JP2006350772A - Email processing device, email management device, email processing program and email processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an email processing device that can search an attached file attached to an email and an unattached file specified by information designated in the email by means of a search means capable of searching email data. <P>SOLUTION: If an attached file is attached to an email, the format of the attached file is converted to a text format, and the data of the converted attached file is stored in a text attached file field 12c. If saved location information is designated, an unattached file is specified by the saved location information, the format of the specified unattached file is converted to a text format, and the converted text format data is stored in a text unattached file field 13c. The attached file and unattached file are thus searched by means of a search program 3e for searching email data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention uses search means capable of searching for e-mail data, and attached files attached to an e-mail, or information that is not attached to the e-mail but is specified in the e-mail The present invention relates to an e-mail processing apparatus that can search for a non-attached file specified by.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, e-mail software having a search function capable of searching e-mail contents is known. However, the search function provided in the e-mail software cannot include the attached file attached to the e-mail as a search target. This is mainly due to the fact that the attached file is composed of various formats, and the e-mail software cannot support all formats.

  Therefore, when searching for an attached file, it is necessary to search using the search function provided in the application software corresponding to the attached file separately from the search function attached to the e-mail software. there were.

On the other hand, in the following Patent Document 1, when sending an e-mail, the format of the attached file is converted to a text format, and the data of the attached file converted to the text format is added to a part of the e-mail data A technique for sending an e-mail in a state is disclosed. By using this technology, it is possible to search for an attached file using a search function provided in the e-mail software.
JP 2001-318864 A (FIG. 1, paragraph 0012, etc.)

  However, even if the above-described technology is used, the conversion to the text format is performed on the side that transmits the e-mail, so if the transmission side does not convert to the text format, the attachment file is still searched. There was a problem that it was not possible.

  Also, without attaching the file directly to the e-mail, an e-mail in which the save destination information of the file is instructed in the e-mail is received, and specified by the save destination information indicated in the e-mail When searching for non-attached files, open the non-attached file using application software that supports non-attached files and use the search function provided in the application software, in addition to the search function attached to e-mail software. It was a hassle that had to be searched.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and a search means capable of searching for e-mail data is used to attach an attached file attached to an e-mail or to the e-mail. An object of the present invention is to provide an e-mail processing apparatus or the like that can search for a non-attached file that is not attached but is specified by information indicated in the e-mail.

  In order to achieve this object, the electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 1 is provided with a search means for searching for electronic mail data, and is an attached file attached to the electronic mail or an electronic mail. Shows a first application for converting a non-attached file that is not attached to the file and is specified by the storage location information specified in the e-mail into a format that can be searched by the search means First storage means for storing first application information, first determination means for determining whether the attached file is attached or whether the storage destination information is instructed, and the first determination means When it is determined that the attached file is attached or the storage destination information is instructed, the file is stored in the first storage means. Based on the first application information are, and a first converting means for converting a searchable format by format or the non-attachment formats the search means of the attachment.

  The electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 2 is the electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data of the attached file or the data of the non-attached file converted by the first conversion means is converted into the data of the electronic mail. Storage means for storing in association is provided.

  The electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 3 is the electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the storage means converts the data of the attached file or the data of the non-attached file converted by the first conversion means to the electronic mail. Add to mail data and store.

  The electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 4 is provided with search means for searching for electronic mail data, and is a non-attached file that is not attached to the electronic mail, and is indicated in the electronic mail. First storage means for storing first application information indicating a first application for converting a non-attached file specified by the storage destination information into an e-mail data format, and whether the storage destination information is instructed When it is determined that the storage destination information is instructed by the first determination unit and the first determination unit, based on the first application information stored in the first storage unit, A first conversion means for converting the format of the non-attached file into an e-mail data format; and the non-attached file converted by the first conversion means. The data of yl and a storage means for storing in association with the data of the electronic mail.

5. The electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the storage means stores the data of the attached file converted by the first conversion means or the data of the non-attached file in the electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 4. Store in addition to the email data.

  The electronic mail processing device according to claim 6 is the electronic mail processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein when the storage location information is instructed by the first determination means, A second determination unit configured to determine whether or not the non-attached file specified by the storage destination information has been converted by the first conversion unit; the first conversion unit being unconverted by the second determination unit; Convert the format of non-attached files that are determined to be present.

  The electronic mail processing device according to claim 7 is the electronic mail processing device according to claim 6, wherein when the non-attached file has been converted by the second determination means, the converted A third determination means for determining whether or not the non-attached file has been updated after conversion; and a first determination stored in the first storage means when the third determination means determines that the file has been updated. Based on application information, the second conversion means for converting the updated non-attached file format into a searchable format by the search means, and the updated non-attached file data converted by the second conversion means Is replaced with data of the non-attached file stored by the storage means.

  An electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 8 is the electronic mail processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the electronic mail processing apparatus converts the format of the attached file or the format of the non-attached file into another format. Before the first application specified by the first application information stored in the first storage means becomes unbootable, the second storage means storing second application information indicating two applications Third conversion means for converting the format of the attached file and the format of the non-attached file based on the second application information stored in the second storage means, and the format converted by the third conversion means Storage means for storing the attached file or the non-attached file.

  The electronic mail processing device according to claim 9 is the electronic mail processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the attachment is stored in association with the data of the electronic mail by the storage means or the replacement means. Deletion means for deleting file data or non-attached file data in accordance with a user instruction is provided.

  The electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 10 is the electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the deletion unit is automatically configured when an instruction to request the return or transfer of the electronic mail is given as a user instruction. The data of the attached file or the data of the non-attached file is operatively deleted.

  The electronic mail processing device according to claim 11 is the electronic mail processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the first determination means determines that the storage destination information is instructed. A first acquisition unit that acquires the non-attached file itself, and a first search unit that is stored in the first storage unit when a result of searching the e-mail data by the search unit matches a predetermined search condition. Disclosure means for opening the attached file including the matched search condition or the non-attached file obtained by the first obtaining means based on the application information.

  The electronic mail processing device according to claim 12 is the electronic mail processing device according to claim 11, wherein when the storage destination information is instructed by the first determination means, the storage destination information is used. And a fourth determining unit configured to determine whether the specified non-attached file has been acquired by the first acquiring unit, wherein the first acquiring unit has not acquired the non-attached file by the fourth determining unit. If it is determined, the non-attached file itself is acquired.

  The electronic mail processing device according to claim 13 is the electronic mail processing device according to claim 12, wherein when the non-attached file is determined to be acquired by the fourth determination means, the acquired Fifth determination means for determining whether or not a non-attached file has been updated after acquisition; and second acquisition means for obtaining the updated attached file when the fifth determination means determines that it has been updated. And.

