JP2009230503A - Communication equipment, communication system, communication method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide communication equipment for preventing e-mail information from being leaked out. <P>SOLUTION: The communication equipment 10 for performing e-mail communication with different communication equipment 110 includes:an e-mail generating means with erase signal 42 for adding secret information erase signal to text information of e-mail, allowing other communication equipment to erase the e-mail completely; an e-mail storing means for transmission 32 for storing the e-mail with the secret information erase signal; an e-mail transmitting means 41 for transmitting the e-mail with the secret information erase signal; and a transmission mail erase control means 44/46 for completely erasing the e-mail with the secret information erase signal when transmitted e-mail has the secret information erase signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication system, and the like, and more particularly to a communication device that transmits and receives mail including confidential information in a mobile phone terminal.

When using file exchange software installed in each of communication systems such as a plurality of PCs (personal computers), information leakage from a shared file shared by the file exchange software to a third party has become a social problem. Yes.
As a communication apparatus that handles such confidential information and personal information, not only a PC but also a mobile phone is widely used in general.
In particular, the e-mail function of a mobile phone is used on a daily basis, and it has become generally used in the business field as the mobile phone becomes more sophisticated. According to the trend, the information handled there is becoming increasingly important qualitatively and quantitatively, and this trend is expected to continue in the future.

  In such a communication apparatus, as related techniques for preventing information leakage, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 shown below can be cited.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for deleting a file attached to a transmitted mail from a storage unit due to mail transmission at a mail transmission terminal (paragraph number 0010 of Patent Document 1). Also, a technique for deleting a mail text after obtaining a transmission completion notification for a mail with a file attached is disclosed (paragraph number 0012 in Patent Document 1). Thereby, it is possible to make a space in the built-in memory.

In the mail transmitting / receiving terminal of Patent Document 2, a deletion condition determining means for determining a condition for automatically deleting received mail on the receiving side designated on the transmitting side, and an automatic deletion of the received mail determined by the deleting condition determining means There is disclosed a technology that includes a deletion flag adding unit that adds a flag indicating a condition to be sent to a transmission mail, and that the received mail is automatically deleted according to the content of the flag. As conditions for automatically deleting received mail, conditions such as deletion in less than n seconds after browsing, deletion afterwards, no deletion designation, application of only opened mail, application to unopened mail are disclosed (Patent Documents) 2 paragraph numbers 0047-0052). These conditions are managed in the received mail management table of the mail transmitting / receiving terminal (paragraph numbers 0065 to 0068 of Patent Document 2). As a result, unnecessary mail is automatically deleted, and waste of mailbox resources is prevented.
JP 2004-151892 A JP 2007-102352 A

However, the related technology has the following problems.
That is, there are few effective measures against information leakage in the exchange of information using the mail function of the mobile phone terminal.
If a user loses or steals a mobile phone terminal, e-mail information that is increasing in importance can be leaked.
In this case, the leaked information covers not only the information of the user but also the information of the other user who transmitted the email stored in the user's mobile phone terminal.

  In other words, the act of saving or deleting the received mail in the mobile phone terminal is performed manually by the mail receiver regardless of the intention of the mail sender. There was a problem that information leakage from could not be prevented.

  In addition, Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is deleted only on the transmitting terminal side, and the received mail is not deleted on the receiving terminal side, so that information leakage cannot be prevented.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, there is a problem in that it is deleted only on the receiving terminal side, and the transmitted mail is not deleted on the transmitting terminal side, and information leakage cannot be prevented. Further, there is a problem that information remains in the received mail management table and information leakage cannot be prevented.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device, a communication system, and the like that can prevent leakage of e-mail information. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect (transmission side) of a communication apparatus of the present invention, a communication apparatus that performs communication for exchanging an electronic mail with another communication apparatus, the mail text information of the electronic mail is provided. An e-mail generating unit with an erasure signal for generating the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal by providing a confidential information erasure signal capable of completely erasing the e-mail in the other communication device. A transmission e-mail storage unit for storing an e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal; and at least an e-mail transmission unit for transmitting the e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal, and transmitted by the e-mail transmission unit When the transmitted mail that is the transmitted electronic mail has the confidential information erasure signal, the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal in the transmission electronic mail storage means is provided. The outgoing mail erasure control means for controlling to completely erase the mail, it is characterized in that features in the electronic mail sending means.

  In one aspect (reception side) of the communication device of the present invention, the communication device performs communication for exchanging electronic mail with another communication device, and the mail text information of the electronic mail is transmitted to the other communication device. A confidential information erasure signal is given to the electronic mail receiving means for receiving the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal in which the electronic mail is completely erased by another communication device, and the electronic mail receiving means receives the electronic mail. When the received e-mail storage means for storing the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal, and the received e-mail that is the unsealed e-mail of the e-mail storage means for reception have the confidential information erasure signal, Received mail erasure control means for performing control to completely erase the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal in the reception e-mail storage means.

  The communication system of the present invention includes a first communication device that performs communication for exchanging electronic mail, and a second communication device that can communicate with the first communication device via a network. The communication apparatus generates the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal by adding the confidential information erasure signal capable of completely erasing the e-mail in the second communication apparatus to the mail body information of the e-mail. An e-mail generating unit with an erasure signal to be transmitted, an e-mail storing unit for transmitting at least the e-mail with the confidential information erasing signal, an e-mail transmitting unit for transmitting at least the e-mail with the confidential information erasing signal, and the electronic The transmission e-mail storage when the transmission e-mail that has been transmitted by the e-mail transmission means and has the confidential information erasure signal And an e-mail receiving means for receiving the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal, wherein the second communication device receives the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal. Receiving e-mail storage means for storing the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal received by the e-mail receiving means, and the received e-mail that is the unsealed e-mail in the e-mail storing means for reception In the case where the confidential information erasure signal is included, the received electronic mail storage means includes received mail erasure control means for completely erasing the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal.

  In one aspect (transmission side) of the communication method of the present invention, a computer performs communication control processing for exchanging electronic mails with other communication devices, and the computer includes a mail body of the electronic mails. An e-mail generation step with an erasure signal that gives a confidential information erasure signal capable of completely erasing the e-mail in the other communication device to information and generates the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal; and the computer At least an e-mail transmission step for transmitting the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal, and a transmission e-mail that has been transmitted by the computer in the e-mail transmission step is the confidential information erasure signal The e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal is completely erased. It is characterized in that it comprises a flop, the.

  One aspect (receiving side) of the communication method of the present invention is a communication method in which a computer performs communication control processing for exchanging electronic mail with another communication device, and the computer is connected to the other communication device. An electronic mail receiving step of receiving an electronic mail with confidential information erasure signal in which a confidential information erasure signal is given to the mail body information of the electronic mail and the electronic mail is completely erased in another communication device; Reception in which the computer performs control to completely erase the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal when the received e-mail that is the opened e-mail received in the e-mail receiving step has the confidential information erasure signal And a mail deletion control step.

  One aspect (sending side) of the program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a communication control process for exchanging electronic mails with other communication devices, and for the mail text information of the electronic mails. E-mail generation function with an erasure signal for generating an e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal, which is provided by providing a confidential information erasure signal capable of completely erasing the electronic mail in another communication device, and at least the confidential information erasure signal An e-mail transmission control function for performing control to send an attached e-mail, and the transmitted e-mail that has been transmitted by the e-mail transmission control function has the confidential information erasure signal, A computer to execute a function including a transmission mail erasure control function for controlling to completely erase an e-mail with an information erasure signal It is characterized by a door.

