JP2005202800A - Message terminal, storage device, method for controlling message terminal, control program for message terminal, and computer-readable recording medium for recording this program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an information processor that operates while switching a plurality of operating systems to share messages such as e-mail between message clients that operate on the different operating systems. <P>SOLUTION: A terminal 10 has: a data storage part 12 for storing messages; a data access part 43 that, upon receiving a request from a mail client 15 to access messages, accesses the messages stored in the data storage part 12 and that stores predetermined access information in the data storage part 12 in association with the messages; and an access determining part 44 that, upon receiving the request from the mail client 15 to access the messages, controls the mail client 15 according to the access information associated with the messages. Thus, processes can be controlled according to past access information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a message terminal that receives a message such as an electronic mail, a storage device, a control method for the message terminal, a control program for the message terminal, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  With the spread of personal computers, message transmission by e-mail is now one of the major communication media. In order to use electronic mail, a mail application, that is, a terminal in which a mail client is operating, and a mail server connected from the mail client via a network are usually required. Mail clients have a variety of functions, but generally only view, create, store, and manage e-mails. For sending and receiving, the mail client sends SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to the mail server. It is realized by connecting using POP (Post Office Protocol).

  In general, a mail client is an application program that operates on some operating environment such as an operating system. In a so-called multi-boot environment in which different operating environments can be operated on a single terminal, e-mail transmission / reception is performed. In order to do so, it is necessary to run a mail client on each operating environment. In this case, the electronic mail transmitted / received by one mail client cannot be accessed from the other mail client. This is because the sent and received e-mails are normally stored independently by the mail client. In order to solve such problems, IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) exists. This is a method in which sent and received e-mails and e-mails being created are not saved independently by a mail client, but are saved in a mail server. With this method, it is possible to access e-mails that have been sent and received in the past and e-mails that are being created by any mail client on any operating environment or on any terminal. . Furthermore, it is possible to have unread and read information in common about which e-mail has been read or not read.

  However, in the method using IMAP, when an electronic mail is accessed by a mail client, it is necessary to communicate with the mail server and acquire the corresponding electronic mail. If the e-mail is stored in the mail client's own storage area or cache area after the e-mail is read by the e-mail client, the second and subsequent accesses are performed without communicating with the e-mail server. However, if you switch the operating environment and try to access the same e-mail with a different e-mail client, the e-mail client will communicate with the e-mail server again unless the e-mail is stored on its own. Corresponding electronic mail must be acquired, and redundant communication occurs, leading to waste of network resources.

  Also, there are cases where it is not possible to connect to the mail server depending on the situation, such as using wireless as a communication means. In such a case, the mail client can access only the electronic mail stored in the mail client. In other words, if the e-mail to be accessed is not stored uniquely in the mail client but only stored in the mail server, the corresponding e-mail cannot be accessed while the mail server cannot be connected. If you know that the email you want to access is stored in a different operating environment, that is, a mail client on a different operating system, you can switch between operating systems and use that mail client to access it. But switching the operating system just for that is not practical. In order to avoid this, the mail client on each operating system maintains consistency by synchronizing the stored email with other mail clients at the time of startup or termination, etc. Although all mail clients can update the status to the latest one, it is necessary to add a mechanism for synchronization, and the mail client processing becomes complicated.

  With respect to these problems, a method is considered in which all e-mails from the mail server are once taken into the terminal, and the mail client accesses the e-mails taken into the terminal. In other words, the local mail server is operated in the terminal, the local mail server uses the network to take e-mail from the mail server into the terminal, and the mail client is taken into the terminal by communicating with the local mail server. Access e-mail. As a result, network resources can be minimized, and e-mails that have been captured in the past can be used from a mail client even in a situation where connection to the network is not possible.

Some e-mails contain some application program data. Such application data is usually available on the operating environment in which the application program is operating, but is usually not available on other operating environments. In the following Patent Document 1, it is determined whether application data included in an e-mail can be used in an operating environment in which a mail client is operating. If it can be used, a technique for preventing duplicate reading of an e-mail by a method of leaving it as read or deleting it is disclosed.
JP 2000-3315 A (published January 7, 2000)

  However, the existing local mail server is only supposed to operate on a single operating system, and in an information processing apparatus that operates by switching between a plurality of operating systems, the local mail server is operated on each operating system. As well as e-mail linkage between local mail servers.

  In the method described in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that the read e-mail is deleted from the mail server. In order to share the e-mail with a plurality of mail clients, the e-mail is stored in the e-mail server. I need to leave an email. In addition, since it can only be determined whether it has been read or unread, it has been determined that it has not been read, even for emails that could only be read partially because it contained application data that could not be used. It is difficult to judge whether it has been read or unread.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic mail between message clients operating on each operating system in an information processing apparatus that switches and operates a plurality of operating systems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a message terminal that can share messages such as, a storage device, a control method for the message terminal, a control program for the message terminal, and a computer-readable recording medium that records the control program.

  In order to solve the above problems, a message terminal according to the present invention accesses a message stored in the data storage device when receiving a message access request from a data storage device that stores the message and an application, Data access means for storing predetermined access information in association with the message in the data storage device, and when receiving a message access request from the application, the application is controlled based on the access information associated with the message And an access judging means.

  The message terminal control method according to the present invention is a message terminal control method including a data storage device for storing messages, and is stored in the data storage device when a message access request is received from an application. A data access step in which predetermined access information is associated with the message and stored in the data storage device, and when the message access request is received from the application, the access information associated with the message is And an access determination step for controlling the application.

  According to the above configuration, when accessing the message stored in the data storage device in accordance with the access request from the application, the message terminal stores predetermined access information in the data storage device in association with the message. Further, when a message stored in the data storage device is accessed according to an access request from an application, the application is controlled based on access information associated with the message.

  Here, the access information is data for managing an access history from an application operating on the message terminal for each message. Specific contents of the access information include, for example, identification information of the operating system that has been accessed, identification information of the application that has been accessed, type of processing performed on the message by the access (separate viewing and editing, etc.), date and time of access, The number of accesses, the identification information of the accessed message terminal, the identification information of the communication path used for the access, the identification information of the accessed user, and the like can be mentioned. The type of access information to be recorded, the content to be determined based on the access information, and the content of the processing corresponding to the determination result can be appropriately selected according to the specifications of the entire system including the message terminal and the message.

  Further, the access information may be integrated with the message or separate from the message as long as it can be referred to when an access request is received from the application. Further, the access information is stored separately from the data storage device that stores the message. You may memorize | store in an apparatus.

  Therefore, it is possible to cause the application to perform processing according to the access state of the past message. For example, it is possible to cause the application to perform processing according to the read / unread status of the message.

  Furthermore, the message terminal according to the present invention further comprises a plurality of operating systems and an operating environment providing means for switching and executing the plurality of operating systems, and the data storage device is accessible from each operating system. When the data access means receives a message access request from an application, the data access means accesses the message stored in the data storage device and can identify the operating system in which the application is operating. Predetermined access information including environment identification information is associated with the message and stored in the data storage device.