  The electronic mail processing device according to claim 14 is the electronic mail processing device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the third conversion means is based on first application information stored in the first storage means. The second storage means stores the format of the non-attached file acquired by the first acquisition means or the second acquisition means before the specified first application becomes inoperable. Convert based on application information.

  15. The electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the search means is configured to be capable of searching a text format file, wherein the first conversion means is the electronic mail processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14. Converts the format of the attached file or the format of the non-attached file into a text format.

  The electronic mail management apparatus according to claim 16, wherein an electronic mail transmitted from each of a plurality of clients via a communication means is received, and an electronic mail received by the receiving means is designated in the electronic mail. Storage destination information for specifying a non-attached file that is not attached to an e-mail received by the receiving means. Is determined in the e-mail, and when the determination unit determines that the storage destination information is instructed, the storage destination information instructed in the e-mail Storage means for associating and storing destination information indicating a destination specified in the e-mail; and the storage destination information The storage unit associates a destination to which the report e-mail is to be transmitted with the storage destination information when receiving a report e-mail for reporting the deletion of the non-attached file specified by the change or the change of the storage destination information. Setting means for setting all destinations indicated in the destination information stored in the destination information.

  The electronic mail processing program according to claim 17, comprising a search step for searching for electronic mail data, wherein the attached file is attached to the electronic mail, or is not attached to the electronic mail. A storage for storing first application information indicating a first application for converting a non-attached file specified by the storage location information indicated in the electronic mail into a format that can be searched by the search step A determination step for determining whether the attached file is attached or whether the storage destination information is instructed; and the attachment step is attached or the storage destination information is determined by the determination step. Stored in the storing step when it is determined that an instruction has been given Based on 1 application information, and a conversion step of converting into searchable format by format or the non-attachment formats the search means of the attachment.

  The electronic mail processing method according to claim 18, further comprising a search step of searching for electronic mail data, wherein the attached file is attached to the electronic mail, or is not attached to the electronic mail. A storage for storing first application information indicating a first application for converting a non-attached file specified by the storage location information specified in the e-mail into a format that can be searched by the search step A determination step of determining whether the attachment file is attached or whether the storage destination information is instructed; and the attachment step is attached or the storage destination information is determined by the determination step Based on the first application information stored in the storing step when it is determined that the instruction is given, And a conversion step of converting into searchable form by attachment type or the non-attachment formats the search steps.

  According to the electronic mail processing apparatus of claim 1, when it is determined by the first determination means that the attached file is attached or the storage destination information is instructed, it is stored in the first storage means. Based on the first application information, the format of the attached file or the format of the non-attached file is converted by the first conversion unit into a format that can be searched by the search unit. Therefore, it is possible to search for an attached file or a non-attached file using a search means for searching for e-mail data. Therefore, in order to search for the contents of an attached file or non-attached file as in the past, an application for opening the attached file or non-attached file must be executed and the search function provided in the application must be used. There is an effect that it is possible to save time and labor.

  According to the electronic mail processing apparatus of claim 2, in addition to the effect produced by the electronic mail processing apparatus of claim 1, the attached file data or non-attached file data converted by the first conversion means is stored in the storage means. Therefore, in addition to the e-mail data, the attached file data or the non-attached file data can be included in the search target together.

  According to the electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 3, in addition to the effect produced by the electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 2, the storage means includes the data of the attached file converted by the first conversion means or the non-attached file. Is added to the data of the e-mail and stored. Therefore, when transferring the e-mail, the data of the attached file or the data of the non-attached file converted by the first conversion means is sent together with the e-mail. There is an effect that it can be transferred.

  According to the electronic mail processing apparatus of the fourth aspect, when it is determined that the storage destination information is instructed by the first determination unit, based on the first application information stored in the first storage unit. The format of the non-attached file is converted by the first converting means into a format that can be searched by the searching means. Therefore, it is possible to search for non-attached files using a search means for searching for e-mail data. Therefore, in order to search the contents of a non-attached file as in the past, it is necessary to execute an application for opening the attached file or the non-attached file and to use a search function provided in the application. There is an effect that labor can be saved. Further, since the non-attached file data converted by the first converting means is stored in association with the e-mail data by the storing means, the non-attached file data is also included in the search object together with the e-mail data. There is an effect that it can be included.

  According to the electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 5, in addition to the effect produced by the electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 4, the storage means includes the data of the attached file converted by the first conversion means or the non-attached file. Is added to the data of the e-mail and stored. Therefore, when transferring the e-mail, the data of the attached file or the data of the non-attached file converted by the first conversion means is sent together with the e-mail. There is an effect that it can be transferred.

  According to the electronic mail processing apparatus of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the electronic mail processing apparatus according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the first conversion means has received a non-attached file by the second determination means. Since the format of the non-attached file determined to be converted is converted, for example, even if two or more of the same storage location information is specified in one e-mail, the same non-attachment file specified by the same storage location information is specified. Duplicate work of converting the attached file again can be avoided. Similarly, for example, even when there is a format conversion instruction for a single e-mail a plurality of times, it is possible to avoid the duplication of converting the converted non-attached file again. Therefore, there is an effect that redundant conversion work can be prevented.

  According to the e-mail processing device of claim 7, in addition to the effect produced by the e-mail processing device of claim 6, the third determining means determines that the converted non-attached file has been updated after conversion The updated non-attached file format is converted by the second conversion means into a searchable format by the search means. The converted updated non-attached file data is replaced by the non-attached file data stored by the storage means by the replacement means, so that the latest information can be searched. .

  According to the electronic mail processing apparatus of the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the electronic mail processing apparatus according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, the second application can be performed before the first application becomes unbootable. Based on the second application information stored in the storage means, the format of the attached file and the format of the non-attached file are converted by the third converting means, and the attached file or the non-attached file in the converted format is saved. Therefore, even if the first application is in a state where it cannot be started, the second application can be used to open an attached file or a non-attached file.

  According to the e-mail processing apparatus of claim 9 or 10, in addition to the effect of the e-mail processing apparatus of any of claims 2 to 9, the attached file stored in association with the e-mail data Data or non-attached file data is deleted by the deletion unit according to the user's instructions. For example, when an e-mail with attached file data is returned or forwarded, the added data is added. By deleting the data of the attached file, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the amount of e-mail data to be returned.