  In one aspect (reception side) of the program of the present invention, a program for causing a computer to execute a communication control process for exchanging electronic mail with another communication device, wherein the other communication device An e-mail reception control function for receiving an e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal in which a confidential information erasure signal is given to the mail text information and the e-mail is completely erased by another communication device, and the e-mail reception control A received mail erasure control function for performing control to completely erase the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal when the received mail which is the opened e-mail received by the function has the confidential information erasure signal; It is characterized by causing a computer to execute a function including it.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to control the mail storing process at the mail transmitting side and the mail storing process at the mail receiving side respectively by the communication device on the mail transmitting side. Even if it passes to a third party who has a personal information, an excellent communication device, communication system, etc. that does not have related technology that can prevent leakage of information about the mail text including confidential information and personal information by e-mail with confidential information erasure signal Can be provided.

[Basic Configuration of Communication Device of the Present Invention]
First, the basic configuration of the communication device will be described. The communication device of the present invention performs communication for exchanging electronic mail with other communication devices.

  The first basic configuration (transmission system) of this communication device provides a confidential information erasure signal that can be completely erased by the other communication device to the mail body information of the email. An e-mail generating means with an erasing signal for generating the e-mail with the confidential information erasing signal (for example, reference numeral 42 shown in FIG. 2), and an e-mail storing means for transmitting at least storing the e-mail with the confidential information erasing signal ( 2) and at least e-mail transmission means (for example, reference numeral 41 shown in FIG. 2) for transmitting the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal. When the transmitted mail that is the transmitted e-mail to be transmitted has the confidential information erasure signal, the confidential information erasure signal of the transmission e-mail storage means is stored. The outgoing mail erasure control means for controlling to completely erase the e-mail attached (e.g., arrangement of the codes 44 and 46 shown in FIG. 2), are configured to include that the features on the electronic mail transmission means.

  The second basic configuration (reception system) of the communication device is such that a secret information erasure signal is given to the mail text information of the electronic mail by the other communication device, and the other communication device An e-mail receiving means (for example, reference numeral 161 shown in FIG. 5) for receiving an e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal from which the e-mail has been completely erased, and an electronic mail with the confidential information erasing signal received by the e-mail receiving means When the received e-mail storage means for storing the e-mail (for example, reference numeral 134 shown in FIG. 5) and the received e-mail that has been opened in the e-mail storage means for reception have the confidential information erasure signal Received mail erasure control means (for example, reference numeral 162 shown in FIG. 5) for controlling to completely erase the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal in the received e-mail storage means It has a configuration that includes a made structure, etc.) and from 166.

  In the communication device having such a configuration, it is possible to control the mail stored on the mail transmitting side and the mail storing processing on the mail receiving side, respectively, and both the own communication device and the other communication device are lost or stolen. Thus, even when the information is transferred to a malicious third party, it is possible to prevent information leakage of the mail text including confidential information and personal information by e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal.

  In particular, the mail saving process is controlled on the mail sending side. As a result, even if a user's communication device is lost or stolen, it will be transferred to a malicious third party. And the body of an email containing personal information is very unlikely to be leaked. Similarly, information leakage can be prevented for the mail text on the transmission side transmitted with the confidential information erasure signal from the communication device.

  Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment in which such a “communication device” of the present invention is applied to a “communication system” will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Overall configuration of communication system)
First, the specific configuration of the communication system according to the present embodiment will be described from the overall configuration, and then the detailed configuration of each unit will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an overall schematic configuration of the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment enables communication for sending and receiving an e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal, and generates an electronic mail with a confidential information erasure signal on the transmission side. A first communication device 10 capable of communicating with the first communication device 10 via the communication network N, and a second communication device 110 capable of receiving the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal, It is comprised including.

  The first communication device 10 and the second communication device 110 are preferably configured by an information terminal such as a mobile phone. Further, in the network N, a dedicated e-mail server (e-mail management apparatus) for sending and receiving e-mails may be formed to be communicable.

  In addition, the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 110 operate by program control, and if they have a network-related communication function, they have a desktop / laptop computer and other wireless / wired communication functions. Any computer such as an information device or a similar computer may be used, regardless of whether it is mobile or fixed.

  The hardware configuration of the first communication device 10 and the second communication device 110 includes display means (screen) for displaying various information, etc., and data on the display screen (various input fields, etc.) of the display means. Operation input means (for example, a keyboard / mouse) for input / output, transmission / reception means (communication means) for transmitting / receiving various signals / data, storage means (for example, memory, hard disk) for storing various programs / various data Etc.), and control means (for example, CPU etc.) for controlling these can be provided.

The communication system having the above-described configuration generally operates as follows.
When sending mail that contains information that would otherwise be difficult to leak, such as confidential information or personal information, using the mail function of the communication device, the first communication device 10 on the mail transmission side adds a confidential information erasure signal to the mail text. Then send. The first communication device 10 on the mail transmission side automatically and completely erases the mail text immediately after the mail transmission.

On the other hand, in the second communication device 110 on the mail receiving side that has received the confidential information erasing signal when receiving the mail, when the mail with the confidential information erasing signal added is opened, the confidential information erasing signal is added to the mail. The message is automatically deleted immediately after the mail is closed.
Hereinafter, detailed configurations of the first communication apparatus 10 and the second communication apparatus 110 for specifically realizing such functions will be described.

(Configuration of transmission system of first communication device)
As shown in FIG. 2, the first communication device 10 has a transmission system configuration in which a confidential information erasure signal that can be completely erased by the second communication device 110 is sent to the body part of the email. The configuration includes a confidential information erasure signal setting operation means 12 for performing setting to be given to an electronic mail, and an electronic mail transmission start operation means 14 for performing an operation of starting transmission of an electronic mail.

  Further, the first communication device 10 includes an e-mail creating unit 20 that creates an e-mail, and a transmitted mail that is a transmitted e-mail (and / or confidential information that is a transmitted e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal). E-mail or confidential information based on the operation input by the e-mail transmission start operation means 14 from the user, and the e-mail information storage means (transmission e-mail storage means) 32 for storing the information of the e-mail with deletion signal) And an e-mail transmission means 41 for performing control processing for transmitting an e-mail with an erasure signal.

  Further, the first communication device 10 generates a confidential information erasure signal that allows the second communication device 110 to completely erase the e-mail based on an operation input by the confidential information erasure signal setting operation means 12 from the user. It is configured to include an e-mail generation means with confidential information erasure signal (e-mail generation means with erasure signal) 42 for generating the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal by giving to the mail body information of the e-mail. .

  Furthermore, the first communication device 10 performs a control process for detecting whether or not there is a confidential information erasure signal in the mail body information of the outgoing mail that is the electronic mail sent by the electronic mail sending means 41. The erase signal presence / absence detection control means 44 is included.

  Furthermore, when the first communication device 10 detects that there is a confidential information erasure signal in the mail body information of the outgoing mail that is an electronic mail transmitted by the outgoing mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 44, And a transmission mail body complete erasure means 46 for performing a process of completely erasing the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal in the transmission mail information storage means (transmission e-mail storage means) 32.

  In addition, when the first communication device 10 detects that there is no confidential information erasure signal in the mail body information of the outgoing mail that is the electronic mail transmitted by the outgoing mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control unit 44, The transmission mail body storage unit 48 that performs processing for storing the transmission mail in the transmission mail information storage unit (transmission e-mail storage unit) 32 and other units 50 are configured.

  The other units 50 can perform various functions using various application software in addition to the normal call function other than the electronic mail function.

  Here, the e-mail transmission means 41, the e-mail generation means with confidential information erasure signal (e-mail generation means with erasure signal) 42, the transmitted mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 44, the transmitted mail body complete erasure means 46, The transmission control system 40 can be configured by the transmission mail text storage means 48.

