JP2002259400A - Calling card information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify the work of a user when utilizing calling card information on a computer by utilizing a code such as bar code readable by the computer. SOLUTION: A specified code reading part 50 of a calling card information utilizing device 14 reads calling card specification code from a calling card. A calling card information acquiring part 52 sends the calling card specification code to a calling card information providing device 12. A calling card information database 36 stores the calling card specification code and calling card information to be described into the calling card. A calling card information providing part 38 sends the calling card information corresponding to the calling card specification code back to the calling card information utilizing device 14. The calling card information is acquired by the calling card information acquiring part 52 and utilized by a calling card information utilizing part 54. An electronic mail picture in which an electronic mail address is entered as calling card information, is automatically displayed. A plurality of calling card factor information such as name, address and telephone number is automatically registered in software having a calling card information managing function. A bar code is suitable as a calling card specification code.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for making it easy for a computer to use information described on a business card.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, bar codes are widely used as a convenient technique for facilitating an input operation to an electronic device such as a computer. Technologies that use barcodes include:
For example, there is the following system provided by the present applicant.

[0003] This conventional system simplifies the task of a user accessing various homepages via the Internet. In this system, a barcode management server and a user computer are connected via the Internet. Magazines with articles introducing various homepages are sold to users. Introductory articles on each home page have a unique barcode.

A user (buyer of a magazine) uses a barcode reader to cause a computer to read a barcode of a homepage that the user wants to access. In response, the computer first accesses the barcode management server via the Internet and sends the code represented by the barcode.

The barcode management server stores URLs of various homepages and codes represented by barcodes. The barcode management server sends back the URL corresponding to the received code to the user computer. The user computer accesses the homepage using the received URL. As a result, the home page desired by the user to be viewed is displayed on the computer.

[0006] According to the above conventional system, the user:
You can access the desired homepage simply by having the computer read the barcode attached to the article introducing the magazine. Therefore, the work of accessing the home page is simplified.

[0007]

By the way, business cards have hitherto been widely used mainly in the business field.
As is well known, various information about the business card distributor is described in the business card. The information described on the business card is hereinafter referred to as business card information. The business card information includes the name of the distributor, the organization to which the distributor belongs (company, department, etc.), postal code, facsimile number, address, telephone number (representative, direct communication, mobile phone, etc.), e-mail address, home page URL, and the like. .

After receiving the business card, the recipient must manually enter the business card information into the computer when trying to use the business card information on the computer. This input operation is troublesome and is desired to be simplified.

[0009] For example, one form of using business card information in a computer is transmission of electronic mail. At this time, the user must input the e-mail address printed on the business card into the computer.

Another example of the use form of business card information is registration with software having a business card information management function (such as address book software). In this case, the recipient has to enter a number of items, such as name, company name, and address, into the computer. These tasks are rather cumbersome. In particular, when a plurality of business cards are received, the input operation becomes complicated.

Further, in order to facilitate the input operation, a bar code representing business card information may be printed on the business card. However, various types of information as described above are printed on the business card. If a barcode indicating such information is to be attached, the barcode occupies a very large area on a business card.

The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and has as its object to use a computer readable code such as a bar code to simplify a user's work when using business card information on a computer. It is to provide technology that can be used.

An object of the present invention is to provide a business card receiver with information that should be printed on a business card even if the description on the business card is reduced.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the area of a computer readable code on a business card.

One object of the present invention is to simplify the task of a business card recipient sending an electronic mail to a business card distributor.

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of effectively preventing the system of the present invention relating to electronic mail from being abused.

An object of the present invention is to simplify the operation of storing business card information in a computer, for example, the operation of registering the business card information in software with a business card information management function.

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows a computer to conveniently use business card information for a desired application.

An object of the present invention is to provide a business card receiver with a wealth of information that is not normally printed on business cards.

An object of the present invention is to provide a business card receiver with appropriate business card information corresponding to the relationship between a business card distributor and a business card receiver.

[0021]

One aspect of the present invention is a business card information processing system, in which a business card information providing device and a business card information utilizing device are communicably connected. The business card information providing device is a business card information database that stores business card information, which is information described on a business card, and a business card identification code associated with the business card information, and the business card identification code is transmitted from the business card information using device. When
A business card information providing unit that reads business card information corresponding to the business card specifying code from the business card information storage unit and provides the business card information to the business card information using device. The business card information utilization device,
A specific code reading unit that reads the business card specific code from the business card, and sends the business card specific code read by the specific code reading unit to the business card information providing device, and corresponds to the business card specific code from the business card information providing device. A business card information obtaining unit that obtains the business card information; and a business card information using unit that uses the business card information obtained by the business card information obtaining unit.

When using the above system, a user (typically, a business card recipient) causes a business card information use device to read a business card identification code. Typically, a barcode representing the business card identification code is read from the business card by a barcode reader. The business card information using device sends the read business card specifying code to the business card information providing device. The business card information providing device reads out the business card information corresponding to the business card identification code from the database and sends it to the business card information using device. The business card information using device uses the received business card information.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the user causes the business card information using device to read the business card identification code, the business card information using device obtains the business card information from the business card information providing device. The user need not operate the keyboard to manually input the business card information. Therefore, the input operation of the business card information is simplified.

Further, according to the present invention, information to be printed on a business card can be provided to a business card recipient even if the description on the business card is reduced. The deleted business card information is stored in the business card information providing device, and provided to the business card information using device in response to the transmission of the business card identification code.

Preferably, the business card information providing device provides a plurality of business card element information to the business card information using device in response to the transmission of the business card identification code. In the present invention, the business card element information refers to information of each element such as a distributor name, an address, and a telephone number. According to the present invention, when the business card identification code is read, a plurality of business card element information is obtained. Therefore,
The area of the business card identification code on the business card can be reduced.

Preferably, the business card information acquisition unit accesses a business card information providing device having the business card information and the business card identification code via the Internet, and stores the business card information corresponding to the business card identification code in the business card information. Obtained from the information providing device. By using the Internet, many users can easily obtain the information of the received business card.

Preferably, the business card information acquisition unit automatically accesses the business card information providing device when the specific code reading unit reads the business card specific code.
This makes it easier to obtain business card information. The business card information providing unit may access the business card information providing device using a URL of the business card information providing device stored in advance. Also, a URL information reading unit reads URL information of the business card information providing device attached to the business card, and the business card information obtaining unit uses a URL of the business card information providing device read by the URL information reading unit. May access the business card information providing device.

Preferably, the specific code reading section reads a bar code representing the business card specific code from the business card using a bar code reader. The barcode is suitable for the business card identification code of the present invention because it can be easily printed on the business card.

Preferably, the business card information obtaining unit obtains an electronic mail address as the business card information, and the business card information using unit performs a process for sending an electronic mail to the electronic mail address. Preferably, the business card information use unit displays an e-mail screen on which the e-mail address is entered. According to the present invention, a user can easily send an e-mail to a business card distributor.