  According to the electronic mail processing apparatus of claim 11, in addition to the effect of the electronic mail processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 10, a predetermined search condition is obtained as a result of searching the electronic mail data by the search means. If the file matches, the attached file including the matched search condition or the non-attached file acquired by the first acquiring unit is disclosed by the disclosing unit, so check the matching condition on the attached file or non-attached file. There is an effect that can be. In addition, since the non-attached file acquired by the first acquisition unit is opened by the first acquisition unit, even if the non-attached file stored in another location is updated after acquisition, Since a non-attached file can be opened, there is an effect that a certain search result can be obtained.

  According to the electronic mail processing apparatus of claim 12, in addition to the effect produced by the electronic mail processing apparatus of claim 11, the first acquisition means determines that the non-attached file has not been acquired by the fourth determination means. If the same storage location information is specified in one email, the same non-attachment file specified by the same storage location information is again stored. It is possible to avoid duplicate work of obtaining. Therefore, there is an effect that redundant acquisition work can be prevented.

  According to the e-mail processing apparatus of claim 13, in addition to the effect achieved by the e-mail processing apparatus of claim 12, the second acquisition means updates the non-attached file acquired by the fourth determination means after acquisition. When it is determined that the file has been updated, the updated attached file is acquired, so that the latest non-attached file can be searched.

  According to the electronic mail processing apparatus of the fourteenth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the electronic mail processing apparatus according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects, the second application can be performed before the first application becomes unbootable. Based on the second application information stored in the storage means, the format of the non-attached file acquired by the first acquisition means or the second acquisition means is converted by the third conversion means. Even if it becomes possible, the second application can be used to open an attached file or a non-attached file.

  According to the e-mail processing apparatus of claim 15, in addition to the effect produced by the e-mail processing apparatus of any of claims 1 to 14, the first conversion means is an attached file format or a non-attached file format. Therefore, if the search means is configured to be able to search data in the text format, it is possible to search for an attached file or a non-attached file. That is, since many of the existing search means are configured to be able to search data in text format, there is an effect that the existing search means can be used as it is.

  According to the e-mail management apparatus of claim 16, when an e-mail instructing storage destination information for specifying a non-attached file is received, the storage destination information instructed in the e-mail Since it is stored by the storage means in association with the specified destination information, for example, a sender who has sent an e-mail specifying storage destination information to a plurality of destinations later specifies the specified storage destination information. If you change the URL, you do not need to manage the destination that sent the email specifying the storage location information, and if you send a report email reporting the change, you sent an email specifying the storage location information Report emails can be sent reporting changes to all destinations. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the burden on the transmission side that transmits the report electronic mail reporting the change.

  According to the electronic mail processing program according to claim 17, when it is determined in the first determination step that an attached file is attached or storage destination information is instructed, the first stored in the first storage step is stored. Based on the application information, the format of the attached file or the format of the non-attached file is converted into a searchable format in the search step in the first conversion step. Therefore, it is possible to search for an attached file or a non-attached file using a search step for searching for e-mail data. Therefore, in order to search for the contents of an attached file or non-attached file as in the past, an application for opening the attached file or non-attached file must be executed and the search function provided in the application must be used. There is an effect that it is possible to save time and labor.

  According to the e-mail processing method of claim 18, when it is determined that the attached file is attached or the storage destination information is instructed in the first determining step, it is stored in the first storing step. Based on the first application information, the format of the attached file or the format of the non-attached file is converted into a searchable format by the search step by the first conversion step. Therefore, it is possible to search for an attached file or a non-attached file using a search process for searching for e-mail data. Therefore, in order to search for the contents of an attached file or non-attached file as in the past, an application for opening the attached file or non-attached file must be executed and the search function provided in the application must be used. There is an effect that it is possible to save time and labor.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the electronic mail system 1. The e-mail system 1 communicates three clients A, B, and C as an e-mail processing apparatus that is one of the present invention and a mail server S as an e-mail management apparatus that is one of the present invention. Connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable K. Since all of the clients A, B, and C are configured by the same computer, only the electrical configuration of the client A is illustrated, and the electrical configuration of the clients B and C is not illustrated.

  Each client A is a computer that uses the functions and data provided by the mail server S. In particular, in addition to the contents of the e-mail, the attached file attached to the e-mail can also be searched. It is a computer that can.

  Specifically, each client A or the like is executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2 that is a central processing unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3 that stores programs executed by the CPU 2 and fixed value data, and the CPU 2. Communication between each client A and the like via a LAN cable K, a RAM (Rndom Access Memory) 4 that temporarily stores data necessary for each process, an HD (Hard Disk) 5 that is a data storage device, and a LAN cable K An I / F (interface) 6 to be performed and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 7 which is a chip dedicated to a watch are provided. Note that a battery 8 is connected to the RTC 7 so that the RTC 7 can be started while the power is turned off.

  The ROM 3 stores an e-mail control program 3a, a text format conversion program 3b, a format management table control program 3c, a format conversion program 3d, a search program 3e, and an additional text deletion program 3f.

  The electronic mail control program 3a is a program for executing creation, transmission / reception, storage, deletion, and the like of electronic mail.

  The text format conversion program 3b is a non-attached file that is not attached to an e-mail and is specified by the storage location information specified in the e-mail. It is a program for converting the format of an attached file into a text format, and is a program for executing the text format conversion processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

  The storage location information referred to in this embodiment corresponds to, for example, UNC (Universal Naming Convention) representing a naming rule for describing a file of a machine shared on a network of Windows (registered trademark) machines. . Specifically, the information is described as “¥¥ server name ¥ shared folder name ¥ subfolder name ¥ file name”.

  The format management table control program 3c is a program for controlling the format management table shown in FIG. 2A, and is a program for executing setting, deletion, change, etc. of the format management table.

  The format conversion program 3d is a program for executing the format conversion processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8, and the information stored in the format management table shown in FIG. It is a program to convert based on.

  The search program 3e is a program that executes the search process shown in the flowchart of FIG. The search program 3e is configured so as to be able to search data constituting the e-mail, and is configured to be able to search at least text format data. It is also possible to search for attached file data and non-attached file data added to the file.

  The search program 3e of the present embodiment is configured to be able to search at least text format data, so the case where attached file data or non-attached file data is converted to text format will be described. The format for converting the data and the data of the non-attached file is not limited to the text format as long as it can be searched by the search program 3e.

  The additional text deletion program 3f is a program for deleting text format data such as attached files added as e-mail data by the text conversion program 3b.

  For example, when replying or forwarding a received e-mail, if the text format data added to the reply or forwarding e-mail is included, the added text format data The user is asked whether or not to delete, and the added text data is deleted according to the user's instruction. Thereby, the capacity of the e-mail to be returned or transferred can be reduced. The additional text deletion program 3f may be configured to automatically delete data in text format in response to an instruction to reply or transfer an e-mail from the user.