The transmission system of the first communication device 10 configured as described above operates generally as follows.
First, when a setting operation input for using the confidential information erasing function is performed by the confidential information erasing signal setting operation unit 12, the electronic mail generating unit 42 with the confidential information erasing signal is generated by the electronic mail generating unit 20. A process of giving a confidential information erasure signal to the body part of the mail is performed.

  Next, when an operation input for transmitting an e-mail is performed by the e-mail transmission start operation unit 14, the e-mail transmission unit 41 transmits an e-mail, and transmits the transmitted e-mail as a transmitted e-mail. The control process memorize | stored in the information storage means 32 is performed.

  Subsequently, a control process for detecting whether or not there is a confidential information erasure signal in the mail body information of the outgoing mail that is an electronic mail transmitted by the electronic mail sending means 41 is performed by the outgoing mail erase signal presence / absence detection control means 44. .

  Here, if there is a confidential information erasure signal, a process for completely erasing the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal in the outgoing mail information storage means 32 by the outgoing mail body complete erasure means 46 is performed.

  On the other hand, when there is no confidential information erasure signal, the transmitted mail body storage means 48 performs processing for storing the transmitted mail in the transmitted mail information storage means 32.

  Further, when the confidential information erasure signal setting operation unit 12 sets the confidential information erasure function and the e-mail transmission start operation unit 14 inputs an operation to send an e-mail, the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal is sent. When the generation means 42 gives a confidential information erasure signal to the body part of the e-mail and the e-mail transmission means 41 sends an e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal, the outgoing e-mail body complete erasure means 46 sends the e-mail. Processing for completely erasing the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal of the information storage means 32 may be performed.

  In this case, if the confidential information erasure signal setting operation means 12 does not set the confidential information erasure function and the electronic mail transmission start operation means 14 inputs an operation to send an electronic mail, the electronic mail transmission means 41 When the mail is transmitted, the transmitted mail body storage unit 48 can perform processing for storing the transmitted mail in the transmitted mail information storage unit 32.

(Configuration of receiving system of second communication device)
As shown in FIG. 5, the second communication device 110 has an e-mail opening operation means 116 for performing an operation for opening (opening) an e-mail, and the opened e-mail as a receiving system. The electronic mail closing operation means 118 for performing the (close) operation is included.

  In the second communication device 110, a confidential information erasure signal is given to the mail text information of the electronic mail by the first communication device 10, and the electronic mail is completely erased by another communication device. E-mail receiving means 161 that receives an e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal or a normal e-mail, and a received e-mail that is an e-mail received by the e-mail receiving means (and / or received confidential information) It includes a received mail information storage means (received e-mail storage means) 134 for storing a received e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal which is an e-mail with an erasure signal.

  Further, the second communication device 110 notifies the user of having the confidential information erasure signal when the electronic mail is opened (opened) based on an operation input by the electronic mail opening operation means 16 from the user. The signal presence / absence notification means 164 is included.

  Furthermore, after the second communication device 110 is opened, the received mail information storage means 34 is closed (closed) based on an operation input from the user by the e-mail closing operation means 118. The received mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 162 for detecting whether or not it has the confidential information erasure signal is included in the mail body information of the opened received mail which is the e-mail.

Here, the received mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 162 receives the mail text information of the received mail, which is an e-mail received by the e-mail receiving means 161, based on the operation input from the user by the e-mail opening operation means 116. When the display control to display on the display means is performed, at this time, it can be detected whether or not the confidential information erasure signal is included in the mail body information of the received mail.
Thus, the erasure signal presence / absence notification means 164 uses the detection result of the received mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 162 to have the confidential information erasure signal for the user when the e-mail is opened (opened). Can be notified.

  Furthermore, when the second communication device 110 detects that the received mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 162 has the confidential information erasure signal in the mail body information of the received mail that has been opened, It is configured to include a received mail body complete erasure unit 166 that performs a process of completely erasing an electronic mail with information erasure signal (received mail with confidential information erasure signal) from the received mail information storage unit 134.

  When the second communication device 110 detects that the received mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 162 does not have the confidential information erasure signal in the mail body information of the received mail that has been opened, The apparatus includes a received mail text storage unit 168 that performs processing for storing mail (received mail) in the received mail information storage unit 34.

  Here, an e-mail receiving means 161, a received mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 162, an erasure signal presence / absence notification means 164, a received mail text storage means 168, and a received mail text complete erasure means 166 include a reception control system. 160 can be configured.

The reception system of the second communication device 110 having the above-described configuration operates generally as follows.
First, when an operation input for opening an e-mail is performed by the e-mail opening operation means 116, the control means sends the mail text information of the received mail that is the e-mail received by the e-mail receiving means 161. Is displayed on the display means, and the erasure signal presence / absence notification means 164 uses the detection result of the confidential information erasure signal in the received e-mail by the received mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 162. When a confidential information erasure signal is detected, a process of notifying the user that the confidential information erasure signal is provided when the electronic mail is opened (opened) is performed.

  Next, when an operation input for closing (closing) the e-mail is performed by the e-mail closing operation means 118, the received mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 162 sends the mail of the received mail that has been closed and opened. It is detected whether or not the body information has a confidential information erasure signal.

  When the received mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 162 detects that the opened received mail has a confidential information erasure signal, the received mail text complete erasure means 166 erases the opened confidential information. A process of completely erasing the electronic mail with signal (received mail with confidential information erasure signal) from the received mail information storage means 134 is performed.

  On the other hand, when the received mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 162 detects that the received mail that has been opened does not have the confidential information erasure signal, the received mail body storage means 168 opens the opened e-mail ( The received mail is stored in the received mail information storage means 34.

(Configuration of receiving system of first communication device)
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first communication device 10 has the same configuration as the reception system of the second communication device 110 as the configuration of the email reception system. Specifically, the configuration of the receiving system of the first communication device 10 includes an e-mail opening operation means 16, an e-mail closing operation means 18, an incoming mail information storage means 34, an e-mail receiving means 61, The received mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 62, the erasure signal presence / absence notification means 64, the received mail text storage means 68, and the received mail text complete erasure means 66 are configured. Further, the reception control system 60 can be configured. Since these are the same as those of the second communication device 110, description thereof will be omitted.

(Configuration of transmission system of second communication device)
Furthermore, the configuration of the transmission system of the second communication device 110 can have the same configuration as the configuration of the transmission system of the first communication device 10. Specifically, the configuration of the transmission system of the second communication device 110 includes a confidential information erasure signal setting operation unit 112, an e-mail transmission start operation unit 114, and a transmission mail information storage unit (transmission e-mail storage unit). 132, an e-mail transmission unit 141, an e-mail generation unit with a confidential information erasure signal (an e-mail generation unit with an erasure signal) 142, a transmission mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control unit 144, and a transmission mail body complete erasure unit 146 The transmission mail body storage unit 148 and the other units 150 may be included. Further, the transmission control system 140 can be configured. Since these are the same as those of the first communication device 10, the description thereof is omitted.

  In this way, the confidential information erasure signal is added to the mail text that is transmitted and received using the mail function of the communication device. The confidential information erasure signal is added by the first communication device 10 on the mail transmission side at the time of mail transmission, and is read by the second communication device 110 on the mail reception side at the time of mail reception.

  In the first communication device 10 on the mail transmission side, as an operation when the mail body with the confidential information erasure signal is transmitted, the mail body is automatically and completely erased immediately after the mail is transmitted.

