively select and retrieve facsimile pages from a shared facsimile data base FAX serve system ("FAX server"). The remote facsimile transceiver user marks a paper selector sheet forms using a pencil or pen. The selector sheet is transmitted via the remote facsimile transmitter, preferably in a turn-around polling mode, to the FAX server unit. The FAX server unit processes the facsimile signal rapidly, interpreting the selector sheet and selecting the pages desired to be retrieved prior to the normal CCITT Recommendation T.30 timeout, which would otherwise abort the line connection. The invention allows the requested information to be returned during the same telephone call. If turn-around polling is not available, then the FAX server initiates alternative strategies culminating in an automatic callback with the information desired. The capability created allows facsimile transceivers to be used as interactive terminals for selective retrieval of text and graphics, without requiring alphanumeric keyboard interaction or the need for manual intervention.