  In the message terminal control method according to the present invention, the message terminal further includes a plurality of operating systems, and an operating environment providing unit for switching and executing the plurality of operating systems, and the data storage device includes: Each of the operating systems can be accessed, and when the message access request is received from the application in the data access step, the message stored in the data storage device is accessed and the application operates. Predetermined access information including operating environment identification information capable of specifying the operating system being stored is associated with the message and stored in the data storage device.

  According to the above configuration, a message accessed in the past, a newly created message, and the like can be commonly accessed in any operating environment. When accessing a message stored in the data storage device in accordance with an access request from an application, predetermined access information including operating environment identification information that can identify the operating system in which the application is operating is associated with the message. Store in a data storage device. Further, when a message stored in the data storage device is accessed according to an access request from the application, the application is controlled based on access information including operating environment identification information associated with the message.

  Therefore, in a message terminal that operates by switching a plurality of operating systems, messages such as e-mails can be shared between the respective message clients operating on each operating system. Then, there is an effect that it is possible to cause the application to perform processing according to the information of the operating system accessed in the past. For example, in consideration of the access history for each operating system, it is possible to cause the application to perform processing according to the read / unread status of the message.

  Furthermore, the message terminal according to the present invention is characterized in that the access determination means determines a read / unread state of the message based on the access information.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that the read / unread state (access level) of a message can be judged based on access information, and an application can perform the process according to the result. .

  The “access level” basically means “read / unread state”, and more specifically, “as a result of accessing so far, read (= all the contents included in the message). Data may have been viewed at least once since it was available, so you may consider it as being viewed as a whole message) / unread (= some data in the message is available) It is a level indicating the state of “the entire message may have been viewed as it has never been viewed since it has never been under a certain situation”. However, it is not limited to the binary of “read” and “unread”. In other words, the accelerator level is set between the level Max if it is clearly read, the level Min if it is clearly unread, and the level Max to Min depending on the situation. it can. In this way, the “access level” can express the possibility of whether or not the entire message has been viewed as a plurality of levels.

  In the message terminal according to the present invention, when the access determining means determines the read / unread status of the message, the access terminal and the operating system in which the application that issued the message access request is operating. The determination is based on the identifiable operating environment identification information.

  According to the above-described configuration, the message read / unread status is determined in consideration of which operating system operating in the past has accessed, and the processing corresponding to the result is determined by the application. There is an effect that can be performed.

  Further, the message terminal according to the present invention comprises data acquisition means for acquiring the message via a network, and data storage means for storing the message acquired from the data acquisition means in the data storage device. It is said.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that the message acquired via networks, such as an electronic mail, can be processed further.

  Furthermore, the message terminal according to the present invention is characterized in that the data storage device is removable.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that carrying of a stored message, a maintenance, etc. can be performed easily.

  Furthermore, the message terminal according to the present invention is characterized in that the data storage device can be shared with other message terminals.

  According to said structure, the message which an application handles can further be memorize | stored in the data storage device of another message terminal via a network etc., and can be accessed. Therefore, even if the message terminal does not have a sufficient storage capacity for storing the message, there is an effect that the message can be shared between the operating systems as described above.

  A storage device according to the present invention is a removable data storage device constituting the message terminal.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that carrying and maintenance of the message which memorize | stored can be performed easily.

  Further, the storage device according to the present invention stores at least a message terminal control program for causing a computer to function as the data access means and the access determination means.

  According to said structure, a message and the program which performs the process at the time of accessing the message are further stored in the same place, ie, a removable external storage device. Therefore, by connecting a storage device to a message terminal having an operating environment capable of operating the control program of the message terminal and operating the control program, the message terminal application can share the message.

  Therefore, the same effect as described above can be realized in a plurality of message terminals.

  Furthermore, the storage device according to the present invention is characterized in that an application program for accessing a message stored in the storage device is stored so as to be supplied to the message terminal connected to the outside.

  According to the above configuration, the message and the program of the application that accesses the message are further stored in the same place, that is, the removable external storage device. Therefore, by connecting a storage device to a message terminal having an operating environment capable of operating the application and operating the program of the application, the message of the message terminal can be shared.

  Therefore, the same effect as described above can be realized in a plurality of message terminals.

  The message terminal may be realized by a computer. In this case, the message terminal control program for causing the message terminal to be realized by the computer by operating the computer as each of the means, and the program are recorded. Computer-readable recording media are also within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the message terminal according to the present invention accesses the message stored in the data storage device when receiving a message access request from the data storage device that stores the message and the application, and has a predetermined access. Data access means for storing information in the data storage device in association with the message, and access determination for controlling the application based on the access information associated with the message when receiving a message access request from the application Means.

  The message terminal control method according to the present invention is a message terminal control method including a data storage device for storing messages, and is stored in the data storage device when a message access request is received from an application. A data access step in which predetermined access information is associated with the message and stored in the data storage device, and when the message access request is received from the application, the access information associated with the message is And an access determination step of controlling the application based on the method.

  Therefore, it is possible to control the processing based on the access information in which the information related to the past access stored in association with the message in the data storage device is recorded.

  One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, e-mail is particularly described as an example of the message. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to e-mail, and is suitable for all applications that handle so-called messages, such as electronic news and electronic bulletin boards. is there. Furthermore, the present invention is applicable to any application that performs file access.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a terminal (message terminal, information processing apparatus) 10 according to the present embodiment. The terminal 10 is a mail terminal that communicates with the external mail server 201 via the network 200 (FIG. 2). The terminal 10 can switch and execute a plurality of operating systems. As will be described later, in the terminal 10, a mail client / server operates for each operating system. In the present embodiment, the case where the terminal 10 has two operating systems will be described. However, the terminal 10 may have three or more operating systems.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal 10 includes a data storage unit (data storage device) 12, an operating environment providing unit (operating environment providing unit) 11, a first operating system 13A, a first local mail server 14A, a first Mail client (application) 15A, a second operating system 13B, a second local mail server 14B, and a second mail client (application) 15B.

  The first operating system 13A includes a network access unit 31A and a file access unit 32A. The first local mail server 14A and the first mail client 15A are applications that operate on the first operating system 13A. The first local mail server 14A includes a data acquisition unit (data acquisition unit) 41A, a data storage unit (data storage unit) 42A, a data access unit (data access unit) 43A, and an access determination unit (access determination unit) 44A. .

  Similarly, the second operating system 13B includes a network access unit 31B and a file access unit 32B. The second local mail server 14B and the second mail client 15B are applications that operate on the second operating system 13B. The second local mail server 14B includes a data acquisition unit (data acquisition unit) 41B, a data storage unit (data storage unit) 42B, a data access unit (data access unit) 43B, and an access determination unit (access determination unit) 44B. .

  The data storage unit 12 is a storage area that is commonly accessible from the first operating system 13A and the second operating system 13B, and stores electronic mail. The data storage unit 12 is accessible from a plurality of operating systems 13A and 13B.