Preferably, the business card information obtaining section obtains information of a business card distributor name as the business card information together with the e-mail address, and the business card information utilization section presents the business card distributor name to a user. This allows the user to confirm that the e-mail is sent to the business card distributor. Typically, the name of the distributor is displayed on the screen. According to the present invention, abuse of the present system as shown in the following examples can be effectively prevented.

It is assumed that the distributor X attaches his / her business card identification code to the business card of the distributor Z and distributes the business card.
The recipient intends to send an e-mail to the distributor Z using the present system. However, since the code of the distributor X is attached to the business card, the business card information using device
And sends an e-mail to distributor X. Distributor X can receive mail to distributor Z. In order to prevent such a situation, according to the present invention, in addition to the e-mail, the information of the business card distributor is provided from the business card information providing device to the business card information using device. The distributor's information, typically the distributor's name, is displayed on the screen as the mail destination. The user looks at the screen display and notices that the user is trying to send an e-mail to a person X different from the name Z on the business card.

Preferably, the business card information obtaining unit obtains a URL of a Web page as the business card information, and the business card information using unit performs a process for displaying the Web page. According to the present invention, a user can easily browse a Web page related to a business card distributor, for example, a Web page of a distributor's company.

Preferably, the business card information obtaining unit obtains a telephone number of a business card distributor as the business card information, and the business card information using unit performs a process for calling the business card distributor using the telephone number. I do. According to the present invention, a user can easily communicate with a business card distributor by telephone.

[0034] Preferably, the business card information obtaining section obtains a plurality of business card element information as the business card information, and the business card information using section stores the plurality of business card element information in a business card information storage section. Preferably, the business card information use unit stores the plurality of business card element information in a business card information management function, for example, an address book software. The plurality of business card element information includes at least two of a business card distributor name, an organization belonging to the business card distributor, a postal code, an address, a telephone number, a facsimile number, an e-mail address, and a Web page URL related to the business card distributor. Including. The telephone number includes a representative telephone number, a direct telephone number, and a mobile telephone number (which may be PHS). Preferably, the plurality of business card element information includes a business card distributor name, a telephone number of the business card distributor, and a belonging organization. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the operation | work which memorize | stores several business card element information in a computer using a keyboard can be reduced. In particular, the registration work for the business card information management function such as an address book is simplified and convenient.

Preferably, the business card information obtaining unit obtains an electronic mail address as the business card information, and the business card information using unit registers the electronic mail address in an address book of an electronic mail function. Conventionally, the electronic mail function has a function of automatically registering an address when using an electronic mail. Unlike this conventional function, according to the present invention, when a business card identification code is read, an e-mail address is automatically registered without sending an e-mail. The present invention is convenient because it is possible to simply register an address when it is not necessary to send an e-mail immediately.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a use selection receiving unit for receiving selection of a use of the business card information.
The business card information is used in a use received by the use selection receiving unit. According to the present invention, when the user selects a use of the business card information, the business card information is used for the use. For example, the user can select whether to send an e-mail or register for the business card information management function. Therefore, the user can conveniently use the business card information for a desired use.

[0037] Preferably, the business card information acquisition unit acquires non-described information that is information of a business card distributor not described in the business card. Preferably, the non-described information is information that is not normally described on a business card. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, abundant information which is not normally printed on a business card can be provided to a business card receiver.

[0038] Preferably, the non-described information includes a message from the business card distributor to a business card recipient. Greetings and the like can be transmitted to the business card recipient.

Preferably, the non-describe information includes an image of the business card distributor or an image related to the business card distributor. A business card on which a photograph of a distributor is printed has been known. However, the number and size of photographs have been limited due to the limited area of conventional business cards. According to the present invention, an image can be provided without being restricted by the area of a business card.

[0040] Preferably, the non-described information includes sound information. Greetings can be conveyed to the recipient by voice. In addition, music for advertisement and the like can be provided to the recipient.

Preferably, the specific code reading section reads one business card specific code from a business card to which a plurality of business card specific codes corresponding to a plurality of different distribution purposes are attached, and the business card information obtaining section includes: Using the business card specific code read by the specific code reading unit, business card information for the purpose of distribution corresponding to the business card specific code is acquired. Preferably, the plurality of business card identification codes corresponding to the plurality of distribution purposes are a business card identification code and a business card identification code for private use. When the specific code reading unit reads the business card specific code by the operation of the business card recipient, the business card information acquisition unit acquires business card information for business. When the specific code reading unit reads the private business card specific code, the business card information obtaining unit obtains private business card information. If both codes are read, both information will be obtained. According to the present invention, a plurality of business card information for a plurality of different distribution purposes can be selectively provided to a business card recipient. Business card recipients
Suitable business card information corresponding to the relationship with the business card distributor can be easily obtained.

One aspect of the present invention is a business card information processing system including a business card information providing device and a business card information utilizing device as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the business card information processing system. Another embodiment of the present invention is a business card information providing device or a business card information using device. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for causing a computer to realize the operation of the above system or apparatus. Another aspect of the present invention provides
A program that causes a computer to realize such a method, or a medium that records the program. Another embodiment of the present invention is a business card used in the above system.

The present invention is not limited to the technique using business card information. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is applicable to technology using information of a distributor who distributes a distribution. The handout is, for example, an envelope. The handouts may of course be business cards.

[0044]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a business card information processing system according to the present embodiment. The business card information processing system 10 includes a business card information providing device 12 and a business card information using device 14, which are communicably connected via the Internet 16. The business card information providing device 12 issues a business card specifying code (a number or the like) to the business card distributor X. The business card distributor X carries a business card with a business card identification code. Business card distributor X
Hand the business card to the business card receiver Y. The business card receiver Y causes the business card information using device 14 to read the business card identification code from the business card, as described later.

The Internet 16 is further connected to a distributor computer 18 and a distributor-related WWW server 20. The distributor computer 18 is handled by the business card distributor X. The distributor-related WWW server 20 provides a Web page related to the distributor X. Distributor related W
The WWW server 20 is, for example, a WWW server that provides a Web page of an organization such as a company to which the distributor X belongs. It does not need to be a WWW server owned by the company.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a business card. In the present invention, information described on a business card is referred to as business card information. The business card information includes the name of the distributor, the organization to which the distributor belongs (company, department, etc.), postal code, address, telephone number (representative, direct communication, mobile), facsimile number, e-mail address, home page URL
It is. In the present invention, such information is appropriately referred to as business card element information.

The business card is further provided with a business card identification code. The business card identification code is stored in the business card information providing device 12.
Is a code issued for the distributor X. In the present embodiment, a bar code representing a business card identification code is attached. The barcode is printed on the business card. When a business card is printed, a barcode is also printed. A sticker printed with a barcode may be attached to the business card. In the present embodiment, a barcode representing a business card identification code is simply referred to as a barcode, as appropriate.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the business card information providing device 12 and the business card information using device 14.