  In the second communication device 110 on the mail receiving side, as the operation when the mail body with the confidential information erasure signal is received, the mail body that has been read is closed and then the mail body is automatically and completely erased immediately.

  In summary, the configuration of this method is preferably a communication device that satisfies the following specifications. In other words, it is possible to send a mail by adding a confidential information erasure signal to the sent mail. It must be possible to receive emails by reading the confidential information erasure signal in the received emails. When a mail with a confidential information erasure signal is sent, the sent mail is completely erased. When a mail with a confidential information erasure signal is received, the received mail is completely erased. When an email without confidential information erasure signal is sent, the sent email is saved. When an email without confidential information erasure signal is received, the received email is saved.

  Here, in the transmission system of the communication apparatus, the transmission mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 44 and the transmission mail body complete erasure means 46 can constitute the “transmission mail erasure control means” according to the present invention. Further, the transmitted mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 44 and the transmitted mail text storage means 48 can constitute the “transmitted mail text storage control means” according to the present invention. Further, the e-mail generating means with secret information erasure signal 42 can also be referred to as “e-mail generating means with erasure signal” according to the invention. Further, the transmission mail information storage means 32 can also be referred to as a transmission electronic mail storage means.

The “sent mail deletion control means” is configured so that when the outgoing mail that is the already sent electronic mail transmitted by the electronic mail sending means has the confidential information erasure signal, the outgoing e-mail storage means It is possible to control to completely erase the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal. Further, the “sent mail erasure control means” can be completely erased by repeatedly overwriting data of a specific pattern after the process of erasing the sent mail.
The “sent mail body storage control means” is configured to send the outgoing mail for the transmission when the outgoing mail that is the transmitted electronic mail transmitted by the electronic mail transmitting means does not have the confidential information erasure signal. Control can be performed to save in the e-mail storage means.

  Furthermore, in the reception system of the communication apparatus, the received mail deletion signal presence / absence detection control means 162 and the received mail text complete deletion means 166 can constitute the “received mail deletion control means” according to the present invention. The received mail deletion signal presence / absence detection control means 162 and the received mail text storage means 168 can constitute the “received mail text storage control means” according to the present invention. Further, the received mail information storage unit 134 can also be referred to as a reception electronic mail storage unit.

The “received mail erasure control means” is configured such that when the received mail that is the opened e-mail in the reception e-mail storage means has the confidential information erasure signal, the confidential information in the e-mail storage means for reception is stored. It is possible to control to completely delete the e-mail with the erasure signal. Further, the “received mail erasure control means” can be completely erased by repeatedly overwriting data of a specific pattern after the received mail is erased.
The “received mail text storage control means” is configured to receive the received mail for receiving when the received mail that is the opened e-mail received by the e-mail receiving means does not have the confidential information erasure signal. Control can be performed to save in the e-mail storage means. The erasure signal presence / absence notification means can notify the user that the confidential information erasure signal is provided when the electronic mail is opened.

(About processing procedure)
Next, various processing procedures in the communication system having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a network sequence diagram showing an example of the entire processing procedure in the communication system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the transmission system of the first communication device in the communication system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the reception system of the second communication device in the communication system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

  The communication method according to the present embodiment is intended for a method in which a computer performs communication control processing for exchanging electronic mail with other communication devices.

  In this communication method, as a first basic configuration (transmission control method), confidential information that allows the computer to completely erase the e-mail with respect to the mail body information of the e-mail by the other communication device An erase signal-attached e-mail generation step (for example, step S103 shown in FIG. 7) for generating an e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal by giving an erasure signal; An e-mail transmission step (for example, step S104 shown in FIG. 7) to be transmitted, and a transmission e-mail that has been transmitted by the computer in the e-mail transmission step has the confidential information erasure signal In this case, the transmitted mail erasure system performs control to completely erase the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal. Step (e.g., step consisting of steps S105 and step S106 shown in FIG. 7) and can contain.

  Further, in this communication method, as a second basic configuration (reception control method), the computer gives a confidential information erasure signal to the mail text information of the e-mail in the other communication device. An e-mail receiving step (for example, step S201 shown in FIG. 8) for receiving an e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal in which the e-mail is completely erased by the communication device, and the computer in the e-mail receiving step Received mail erasure control step (for example, as shown in FIG. 8) for controlling to completely erase the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal when the received mail which is the received unsealed e-mail has the confidential information erasure signal. Step S207 and step S208).

(Overall processing)
More specifically, an outline process of the entire communication system will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, first, the computer (or control means such as a CPU) provided in the first communication device 10 performs processing for generating an electronic mail with a confidential information erasure signal (step S103) <Elimination of confidential information. E-mail generation processing step with signal or e-mail generation processing function with confidential information erasure signal>

  Next, the computer performs processing for transmitting an e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal (step S104) <e-mail transmission processing step or e-mail transmission processing function>.

  When the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal is transmitted, the computer performs a process of completely erasing the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal from the information storage area such as a transmission box (step S105) <the transmitted mail body complete Erase processing step or sent mail body complete erasure processing function>.

  On the other hand, in the second communication device 110, the computer (or control means such as a CPU) provided in the first communication device 10 receives the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal transmitted from the second communication device 110. (Step S201) <E-mail receiving process step or e-mail receiving process function>.

  Next, the computer performs processing for opening (opening) the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal received by the second communication device 110 based on the operation input of the user of the second communication device 110 (step). S202a) <E-mail opening process step or e-mail opening process function>.

  Subsequently, the computer performs a process of closing (closing) the opened electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal based on the operation input of the user of the second communication device 110 (step S206a) <e-mail. Sealing processing step or e-mail sealing processing function>.

  Then, after opening the computer, the computer performs a process of completely erasing the closed electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal (Step S208) <Received mail text complete erasure step or received mail text complete erasure function>.

  In this way, complete erasure is also performed in the first communication device that transmits the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal, and complete erasure is also performed in the second communication device that receives the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal. Thus, even if each communication device is damaged such as theft, it is possible to prevent leakage of confidential information such as a body part of an e-mail.

(Detailed processing on the first communication device side)
Next, detailed processing on the first communication device side will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, first, the computer (or the control means by the CPU or the like) provided in the first communication device 10 performs a process of creating an e-mail (step S101) <Generate e-mail with confidential information erasure signal Processing step or e-mail generation processing function with confidential information erasure signal>

  Next, the computer detects whether or not there is a setting operation input (whether or not the user has set the confidential information erasing function) for giving the confidential information erasing signal to the body part of the e-mail, and the determination processing (Step S102) <Secret information erasure signal presence / absence detection processing step or confidential information erasure signal presence / absence detection processing function>.

  In the determination process of step S102, if the computer determines that there is a setting operation input related to the assignment of the confidential information erasure signal, the computer uses the second communication device 110 for the body part of the e-mail. A process of giving a confidential information erasure signal capable of completely erasing the electronic mail is performed. Thereby, an e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal is generated (step S103) <an e-mail generating step with an confidential information erasing signal or an e-mail generating function with an confidential information erasing signal>.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process in step S102 that the computer does not have a setting operation input related to the assignment of the confidential information erasure signal, the computer performs a process of transmitting an e-mail (step S104) <e-mail. Sending step or e-mail sending function>.

  Here, in step S104, when an e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal is transmitted <an e-mail transmission step with a confidential information erasure signal or an e-mail transmission function with a confidential information erasure signal> When mail is transmitted, there is a <normal e-mail transmission step or a normal e-mail transmission function>.

  Next, the computer performs a process of determining whether or not there is a confidential information erasure signal in the body part of the transmitted outgoing mail that is the transmitted electronic mail (step S105). Secret erasure signal presence / absence determination processing function>.