  In the HD 5, an e-mail storage area 5a, a non-attached file storage area 5b, and a format management table storage area 5c are allocated as storage areas.

  The e-mail storage area 5a is a storage area for storing e-mails. Here, the configuration of the e-mail storage area 5a will be specifically described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the e-mail storage area 5a includes, for each e-mail, a header information recording column 10, a body information storage column 11, an attached file information storage column 12, and a non-attached file information storage column 13. And an attached file storage column 14.

  The header information recording column 10 includes an email ID column 10a, a sender column 10b, a recipient column 10c, and a subject column 10e. The e-mail ID column 10a stores an ID (for example, “XXX”) that identifies each e-mail. The sender column 10b stores a mail address of the sender of the electronic mail (for example, “client B mail address”). The recipient column 10c stores the email address (for example, “client A email address”) of the recipient of the electronic mail. The subject field 10d stores the subject of the e-mail (for example, “meeting”).

  In the text information storage column 11, a message described in the electronic mail is stored. The storage location information described above is specified in the text information recording field 11.

  In the attached file information storage column 12, when an attached file is attached to the e-mail, information on the attached file is written by the text format conversion program 3b, and the attached file name column 12a, the conversion date / time column 12b, A text-attached file field 12c is provided.

  In the attached file name column 12a, the file name of the attached file (for example, “material I”) is stored. The conversion date and time column 12b stores the date and time “for example“ 2005.4.30 PM3: 30 ”” when the attached file is converted into the text format. The conversion date and time is stored based on the date and time counted by the RTC 7. The text-attached file column 12c stores data obtained by converting an attached file attached to the electronic mail into a text format.

  In the non-attached file information storage column 13, information on the non-attached file specified by the storage destination information in the e-mail is written by the text format conversion program 3b, and the non-attached file name column 13a, the conversion date / time column 13b, the text And an attached file field 13c.

  In the non-attached file name column 13a, the file name of the non-attached file (for example, “material II”) is stored. The conversion date / time column 13b stores the date / time “for example“ 2005.4.30 PM3: 35 ”” when the non-attached file is converted into the text format. In the non-attached file column 13c converted to text, data obtained by converting the non-attached file specified by the storage destination information specified in the electronic mail into a text format is stored.

  The attached file storage column 14 stores an attached file attached to the e-mail.

  Returning to FIG. 1 again, the description will be continued. The non-attached file storage area 5b of the HD 5 is an area for storing the acquired non-attached file itself when the non-attached file itself is acquired (downloaded).

  The format management table storage area 5c is an area for storing the format management table shown in FIG. Here, the format management table will be described with reference to FIG. The format management table is a table that mainly stores information for identifying an application that converts an attached file or non-attached file configured in an arbitrary format into a text format.

  The format management table includes a first format column 15, a first application column 16, a first application status column 17, a second format column 18, and a second application column 19 in order from the left side. .

  The first format column 15 stores format types such as format A and format B. More specifically, the format A is stored as “jtd” format.

  For each format stored in the first format column 15, the first application column 16 stores information for identifying an application that converts an attached file or non-attached file configured in the format into a text format. ing. If the data stored in the first application column 16 is converted to text format by the application and the search result matches the predetermined search condition, the original file including the matched part is stored in the first file. It is opened by an application stored in the 1 application column 16.

  For example, an attached file configured in the format A is converted into a text format by the application A based on information (“application A”) stored in the first application column 16. Note that which application is used can be set by the user.

  Specifically, when “Ichitaro” (registered trademark) is stored as the application A, the attached file in the “jtd” format as the format A is converted into a text format by “Ichitaro” (registered trademark).

  The first application status column 17 stores information indicating whether or not the application specified by the information stored in the first application column 16 is installed. For example, “install” is stored when the application A is installed, and “uninstall” is stored when the application B is not installed.

  Before the application specified by the information stored in the first application field 16 is uninstalled, the second format field 18 uses the uninstalled application to change the format corresponding to the application to any format. Information on whether to convert to a format is stored. Specifically, “doc” format is stored as format C.

  For each format stored in the second format column 18, the second application column 19 stores information for specifying an application that can handle a file configured in that format.

  For example, when an application A that converts an attachment file of format A into a text format is to be uninstalled, the attachment file configured with format A is formatted using the application A before the uninstallation. The file of the format C can be referred to by the application C.

  Specifically, when “doc” is stored as the format C in the second format column 18 and “Word” (registered trademark) is stored as the application C in the second application column 19, “jtd” as the format A is stored. The attached file in the format is converted into a file in the “doc” format using “Ichitaro” (registered trademark) and can be referred to by “Word” (registered trademark).

  Returning to FIG. 1 again, the description will be continued. The mail server S is a computer that receives an electronic mail transmitted from each client A via the LAN cable K, and transmits an electronic mail addressed to each client A to each client A, etc. A ROM 21, a RAM 22, an HD 23, and an I / F 24.

  The ROM 21 stores an e-mail control program 21a and a non-attached file management program 21b as programs for sending and receiving e-mail. The non-attached file management program 21b is a program for managing the non-attached file management table shown in FIG. 2B, and is a program for executing the non-attached file management process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  The HD 23 is assigned an e-mail storage area 23a for storing e-mails and a non-attached file management table storage area 23b. The non-attached file management table storage area 23b is an area for storing the non-attached file management table shown in FIG. Here, the non-attached file management table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The non-attached file management table is a table that stores the storage destination information and the transmission target person who transmitted the e-mail including the storage destination information in association with each other. And a transmission target person column 26.

  The storage location information column 25 stores each storage location information (for example, “storage location information A”) designated in each e-mail. The transmission target person column 26 stores the mail addresses (for example, “the mail address of the client A”, etc.) of all the senders who have transmitted the e-mail including each storage destination information.

  Next, the function of the text format conversion program 3b described above will be outlined with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining the function of the text format conversion program 3b.

  The text format conversion program 3c determines whether an attached file is attached to the e-mail stored in the e-mail storage area 5b or whether storage destination information is instructed according to a user instruction. To detect.

  As a result, if an attached file is attached, the format of the attached file is converted into a text format, and the data of the attached file converted into the text format is stored in the text-attached attachment file column 12c. At this time, the attached file name of the attached file and the converted date converted to the text format are stored in the attached file name column 12a and the converted date column 12b, respectively.

  As described above, by storing the data of the attached file converted into the text format in the attached file field 12c converted into the text, it is possible to search the attached file by using the search program 3e for searching for e-mail data. .