The business card information providing device 12 has a function of a WWW server. The business card information providing device 12 has a business card information receiving unit 30. The business card information receiving unit 30 is a business card distributor X
Accept business card information. The business card information is input by, for example, an operator, and is received by the business card information receiving unit 30. The business card information is sent from the distributor via the Internet 16 or another communication means, and the business card information receiving unit 3
0 may be accepted. The business card information is information such as a distributor name described with reference to FIG. Specific code issuing unit 3
2 issues a unique business card identification code for the business card distributor X. The business card information registration unit 34 registers the business card information and the business card identification code of the distributor X in the business card information database 36. Since the business card identification code is issued to the distributor X, it may be referred to as a distributor identification code.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the business card information database 36. The business card information database 36 stores information on a plurality of business card distributors. Business card information database 3
In 6, the business card information and the business card identification code are associated with each distributor.

Returning to FIG. 3, the business card information providing device 12 further has a business card information providing unit 38. Business card information providing unit 38
Reads the business card information corresponding to the business card identification code, that is, the business card information of the distributor X from the business card information database 36 when the business card information use device 14 sends the business card identification code of the distributor X. And the business card information providing unit 38
Is configured to send the read business card information to the business card information using device 14.

Next, the business card information utilizing device 14 will be described. The business card information utilization device 14 is configured by the computer of the business card receiver Y. The business card information utilization device 14 may be a normal personal computer. A program for implementing the functions of the present invention is installed in a personal computer. This program is recorded on, for example, the CD-ROM 40, and the CD-ROM 40 is
4 is attached. The program includes a specific code reading unit 50, a business card information obtaining unit 52, and a business card information using unit 54, which will be described later.
And the like are implemented by a computer. CD-
The business card information utilization device 14 is configured by installing the program in the ROM on the personal computer. The business card information utilization device 14 further includes a barcode reader 42, a keyboard 44, a pointing device 45, a display 46, a speaker 47, a microphone 48, and a printer 49. Business card information utilization device 14
Is connected to these devices. The computer used as the business card information utilization device 14 may be a portable terminal or a portable telephone (as will be described later, these devices are also provided with a barcode reader).

The specific code reading section 50 causes the bar code reader 42 to read a bar code from a business card. When the barcode is read, the business card information obtaining unit 52 obtains business card information using the business card identification code represented by the barcode. The business card information acquisition unit 52 instructs the browser software 56 (browser function) to connect to the Internet, and causes the browser software 56 to access the business card information providing device 12. The business card information acquisition unit 52 is a browser software 5
6 causes the business card information providing device 12 to send the business card identification code.

The business card information acquisition section 52 may cause the browser software 56 to access the URL of the business card information providing device 12 which is previously stored as a part of the program. Also,
A URL information reading unit (not shown) that reads a URL from a business card using the barcode reader 42 may be provided.
In this case, a URL barcode is attached to the business card. This barcode may be integrated with the barcode of the business card specific code.

In response to the transmission of the business card identification code, the business card information providing device 12 sends the business card information corresponding to the business card identification code to the business card information utilization device 14. When the browser software 56 receives the business card information, the business card information is acquired by the business card information acquisition unit 52. As described above, after reading the business card identification code, the business card information using device 14 automatically accesses the business card information providing device 12 and acquires the business card information.

The business card information use unit 54 is a business card information acquisition unit 5
2 uses the business card information acquired. The business card information using unit 54 uses the business card information by giving an instruction to the used function 60. The used function 60 is typically application software installed in a computer as the business card information using device 14. Used function 60
Is, for example, e-mail software, and is, for example, software having a business card information management function. Used function 6
0 may be browser software. A part or all of the used function 60 may be incorporated in the business card information using unit 54. Conversely, the used function 60 may include some or all of the functions of the business card information using unit 54. A preferred use form of the business card information use unit 54 will be described in more detail later.

This system is used by the business card receiver Y as follows. The business card receiver Y brings back the business card received from the business card distributor X. The recipient Y performs an operation of causing the barcode reader 42 to read the barcode from the business card. In response, the specific code reading unit 50 reads the barcode using the barcode reader 42. The business card information acquisition unit 52 issues an instruction to the browser software 56, communicates with the business card information providing device 12, sends a business card identification code represented by a bar code to the business card information providing device 12,
Obtain the business card information of the distributor X. This business card information is used by the business card information using unit 54.

As described above, according to the present invention,
When the recipient Y operates the barcode reader 42 to cause the business card information using device 14 to read the business card identification code, the business card information using device 14 obtains business card information from the business card information providing device 12. The recipient Y does not need to operate the keyboard 44 to manually input the business card information. Therefore, the input operation of the business card information is simplified.

Further, according to the present invention, information to be printed on a business card can be provided to the business card recipient even if the description on the business card is reduced. The deleted business card information is stored in the business card information providing device 12, and provided to the business card information using device 14 in response to the transmission of the business card identification code.

For example, an e-mail address is deleted from a business card. The business card information database 36 of the business card information providing device 12 stores an e-mail address. The business card information providing device 12 provides an e-mail address in response to the access from the business card information using device 14.

When the description on the business card is reduced to the utmost, only the business card identification code is attached on the business card. The business card information using device 14 acquires all necessary business card information from the business card information providing device 12 via the Internet. Preferably, at least the distributor name is printed on the business card.

Regarding the above points, in recent years, information written on business cards has been increasing. For example, a mobile phone number, an e-mail address, a website URL, and the like are added to the business card. As a result, many characters are written on a small business card. Small letters are often used. For example, electronic mail addresses and the like are often described in small characters. Such a tendency may cause the business card to be difficult to see. According to the present invention, as described above, even if the description on the business card is reduced, the reduced information can be provided to the recipient.
Therefore, the business card can be simplified. Characters can also be enlarged by simplifying business cards. With a simple business card, it is possible to give a good impression to the recipient.
In addition, since the number of characters can be reduced, a more elaborate design such as providing a design in an increased margin can be attached to a business card.

In this embodiment, as described above, when the business card identification code is sent to the business card information providing device 12, the business card information providing device 12 converts the plurality of business card element information exemplified in FIG. It is sent back to the use device 14. Within the scope of the present invention, less business card element information than the example of FIG. 2 may be provided. The business card information providing device 12 does not have to provide all the stored business card element information. However, preferably, the provided plurality of business card element information includes at least a distributor name and a telephone number. More preferably, the provided plurality of business card element information further includes at least one of a belonging organization, an address, and an e-mail. Also, of course, more business card element information than the example of FIG. 2 may be provided. For example, a telex number may be added.

Further, the business card information providing device 12 may send only one business card element information. At this time, the business card information providing device 12 may store only one business card element information together with the business card identification code. However, by providing a plurality of business card element information as compared with such a configuration, the following advantages can be obtained.

First, as an object to be compared with the present invention, a configuration in which communication is not performed as in the present invention will be considered. In order to apply the barcode technology to business cards, it is assumed that a barcode representing business card information is attached on the business card. When a barcode is applied to a plurality of business card element information, barcodes are required by the number of business card element information. For example, a barcode of a distributor name, a barcode of a telephone number, and the like are printed. In this case, the barcode occupies most of the business card. It is necessary to take measures such as reducing the size of business card characters. This is not desirable from a design point of view. On the other hand, according to the present invention, one or a few bar codes may be used. When the barcode is read, a plurality of business card element information is obtained using the Internet. Therefore, the area occupied by the barcode on the business card can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, since the business card information using device 14 obtains the business card information from the business card information providing device 12 via the Internet 16, many recipients can easily obtain the business card information. Since the business card information using device 14 automatically accesses the business card information providing device 12, it is easier to obtain business card information.