  In the determination process of step S105, if the computer determines that the confidential information erasure signal is present in the mail body information of the transmitted mail that has already been transmitted, the computer performs a process of completely erasing the mail body information of the transmitted mail. (Step S106) <Transmitted mail body complete erasure processing step or transmitted mail body complete erasure processing function>

  On the other hand, in the determination process of step S105, if the computer determines that there is no confidential information erasure signal in the mail body information of the transmitted mail that has already been transmitted, the computer stores the mail body information of the transmitted mail. Perform (Step S107) <Transmission Mail Text Storage Processing Step or Transmission Mail Text Storage Processing Function>

  Here, the above-described step S105 and step S106 can constitute the “sent mail deletion control step” or “sent mail deletion control function” according to the present invention. Step S103 can also be referred to as an “erase signal-added email generation step” or an “erase signal-added email generation function”.

  Further, in the “sent mail erasure control step” or “sent mail erasure control function”, the data can be completely erased by repeatedly overwriting data of a specific pattern after the process of erasing the sent mail.

  Furthermore, step S107 can constitute a “sent mail text storage control step” or a “sent mail text storage control function”. In the “sending mail text storage control step”, when the transmission mail, which is the transmitted electronic mail transmitted in the electronic mail transmission step, does not have the confidential information erasure signal, the transmission mail is transmitted. Control to save in the mail storage means can also be performed.

(Detailed processing on the second communication device side)
Next, detailed processing on the second communication device side will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, a computer (or a control unit using a CPU or the like) included in the second communication device 110 is an electronic mail (confidential information in which the electronic mail is completely erased by the first communication device 10). (E-mail with erasure signal or normal e-mail) is received (step S201) <E-mail reception processing step or e-mail reception processing function>

  Subsequently, the computer determines whether or not an operation input for opening the received mail that is the received electronic mail has been performed (step S202) <open determination processing step or open determination processing function>.

  In the determination process of step S202, when the computer determines that an operation input for opening the received mail (open) is not performed, the computer repeats step S202 and waits for the operation input until the operation input is performed. It becomes a state.

  On the other hand, in the determination process of step S202, if the computer determines that an operation input for opening the received mail has been performed, the computer displays the received mail in the mail text information of the received mail. Then, whether or not there is a confidential information erasure signal is detected and the determination process is performed (step S203) <Received mail confidential information erasure signal presence / absence detection processing step or received mail confidential information erasure signal presence / absence detection processing function> or <First Received mail confidential information erasure signal presence / absence detection processing step or first received mail confidential information erasure signal presence / absence detection processing function>.

  In the determination process of step S203, if the computer determines that there is a confidential information erasure signal in the mail body information of the received mail, the computer notifies the user that the confidential information erasure signal is given. (Step S204) <Confidential information erasure signal presence / absence notification processing step or confidential information erasure signal presence / absence notification processing function>.

  Even if the notification is displayed on the display means and notified, the sound output means is notified with the sound pattern, or the vibration output means is notified with the vibration pattern, and the combination is notified. It may be the case.

  Then, the computer performs a process of displaying the mail text information of the received mail on the display means (step S205) <mail display processing step or mail display processing function>.

  On the other hand, in the determination process of step S203, if the computer determines that there is no confidential information deletion signal in the mail body information of the received mail, the process of step S205 is performed without performing the notification of step S204.

  Next, the computer determines whether or not an operation input for closing (opening) the received mail that has been opened (opened) is performed (step S206) <Received mail sealing determination processing step or received mail sealing determination Processing function>.

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S206 that the input operation for closing (closing) the received mail is not performed, the computer returns to step S205, and the mail text information of the received mail is displayed on the display means. Will wait for operation input.

  On the other hand, in the determination process of step S206, if the computer determines that an input operation to close (close) the received mail has been performed, the computer includes the received mail in the mail text information of the received mail. Processing for determining whether or not there is a confidential information erasure signal is performed (step S207) <opened received mail confidential information erasure signal presence / absence detection processing step or opened received mail confidential information erasure signal presence detection function> or <second Received mail confidential information erasure signal presence / absence detection processing step or second received mail confidential information erasure signal presence / absence detection processing function>.

  In the determination process of step S207, if the computer determines that there is a confidential information erasure signal in the mail body information of the received mail, the computer transmits the confidential information erasure signal that is the received electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal. A process for completely deleting the received mail is performed (step S208) <Received mail text complete erasing step or received mail text complete erasing function>.

  On the other hand, in the determination process of step S207, if the computer determines that there is no confidential information erasure signal in the mail body information of the received mail, the computer performs a process of storing the received mail (step S209) <reception Mail text saving step or received mail text saving function>.

Here, the above-described step S207 and step S208 can constitute the “received mail deletion control step” or the “received mail deletion control function” according to the present invention. Step S201 can also be called an “e-mail receiving step” or an “e-mail receiving function”.
Further, in the “received mail erasure control step” or “received mail erasure control function”, after the received mail is erased, it can be completely erased by repeatedly overwriting data of a specific pattern.

  Further, the “received mail text storage control step” or the “received mail text storage control function” can be configured by step S209. In the “received mail text storage control step”, when the received mail that is the opened e-mail received in the e-mail receiving step does not have the confidential information erasure signal, the received e-mail is received. Control to save in the mail storage means can be performed.

  Furthermore, step S204 can also be referred to as an erase signal presence / absence notification step. In this erasure signal presence / absence notification step, the user can be notified that the confidential information erasure signal is provided when the e-mail is opened.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the mail saving process on the mail receiving side is controlled on the mail transmitting side. As a result, even if a user's communication device is lost or stolen, it will be transferred to a malicious third party. And the body of an email containing personal information is very unlikely to be leaked. Similarly, information leakage can be prevented for the mail text on the transmission side transmitted with the confidential information erasure signal from the communication device.

Here, some of the blocks in the block diagrams shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5 (for example, reference numerals 20, 41, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 61, 62, 64, 66, 68 etc.) may be a software module configuration showing a state functionalized by the program by the computer executing various programs stored in an appropriate memory.
That is, the physical configuration is, for example, one or a plurality of CPUs (or one or a plurality of CPUs and one or a plurality of memories), etc., but the software configuration by each unit (circuit / means) is exhibited by the CPU by controlling the program. A plurality of functions are expressed as components by a plurality of units (means). When the CPU dynamically expresses a dynamic state (a state in which each procedure constituting the program is executed) executed by the program, each unit (means) is configured in the CPU.
In a static state in which the program is not executed, the entire program (or each program part included in the configuration of each unit) that realizes the configuration of each unit is stored in a storage area such as a memory.
The description of each part (means) described above can be interpreted as a computer functionalized by a program together with the function of the program, or a plurality of functions permanently functioning by specific hardware. Naturally, it can be interpreted that the device comprising the electronic circuit block is described. Therefore, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof, and is not limited to any one.

[Other variations]
Also, although the apparatus and method according to the present invention have been described according to some specific embodiments thereof, the embodiments described in the text of the present invention can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Various modifications are possible.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example of a cellular phone is given as the communication device. However, as long as it has a mail function, a personal computer, various servers, an EWS (engineering workstation), a medium-sized computer Portable information terminals, various mobile terminals, PDAs, wearable information terminals, home appliances equipped with various information communication functions such as various (portable) televisions and various acoustic devices, game devices having network functions, etc. Also good.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which an e-mail was transmitted from the first communication device and received by the second communication device. Conversely, an e-mail was transmitted from the second communication device. The same applies to an example in which the first communication device receives the data.