  The operating environment providing unit 11 selects and activates the first operating system 13A and the second operating system 13B. That is, the operating environment providing unit 11 executes switching between a plurality of operating systems 13.

  The first operating system 13A and the second operating system 13B are basic programs of a system for operating programs of various applications including a local mail server and a mail client. Management of these programs and input / output of devices Performs control and hardware control.

  The network access unit 31A and the network access unit 31B connect the terminal 10 to the external mail server 201 provided in an external information processing apparatus via the network 200 (FIG. 2).

  The file access unit 32 </ b> A and the file access unit 32 </ b> B respectively read and write e-mails with respect to the data storage unit 12.

  The first local mail server 14A and the second local mail server 14B are mail servers that operate on the first operating system 13A and the second operating system 13B, respectively. The first local mail server 14A and the second local mail server 14B function as IMAP mail servers for the first mail client 15A and the second mail client 15B, respectively. It also has a function as a mail client for the external mail server 201.

  The data acquisition unit 41A and the data acquisition unit 41B are connected to the external mail server 201 using the network access unit 31A and the network access unit 31B, respectively, using IMAP or POP, or SMTP. Connect to and get an email.

  The data accumulating unit 42A and the data accumulating unit 42B respectively send the email acquired by the data acquiring unit 41A and the data acquiring unit 41B from the external mail server 201 to the file access unit 32A and the file access unit 32B. And stored in the data storage unit 12.

  The data access unit 43A and the data access unit 43B use the file access unit 32A and the file access unit 32B, respectively, to access the email stored in the data storage unit 12 and update the access information. That is, when the data access unit 43 receives a message access request from the mail client 15, the data access unit 43 accesses the message stored in the data storage unit 12 and associates predetermined access information with the message in the data storage unit 12. Remember.

  The access determination unit 44A and the access determination unit 44B each determine an access level based on the access information of the electronic mail stored in the data storage unit 12. That is, when the access determination unit 44 receives a message access request from the mail client 15, the access determination unit 44 controls the mail client 15 based on the access information associated with the message. Specifically, the access determination unit 44 determines the read / unread state of the message based on the access information, and controls processing according to the result. Further, the access determination unit 44, when determining the read / unread status of the message, can specify the access information and the operating system 13 on which the mail client 15 that issued the message access request is operating. Judgment is made based on the identification information.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the access information includes operating environment identification information that can identify the mail client 15 that has issued the message access request. The access information, operating environment identification information, and accelerator level will be described later.

  The first mail client 15A and the second mail client 15B are mail clients that operate on the first operating system 13A and the second operating system 13B, respectively. The first mail client 15A and the second mail client 15B connect to the first local mail server 14A and the second local mail server 14B using IMAP, respectively, thereby creating an e-mail. And browsing and saving.

  With the above configuration, in the terminal 10, the first local mail server 14A and the second local mail server 14B respectively receive the e-mails received from the first mail client 15A and the second mail client 15B. Are stored in the data storage unit 12 using the data access unit 43A and the data access unit 43B, respectively. The first local mail server 14A and the second local mail server 14B access the e-mail stored in the data storage unit 12 using the data access unit 113 and the data access unit 123, respectively. Then, the data is transferred to the first mail client 15A and the second mail client 15B, respectively. At this time, the first local mail server 14A and the second local mail server 14B determine the access level using the access determination unit 44A and the access determination unit 44B, respectively, and based on the determination result The processing results can be passed to the first mail client 15A and the second mail client 15B, respectively.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a description will be given of a method in which a mail client operating on a certain operating system accesses an e-mail that has reached a network-connected external mail server. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of electronic mail from the external mail server 201 to the mail client in the terminal 10.

  The operations of the first operating system 13A, the first local mail server 14A, and the first mail client 15A, and the operations of the second operating system 13B, the second local mail server 14B, and the second mail client 15B. Is basically the same. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for items common to both, each block will be collectively referred to as the operating system 13, the local mail server 14, and the mail client 15. In FIG. 2, only one set of the operating system 13, the local mail server 14, and the mail client 15 is shown. In FIG. 2, the operating environment providing unit 11 is omitted.

  The network 200 is the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, or the like, and connects the terminal 10 and the external mail server 201 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The external mail server 201 is an IMAP mail server or a POP mail server that is connected to a client (including the terminal 10) on the network 200 using IMAP or POP.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the local mail server 14 includes a mail client unit 45, an external mail server unit 46, a control unit 47, and a processing unit 48 in addition to the blocks shown in FIG. In addition, when distinguishing by local mail server 14A * 14B, it describes with mail client part 45A * 45B, external mail server part 46A * 46B, control part 47A * 47B, and process part 48A * 48B.

  The mail client unit 45 exchanges data with the mail client 15.

  The external mail server unit 46 uses the network access unit 31 to exchange data with the external mail server 201 connected to the network 200.

  The control unit 47 controls the overall operation of the local mail server 14.

  The processing unit 48 performs a predetermined process based on a request from the mail client 15.

  First, an e-mail arrived at the external mail server 201 is held in the storage device 202 in the external mail server 201. Next, the data acquisition unit 41 acquires an email from the external mail server 201 using the external mail server unit 46. Specifically, the external mail server unit 46 uses the network access unit 31 to connect to the external mail server 201 as a mail client via the network 200 by IMAP or POP. An e-mail is taken into the terminal 10 from 201. The data acquisition unit 41 stores the electronic mail captured by the external mail server unit 46 in the data storage unit 12 using the data storage unit 42. At this time, the e-mail delivered to the external mail server 201 is moved to the data storage unit 12 of the terminal 10.

  Next, the mail client 15 connects to the local mail server 14 using IMAP. Then, the mail client unit 45 receives a request from the mail client 15, and the processing unit 48 performs processing such as analyzing the request from the mail client 15 and creating data to be returned to the mail client 15.

  Further, the processing unit 48 accesses the electronic mail stored in the data storage unit 12 using the data access unit 43. Further, the processing unit 48 determines the access level of the electronic mail obtained from the access determination unit 44, generates a processing result according to the access level, and passes the processing result to the mail client unit 45. The mail client 15 can obtain the processing result from the mail client unit 45, that is, the electronic mail that has reached the external mail server.

  Next, the e-mail receiving operation of the local mail server 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing mail reception processing of the local mail server 14.

  First, when the local mail server 14 is activated, it performs a process such as initialization and then enters a state waiting for a request from the mail client 15 (S11). Next, it is checked whether a timeout has occurred (S12). If a timeout has occurred (YES in S12), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if no timeout has occurred (NO in S12), that is, if any request is received from the mail client 15, the process proceeds to step S13. As described above, when no command is received for a predetermined time or a predetermined time, a timeout occurs and the request waiting state is temporarily exited.

  Next, in executing the request, it is determined whether it is necessary to connect to the external mail server 201 and take in an e-mail (S13). When such a connection is not necessary (NO in S13), the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if necessary (YES in S13), the process proceeds to step S14.