  On the other hand, if the save destination information is specified, the non-attached file is specified by the save destination information, the format of the specified non-attached file is converted to the text format, and the converted text format data is converted to text. Stored in the attached non-attached file column 13c. At this time, the non-attached file name of the non-attached file and the conversion date / time converted into the text format are stored in the non-attached file name column 13a and the conversion date / time column 13b, respectively. Therefore, non-attached files can be searched using the search program 3e for searching for e-mail data, similarly to the attached files.

  Further, when the storage destination information is instructed, the non-attached file itself specified by the storage destination information is stored in the non-attached file storage area 5b. Since the non-attached file itself is stored in this way, even if the non-attached file is rewritten from the outside, the non-attached file before being rewritten can be acquired.

  Next, the function of the format conversion program 3d described above will be outlined with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining the function of the format conversion program 3d.

  For example, in the situation where “attached file of format A” is stored in the attached file storage field 14, it is assumed that the user gives an instruction to uninstall application A that can start a file of format A.

  In this case, the format conversion program 3d converts the attached file of format A into another format according to the information stored in the format management table shown in FIG. For example, the file is converted into an attached file having a format C that can be referred to by the application C.

  In this way, by converting the format of the attached file before uninstalling the application A that can start the file of the format A, the attached file can be referred to even when the application A is uninstalled. Can do. Since application A may be installed again, the attached file (format A) before the format change is saved as it is.

  Further, the format conversion program 3d detects whether or not the storage destination information is instructed in the text information storage column 11, and when the storage destination information is detected, the format conversion program 3d further comprises the format A specified by the storage destination information. It is detected whether the non-attached file to be stored is already stored in the non-attached file storage area 5b.

  As a result, if stored, the stored non-attached file is converted into another format in accordance with the information stored in the format management table. If not stored, the non-attached file is acquired, and the non-attached file is converted into another format according to the information stored in the format management table. Therefore, as with the attached file, the non-attached file can be referred to even when the application A is uninstalled.

  Next, the text format conversion process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. This text conversion process is a process executed in accordance with the text format conversion program 3b. In this embodiment, the text conversion process is executed in accordance with a user's execution instruction and is stored in the e-mail storage area 5a. It is executed for at least one or more electronic mail designated by the user. Note that this processing may be automatically executed when an e-mail is received.

  In this process, first, it is determined whether or not an attached file is attached to the electronic mail designated by the user (S501). If it is determined that the attached file is attached (S501: Yes), it is determined whether or not the processing has been completed for all the attached files (S502), and the processing is performed for all the attached files. If it is determined that it has not been completed (S502: No), it is determined whether or not the attached file of interest has been converted into a text format (S503). Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not predetermined information is stored in the attached file information storage column 12. By making this determination, it is possible to avoid the duplicate work of converting the same attached file into the text format again.

  If it is determined in the processing of S503 that the file has not been converted, that is, it has not been converted (S503: No), an application corresponding to the format of the attached file of interest is shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not an instruction is given in the format management table shown (S504).

  As a result, when instructed (S504: Yes), the format of the attached file of interest is converted into a text format using the instructed application (S505), and the converted text format data is The data is stored in the e-mail data (text filed attachment file field 12c) to which the attachment file of interest is attached (S506). At this time, the file name of the attached file and the date / time information converted into the text format are stored in the attached file name column 12a and the converted date / time column 12b of the corresponding e-mail.

  By storing the text of the attached file converted into text in the attached file column 12c converted into text, the data of the attached file can be searched by a search process described later.

  In this way, when the processing of S506 is completed, or when it is determined that it has been converted to the text format in the processing of S503 (S503: Yes), or the application for conversion to the text format is instructed in the processing of S504. If it is determined that there is not (S504: No), the process proceeds to S501 to repeat the above-described process for another attached file.

  If it is determined that the attached file does not exist (S501: No), or if it is determined that the processing has been completed for all the attached files attached to the e-mail designated by the user ( (S502: Yes), a text format conversion process (S507) relating to a non-attached file, which will be described later, is executed, and this process ends.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the text format conversion process (S507) regarding the non-attached file. In this process, first, it is determined whether or not storage destination information is instructed regarding the electronic mail designated by the user (S601). If it is determined that the storage destination information is instructed (S601: Yes), it is determined whether or not the processing has been completed for all the storage destination information (S602), and the processing has been completed for all the storage destination information. If it is determined that it has not been performed (S602: No), it is determined whether or not the non-attached file specified by the focused storage destination information actually exists (S603), and it is determined that it exists. If it is determined (S603: Yes), it is determined whether the application corresponding to the format of the non-attached file is instructed in the format management table shown in FIG. 2A (S604).

  If it is determined that an instruction has been given (S604: Yes), it is further determined whether or not the non-attached file has been converted into a text format (S605). Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not predetermined information is stored in the non-attached file information storage column 13. By making this determination, it is possible to avoid the duplicate work of converting the same non-attached file into the text format again.

  If the result of the determination in S605 indicates that the file has not been converted, that is, has not been converted (S605: No), the format of the non-attached file is determined using the application instructed in the format management table. Is converted into a text format (S606), and the converted text format data is stored in the corresponding e-mail data (text-formatted non-attached file column 13c) (S607). At this time, the file name of the non-attached file and the date / time information converted into the text format are stored in the attached file name column 13a and the converted date / time column 13b of the corresponding e-mail.

  By storing the text of the non-attached file converted into text in the text-attached file column 12c, the data of the non-attached file can be searched by a search process described later.

  Further, the non-attached file itself is acquired (the non-attached file itself is stored in the non-attached file storage area 5b) (S608). By acquiring the non-attached file itself in this way, it is possible to refer to the non-attached file at the acquisition stage regardless of the situation of the non-attached file.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S605 that the non-attached file has been converted to the text format (S605: Yes), it is further determined whether or not the non-attached file has been updated (S609). Specifically, the creation date / time of the non-attachment file is compared with the conversion date / time of the non-attachment file, and if the creation date / time of the non-attachment file is later, it is determined that the file has been updated. .

  As a result, when it is determined that the file has been updated (S609: Yes), the format of the non-attached file is converted into the text format using the application specified in the format management table (S610), and the conversion is performed. The text format data thus replaced is stored in place of the text format data previously stored in the non-attached file column 13c that has been converted to text (S611). At this time, the previous conversion date information stored in the conversion date column 13b is also updated. Thus, by checking the update status, the latest non-attached file can be converted into a text format.

  Further, the updated non-attached file itself is reacquired (the non-attached file itself is re-stored in the non-attached file storage area 5b) (S612).