  In addition, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be set to a number, position, shape, and the like that are suitable for implementing the present invention. That is, in the above-described embodiment, two cases of the first communication device and the second communication device are shown as the communication system. However, the present invention does not limit these numbers.

In addition to “Erase”, in addition to the normal email erasure function,
Overwrite a specific area with “1 (FF)” N times,
Overwrite specific area with “0 (00)” M times,
Overwrite specific area with random number (random value) K times,
Overwrite a specific area K times with a random number (random value) and overwrite M times with 00,
Overwrite the specific area N + M times in the order of “1 (FF)”, “0 (00)”, “1 (FF)”, “0 (00)”,
Overwrite specific area L times with set value (setting data), K times with random number (random value),
The specific area is set to “0 (00)”, “1 (FF)”, “0 (00)”, “1 (FF)”, “0 (00)”, “1 (FF)”,... Overwrite a total of N + M + L times in the order of data, ...
Overwrite a specific area K1 times with a random number (random value), further overwrite L times with setting data, and further overwrite K2 times with random number (random value), overwriting K1 + L + K2 times in total.
Any one or a combination of the complete erasing functions of various methods may be included. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the possibility that data is restored (restored) by data salvage software (restoring software).

  Furthermore, the e-mail may be a mail using a specific server, for example, a mail using an SMTP server or a POP server, a web mail accessible on the web, or the like.

  Furthermore, the notification by the erasure signal presence / absence notification means is a case where the voice output means is notified by a voice pattern or the vibration output means is notified by a vibration pattern, even if the notification is displayed on the display means. Alternatively, the notification may be made by a combination of these.

(program)
Further, the software program of the present invention that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is a program corresponding to the processing unit (processing means), functions, etc. shown in the various block diagrams in each of the above-described embodiments, Each processing program processed in each of the processing procedures, processing means, functions, etc. shown in the flowchart etc., methods (steps) generally described in this specification, processing explained, data, etc. The whole or each part is included.

  Specifically, in one aspect (sending side) of the program of the present invention, a program for causing a computer to execute a communication control process for exchanging electronic mail with another communication device, wherein the computer E-mail generation function with an erasure signal for generating an e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal by giving a confidential information erasure signal capable of completely erasing the e-mail in the other communication device to the mail body information of the e-mail An electronic mail transmission control function for controlling the computer to transmit at least the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal; and the computer transmits the electronic mail transmitted by the electronic mail transmission control function. Control to completely erase the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal when a certain outgoing mail has the confidential information erasure signal It is characterized by executing a send mail erasure control function, the function comprising the computer performed.

  Further, in this program, when the transmission mail which is the transmitted electronic mail transmitted by the electronic mail transmission control function does not have the confidential information erasure signal, the transmission mail is stored in the transmission electronic mail storage means. It is possible to further cause the computer to execute a transmission mail body storage control function for performing control to store.

  Further, in this program, the transmitted mail erasure control function can be completely erased by repeatedly overwriting data of a specific pattern after the process of erasing the transmitted mail.

  According to one aspect (reception side) of the program of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute communication control processing for exchanging electronic mail with another communication device, wherein the computer is executed by the other communication device. An e-mail reception control function for receiving an e-mail with a confidential information erasure signal in which a confidential information erasure signal is given to the mail body information of the e-mail and the e-mail is completely erased by another communication device; When the received mail that is the opened electronic mail received by the electronic mail reception control function has the confidential information erasure signal, the computer performs control to completely erase the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal. And a received mail erasing control function.

  This program can further cause the computer to execute an erase signal presence / absence notification function for notifying the user that the confidential information erase signal is provided when the e-mail is opened.

  Further, in this program, when the received mail which is the opened electronic mail received by the electronic mail reception control function does not have the confidential information erasure signal, the received mail is stored in the receiving electronic mail storage means. The received mail text storage control function for controlling the storage can be further executed by the computer.

  In this program, the received mail erasure control function can be completely erased by repeatedly overwriting specific pattern data after the received mail erasure process.

The program may be in any form such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS. The program can be implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language as required. In either case, the language may be a compiler or interpreted language.
The above-mentioned programs include those incorporated in application software that can be operated on a general personal computer or a portable information terminal.

As a method of supplying the program, it is also possible to provide the program from an external device that is communicably connected to the computer via an electric communication line (whether wired or wireless). For example, the program can be supplied by connecting to a homepage on the Internet using a browser on a computer and downloading the program itself or a compressed file including an automatic installation function from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk.
It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different home page.

  According to the program of the present invention, if the program is read from a storage medium such as a ROM storing the control program into a computer (CPU) and executed, or the program is downloaded to the computer via communication means. If it is executed after the above, the apparatus according to the present invention described above can be realized relatively easily. When the software of the apparatus is embodied as an embodiment of the idea of the invention, it naturally exists and is used on a storage medium storing such software.

  Moreover, the program is the same without any question about the copying stage of the primary copy product, the secondary copy product, etc. If the program is supplied using a communication line, the communication line becomes a transmission medium and the present invention is used. Of course, it can also be specified as a program invention. Furthermore, the dependent claims in the apparatus can be configured as similar dependent claims in the system, the method, and the program.

(Information recording medium)
Moreover, the structure which recorded the above-mentioned program on the information recording medium may be sufficient. The information recording medium stores an application program including the above-described program, and the computer can read the application program from the information recording medium and install the application program on the hard disk. Thus, the program can be provided by being recorded on an information recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a ROM. Use of an information recording medium in which such a program is recorded in a computer constitutes a convenient information processing apparatus.

  As an information recording medium for supplying the program, for example, ROM, RAM, semiconductor memory such as flash memory and SRAM, and an integrated circuit, or a USB memory, memory card, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, magnetic recording medium and the like including them. Further, flexible disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, FD, DVDROM, HDDVD (HDDVD-R-SL <1 layer>, HDDVD-R-DL <2 layers>, HDDVD-RW) -SL, HDDVD-RW-DL, HDDVD-RAM-SL), DVD ± R-SL, DVD ± R-DL, DVD ± RW-SL, DVD ± RW-DL, DVD-RAM, Blu-Ray Disk <registration Trademark> (BD-R-SL, BD-R-DL, BD-RE-SL, BD-RE-DL), MO It is recorded on a portable medium such as ZIP, magnetic card, magnetic tape, SD card, memory stick, non-volatile memory card, IC card, etc., a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system, etc. Good.

  Furthermore, the “information recording medium” is a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short time (transmission medium), such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Or a transmission wave), a volatile memory inside a computer system serving as a server or a client in that case, and those holding a program for a certain period of time.

  In addition to dedicated e-mail application software, an OS running on a computer, an RTOS on a terminal (for example, a mobile phone) or the like performs a part or all of the processing, is equivalent to the above embodiment. This function can be realized and an equivalent effect can be obtained.

  Furthermore, the program is encrypted, stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to the user, and the user who clears the predetermined condition is allowed to download key information for decryption from the homepage via the Internet, and It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer. In this case, the configuration of the present invention may include each component (various means, steps and data) of the program and encryption means for encrypting the program (various means, steps and data).

  In addition, the system is not limited to the client server system, and a system based on peer-to-peer (Peer To Peer) communication in which terminals form a network without passing through a server and transmit / receive data to / from each other may be used. In this case, the management apparatus can be configured with a master terminal in a peer-to-peer system. In addition, the “system” of the above-described embodiment may be configured as a system that is integrated with another “information processing system”, and the entire system may be configured as the “system” of the present invention.