Further, according to the present invention, a bar code is used. Barcodes are advantageous in that they can be easily attached to business cards at low cost.

It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the bar code is 1
It does not have to be a book. For example, assume that there are two bar codes. A set of two barcodes may correspond to a plurality of business card element information. In this case, the business card information providing device 12
Receives the business card identification code represented by the two barcodes, and sends the business card information to the business card information utilization device 14.

Further, within the scope of the present invention, the distributor X may use his / her own barcode for a plurality of types of business cards.
Further, a plurality of barcodes may be issued to the distributor X.

Also, codes other than bar codes may be used within the scope of the present invention. For example, a code called a two-dimensional code or the like and having a substantially square information density can be applied. Characters can also be used as business card identification codes. For example, a pen that reads characters is used instead of a barcode reader. Characters representing the business card identification code are read from the business card using this pen. It is the same throughout the present specification that the business card identification code is not limited to the barcode.

Further, communication means other than the Internet may be used within the scope of the present invention. The communication means is, for example, L
An AN and a WAN may be used. The communication means may be wireless, wired, or a mixture of the two. This is the same in the following.

Further, different types of business card element information may be obtained by the business card information utilization device 14. Here, the different types include a case where the types partially overlap and a case where the types are completely different. Preferably, the business card information utilization device 14 sends the business card identification code to the business card information provision device 12 and sends a request indicating the business card element information to be acquired. In response, the business card information providing device 12 reads out the business card element information indicated in the request from the business card information database 36 and sends it. Appropriate information can be provided to the business card information utilization device 14 according to the specifications of the business card information utilization device 14 and the use of the business card information.

Next, various usage modes of the business card information by the business card information using unit 54 of the business card information using device 14 will be described.

[E-mail Function] FIG. 5 shows a business card information processing system of this embodiment. In this system,
The business card information using unit 54 uses the business card information using the electronic mail software 62. That is, the e-mail software 62
Is a form of the used function shown in FIG.

The business card information use section 54 is a business card information acquisition section 5
The e-mail address of the plurality of business card element information obtained in step 2 is used. The business card information using unit 54 causes the electronic mail software 62 to perform processing for transmitting an electronic mail.

In the case of the present embodiment, the processing for transmitting an electronic mail is as follows. The business card information utilization unit 54 activates the e-mail software 62 and passes the e-mail address to the e-mail software 62. Then, the business card information using unit 54 causes the e-mail software 62 to display an e-mail creation screen. Further, the business card information utilization unit 54
The e-mail address is entered in the destination field of the e-mail creation screen. Business card recipient Y writes a message on the e-mail creation screen and presses the send button. In response, the email software 62 sends an email. The e-mail is transmitted via the Internet 16 to the distributor computer 18 handled by the business card distributor X.

As described above, according to the present invention, the business card receiver Y can easily send an electronic mail to the business card distributor. The business card receiver Y may not perform the work of reading the e-mail address from the business card and manually inputting the e-mail address to the keyboard.

The processing for transmitting an electronic mail within the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above. The e-mail address may be added to the mail at another timing, for example, at the time of sending the mail after writing the message.

In another preferred embodiment, transmission of an electronic mail is automatically performed. That is, as described above, the e-mail is transmitted even if the send button is not pressed by the recipient Y.

This mode will be further described. Business card recipient Y
Causes the barcode reader 42 to read the barcode of the business card. The business card identification code represented by the bar code is transmitted to the business card information providing device 12, and the business card information providing device 12 returns an e-mail address. Business card information utilization unit 54
Causes the email software 62 to send an email to the received email address. At this time, the e-mail creation screen need not be displayed on the display 46. According to this embodiment, the recipient Y cannot write a message to the distributor X in the e-mail. However, recipient Y can easily communicate his or her email address to distributor X, which is convenient in this respect.

More preferably, predetermined information is added to the electronic mail at the time of automatic transmission of the electronic mail. The predetermined information may be a message registered in advance. The predetermined information may be signature information. The signature information may include the same information as the business card information, such as an address and a telephone number. The signature function of the electronic mail software 62 is preferably used. The message or signature is preferably entered in the body of the email. Further, the predetermined information to be added may be an image or a sound.

In the present embodiment, the business card information utilization device 14 may acquire only the electronic mail address from the business card information providing device 12 as the business card information. The database of the business card information providing device 12 may store only the e-mail address as business card information. However, preferably, at least the name of the business card distributor is obtained in addition to the e-mail address to prevent the abuse described below.

[Abuse Prevention Function] First, the following abuse is assumed.

Referring to FIG. 6, a business card distributor X forges another business card distributor Z's business card. Distributor X attaches the barcode issued to him (distributor X) to the forged business card. Distributor X pretends to be Distributor Z and hands the forged business card to Business Card Receiver Y.

The business card receiver Y transmits the bar code on the business card to the business card information use device 14 to send an electronic mail to the distributor Z.
To read. At this time, since the business card has the barcode of the distributor X attached thereto, the business card information utilizing device 14 acquires the e-mail address of the distributor X from the business card information providing device 12 and transmits the e-mail to the distributor X. I do. Distributor X
Can see the mail that recipient Y sends to distributor Z.

The recipient Y may notice that the destination of the e-mail is not the distributor Z if he carefully looks at the destination field of the e-mail creation screen. For example, when the e-mail address corresponds to the name of the distributor (the name of the distributor Z is Suzuki, and the e-mail address is "tanaka @
.. ", The difference in destination can be inferred. When the e-mail address corresponds to the distributor's company, etc. (the distributor's Z company is abc and the e-mail address is
* @ Xyz. (Xyz is the distributor X's company) ", it can be inferred that the destination is different. Also, by comparing the e-mail address printed on the business card with the e-mail address in the destination field on the screen, a difference between the two can be found.

However, when the e-mail address is a character or a number that is irrelevant to the distributor (in fact, there are many such e-mail addresses), a difference in destination cannot be inferred from the destination column. Furthermore, if the e-mail address has been deleted from the business card to simplify the description of the business card, no difference in destination can be found by comparing the business card with the destination field. In any case, such work, that is, inference from the address field and comparison between the business card and the address field require attention,
This is very complicated for the recipient Y as a user. As a result, the recipient Y may send an e-mail to the distributor X without noticing.

The present invention performs the following processing to prevent such misuse. The business card information acquisition unit 52 sends the business card identification code to the business card information provision device 12 and
2 receives the information of the distributor name in addition to the e-mail address. When the e-mail is transmitted by passing the e-mail address to the e-mail software 62, the business card information use unit 54 causes the display 46 to display the information of the distributor name.

FIG. 7 is a display example of a distributor name. The name of the distributor is displayed at the top center of the screen. The information on the distributor name may be displayed by the business card information use unit 54 or may be displayed by the electronic mail software 62. By looking at the display of FIG. 7, the recipient Y can easily confirm that the e-mail is transmitted to the correct distributor described on the business card.