  Next, the external mail server unit 46 checks whether or not the terminal 10 can be physically and logically connected to the external mail server 201 (S14). If connection cannot be established (NO in S14), the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if connection is possible (YES in S14), an e-mail is taken from the external mail server 201 (S15), the taken e-mail is stored in the data storage unit 12 (S16), and the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S <b> 17, the processing unit 48 determines whether it is necessary to return a result to the mail client 15. If it is not necessary to return the result (NO in S17), the process returns to step S11 and enters a request waiting state. On the other hand, if it is necessary to return the result (YES in S17), the process proceeds to step S18, and information according to the request is extracted from the e-mail stored in the data storage unit 12, and the process proceeds to step S19. Is returned to the mail client 15, the process returns to step S11, and enters the request wait state again.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an e-mail access operation of the mail client in each operating system when the operating system is switched will be described. FIG. 4 is a time chart showing an e-mail access operation when the terminal 10 is switched from the first operating system 13A to the second operating system 13B.

  The upper part of FIG. 4 shows the flow of processing when a browsing request including a receiving operation is made from the first mail client 15A during the operation of the first operating system 13A.

  First, when a request is issued from the first mail client 15A to the first local mail server 14A, the mail client unit 45A of the first local mail server 14A receives the request. The processing unit 48A determines that it is necessary to newly receive an e-mail from the external mail server 201 in order to process the received request, and the control unit 47A processes the request to the external mail server unit 46A accordingly. Switch.

  Next, the external mail server unit 46A receives an e-mail from the external mail server 201. The data acquisition unit 41A stores the received electronic mail in the data storage unit 12 via the data storage unit 42A. Thereafter, the process returns from the external mail server unit 46A to the mail client unit 45A, and the processing unit 48A performs processing such as creation of data to be returned to the first mail client 15A. At this time, the data access unit 43A accesses the electronic mail stored in the data storage unit 12, and also performs processing (data access step) such as update of access information. Then, the processing unit 48A passes the processing result to the first mail client 15A.

  Further, the mail client unit 45A is not limited to the browsing request including the receiving operation, and the mail client unit 45A is connected to the data storage unit 12 via the data access unit 43A even in the case of the browsing request not including the receiving operation, the storage request, and the deletion request. A process of storing an e-mail or taking out from the data storage unit 12 is performed. That is, when the processing is performed in response to the request from the first mail client 15A, the latest electronic mail and its access information are stored in the data storage unit 12.

  Subsequently, the lower part of FIG. 4 does not include an operation of receiving from the second mail client 15B during the operation of the second operating system 13B after switching from the first operating system 13A to the second operating system 13B. The flow of processing when a browsing request is made is shown.

  First, when a request is issued from the second mail client 15B to the second local mail server 14B, the mail client unit 45B of the second local mail server 14B receives the request. The processing unit 48B determines that it is not necessary to newly receive an e-mail from the external mail server 201 in order to process the received request. Subsequently, the processing unit 48B performs processing such as creation of data to be returned to the second mail client 15B. At this time, the processing unit 48B accesses the electronic mail stored in the data storage unit 12 through the data access unit 43B, and performs processing (data access step) such as addition of access information. Then, the processing result is passed to the second mail client 15B. For example, in the case of a browsing request including a receiving operation, the process is switched at the second local mail server 14B and an e-mail is received from the external mail server 201 as in the case of the operation of the first operating system 13A. And stored in the data storage unit 12 via the data storage unit 42B.

  Here, the flow of electronic mail in the terminal 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the first operating system 13A is operating, the first local mail server 14A receives the e-mail taken from the external mail server 201 or the e-mail received from the first mail client 15A. 12. On the other hand, when the second operating system 13B is operating, the second local mail server 14B receives an e-mail received from the external mail server 201 or an e-mail received from the second mail client 15B. Is stored in the data storage unit 12. Therefore, the electronic mail is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 12 regardless of which operating system is operating.

  Thus, the electronic mail handled by the mail clients 15A and 15B is always stored in the common data storage unit 12. Therefore, the electronic mail accessed by the mail client 15A operating on one operating system 13A can be switched to the other operating system 13B and handled in the same manner by the other mail client 15B.

  Next, an access level derivation method for causing the mail client 15 to perform processing according to the access level of the e-mail will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, a method of using information of an operating system that accesses an e-mail will be described first.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of the e-mail stored in the data storage unit 12.

  The data storage unit 12 stores a plurality of emails 300. In all the stored e-mails 300..., Information (operating environment identification information) indicating from which operating system the e-mail 300 has been viewed so far (first operating system, second operating system,...) The access information 301 including is added. The access information 301 can be updated by the data access unit 43, and is updated when the mail client 15 views the electronic mail 300. The e-mail 300 also includes data format information 302 indicating the format (text, image, sound,...) Of the data included in the e-mail 300.

  6A to 6D are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the access determination unit 44. FIG.

  When the processing unit 48 of the local mail server 14 retrieves the email 300 from the data storage unit 12 using the data access unit 43, the processing unit 48 passes the access information 301 added to the email 300 to the access determination unit 44. The access determination unit 44 determines an access level using information on the operating system 13 that is currently operating and information on operating systems that have been accessed in the past recorded in the access information 301, and performs processing according to the determination.

  The determination of the access level by the access determination unit 44 is specifically as follows. However, the level divisions shown here are merely examples, and the number of divisions and meanings can be changed as appropriate.

  If no operating system has accessed in the past, the email is treated as “unread”. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the information specifying the operating system is not recorded in the access information 301 of the e-mail 300, the access determination unit 44 determines “unread”.

  If the operating system accessed in the past is only the operating system that is currently operating, the electronic mail is treated as “read at level 1”. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, information indicating “first operating system” is recorded in the access information 301 of the e-mail 300, and this information and the first operating system 13 </ b> A that is currently operating are recorded. When the information shown is consistent with the information shown, the access determination unit 44 determines “read at level 1”.

  If the operating system accessed in the past is different from the currently operating operating system, the e-mail is treated as “read at level 2”. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, information indicating “second operating system” is recorded in the access information 301 of the email 300, and the information and the first operating system 13A currently operating are If the information shown is not consistent, the access determination unit 44 determines “read at level 2”.

  If the operating system accessed in the past is not the only operating system that is currently operating, the e-mail is treated as “read at level 3”. For example, as shown in FIG. 6D, information indicating “second operating system” is recorded in the access information 301 of the e-mail 300 in addition to “first operating system”. As a result of comparison with the information indicating the first operating system 13A in operation, if the access information 301 includes information indicating the currently operating operating system, the access determination unit 44 determines that “read at level 3”. Judge.