  In addition, the “system” in the above embodiments refers to a logical collection of a plurality of devices, and it does not matter whether the devices of each configuration are in the same housing. For this reason, this invention may be applied to the system comprised from a some apparatus, and may be applied to the apparatus which consists of one apparatus. The “system” may include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

  Further, as an information processing apparatus in which the above-described program is mounted, an electronic mail server such as a management apparatus is not limited to a personal computer, for example, but includes various servers, EWS (engineering workstation), medium-sized computer, mainframe, and the like. It is done. In addition to the above-described examples, the communication device includes portable information terminals, various mobile terminals, PDAs, mobile phones, wearable information terminals, various (such as portable) televisions, DVD recorders, various acoustic devices and their remote controllers, A configuration that can be used from home appliances equipped with an information communication function, game devices having a network function, and the like may also be used. Or what was improved as an application displayed on these terminals can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  Further, the program may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions, and further, a program that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system, a so-called difference file ( Difference program).

  Further, in the present specification, the steps shown in the flowchart include processes that are executed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series, as well as processes that are executed in time series according to the described procedure. It is a waste. In the implementation, the order in which the program procedures (steps) are executed can be changed. Further, certain procedures (steps) described herein can be implemented, removed, added, or rearranged as a combined procedure (step) as needed for implementation.

  Furthermore, the functions of the program such as each means of the apparatus, each function, and the procedure function of each step may be achieved by dedicated hardware (for example, a dedicated semiconductor circuit). Some of these functions may be processed by hardware, and other functions among all functions may be processed by software. In the case of dedicated hardware, each unit may be formed by an integrated circuit such as an LSI. These may be individually made into one chip, or may be made into one chip so as to include a part or all of them. The LSI may include other functional blocks. Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI's, and implementation using dedicated circuitry or general purpose processors is also possible. Further, if integrated circuit technology comes out to replace LSI's as a result of the advancement of semiconductor technology or a derivative other technology, it is naturally also possible to carry out function block integration using this technology.

  Further, in “communication”, wireless communication and wired communication as well as communication in which wireless communication and wired communication are mixed, that is, wireless communication is performed in a certain section and wired communication is performed in another section. There may be. Further, communication from one device to another device may be performed by wired communication, and communication from another device to one device may be performed by wireless communication.

  This communication includes a communication network. As a network constituting the communication network, for example, a cellular phone network (including a base station and an exchange system), a public phone network, an IP phone network, an ISDN network such as various network networks, the Internet (Nochi, TCP. Communication mode using IP protocol), Intranet, LAN (including Ethernet (registered trademark), Gigabit Ethernet (registered trademark), etc.), WAN, optical fiber communication network, power line communication network, various dedicated line networks that can support broadband Any hardware configuration may be used. In addition to the TCP / IP protocol, the network may be any communication protocol such as a network using various communication protocols, a virtual network constructed in software, or a network including all similar networks. The network is not limited to a wired network, but includes a wireless (including satellite communication, various high-frequency communication means, etc.) network (for example, a single carrier communication system such as a simple telephone system or a cellular phone, W-CDMA, or IEEE 802.11b) Network including a spread spectrum communication system such as a wireless LAN, a multi-carrier communication system such as IEEE802.11a and HiperLAN / 2, etc., or a combination of these may be used. It may be a system connected to a network. Further, the network may take any form such as point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, multipoint-to-multipoint.

  In the communication structure between the first communication device and the second communication device, the type of interface formed on one or both of them is, for example, a USB interface, IEEE 1394, a network such as a LAN or WAN, or the like. Any interface that is similar to the above or that will be developed in the future may be used.

  Further, a method of giving a confidential information erasure signal to the mail body information of an electronic mail and completely erasing the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal after transmission or when the reception has been opened is not necessarily a substantial apparatus. It is not necessary to be limited, and it can be easily understood that the method functions as well. For this reason, the invention relating to the method is not necessarily limited to a substantial apparatus, and there is no difference that the method is also effective. In this case, a communication device, a mobile phone, a PHS, a communication system, and the like can be included as an example for realizing the method.

  By the way, such a device may exist alone or be used in a state where it is incorporated in a certain device (for example, a mobile terminal or a PC in which a PCMCIA type IC card having a data communication function is mounted). The idea of the invention is not limited to this and includes various aspects. Therefore, it can be changed as appropriate, such as software or hardware. When the software of the apparatus is embodied as an embodiment of the idea of the invention, it naturally exists on the storage medium storing the software and is used.

  Furthermore, it may be a case where a part is software and a part is realized by hardware, and a part is stored on a storage medium and is read as needed. It may be as a thing. When the present invention is implemented by software, a configuration using hardware or an operating system may be used, or may be implemented separately from these.

The scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.
Further, the above embodiments include various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. That is, examples include combinations of the above-described embodiments, or any of them and any of the modifications. In this case, even if not specifically described in the present embodiment, the obvious effects from the respective configurations disclosed in the embodiments and their modifications are naturally included as the effects of the embodiments. it can. On the contrary, the configuration capable of exhibiting all the effects described in the present embodiment is not necessarily an essential component of the essential features of the present invention. In addition, an embodiment based on a configuration in which some of the configuration requirements are deleted from all the configuration requirements shown in the embodiment, and a technical scope based on the configuration may be an invention.

In addition, the description so far including each of the embodiments and the modifications thereof is intended to facilitate the understanding of the present invention. The embodiments of the invention are merely shown as examples of implementation, are illustrative, not limiting, and can be modified and / or modified as appropriate. The present invention can be implemented in various forms based on its technical idea or its main features, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner by each embodiment and its modifications. It will not be.
Therefore, each element disclosed above is intended to include all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to communication devices, and more specifically, can be applied to communication devices that are used on a daily basis, such as mobile phone terminals, mobile game terminals, and PDAs, among devices that implement a mail transmission / reception function. .

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the whole structure of the communication system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a transmission system of a first communication device of the communication system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a reception system of a first communication device of the communication system in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a detailed structure of the transmission system of the 2nd communication apparatus of the communication system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a detailed structure of the receiving system of the 2nd communication apparatus of the communication system of FIG. It is a network sequence diagram which shows an example of the whole process sequence in the communication system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the transmission system of the 1st communication apparatus in the communication system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the receiving system of the 2nd communication apparatus in the communication system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Communication System 10 First Communication Device (Transmission System)
14 E-mail transmission start operation means
20 E-mail creation means 32 Sent mail information storage means (sending e-mail storage means)
41 E-mail transmission means 42 E-mail generation means with confidential information erasure signal (e-mail generation means)
44 Transmission mail deletion signal presence / absence detection control means 46 Transmission mail body complete deletion means (transmission mail deletion control means)
48 Outgoing mail text storage means (outgoing mail text storage control means)
(Reception system)
16 E-mail opening operation means
18 E-mail sealing operation means 34 Received mail information storage means 61 E-mail receiving means 62 Received mail erase signal presence / absence detection control means 64 Erase signal presence / absence notification means 66 Received mail text complete erasure means 68 Received mail text storage means

110 Second communication device (transmission system)
114 E-mail transmission start operation means 120 E-mail creation means 132 Sent mail information storage means 141 E-mail transmission means 142 E-mail generation means with confidential information erasure signal 144 Sent mail erasure signal presence / absence detection control means 146 Sent mail body complete erasure means 148 Outgoing mail text storage means
(Reception system)
116 E-mail opening operation means
118 E-mail sealing operation means
134 Receiving mail information storage means (reception e-mail storage means)
161 E-mail receiving means 162 Received mail erase signal presence / absence detection control means 164 Erase signal presence / absence notification means
166 Received mail body complete erasure means (received mail erasure control means)
168 Received mail text storage means (received mail text storage control means)