  In addition, when the process of S608 and the process of S612 are complete | finished, or when it is judged that the non-attached file does not exist in the process of S603 (S603: No), or it converts into a text format in the process of S604. When it is determined that the application is not instructed (S604: No), or when it is determined that the non-attached file is not updated in the processing of S609 (S609: No), both are different storage destinations. In order to repeat the above-described steps for information, the process proceeds to S601.

  Further, when it is determined that the storage destination information is not instructed (S601: No), or when it is determined that the processing for all the storage destination information is completed (S602: Yes), this processing is performed. finish.

  Next, the format conversion process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. This process is executed according to a user instruction before the application specified based on the information stored in the first application 16 of the format management table shown in FIG. Process.

  In this process, first, it is determined whether or not there is an attached file in a format corresponding to an application that cannot be started (S701). If it exists (S701: Yes), all attached files are related. It is determined whether or not the processing is completed (S702).

  As a result, if it is determined that the processing has not been completed (S702: No), the format management table indicates the format to be converted and the application corresponding to the format in order to convert the format of the attached file of interest. It is determined whether or not (S703). As a result, if an instruction is given (S703: Yes), the format of the attached file to be noticed is converted using the application to be uninstalled (S704). Then, the converted format file is stored in the attached file storage field 14 of the corresponding e-mail (S705).

  When the processing of S705 is completed in this way, or when it is determined that the format to be converted in S703 and the application corresponding to the format are not specified in the format management table (S703: No), another attachment The processing from S701 is repeated again to execute processing relating to the file.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no attached file in the process of S701 (S701: No), or when it is determined that the process related to all attached files is completed in the process of S702 (S702: Yes), After executing a format conversion process (S706) relating to a non-attached file, which will be described later, this process is terminated.

  In this way, by converting the attachment file into another format and acquiring it before the application for opening the attachment becomes unbootable, the application for opening the attachment cannot be started. You can open attachments even when it is possible.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the format conversion process (S706) regarding a non-attached file. In this process, first, it is determined whether or not storage location information is instructed (S801). If it is determined that the storage location information is instructed (S801: Yes), the processing of all storage location information is completed. (S802), and if it is determined that all the storage destination information has not been processed (S802: No), there is actually a non-attached file specified by the storage destination information of interest. (S803: Yes), it is further determined whether or not the non-attached file specified by the storage destination information has been acquired (S803). S804).

  As a result, if it is determined that the file has not been acquired (S804: No), the non-attached file itself is acquired (S805), and the format to be converted and the application corresponding to the format are instructed in the format management table. It is determined whether it has been performed (S806). As a result, when instructed (S806: Yes), the format of the non-attached file is converted using the application to be uninstalled (S807). Then, the converted format file is stored in the non-attached file storage area 5b (S808), and this process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S803 that no non-attached file exists (S803: No), or the format to be converted in step S806 and the application corresponding to the format are not specified in the format management table. If it is determined (S806: No), the processing from S801 is repeated again to execute the above-described steps with respect to another storage destination information.

  Further, when it is determined that the storage destination information is not instructed in the processing of S801 (S801: No), or when it is determined that the processing regarding all the storage destination information is completed in the processing of S802 (S802). : Yes), this processing is terminated.

  In this way, for non-attached files, as well as for attached files, convert the non-attached file to another format before the application for opening the non-attached file becomes unbootable. Thus, even if an application for opening a non-attached file is not activated, the non-attached file can be opened.

  Next, the search process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This search process is a process executed in accordance with the search program 3e stored in the client A or the like. At least one or more e-mails are designated by the user, and predetermined data is included in the data constituting the designated e-mail. This process is executed when it is input whether or not there is data that matches the search condition.

  When a search instruction is issued from the user, the data constituting the e-mail is searched under the specified condition (S901), and the part that matches the search condition is highlighted (S902).

  Further, it is determined whether or not the textual portion (data stored in the text-attached file field 12c or data stored in the text-attached non-attached file field 13c) matches the search condition ( If they match (S903: Yes), a display asking the user whether to open the original file including the matched text portion is displayed (S904).

  As a result, when there is a reply that the user opens (S904: Yes), the application corresponding to the format of the corresponding file is identified from the first application column 16 of the format management table shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the specified application has been installed (S905). If the application has been installed (S905: Yes), the application specified by the information stored in the first application column 16 is used. Then, the original file that has not been converted to text is opened (S906), and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is not installed (uninstalled state) (S905: No), the text is not converted using the application specified by the information stored in the second application column 19. Is opened (S907), and the process is terminated.

  Note that if the text portion does not match the search condition in the processing of S903 (S903: No), and if the user replies that the corresponding file is not opened in the processing of S904 (S904: No), this The process ends.

  As described above, in this search processing, the attachment file column 12c in which the data of the attached file or the data of the non-attached file converted into the text format by the text format conversion program 3b described above is converted into the text, and the non-attachment converted into the text. Since it is stored in the file column 13c, it is possible to search for an attached file or a non-attached file by the search program 3e capable of searching for e-mail data. In addition, since the original file including the text portion that matches the search condition can be selectively opened, the matched search information can be confirmed on the original file.

  Next, the non-attached file management process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This non-attached file management process is a process executed according to the non-attached file management program 21b stored in the mail server S, and is executed when it is determined that the mail server S has received an e-mail. It is.

  In this process, it is first determined whether or not the received e-mail is a report e-mail (S1001). That is, when a sender who has sent an e-mail specifying storage location information to a predetermined client changes the specified storage location information or deletes a non-attached file specified by the storage location information , It is promised to send to the mail server S a change e-mail describing the fact and the storage destination information before the change, and the mail server S determines whether or not the received e-mail is the report e-mail. Determine whether.

  As a result, if it is not a report email (S1001: No), it is determined whether storage destination information is specified (S1002). If storage destination information is not specified (S1002: No), storage destination information is determined. This process is terminated when it is determined that the e-mail is a normal e-mail that is not designated.

  If the storage location information is specified in the processing of S1002 (S1002: Yes), it is determined that the storage location information is the designated email, and the designated storage location information and the email are designated. Are stored in the non-attached file management table shown in FIG. 2B (S1003), and this processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in S1001 is a report email (S1001: Yes), the storage destination information before the change is acquired from the report email (S1004), and the storage destination information before the change is further acquired. Is present in the non-attached file management table shown in FIG. 2B (S1005), and if it exists (S1005: Yes), the transmission target corresponding to the acquired storage destination information before the change A person is acquired from the non-attached file management table (S1006). Then, the destination of the report electronic mail is set to the acquired transmission target person (S1007), and this process is terminated. When the destination of the report email is set, the report email is transmitted to the set destination. Further, in the process of S1005, when the acquired storage destination information before change does not exist (S1005: No), this process ends.