  In this way, when the terminal 10 switches the operating system 13 and browses the e-mail, the local mail server 14 determines from which operating system 13 the e-mail has been accessed in the past, and the result is By passing to the mail client 15, the mail client 15 can perform processing according to the result. For example, if “read at level 2”, the mail client 15 on the other operating system 13 has been accessed in the past, but the mail client 15 on the current operating system 13 has been accessed for the first time. Since it is understood, processing such as notifying the user can be performed.

  Next, another method for deriving the access level will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, a method of using information on the operating system that accessed the e-mail and information on the contents of the e-mail will be described.

  In general, the data formats that can be used by applications are limited. For example, an application that handles images has an image data format, and an application that handles sounds has an audio data format. In addition, an application specialized for some purpose may handle only a data format dedicated to the application. Therefore, when using an application, it is necessary to operate the application on an operating system which is the operating environment. In other words, the data format used by an application cannot be handled on an operating system where the application does not run.

  Therefore, the terminal 10 stores in advance information for access determination as to what data format can be handled for each operation system. Then, from the access determination information, information on the data format of the data possessed by the email, and past access information of the email, how the email data has been handled or handled It is possible to determine what should be done.

  Here, “data possessed by an e-mail” includes data of the e-mail itself (= so-called e-mail body data not including an attached file) and attached file data. The data format of the e-mail can be acquired from the e-mail header. In other words, the “Content-Type:” field in the header of the email describes the data format of the email. When the electronic mail includes an attached file, a “Content-Type:” field is provided for each attached file in the header, and the data format of the attached file is described. In general, when the attached file is not included, the data format of the body of the e-mail is “text”. In addition, when an attachment is included, the data format of the body is “multipart”, and the data format for each attachment is “Text”, “JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) image”, or “Word data”. It is like that.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an access determination table referred to by the access determination unit 44.

  The access determination table 310 is a table in which which operating system can handle which data format is registered. Specifically, the access determination table 310 lists data formats that can be handled originally by the operating system and data formats that can be newly handled by adding applications.

  The access determination table 310 is uniquely held in each local mail server 14. Note that the access determination table 310 may be held in the data storage unit 12 and shared by a plurality of local mail servers 14. Further, the access determination table 310 may be created dynamically or explicitly by the user.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the access determination unit 44 using the access determination table 310.

  When the processing unit 48 of the local mail server 14 retrieves the e-mail 300 from the data storage unit 12 using the data access unit 43, the processing unit 48 stores the access information 301 and the data format information 302 added to the e-mail 300. The data is passed to the access determination unit 44. The access determination unit 44 makes a determination using information on the operating system 13 that is currently operating, the access information 301, the data format information 302, and the information described in the access determination table 310, and performs processing in accordance therewith.

  The determination of the access level using the access determination table 310 by the access determination unit 44 is specifically as follows. However, the level divisions shown here are merely examples, and the number of divisions and meanings can be changed as appropriate.

  That is, when it is found that all the data formats possessed by the e-mail can be handled by the operating system accessed in the past, the e-mail is treated as “read at level 1”. If it is found that at least one of the data formats cannot be handled by an operating system accessed in the past, the electronic mail is treated as “read at level 2”. Also, if it is found that the data format that cannot be handled in “reading at level 2” can be handled by the current operating system, the electronic mail is handled as “reading at level 3”.

  In this way, when the terminal 10 switches the operating system 13 and browses the e-mail, the local mail server 14 is included in the e-mail from which operating system the e-mail has been accessed in the past. By comprehensively determining what the data format is and passing the result to the mail client 15, the mail client 15 can perform processing according to the result. For example, in the case of “read at level 3”, a data format that could not be handled when accessed from the mail client 15 on another operating system 13 in the past is included, and the mail client on the current operating system is included. Since it can be seen from 15 that the data format can be handled, it is possible to perform processing such as notifying the user to that effect.

  In the present embodiment, access information is data for managing the history of accesses from applications running on a plurality of operating systems for each e-mail. Specific contents of the access information include the identification information of the operating system accessed as described above, the identification information of the accessed application, and the type of processing performed on the e-mail by the access (separate viewing, editing, etc.) The access date / time, the number of accesses, the identification information of the accessed terminal 10, the identification information of the communication path used for access, the identification information of the accessed user, and the like. The type of access information to be recorded, the number of access levels determined based on the access information, the definition of each level, and the processing corresponding to each level are the specifications of the entire system including the terminal 10 and e-mail. It can be appropriately selected depending on the situation.

  Subsequently, a modification of the terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

(1)
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the terminal 10a which is a modification of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the terminal 10 a includes a mail client 15 a that has the function of the local mail server 14 in addition to the function of the mail client 15 instead of the local mail server 14 and the mail client 15 of the terminal 10 (FIG. 1). It is prepared for. Note that the terminal 10a is the same as the terminal 10 with respect to other configurations, functions of each unit, and processing flow.

  The terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a client server model in which a local mail server 14 is operated inside and a mail client 15 accesses an electronic mail by connecting to the local mail server 14. That is, in the terminal 10, the mail client 15 and the local mail server 14 are independent. Therefore, the local mail server 14 can be operated without operating the mail client 15, and mail can be taken into the terminal 10 from the external mail server 201 as long as the local mail server 14 is operated.

  On the other hand, in the terminal 10a shown in FIG. 9, the mail client 15a has the function of the local mail server. That is, in the terminal 10a, the mail client 15a includes a function for fetching mail from the external mail server 201. Therefore, unless the mail client 15a is operated, the mail is not taken into the terminal 10a from the external mail server 201.

  In the terminal 10a, when the first operating system 13A is operating, the first mail client 15aA receives the e-mail imported from the external mail server 201 or the e-mail created by the first mail client 15aA. The data is stored in the data storage unit 12. Similarly, when the second operating system 13B is operating, the second mail client 15aB uses the email fetched from the external mail server 201 or the email created by the second mail client 15aB as data. Store in the storage unit 12. Therefore, regardless of which operating system 13 is operating, the e-mail is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 12.

  As described above, in the terminal 10a, the e-mail handled by the mail client 15a is always stored in the common data storage unit 12. Therefore, even when the operating system 13 is switched and another mail client 15a is operated, another operating system is operated. E-mails accessed by the mail client 15a operating on the system 13 can be handled in common.

  Further, the terminal 10a does not require a local mail server, and has only the mail client 15a. Therefore, it is suitable for an operating environment that cannot have a client-server model configuration such as the terminal 10 or a terminal that does not require such a model.

(2)
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a terminal 10b which is another modification of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the terminal 10 b uses a data storage unit 212 of an external terminal 211 connected to the network 200 instead of the data storage unit 12 of the terminal 10 (FIG. 1). In addition, about the other structure and the function of each part, and the flow of a process, the terminal 10b is the same as that of the terminal 10 (client server model) and the terminal 10a (client model).

  The terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1 (the same applies to the terminal 10 a shown in FIG. 9) allows the mail client 15 to access the electronic mail stored in the common data storage unit 12 in the terminal 10, thereby E-mail sharing is realized. That is, in the terminal 10, the file access unit 32 provided by the operating system 13 accesses an e-mail to the data storage unit 12 in the terminal 10.