That is, in the normal case where the abuse is not performed, the distributor Z gives the recipient Y a business card on which his / her name and his / her barcode are printed. The recipient Y causes the business card information using device 14 to read the barcode. At this time, the business card information using device 14 acquires the name and the e-mail address of the distributor Z from the business card information providing device 12. On the screen, the name of the distributor Z is displayed as a mail destination. Therefore, the recipient Y can easily confirm that the mail is correctly sent to the distributor Z.

On the other hand, referring to the abuse example described above, Distributor X forges Distributor Z's business card and attaches his / her (Distributor X) barcode to the business card. The recipient Y receives the business card and causes the business card information using device 14 to read the barcode. At this time, the business card information using device 14 stores the distributor X
From the business card information providing device 12. On the screen, the name of the distributor X is displayed as a mail destination. Therefore, the recipient Y can easily confirm that the mail is sent to the distributor X instead of the distributor Z.

In FIG. 7, the information of the distributor name is displayed outside the e-mail creation screen. In another example, the information of the distributor name may be displayed over the e-mail creation screen. The information of the distributor name may be added in some form to a part of the e-mail creation screen. For example, the name of the distributor may be indicated at the beginning of the body of the mail in the form of “xxx-like”. In the destination field, a distributor name may be displayed instead of or in addition to the e-mail address. Even with these processes, the recipient Y can confirm that the e-mail is transmitted to the correct distributor.

In the present embodiment, the information of the distributor name is displayed on the display 46. However, the distributor name may be presented to recipient Y in another form. For example, the distributor name may be output from the speaker 47 by voice.

In the present embodiment, only the name of the distributor is displayed. On the other hand, it is needless to say that further information, for example, the name of the affiliated organization may be displayed.

This embodiment is also applicable to a configuration for automatically transmitting the above-mentioned mail. In this case, the automatic transmission is basically performed (the mail text is not entered), but at any stage before the transmission, the distributor name is presented to the recipient Y, and confirmation is required. The confirmation button may also be used as the transmission button.

As described above, according to the present invention,
The recipient Y can easily confirm that the electronic mail is correctly sent to the business card distributor. If the abuse is attempted, the recipient Y looks at the screen display and notices that he / she is trying to send an e-mail to a person X different from the name Z on the business card. Therefore, abuse of the present system can be effectively prevented.

[Web Page Browsing Function] FIG. 8 shows a business card information processing system according to this embodiment. In this system, the business card information using unit 54 uses the business card information using the browser software 56. That is, browser software 5
6 is one form of the used function shown in FIG.

In the case of the present embodiment, the business card information acquisition section 52
Acquires the URL of the Web page related to the business card distributor X from the business card information utilization device 14. This URL may be the home page of the organization (company or the like) to which the distributor X belongs.
In addition, the URL may be a home page established by the distributor X personally.

The business card information using unit 54 stores the acquired URL.
Is used to display the related Web page of the distributor X. In the present embodiment, the business card information use unit 54 passes the URL to the browser software 56 to access the URL. The browser software 56 operates in response to an instruction from the business card information use unit 54, and displays a Web page related to the distributor X on the display 46.

As described above, according to the present invention, the receiver Y
Can read the related Web page of the distributor X only by causing the business card information utilizing device 14 to read the barcode of the business card. It is not necessary to manually input the URL into the business card information using device 14. Therefore, the recipient Y has the related W of the distributor X.
You can easily browse web pages.

In the present invention, the business card information utilization device 14
May acquire the URL of the Web page together with other information as business card information from the business card information providing device 12, or may acquire only the URL.

[Telephone Function] FIG. 9 shows a business card information processing system of this embodiment. In the present system, the business card information using unit 54 uses business card information using telephone software 64 (telephone function). That is, the telephone software 64 is one form of the used function shown in FIG. Phone software 6
4 uses the speaker 47 and the microphone 48 to make the business card information utilization device 14 function like a telephone.

In the case of the present embodiment, the business card information acquisition section 52
Acquires the telephone number of the business card distributor X from the business card information utilization device 14. The business card information use unit 54 performs a process for making a call to the distributor X using the obtained telephone number. In the present embodiment, the business card information using unit 54 passes the telephone number to the telephone software 64 and causes the telephone number to be called. In accordance with the instruction of the business card information utilization unit 54, the telephone software 6
4 makes a phone call. As a result, a telephone connection is established between the business card receiver Y and the business card distributor X.

As described above, according to the present invention, the receiver Y
Can make a call to the distributor X simply by having the business card information utilization device 14 read the bar code of the business card. There is no need to manually press a button on the telephone. Therefore, the recipient Y can easily talk to the distributor X by telephone.

In the present invention, the business card information utilization device 14
May acquire a telephone number together with other information as business card information from the business card information providing device 12, or may acquire only a telephone number.

As a configuration for realizing the telephone function, a telephone may be connected to the business card information utilization device 14 as a matter of course. The telephone makes a call according to the instruction of the business card information utilization device 14.

[Registration Function to Business Card Information Management Function] FIG.
Shows a business card information processing system of the present embodiment.
In this system, the business card information using unit 54 uses business card information using software 66 with a business card information management function. That is, the software 66 with the business card information management function
Is a form of the used function shown in FIG. In addition, the software 66 with a business card information management function is a
The storage device such as a hard disk of No. 4 functions as a business card information storage unit of the present invention, that is, a storage unit for storing acquired business card information on the user side.

The software with business card information management function 66 only needs to have a function of managing business card information. The use selection receiving unit 66 may be, for example, one of software for business card management, address book software, spreadsheet software, database software, letter creation software, New Year's card printing software, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the business card receiver Y operates the bar code reader 42 of the business card information utilizing device 14 to read the bar code from the business card. Thus, the specific code reading unit 50 reads the barcode from the business card using the barcode reader 42. The business card information acquisition unit 52 sends the business card identification code represented by the barcode to the business card information providing device 12, and receives business card information from the business card information providing device 12.

At this time, the business card information acquisition section 52 acquires a plurality of business card element information from the business card information providing device 12. The plurality of business card element information is stored in the business card information database 3 of the business card information providing apparatus 12 as described with reference to FIG.
6 and provided to the business card information utilization device 14.

The business card element information obtained by the business card information obtaining unit 52 is associated with the name of the business card distributor, the organization to which the business card distributor belongs, the postal code, address, telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail address, and the business card distributor. Web page URL to be used. The telephone number may include a representative telephone number, a direct telephone number, and a mobile telephone number (which may be PHS).

[0113] The business card information use section 54 is provided with the business card information acquisition section 5.
2 is stored in the software 66 with a business card information management function. The various business card element information described above is written into the storage device of the business card information utilization device 14 by the software with business card information management function 66 according to the format determined by the software.

Thereafter, the business card receiver Y can conveniently use the registered business card information when using the software 66 with business card information management function. For example, software 66 with business card information management function
If it is software for printing letters, a greeting card to a business card distributor can be easily printed using the registered business card information.