  In this way, by setting the destination of the report email based on the non-attached file management table, for example, a sender who has sent an email specifying storage destination information A to a plurality of clients later When the storage destination information A specified in the above is changed to the storage destination information B, it is not necessary to manage to which client the email specifying the storage destination information A is sent, and the report email is sent to the mail server S. As long as it is transmitted, the report e-mail can be transmitted to all clients that have transmitted the e-mail specifying the storage location information A. Therefore, the burden on each client can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the search means, the search step, and the search process described in claims 1, 4, 17, and 18 correspond to the processing of S 901 in FIG. 9. The first determination means, the first determination step, and the first determination process 5 corresponds to the process of S501 of FIG. 5 or S601 of FIG. 6, and the first conversion means, the first conversion step, and the first conversion process correspond to the process of S505 of FIG. 5 or S606 of FIG.

  The storage means described in claims 2 and 5 corresponds to the processing of S506 in FIG. 5 or S607 in FIG. The second determination means according to claim 6 corresponds to the processing of S605 in FIG. The third determining means according to claim 7 corresponds to the process of S609 of FIG. 6, the second converting means corresponds to the process of S610 of FIG. 6, and the replacement means corresponds to the process of S611 of FIG. To do.

  The third conversion means described in claim 8 corresponds to the processing of S704 in FIG. 7 or S807 in FIG. The first acquisition unit according to claim 11 corresponds to S608 in FIG. 6 or S1105 in FIG. The disclosure means described in claim 11 corresponds to the processing of S906 or S907 in FIG. The fourth determining means according to claim 12 corresponds to the processing of S1105 in FIG. The fifth determination means according to claim 13 corresponds to the process of S1106 in FIG. 11, and the second acquisition means corresponds to the process of S1107 in FIG. The determination means according to claim 16 corresponds to the processing of S1001 in FIG. 10, and the setting means corresponds to the processing of S1007 in FIG.

  The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be easily guessed.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the attachment file data converted into the text format is stored in the text-attached file field 12c, and the non-attached file data converted into the text format is stored in the text-ized non-attachment file field 12c. As described above, the attachment file data converted into the text format and the non-attached file data converted into the text format may be searched in a state of being temporarily stored in the RAM 4, for example. In this case, the e-mail storage area 5a can be used effectively.

  In the above embodiment, the case where it is determined whether or not the non-attached file has been updated in S609, which is a part of the text format conversion process, has been described. The processes from S609 to S612 are referred to as the text format conversion process. May be separated, and whether or not the non-attached file is updated at a predetermined interval may be monitored, and if updated, processing corresponding to the processing from S609 to S612 may be executed. In such a case, the latest non-attached file can be converted into a text format.

  Further, a program corresponding to the text format conversion program 3e described in the above embodiment may be installed in the mail server S as the electronic mail management apparatus. For example, when an e-mail is transmitted from the client A to the client B via the mail server S, the above-described text format conversion process is executed in the mail server S that receives the e-mail transmitted from the client A, and the text An electronic mail may be transmitted to the client B with the attached file data converted into the format or the non-attached file data converted into the text format added. In such a case, the processing burden on the client side can be reduced.

  Further, in the text format conversion process related to the non-attached file in FIG. 6 described in the above embodiment, the case where the non-attached file itself to be converted into the text format in the processes of S606 and S610 is necessarily acquired has been described. However, instead of this, it may be configured such that a display requesting the user to select is made and acquisition of the non-attached file itself can be selected according to the user's selection. In such a case, since a non-attached file unnecessary for the user is not acquired, a limited storage area can be used effectively.

  Further, the processing of S608 and S612 may be separated from the text format conversion processing related to the non-attached file in FIG. 6, and the processing of converting the non-attached file into the text format and the processing of acquiring the non-attached file itself may be configured separately. good. In this case, the processing of S608 and S612 is deleted from the text format conversion processing for the non-attached file in FIG. Then, the non-attached file acquisition program may be stored in the ROM 3 of each client A or the like, and the non-attached file acquisition process shown in FIG. 11 may be executed by this non-attached file acquisition program in accordance with, for example, a user instruction.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the data converted into the text format is added to the e-mail data and stored is described. However, the data converted into the text format is not necessarily added to the e-mail data and stored. You may comprise so that the data converted into the text format may be stored in association with the e-mail. In such a case, in the same manner as described above, an attached file or the like can be included in the search object using the search function of the e-mail, and further, the e-mail can be sent regardless of the data converted into the text format. Can be forwarded and returned.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the e-mail control program 3a, the text format conversion program 3b, the format management table control program 3c, the format conversion program 3d, the search program 3e, and the additional text deletion program 3f are stored in the ROM 3 has been described. Such a program may be stored in the HD5. Similarly, the electronic mail control program 21a and the non-attached file management program 21b may be stored in the HD 23 instead of the ROM 21.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the non-attached file acquisition process. In this process, the same process as S601 to S603 in FIG. 6 is executed in the process from S1101 to S1103. It is determined whether or not the attached file has been acquired (S1104). If it has not been acquired (S1104: No), the attached file itself is acquired (S1105).

  On the other hand, if the non-attached file has already been acquired (S1104: Yes), it is determined whether or not the non-attached file has been updated (S1106). If it has been updated (S1106: Yes), the updated attached file is acquired (S1107).

  Then, when the processing of S1105, the processing of S1107 is completed, or when the non-attached file does not actually exist in the processing of S1103 (S1103: No), or when it is not updated in the processing of S1106 ( (S1106: No), the processing from S1101 is repeated to repeat the above-described processing for another attached file.

  Note that if the storage destination information does not exist in the processing of S1101 (S1101), or if the processing for all the storage destination information is completed in the processing of S1102 (S1102: Yes), this processing ends. . As described above, by separately configuring the process of converting a non-attached file into a text format and the process of acquiring the non-attached file itself, there is an effect that each process can be processed at high speed.

It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of an electronic mail system. (A) is a figure which shows a format management table, (b) is a figure which shows a non-attached file management table. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the function of a text format conversion program. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the function of a format conversion program. It is a flowchart of a text format conversion process. It is a flowchart of the text format conversion process regarding a non-attached file. It is a flowchart of a format conversion process. It is a flowchart of the format conversion process regarding a non-attached file. It is a flowchart of a search process. It is a flowchart of a non-attached file management process. It is a flowchart of a non-attached file acquisition process.