  On the other hand, the terminal 10b shown in FIG. 10 uses a data storage unit 212 of another terminal 211 connected to the network 200 outside the terminal 10 as a storage device for storing electronic mail. That is, the terminal 10b accesses an e-mail to the data storage unit 212 of another terminal 211 connected to the network.

  In the terminal 10b, when the first operating system 13A is operating, the first local mail server 14A receives the e-mail fetched from the external mail server 201 or the e-mail received from the first mail client 15A. The data is stored in the data storage unit 212 of another terminal 211 connected via the network 200. In addition, when the second operating system 13B is operating, the second local mail server 14B sends the e-mail fetched from the external mail server 201 or the e-mail received from the second mail client 15B to the network. The data is stored in the data storage unit 212 of another terminal 211 connected via the terminal 200. Therefore, regardless of which operating system 13 is operating, the e-mail is temporarily stored in the storage device 212 in the other terminal 211 connected via the network 200.

  As described above, in the terminal 10b, since the e-mail handled by the mail client 15 is always accumulated in the data storage unit 212 of the external terminal 211 connected via the network 200, the operating system 13 is switched to another mail client. Even when 15 is operated, the e-mail accessed by the mail client 15 operating on another operating system 13 can be handled in common.

  The terminal 10b is configured to store the e-mail in the data storage unit 212 of another terminal 211 connected to the network. Therefore, it is suitable when the terminal on which the mail client 15 operates does not have a sufficient storage area for electronic mail or when it is assumed that the terminal is always connected to a network such as a LAN.

(3)
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the terminal 10b which is still another modification of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the terminal 10c uses a removable external storage device 222 instead of the data storage unit 12 of the terminal 10 (FIG. 1). In addition, about the other structure, the function of each part, and the flow of a process, the terminal 10c is the same as that of the terminal 10 (client server model) and the terminal 10a (client model). For connection between the terminal 10c and the external storage device 222, USB (Universal Serial Bus), SCSI (small computer system interface), or the like can be used.

  The terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1 (the same applies to the terminal 10 a shown in FIG. 9) allows the mail client 15 to access the electronic mail stored in the common data storage unit 12 in the terminal 10, thereby E-mail sharing is realized. That is, in the terminal 10, the file access unit 32 provided by the operating system 13 accesses an e-mail to the data storage unit 12 in the terminal 10.

  On the other hand, the terminal 10c shown in FIG. 11 uses a removable external storage device 222 outside the terminal 10 as a storage device for storing electronic mail. That is, the terminal 10c accesses the removable external storage device 222 by e-mail.

  In the terminal 10c, when the first operating system 13A is operating, the first local mail server 14A receives the e-mail fetched from the external mail server 201 or the e-mail received from the first mail client 15A. And stored in the removable external storage device 222. When the second operating system 13B is operating, the first local mail server 14A removes the e-mail taken from the external mail server 201 or the e-mail received from the second mail client 15B. It is stored in a possible external storage device 222. Therefore, regardless of which operating system 13 is operating, the e-mail is temporarily stored in the removable external storage device 222.

  Thus, in the terminal 10c, the e-mail handled by the mail client 15 is always stored in the removable external storage device 222. Therefore, even when the operating system 13 is switched and another mail client 15 is operated, another e-mail client 15 operates. E-mails accessed by the mail client 15 operating on the operating system 13 can be handled in common.

  The terminal 10c is configured to store the e-mail in an external removable external storage device 222. Therefore, by connecting to the terminal 10c using the removable external storage device 222, the stored e-mail can be used from any terminal 10c. Therefore, it is suitable when the terminal 10c using the mail client 15 is not unique, that is, when the user may use the plurality of mail clients 15 of the plurality of terminals 10c.

(4)
As described above, the terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1 (the same applies to the terminal 10a shown in FIG. 9) has a plurality of operating systems 13 (operating environments) on one terminal 10, and each operating system 13 The mail client 15 connects to the local mail server 14 to share the e-mail. Therefore, in the terminal 10, the access determination unit 44 of the local mail server 14 determines the access level based on the information of the current operating system 13 in which the terminal 10 is operating.

  Here, the terminal 10 may determine the access level by the access determination unit 44 based on information of the operating system 13 in which the mail client 15 connected to the local mail server 14 is operating. Thereby, not only the e-mail is shared by the plurality of mail clients 15 of the own terminal, but the e-mail is also shared with the mail client 15 on the other terminal 10 having the same configuration as the own terminal. Is possible. That is, the mail client 15 on another terminal 10 can connect to the local mail server 14 on the own terminal 10.

  For example, when the mail client 15 is connected to the local mail server 14, information on the operating system 13 in which the mail client 15 is operating is transmitted to the local mail server 14. The local mail server 14 can acquire information for specifying the operating system 13 "on which is operating.

(5)
FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of still another modified example of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the external storage device 222 (FIG. 11) may store in advance the programs of the local mail server 14 and the mail client 15 that operate on each operating system 13 of the terminal 10c. Similarly, the external storage device 222 may store in advance a program for the mail client 15a operating on each operating system 13 of the terminal 10a.

  Thereby, the terminal 10c directly executes the programs of the local mail server 14 and the mail client 15 suitable for the operating system 13 from the external storage device 222, or executes these programs after being installed in the terminal 10c. can do. That is, the external storage device 222 itself becomes a part of the electronic mail system.

  Therefore, in the terminal 10c, the processing of the local mail server 14 and the mail client 15 can be realized as long as there is an operating system 13 capable of operating those programs. For this reason, it is possible to more easily share with other terminals described in (4) above.

  In addition, if a special key is given to the local mail server 14 or the mail client 15 stored in the external storage device 222 at the time of execution or installation, the key is used when accessing an e-mail. It is possible to add processing such as encryption using. In this case, the contents of the e-mail can be concealed with respect to the access of the e-mail stored in the external storage device 222 from the other local mail server 14, the mail client 15, or the other operating system 13, It also leads to improved security.

(6)
FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a terminal 10 ′ that is still another modification of the present invention. The terminal 10 ′ has the same basic configuration as the terminal 10, but executes a general application that is not limited to a mailer. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the terminal 10 ′ includes a local server 14 ′ and a client (application) 15 ′ instead of the local mail server 14 and the mail client 15 of the terminal 10 (FIG. 1). Yes. Further, the terminal 10 ′ includes a data storage unit (data storage device) 12 ′ instead of the data storage unit 12 of the terminal 10. Note that the terminal 10 ′ is the same as the terminal 10 in other configurations and the functions and processing flows of the respective units.

  The client 15 'is realized by an application program. The data storage unit 12 ′ stores data accessed by the client 15 ′.

  The local server 14 'includes a data acquisition unit (data acquisition unit) 41', a data storage unit (data storage unit) 42 ', a data access unit (data access unit) 43', and an access determination unit (access determination unit) 44 '. Have. Note that the function and processing flow of each unit are basically the same as those of the data acquisition unit 41, the data storage unit 42, the data access unit 43, and the access determination unit 44 of the terminal 10.