As described above, according to the present invention,
The business card receiver Y can register the business card information in the software with business card information management function 66 by causing the business card information using device 14 to read the business card identification code. The business card receiver Y may not manually input the business card information into the keyboard 44. Therefore, the business card information can be easily registered in the software with business card information management function 66, and the business card information can be easily used thereafter.

In particular, recently, information written on business cards has been increasing. For example, a mobile phone number, an e-mail address, a website URL, and the like are added to the business card.
The number of characters in the business card information has increased. Under such a background, according to the present invention, even when the number of characters increases, the complexity of inputting business card information can be suppressed, and the input operation can be simplified.

Further, according to the present embodiment, even if the description on the business card is reduced, the reduced business card information can be used by the software 66 with the business card information management function. For example, some business card element information is omitted from the business card. These are provided by the business card information providing device 12 to the business card information using device 14 in response to the transmission of the business card identification code. In the business card information utilization device 14, the provided business card element information is stored in the business card information management function software 66.
Registered in. Therefore, according to the present invention, the description of the business card can be simplified. With the recent trend of increasing the description on business cards, a large amount of business card element information can be imported into the software with business card information management function 66 while suppressing such an increase in characters.

Further, according to the present invention, by attaching one or a small number of barcodes on a business card, a plurality of types of business card element information are provided from the business card information providing device 12 to the business card information using device 14. . There is no need to attach a barcode corresponding to each business card element information to the business card. Therefore, more business card information can be provided to the business card information utilization device 14 while suppressing the area of the computer readable code such as a bar code on the business card.

Note that all the business card element information described above may not be provided to the business card information using device 14 within the scope of the present invention. The type of provided business card element information may be different depending on the business card identification code. Preferably, at least the business card distributor, the telephone number of the business card distributor, and the organization to which the business card distributor belongs are provided to the business card information utilization device 14.

[E-mail Address Automatic Registration Function] In the present embodiment, the business card information utilization unit 54 issues an instruction to the e-mail software. This embodiment is common to the embodiment of FIG. 5 in that e-mail software is used. However, the function of the e-mail software is different between the two embodiments.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, when the bar code of the business card is read, a process for transmitting an e-mail is performed. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the transmission of the e-mail is not performed at that time. Instead, a process of registering the e-mail address in the e-mail address book is performed.

More specifically, when the business card receiver Y causes the business card information using device 14 to read the bar code, the business card information using device 14 sends the business card specifying code represented by the bar code to the business card information providing device 12. The business card information using device 14 receives the e-mail address sent from the business card information providing device 12. The business card information utilization unit 54 of the business card information utilization device 14 passes the e-mail address to the e-mail software, and instructs registration in the address book. In response, the e-mail address is registered in the address book. The business card receiver Y can use the address registered in the address book when sending an e-mail to the business card distributor X later.

The advantages of the present invention will be described. Conventionally, e-mail software has a function of automatically registering an address when using e-mail. However, this conventional function cannot be realized unless an e-mail is transmitted. on the other hand,
According to the present invention, the business card receiver Y can only read the bar code by the business card information using device 14 and can register only the mail address without sending an e-mail at that time. This is convenient for the business card recipient Y.

For example, suppose that the business card receiver Y attempts to arrange the business cards of the business card distributor X received earlier and sends an e-mail to the business card distributor X at a later date. Business card recipient Y
, The bar code of the business card may be read by the business card information using device 14. In response, the email address is automatically registered. The business card receiver Y can easily send an e-mail to the business card distributor X later using the registered mail address. As described above, according to the present invention, when there is no need to send an e-mail immediately, only registration of an address can be easily performed, which is convenient.

[Use Selection Function] FIG. 11 shows a business card information processing system of this embodiment. In this system,
The business card information use unit 54 selectively uses the browser software 56, the e-mail software 62, and the software 66 with a business card information management function.

The business card information use device 14 is provided with a use selection receiving unit 68. The usage selection receiving unit 68 presents the three usages to the business card recipient Y and requests selection thereof. The three options are “E-mail transmission”, “Web page browsing”, and “Registration to business card information management function”.
These options are displayed on the display 46 in a button format or the like.

The business card receiver Y performs an operation of selecting a desired use by using the pointing device 45 or the like. The use selection receiving unit 68 receives the selection of the business card receiver Y. In response to this, the business card information using unit 54 uses the business card information for the use accepted by the use selection accepting unit. When the "E-mail" selection is accepted,
The e-mail address is passed to the e-mail software 62,
E-mail transmission is instructed. When "Web page browsing" is selected, the URL is passed to the browser software 56, and W
Access to the web page and its display are instructed.
When “Register to business card information management function” is selected, software 66 with a business card information management function is activated. Then, the business card information, that is, the name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and the like are registered in the database of the software with business card information management function 66.

In the present embodiment, the acquisition of business card information is performed as follows. In one embodiment, when acquiring the business card information using the browser software 56, the business card information acquisition unit 52 first acquires a plurality of types of business card element information as shown in FIG. Necessary items are used from the obtained plurality of business card element information. That is, an e-mail transmission uses an e-mail address (as described above, it is preferable to also use a distributor name in order to prevent abuse). When browsing a Web page, the UR of the Web page
L is used. When registering with the business card information management function, all the business card element information is used and registered. In this embodiment, the selection of the use may be received before the acquisition of the business card information, or the selection of the use may be received after the acquisition of the business card information.

In another mode, the business card information acquisition unit 52
Before the process of obtaining business card information from the business card information providing device 12, the use selection receiving unit 68 receives a selection of the use of the business card information from the business card recipient Y. The business card information acquisition unit 52 acquires only the business card element information used for the selected purpose from the business card information providing device 12 using the browser software 56. More efficient communication can be performed. In this embodiment, the business card information using device 14 may send a request indicating necessary business card element information to the business card information using device 12, and the business card information managing device 12 may send back the information indicated in the request.

As described above, according to the present invention,
When the business card receiver Y selects a use of the business card information, the business card information is used for the use. Therefore, business card receiver Y
Can conveniently use business card information for a desired application.

In this embodiment, one or two of the above three uses may be set so as to be performed at all times. For example, the function of the business card information utilization device 14 is set so that registration to the business card information management function is always performed in response to reading of a barcode. The option of “registering in the business card information management function” may be deleted. In this configuration, when the barcode of the business card is read, the registration of the business card information is always performed. Whether to send an e-mail or to display a Web page depends on the selection made by the business card recipient Y. As described above, it is also preferable that a part of the plurality of uses is set to be always performed, and the remaining uses are configured to be selectable whether or not to be performed. become.

[Non-Described Information Providing Function] FIG. 12 shows a business card information processing system of this embodiment. In this system, the non-described information is provided from the business card information providing device 12 to the business card information using device 14. The non-described information is information of a business card distributor not described on the business card. Preferably, the non-described information is information that is not normally described on a business card. In the present embodiment, the non-described information is “message from business card distributor to business card recipient”, “image of business card distributor or image related to business card distributor”, and “sound information”. Both an image of the business card distributor and an image associated with the business card distributor may be provided.