Explanation of symbols

5c Format management table storage area (first and second storage means)
16 First application field (first storage means)
19 Second application field (second storage means)
23b Non-attached file management table storage area (storage means)
S mail server (e-mail management device)
A, B, C client (e-mail processing device)
K LAN cable (communication means)

Claims (18)

In an e-mail processing apparatus provided with search means for searching e-mail data,
An attachment file attached to an e-mail or a non-attachment file that is not attached to an e-mail and is specified by the storage location information indicated in the e-mail is obtained by the search means. First storage means for storing first application information indicating a first application for conversion into a searchable format;
First determination means for determining whether the attached file is attached or whether the storage destination information is instructed;
Based on the first application information stored in the first storage unit, when the first determination unit determines that the attached file is attached or the storage destination information is instructed, An electronic mail processing apparatus comprising: a first conversion unit that converts an attached file format or a non-attached file format into a format that can be searched by the search unit.   2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the data of the attached file converted by the first conversion unit or the data of the non-attached file in association with the data of the electronic mail. Mail processing device.   3. The electronic mail according to claim 2, wherein the storage means stores the data of the attached file or the data of the non-attached file converted by the first conversion means in addition to the data of the electronic mail. Processing equipment. In an e-mail processing apparatus provided with search means for searching e-mail data,
A first application showing a first application for converting a non-attached file not attached to an e-mail and specified by the storage location information specified in the e-mail into a data format of the e-mail First storage means for storing one application information;
First determination means for determining whether the storage destination information is instructed;
When it is determined that the storage destination information is instructed by the first determination unit, the format of the non-attached file is changed to an e-mail based on the first application information stored in the first storage unit. First conversion means for converting to a data format;
An electronic mail processing apparatus comprising: storage means for storing the non-attached file data converted by the first conversion means in association with the electronic mail data.   The electronic mail according to claim 4, wherein the storage means stores the data of the attached file or the data of the non-attached file converted by the first conversion means in addition to the data of the electronic mail. Processing equipment. When it is determined that the storage location information is instructed by the first determination means, it is determined whether or not the non-attached file specified by the storage location information has been converted by the first conversion means. 2 judgment means,
6. The e-mail processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first conversion unit converts the format of the non-attached file determined to be unconverted by the second determination unit. Third determination means for determining whether or not the converted non-attached file has been updated after conversion when the second determination means determines that the non-attached file has been converted;
When the third determination means determines that the file has been updated, the search means searches for the updated non-attached file format based on the first application information stored in the first storage means. A second conversion means for converting to a possible format;
7. A replacement means for replacing the updated non-attached file data converted by the second conversion means with the non-attached file data stored by the storage means. The e-mail processing device described in 1. Second storage means for storing second application information indicating a second application for converting the format of the attached file or the format of the non-attached file into another format;
Before the first application specified by the first application information stored in the first storage means becomes unbootable, the format of the attached file and the format of the non-attached file are stored in the second storage. Third conversion means for converting based on the second application information stored in the means;
8. The electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a storage unit that stores the attached file or the non-attached file in a format converted by the third conversion unit.   And a deletion unit that deletes the data of the attached file or the data of the non-attached file stored in association with the data of the e-mail by the storage unit or the replacement unit according to a user instruction. The electronic mail processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 8. The deletion unit automatically deletes the data of the attached file or the data of the non-attached file when there is an instruction to request the return or transfer of the e-mail as a user instruction. Item 10. The electronic mail processing device according to Item 9.
A first acquisition unit that acquires the non-attached file itself when it is determined that the storage location information is instructed by the first determination unit;
The attachment including the matched search condition based on the first application information stored in the first storage means when the search means matches the predetermined search condition as a result of searching the e-mail data. 11. The e-mail processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a disclosure unit that opens a file or a non-attached file acquired by the first acquisition unit. When it is determined that the storage location information is instructed by the first determination means, it is determined whether or not a non-attached file specified by the storage location information has been acquired by the first acquisition means. With judgment means,
12. The e-mail according to claim 11, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the non-attachment file itself when the fourth determination unit determines that the non-attachment file has not been acquired. Processing equipment. Fifth determination means for determining whether or not the acquired non-attached file has been updated after acquisition when the fourth determination means determines that the non-attached file has been acquired; and
13. The electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: a second acquisition unit that obtains the updated attached file when the fifth determination unit determines that the file has been updated. .   The third conversion unit may include the first acquisition unit or the second acquisition unit before the first application specified by the first application information stored in the first storage unit becomes unbootable. The electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the format of the non-attached file acquired in step 1 is converted based on second application information stored in the second storage unit. The search means is configured to be able to search a text file,
15. The electronic mail processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first conversion unit converts the format of the attached file or the format of the non-attached file into a text format. Receiving means for receiving e-mail transmitted from each of a plurality of clients via communication means, and e-mail received by the receiving means via the communication means to a destination client designated in the e-mail. In an electronic mail management device comprising a transmission means for transmitting
Determining means for determining whether or not storage destination information for specifying a non-attached file that is not attached to the e-mail received by the receiving means is indicated in the e-mail;
When it is determined by the determination means that the storage destination information is instructed, the storage destination information specified in the e-mail is associated with destination information indicating a destination specified in the e-mail. Storage means for storing
When receiving a report email that reports on deletion of non-attached files specified by the storage location information or a change in the storage location information, the destination to which the report email is sent is associated with the storage location information An e-mail management apparatus comprising: setting means for setting all destinations indicated in the destination information stored in the storage means. In an e-mail processing program comprising a search step for searching e-mail data,
An attachment file attached to an e-mail or a non-attachment file that is not attached to an e-mail and is specified by the storage location information indicated in the e-mail is obtained by the search step. Storing a first application information indicating a first application for conversion into a searchable format;
A determination step of determining whether the attached file is attached or whether the storage destination information is instructed;
When it is determined in the determination step that the attached file is attached or the storage destination information is instructed, the format of the attached file or the non-existence is determined based on the first application information stored in the storage step. An e-mail processing program, comprising: a conversion step of converting the format of the attached file into a format searchable by the search means. In an e-mail processing method including a search process for searching e-mail data,
An attached file attached to an e-mail or a non-attached file that is not attached to an e-mail and is specified by the storage location information indicated in the e-mail is obtained by the search step. A storage step of storing first application information indicating a first application for conversion into a searchable format;
A determination step of determining whether the attached file is attached or whether the storage destination information is instructed;
When it is determined that the attached file is attached or the storage destination information is instructed in the determining step, the format of the attached file or the file is based on the first application information stored in the storing step. A conversion step of converting the format of the non-attached file into a searchable format by the search step.

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