Claims (23)

A communication device that performs communication for sending and receiving e-mails with other communication devices,
An electronic device with an erasure signal for generating the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal, which is obtained by adding the confidential information erasure signal capable of completely erasing the electronic mail in the other communication device to the mail body information of the electronic mail. E-mail generation means, e-mail storage means for transmission for storing at least the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal, and e-mail transmission means for transmitting at least the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal,
Completely erase the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal in the e-mail storage means for transmission when the outgoing e-mail, which has been sent by the e-mail transmission means, has the confidential information erasure signal A communication apparatus comprising: an e-mail transmission unit provided with an e-mail transmission control unit that performs control to perform the above-described control. The communication device according to claim 1,
Transmission that controls to save the transmission mail in the transmission e-mail storage unit when the transmission e-mail that has been transmitted by the e-mail transmission unit does not have the confidential information erasure signal A communication apparatus further comprising mail text storage control means. The communication device according to claim 2,
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission mail erasure control means performs complete erasure by repeatedly overwriting data of a specific pattern after the process of erasing the transmission mail. A communication device that performs communication for sending and receiving e-mails with other communication devices,
An electronic device which receives an electronic mail with a confidential information erasure signal in which the confidential information erasure signal is given to the mail text information of the electronic mail in the other communication device and the electronic mail is completely erased in the other communication device Mail receiving means;
A receiving e-mail storage unit for storing the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal received by the e-mail receiving unit;
Control for completely erasing the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal of the reception e-mail storage means when the received e-mail that has been opened in the e-mail storage means for reception has the confidential information erasure signal Received mail erasure control means,
A communication device comprising: The communication device according to claim 4, wherein
A communication apparatus, further comprising: an erase signal presence / absence notification means for notifying a user of the communication apparatus that the confidential information is erased when the electronic mail is opened. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein
Reception for performing control to store the received mail in the receiving e-mail storage means when the received mail which is the opened e-mail received by the e-mail receiving means does not have the confidential information erasure signal A communication apparatus further comprising mail text storage control means. The communication device according to claim 6.
The received mail erasure control means performs complete erasure by repeatedly overwriting data of a specific pattern after the received mail is erased. A first communication device for performing communication for sending and receiving e-mail;
A second communication device capable of communicating with the first communication device via a network;
Including
The first communication device is:
With an erasure signal for generating the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal, which is obtained by giving the confidential information erasure signal capable of completely erasing the electronic mail in the second communication device to the mail body information of the electronic mail Email generation means;
E-mail storage means for transmission for storing at least the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal;
E-mail transmitting means for transmitting at least the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal; and
Completely erase the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal in the e-mail storage means for transmission when the outgoing e-mail, which has been sent by the e-mail transmission means, has the confidential information erasure signal Outgoing mail erasure control means for performing control, and
Including
The second communication device is:
E-mail receiving means for receiving the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal;
A receiving e-mail storage unit for storing the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal received by the e-mail receiving unit;
Control for completely erasing the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal of the reception e-mail storage means when the received e-mail that has been opened in the e-mail storage means for reception has the confidential information erasure signal Received mail erasure control means,
A communication system comprising: The communication system according to claim 8,
The first communication device stores the transmission mail in the transmission electronic mail when the transmission mail which is the transmitted electronic mail transmitted by the electronic mail transmission means does not have the confidential information erasure signal. A communication system further comprising transmission mail body storage control means for performing control of storing in the means. The communication system according to claim 9,
The second communication apparatus further comprises an erase signal presence / absence notification means for notifying a user that the confidential information erase signal is provided when the electronic mail is opened. The communication system according to claim 10,
The second communication device stores the received mail in the receiving e-mail when the received mail that is the opened e-mail received by the e-mail receiving unit does not have the confidential information erasure signal. A communication system, further comprising received mail text storage control means for performing control of storing in the means. A communication method in which a computer performs communication control processing for exchanging electronic mail with other communication devices,
Deletion in which the computer gives a confidential information erasure signal capable of completely erasing the electronic mail in the other communication device to the mail body information of the electronic mail, and generates the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal An email generation step with a signal;
An email sending step in which the computer sends at least the email with the confidential information erasure signal; and
The computer performs control to completely erase the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal when the outgoing e-mail that is the e-mail that has been transmitted in the e-mail transmission step has the confidential information erasure signal. Outgoing mail deletion control step,
A communication method comprising: The communication method according to claim 12,
A transmission mail for performing control to store the transmission mail in the transmission e-mail storage means when the transmission mail which is the transmitted e-mail transmitted in the e-mail transmission step does not have the confidential information erasure signal A communication method further comprising a text storage control step. A communication method in which a computer performs communication control processing for exchanging electronic mail with other communication devices,
An electronic mail with a confidential information erasure signal in which the computer is given a confidential information erasure signal to the mail text information of the electronic mail in the other communication device, and the electronic mail is completely erased in the other communication device. Receiving e-mail, and
The computer performs control to completely erase the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal when the received e-mail that is the opened e-mail received in the e-mail receiving step has the confidential information erasure signal. Received mail erasure control step,
A communication method comprising: The communication method according to claim 14, wherein
A communication method, further comprising: a deletion signal presence / absence notification step of notifying a user that the confidential information deletion signal is provided when the electronic mail is opened. The communication method according to claim 15, wherein
Received mail that controls to store the received mail in the received e-mail storage means when the received mail that is the opened e-mail received in the e-mail receiving step does not have the confidential information erasure signal A communication method further comprising a text storage control step. A program for causing a computer to execute communication control processing for exchanging electronic mail with other communication devices,
An electronic device with an erasure signal for generating the electronic mail with the confidential information erasure signal, which is obtained by adding the confidential information erasure signal capable of completely erasing the electronic mail in the other communication device to the mail body information of the electronic mail. Mail generation function,
An e-mail transmission control function for performing control to transmit at least the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal;
Erasure of transmitted mail for performing control to completely erase the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal when the e-mail which is the transmitted e-mail transmitted by the e-mail transmission control function has the confidential information erasure signal Control function,
A program for causing a computer to execute a function including: The program according to claim 17, wherein
Transmission that controls to save the transmission mail in the transmission e-mail storage means when the transmission e-mail that has been transmitted by the e-mail transmission control function and does not have the confidential information erasure signal A program for causing a computer to further execute a mail text storage control function. The program according to claim 18, wherein
The transmission mail erasure control function is a program for completely erasing data by repeatedly overwriting data of a specific pattern after the erasure processing of the transmission mail. A program for causing a computer to execute communication control processing for exchanging electronic mail with other communication devices,
An electronic device which receives an electronic mail with a confidential information erasure signal in which the confidential information erasure signal is given to the mail text information of the electronic mail in the other communication device and the electronic mail is completely erased in the other communication device Mail reception control function,
Received mail erasure that performs control to completely erase the e-mail with the confidential information erasure signal when the received mail that is the opened e-mail received by the e-mail reception control function has the confidential information erasure signal Control function,
A program for causing a computer to execute a function including: The program according to claim 20,
A program for causing a computer to further execute an erase signal presence / absence notification function for notifying a user that the confidential information erase signal is provided when the electronic mail is opened. The program according to claim 21, wherein
Receiving for performing control to store the received mail in the receiving e-mail storage means when the received mail which is the opened e-mail received by the e-mail reception control function does not have the confidential information erasure signal A program for causing a computer to further execute a mail text storage control function. The program according to claim 22,
The received mail erasure control function is a program for completely erasing data by repeatedly overwriting data of a specific pattern after the received mail is erased.

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