In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned non-described information is stored in the business card information database 36 of the business card information providing device 12. When a business card identification code is sent from the business card information utilization device 14, the business card information database 36 of the business card information provision device 12 sends back non-described information associated with the business card identification code to the business card information utilization device 14. The non-described information is sent to the business card information using device 14 together with the information on the distributor name described above.

The business card information utilizing device 14 has a non-described information providing unit 70. Upon acquiring the non-describe information, the business card information acquisition unit 52 passes the non-description information to the non-description information providing unit 70. The non-written information is provided to the business card recipient Y using the display 46, the speaker 47, and the printer 49. A message from the business card distributor to the business card recipient is displayed on the display 46 or printed by the printer 49. The image of the business card distributor or an image related to the business card distributor is also displayed on the display 46 or printed by the printer 49. The sound information is output from the speaker 47. The sound information is, for example, a voice message such as a greeting. Also, for example, the sound information is music for advertisement.

For the above processing, the non-described information providing unit 70
May use software incorporated in the business card information utilization device 14 which is a computer. Image display software,
Sound information output software or the like is used. The function of the non-described information providing unit 70 may be incorporated in such software.

The non-describe information may be used by the business card information use unit 54. For example, the non-described information is registered by the business card information using unit 54 in the software 66 with a business card information management function. Further, the function of the non-described information providing unit 70 described above may be incorporated in the business card information using unit 54.

As described above, according to the present invention, abundant information not normally printed on business cards can be provided to the business card recipient Y.

When the non-describe information is a message from the business card distributor to the business card receiver, a greeting or the like can be transmitted to the business card receiver.

When the non-describe information is an image, the information of the image as well as the characters of the business card is transmitted to the business card recipient. In this regard, business cards on which a photograph of a distributor is printed have been known. However, the number and size of photographs have been limited due to the limited area of conventional business cards.
According to the present invention, without being limited by the area of the business card,
Can provide images. For example, both a distributor's own image and an image associated with the distributor (such as an image for promoting the company, a map of directions to the company, etc.) can be provided to the business card recipient.

When the non-describe information is sound information, a message or the like is transmitted to the business card recipient in the form of a sound different from characters.

“Business card identification code for each distribution purpose” FIG. 13
Indicates a business card used in the present embodiment. The business card is provided with a plurality of barcodes. These barcodes correspond to different distribution purposes. In the present embodiment, one barcode is for business and the other is for private.

The business card receiver Y causes the bar code reader 42 of the business card information utilization device 14 to read the bar code corresponding to the distribution purpose to which the business card has been delivered. When a business card is received in a business situation, the business card receiver Y causes the barcode reader 42 to read a business barcode. When a business card is received in a private scene, the business card receiver Y causes the barcode reader 42 to read a private barcode.

The specific code reading section 50 of the business card information utilizing device 14 reads the barcode using the barcode reader 42 according to the operation of the business card receiver Y. The business card identification code represented by the read barcode is the business card information providing device 1
Sent to 2.

In the business card information providing device 12, the business card information database 36 stores business card information corresponding to a business card specification code and business card information corresponding to a private business card specification code. The business card information for business is a company address, a telephone number, a business e-mail address, and the like. The private business card information includes a home address, a telephone number, a personal e-mail address, and the like.

The business card information providing device 12 sends the business card information corresponding to the received business card identification code to the business card information using device 14. As a result, the business card information acquisition unit 52 of the business card information utilization device 14 acquires business card information corresponding to the business card identification code selected by the business card recipient Y, that is, business card information for business or private use. The acquired business card information is used by the business card information using unit 54. The use form may be any of the above.

Note that the business card receiver Y writes both the business and private bar codes into the bar code reader 42.
Needless to say, it is also possible to read the information. In this case, the business card information utilization device 14 obtains both business card information.

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of business card information for a plurality of different distribution purposes can be selectively provided to a business card recipient. The business card receiver can easily obtain appropriate business card information corresponding to the relationship with the business card distributor.

"Distribution Materials Other than Business Cards" The present invention may be applied to distribution materials other than business cards. A typical distribution is an envelope. The business card information providing device is replaced with a distributor information providing device. The business card information using device is replaced with a distributor information using device. The business card information is replaced with distributor information which is information of a distributor who distributes a distribution. The business card identification code is replaced with a distributor identification code associated with the distribution information. The distributor identification code corresponds to the distributor. Other components may be replaced in the same manner.

A typical distribution is a company envelope. In this case, the distributor is a company. The distributor may be a department or person in charge of the company. The envelope has a barcode as a distributor identification code.

[0150] The recipient receives the envelope, which is a distribution, from the distributor. The envelope may be sent by mail to the recipient (ie, the delivery is not limited to handing). The receiver causes the barcode reader of the distributor information utilization device to read the barcode. The handout information utilization device sends the distributor identification code represented by the barcode to the handout information providing device. Preferably, the Internet is used. The distribution information providing unit has a database that stores distributor information in association with the distributor identification code. The distributor information is, for example, a company name, an address, a telephone number, a website URL.
And so on. These pieces of information are sent to the distributor information using device, and are acquired by the distributor information acquiring unit. Then, the distributor information is used by the distributor information using unit. For example, like the above-mentioned business card information, the distributor information is registered in software having a distributor information management function such as an address book.

Within the scope of the present invention, the distribution may be other than the envelope described above. The distribution according to the present invention is a distribution passed from the distributor to the recipient, and a distribution to which information of the distributor used by the recipient is attached. An envelope is provided with information of a distributor, such as a company name, an address, and a telephone number, and thus corresponds to a distribution in the present invention. Other handouts may include greeting cards, New Year's cards, stationery, notepads, stickers, stickers, and the like.

As described above, the present invention has been described using the embodiments. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. For example, business card information may be used for other uses within the scope of the present invention. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. It is apparent from the description of the appended claims that embodiments with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an entire business card information processing system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a business card provided with a barcode as a business card identification code.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a business card information providing device and a business card information using device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a business card information database.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which business card information is used for sending an e-mail.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a business card used for abuse.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of display for preventing abuse.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which business card information is used for browsing a Web page.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which business card information is used to make a call to a business card distributor.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which business card information is used for registration in a business card information management function.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the use of business card information can be selected.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment for providing non-described information that is not normally described on a business card.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing business cards to which a plurality of business card identification codes different for each distribution purpose are attached.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 business card information processing system 12 business card information providing device 14 business card information utilizing device 16 Internet 30 business card information receiving unit 32 specific code issuing unit 34 business card information registering unit 36 business card information database 38 business card information providing unit 40 CD-ROM 42 bar code reader 50 Specific code reading unit 52 Business card information acquisition unit 54 Business card information use unit 56 Browser software 60 Used function 62 E-mail software 64 Telephone software 66 Software with business card information management function 68 Application selection reception unit 70 Non-described information provision unit

Claims (84)