  Therefore, hereinafter, only the difference between the terminal 10 ′ and the terminal 10 will be described.

  The local server 14 ′ of the terminal 10 ′ uses the data acquisition unit 41 ′ and the network access unit 31 of the operating system 13 to acquire or relay an e-mail or the like acquired from an external server (external mail server 201 or the like). Are stored in the data storage unit 12 'in the terminal 10' using the data storage unit 42 'and the file access unit 32 of the operating system 13.

  The client 15 'can access data stored in the data storage unit 12' in the terminal 10 'by connecting to the local server 14'. At that time, the local server 14 'accesses the data stored in the data storage unit 12' using the data access unit 43 'and the file access unit 32. At this time, the data access unit 43' A process of adding identification information or the like of the connected client 15 'to the data as access information is also performed. Further, the access determination unit 44 'determines how the data is handled by the client 15' from the access information added in this way and the identification information of the client 15 ', and the result is sent to the client 15'. 'Is notified together with the data.

  The client 15 'applies a handling method to the data according to the determination result notified from the local server 14' together with the data. Here, the data handling includes, for example, “the data is already accessed since it has been accessed”, and “the data has been viewed once but not yet accessed”. "Notify the user to that effect", "Notify the user to that effect because the data contains a portion that has been browsed but has not been accessed and cannot be accessed by the client program". .

  By doing so, even when a plurality of clients 15 '(client program) access the same data, each client 15' is assigned to each client 15 'based on the access information of the data and the identification information of each client 15'. The handling of the data can be changed accordingly.

  The client 15 ′ may operate in the terminal 10 ′ or may operate in another terminal 10 ′. Further, the identification information of the client 15 ′ may be unique to the client 15 ′ or may be information on the operating system 13 on which the client 15 ′ operates.

  The terminals 10 (10a, 10b, 10c), 10 'described above are CPUs that execute instructions of programs (message terminal control programs) that implement the functions of the operating system 13, the local mail server 14, and the mail client 15. central processing unit), ROM (read only memory) that stores boot logic, RAM (random access memory) that expands the above programs, storage devices (recording media) such as hard disks that store the above programs and various data, keyboards and mice Input devices such as monitors, output devices such as monitors and speakers, and communication devices that communicate with other devices.

  The function of the terminal 10 according to the present invention is a recording medium in which the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control program for the message terminal that realizes the functions of the above-described units is recorded in a computer-readable manner. This can be realized by supplying to the apparatus 10 and reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the CPU. Specifically, the operating system 13, the local mail server 14, and the mail client 15 included in the terminal 10 are realized by executing a predetermined program stored in a memory (not shown) of the terminal 10 by a microprocessor or the like. Is done. The terminal 10 ′ is the same as the terminal 10.

  The recording medium for supplying the program code can be configured to be separable from the system or apparatus. The recording medium may be a medium that is fixedly supported so that the program code can be supplied. Even if the recording medium is attached to the system or apparatus so that the recorded program code can be directly read by the computer, the recording medium can be connected via the program reading apparatus connected to the system or apparatus as an external storage device. It may be mounted so that it can be read.

  For example, as the recording medium, a disk including a tape system such as a magnetic tape or a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  The program code may be recorded so that the computer can read out from the recording medium and directly execute it, or after being transferred from the recording medium to the program storage area of the main memory, the computer can read out from the main memory and execute it. It may be recorded as follows.

  Furthermore, the system or apparatus may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. Specifically, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication A network, a satellite communication network, etc. can be used. In addition, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited, and specifically, it is an infrared ray such as IrDA or a remote control even in a wired manner such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line or the like. , Bluetooth (registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a carrier wave or a data signal sequence in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The program for reading the program code from the recording medium and storing it in the main memory, and the program for downloading the program code from the communication network are stored in advance in a system or apparatus so as to be executable by a computer. To do.

  Furthermore, the function described above is obtained by writing the program code read from the recording medium into a memory provided in a function expansion board attached to the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and then the program code. Based on this instruction, the CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit can also be realized by performing part or all of the actual processing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Further, the present invention can be configured as follows.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that processes a message, and includes a data storage unit (data storage device) that stores a message, a data acquisition unit that acquires a message via a network, and the data A data storage means for storing a message in the storage means, a data access means for accessing the message stored in the data storage means, and an access level from past access information for the message stored in the data storage means An access determination unit that receives the message from the data storage unit when the data acquisition unit acquires the message. When the data storage unit receives the message from the data acquisition unit, the data storage unit sends a message to the data storage unit. And the data access means is When there is a message access request from an application, the message is accessed and predetermined access information is stored in the data storage means in association with the message, and the access determination means is accessed when accessing the message from the application. By determining the level, the application may perform a predetermined operation.

  As a result, the information processing apparatus stores and accesses the message handled by the application and the message acquired by the data acquisition unit in the data storage unit through the data storage unit and the data access unit. At this time, the application can perform processing depending on it by determining the access level of the message through the access determination means.

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the access determination unit may include an access determination unit that determines an access level from the access information associated with a message when the message is accessed from an application.

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the access determination unit may determine the access level based on an operating environment of an access source when accessing a message from an application. This makes it possible to easily determine the access level.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus for processing a message, and an operating environment providing unit capable of switching and executing a plurality of operating systems, and a plurality of operating environments in each operating system. Accessible storage means, data acquisition means for acquiring messages via the network in each operating system, data storage means for storing messages in the shared storage means in each operating system, and in each operating system Data access means for accessing the message stored in the shared storage means, and past access to the message stored in the shared storage means in each operating system. Access determination means for determining an access level from the service information, and when the data acquisition means acquires the message, it passes the message to the data storage means, and when the data storage means receives the message from the data acquisition means The message is stored in the shared storage means, and the data access means accesses the message when there is a message access request from an application, and stores predetermined access information in the shared storage means in association with the message. The access determining means may determine the access level when accessing the message from the application, thereby causing the application to perform a predetermined operation.

  As a result, the message handled by the application on a certain operating environment and the message acquired by the data acquisition unit are stored and accessed in the shared storage unit through the data storage unit and the data access unit. At this time, the application can perform processing depending on it by determining the access level of the message through the access determination means. The same can be done for applications on other operating environments.

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the access determination unit may include a determination unit that determines an access level from the access information associated with a message when the message is accessed from an application. This makes it possible to easily determine the access level.

  Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus described above, a message accessed in the past, a newly created message, and the like can be accessed in common in any operating environment application. Also, different processing can be performed by the application based on the access state of past messages.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the access determining means may determine the access level based on an operating environment of the access source when accessing a message from an application. This makes it possible to easily determine the access level.

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the data storage means or the shared storage means may be a removable external storage device. Therefore, it is possible to easily carry and maintain the stored message.

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the data storage means or the shared storage means may be a storage device of another information processing apparatus via a network.

  As a result, messages handled by the application are stored and accessed in a removable external storage device, and by connecting it to another information processing device, the information processing device can also share the message. It can be carried out. Further, the storage means of the information processing apparatus uses a storage device of another information processing apparatus via a network. In addition, messages handled by the application are stored and accessed in the storage device of another information processing apparatus via the network, and even when there is not enough storage means for storing the message in the information processing apparatus. You can share messages. Therefore, even in an information processing apparatus that does not have a sufficient storage device, the same effect as described above can be realized.

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the message may be processed by a server, and the application may access the message by connecting to the server.

  Thus, a series of message processing is performed by the server, and the application accesses the message by connecting to the server. Specifically, an application on an operating environment accesses a message stored in a storage device by connecting to a local server on the operating environment using a predetermined protocol, and Save the created message. In addition, when the local server can be connected to an external server, the local server connects to the external server using a predetermined protocol, or obtains a message by being connected and stores it in the storage device. . The stored message can be accessed from the application.

  Therefore, since the message acquired from the external server is temporarily stored in the storage device, redundant communication with the outside can be suppressed when the application accesses the message. Even in the state where connection to the outside is impossible, the application can access the message. Furthermore, since messages are stored in a storage device, even applications on different operating systems can be accessed in common. When accessing a message, the local server determines which operating system the message has been accessed from before, and adds or deletes additional information such as read and unread to the message and passes it to the application. And the application can perform processing based on it.

  Therefore, by using a server incorporating the function of the present invention, the same effect as described above can be realized even from an existing application.

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the message processing may be performed by an application.

  As a result, all messages are processed by the application. Specifically, an application on a certain operating system accesses a message stored in the storage device by using the data access means and the data storage means, and stores the created message. In a state where the application can be connected to the external server, the application acquires a message by connecting to the external server using a predetermined protocol, or stores the message in the storage device.

  Therefore, since the message acquired from the external server is temporarily stored in the storage device, redundant communication with the outside can be suppressed when the application accesses the message. Even in the state where connection to the outside is impossible, the application can access the message. Furthermore, since messages are stored in a storage device, even applications on different operating systems can be accessed in common if the message storage method is the same. Further, when accessing a message, it is possible to change the additional information such as already read and unread by determining which operating system the message has been accessed in the past, and perform processing based on that.

  Therefore, the same effect as described above can be realized by using an application incorporating the function of the present invention.

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the removable external storage device may store the server program.

  As a result, since the message and the server program that can access the message are stored in the same place, that is, in the removable external storage device, the operating environment in which the server program can be operated is provided. By connecting the external storage device to the information processing apparatus and operating the server program, the application on the information processing apparatus can also share a message through the server program.

  Therefore, the same effect as described above can be realized in a plurality of information processing apparatuses. In addition, security can be improved.

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the removable external storage device may store the application program.

  As a result, since the message and the application program that can access the message are stored in the same place, that is, in the removable external storage device, other messages having an operating environment in which the application can be operated. By connecting the external storage device to the information processing apparatus and operating the application program, the information processing apparatus can also share a message.

  Therefore, the same effect as described above can be realized in a plurality of information processing apparatuses. In addition, security can be improved.

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the message may be an electronic mail.

  In an information processing apparatus that operates by switching between a plurality of operating systems, messages such as e-mail can be shared between respective mail clients that operate on each operating system. Applicable.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the terminal which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detail of a structure of the terminal shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the mail reception process by the local mail server of the terminal shown in FIG. 3 is a time chart showing an e-mail access operation when the terminal shown in FIG. 1 is switched from a first operating system to a second operating system. It is explanatory drawing which showed the data structure of the email stored in the data storage part of the terminal shown in FIG. (A)-(d) is explanatory drawing which showed the operation | movement by the access judgment part of the terminal shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the access determination table which the access determination part of the terminal shown in FIG. 1 refers. It is explanatory drawing which showed the operation | movement using the access determination table by the access determination part of the terminal shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the modification of the terminal shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the other modification of the terminal shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the further another modification of the terminal shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of a structure of the modification of the terminal shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the further another modification of the terminal shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10 'terminal (message terminal)
11 Operating environment provider (Operating environment provider)
12, 12 'data storage unit (data storage device)
13 Operating system 15 Mail client (application)
15 'client (application)
41 Data acquisition unit (data acquisition means)
42 Data storage unit (data storage means)
43 Data access part (data access means)
44 Access judging section (access judging means)
200 network

Claims (14)

A data storage device for storing messages;
A data access means for accessing a message stored in the data storage device when receiving a message access request from an application, and storing predetermined access information in the data storage device in association with the message;
A message terminal comprising: an access determination unit that controls the application based on the access information associated with the message when a message access request is received from the application. Multiple operating systems,
An operating environment providing means for switching and executing the plurality of operating systems, and
The data storage devices are accessible from the respective operating systems;
When the data access means receives a message access request from an application, the data access means accesses the message stored in the data storage device and includes operating environment identification information capable of specifying the operating system in which the application is operating. The message terminal according to claim 1, wherein predetermined access information is stored in the data storage device in association with the message.   3. The message terminal according to claim 2, wherein the access determining means determines a read / unread state of the message based on the access information.   The access determination means, when determining the read / unread state of the message, is based on the access information and operating environment identification information that can identify the operating system in which the application that issued the message access request is operating. The message terminal according to claim 3, wherein the message terminal is determined. Data acquisition means for acquiring the message via a network;
The message terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising data storage means for storing the message acquired from the data acquisition means in the data storage device.   6. The message terminal according to claim 1, wherein the data storage device is removable.   7. The message terminal according to claim 1, wherein the data storage device can be shared with other message terminals.   A storage device comprising a data storage device constituting the message terminal according to claim 6.   9. The storage device according to claim 8, wherein a control program for a message terminal for causing a computer to function as at least the data access means and the access determination means is stored.   9. The storage device according to claim 8, wherein an application program for accessing a message stored in the storage device is stored so as to be supplied to the message terminal connected to the outside. A method for controlling a message terminal comprising a data storage device for storing messages,
A data access step of accessing a message stored in the data storage device when receiving a message access request from an application, and storing predetermined access information in the data storage device in association with the message;
A message terminal control method comprising: an access determination step of controlling the application based on the access information associated with the message when a message access request is received from the application. The message terminal further includes a plurality of operating systems and operating environment providing means for switching and executing the plurality of operating systems, and the data storage device is accessible from each of the operating systems. ,
In the data access step, when a message access request is received from an application, the message stored in the data storage device is accessed, and operating environment identification information capable of specifying the operating system in which the application is operating is included. 12. The method of controlling a message terminal according to claim 11, wherein predetermined access information is stored in the data storage device in association with the message.   A control program for operating the message terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control program is a message terminal for causing a computer to function as each of the above means.   A computer-readable recording medium in which the control program for the message terminal according to claim 13 is recorded.

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