[Claims] 1. A business card information providing device, comprising: a business card information using device capable of communicating with the business card information providing device, wherein the business card information providing device includes: a business card information which is information written on a business card; and the business card information. A business card information database that stores a business card identification code associated with the business card information code, and when the business card identification code is sent from the business card information utilization device, reads the business card information corresponding to the business card identification code from the business card information database. A business card information providing unit that provides the business card information using device, wherein the business card information using device includes: a specific code reading unit that reads the business card specifying code from a business card; and the business card specification read by the specific code reading unit. A code is sent to the business card information providing device, and the business card information corresponding to the business card identification code is sent from the business card information providing device. Business card information processing system which comprises a card information acquisition part for acquiring a business card information utilizing unit for utilizing the business card information obtained by the card information acquiring unit. 2. A communication device comprising: a specific code reading unit which reads a business card specific code attached to a business card; and a means for holding the business card specific code together with a business card information which is information described on the business card together with the business card specific code. A business card information acquisition unit that acquires the business card information corresponding to the business card identification code sent and returned, and a business card information utilization unit that uses the business card information acquired by the business card information acquisition unit. Business card information utilization device. 3. The business card information utilization device according to claim 2, wherein the business card information acquisition unit accesses a business card information providing device having the business card information and the business card identification code via the Internet, and A business card information utilization device, wherein the business card information corresponding to a specific code is acquired from the business card information providing device. 4. The business card information using device according to claim 3, wherein the business card information acquisition unit automatically accesses the business card information providing device when the specific code reading unit reads the business card specific code. A business card information utilizing device. 5. The business card information using device according to claim 4, wherein the business card information obtaining unit accesses the business card information providing device using a URL of the business card information providing device stored in advance. Business card information utilization device. 6. The business card information utilization device according to claim 4, further comprising: a URL information reading unit that reads URL information of the business card information providing device attached to the business card, wherein the business card information acquisition unit includes the URL information. A business card information using device, wherein the business card information providing device is accessed using a URL of the business card information providing device read by a reading unit. 7. The business card information utilization device according to claim 2, wherein the specific code reading unit reads a barcode representing the business card specific code from the business card using a barcode reader. apparatus. 8. The business card information utilization device according to claim 2, wherein the business card information acquisition unit acquires an e-mail address as the business card information, and the business card information utilization unit sends an e-mail to the e-mail address. A business card information utilizing device for performing a sending process. 9. The business card information using device according to claim 8, wherein the business card information using unit displays an electronic mail screen on which the electronic mail address is entered. 10. The business card information using device according to claim 8, wherein the business card information obtaining unit obtains, as the business card information, information of a business card distributor name together with the e-mail address. Is a business card information utilizing device, wherein a user can confirm that an e-mail is sent to the business card distributor by processing for presenting the information of the business card distributor name to the user. 11. The business card information utilization device according to claim 2, wherein the business card information acquisition unit acquires a Web page URL as the business card information, and the business card information utilization unit transmits the Web card information to the Web card.
A business card information utilization device, which performs a process for displaying page b. 12. The business card information utilization device according to claim 2, wherein the business card information acquisition unit acquires a telephone number of a business card distributor as the business card information, and the business card information utilization unit uses the telephone number. A business card information utilizing device for performing a process for making a telephone call to a business card distributor. 13. The business card information utilization device according to claim 2, wherein the business card information acquisition unit acquires a plurality of business card element information as the business card information, and the business card information utilization unit includes the plurality of business card elements. A business card information utilization device, wherein information is stored in a business card information storage unit. 14. The business card information using device according to claim 13, wherein the business card information using unit stores the plurality of business card element information in a business card information management function. 15. The business card information utilizing device according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of business card element information includes a business card distributor name, an organization belonging to the business card distributor, a postal code, an address, a telephone number, a facsimile number, and an e-mail. A business card information utilization device comprising at least two of an address and a Web page URL related to the business card distributor. 16. The business card information utilizing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said plurality of element business card information includes a name of a business card distributor, a telephone number of the business card distributor, and an affiliation organization. . 17. The business card information using device according to claim 2, wherein the business card information obtaining unit obtains an electronic mail address as the business card information, and the business card information using unit stores the electronic mail address in an address book of an electronic mail function. A business card information utilizing device for registering an e-mail address. 18. The business card information using device according to claim 2, further comprising: a use selection receiving unit that receives a selection of a use of the business card information, wherein the business card information using unit is adapted to the use received by the use selection receiving unit. A business card information using device, wherein the business card information is used. 19. The business card information using device according to claim 18, wherein the business card information obtaining unit obtains business card information including a plurality of business card element information, and the business card information using unit executes the business card information obtaining unit. A business card information utilization device characterized by using business card element information corresponding to a selected use from a plurality of acquired business card element information. 20. The business card information utilization device according to claim 18, wherein the business card information acquisition unit acquires business card element information corresponding to a selected use among a plurality of business card element information. Business card information utilization device. 21. The business card information using device according to claim 18, wherein the selected use includes registration of business card information and transmission of an e-mail, and the business card information using unit selects the registration of the business card information. Storing the business card information in a business card information storage unit, and performing a process for transmitting an e-mail to an e-mail address as the business card information when transmission of the e-mail is selected. apparatus. 22. The business card information using device according to claim 18, wherein the selected uses include transmission of an e-mail and access to a Web page, and the business card information use unit selects transmission of the e-mail. Then, a process for transmitting an e-mail to an e-mail address as business card information is performed, and when access to the Web page is selected, the user accesses the Web page using the URL of the Web page as business card information. Business card information utilizing device for performing processing for 23. The business card information utilization device according to claim 2, wherein the business card information acquisition unit acquires non-description information that is information of a business card distributor not described in the business card. Information utilization device. 24. The business card information using device according to claim 23, wherein the non-described information includes a message from the business card distributor to a business card receiver. 25. The business card information using apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the non-described information includes an image of the business card distributor or an image related to the business card distributor. 26. The business card information using device according to claim 23, wherein the non-described information includes sound information. 27. The business card information utilizing device according to claim 2, wherein the specific code reading unit reads a business card provided with a plurality of business card specific codes corresponding to a plurality of different distribution purposes.
One business card identification code is read, and the business card information acquisition unit uses the business card identification code read by the specific code reading unit to acquire business card information for the purpose of distribution corresponding to the business card identification code. Characteristic business card information utilization device. 28. The business card information utilization device according to claim 27, wherein the plurality of business card identification codes corresponding to the plurality of distribution purposes are a business business card identification code and a private business card identification code. Business card information utilization device. 29. A business card information database that stores business card information that is information described in a business card and a business card identification code associated with the business card information, and a business card that provides the business card information stored in the business card information database by communication. An information providing unit, wherein the business card information providing unit reads the business card information corresponding to the business card specifying code from the business card information database and sends it back in response to the business card specifying code being sent. Characteristic business card information providing device. 30. The business card information providing device according to claim 29, wherein the business card information providing unit has a function of a WWW server, receives access from the Internet, and transmits the business card identification code via the Internet. A business card information providing device for sending back business card information corresponding to the business card identification code when the business card information is received. 31. The business card information providing device according to claim 29, wherein: a business card information receiving unit that receives business card information to be written on the business card in relation to the business card distributor; And a business card information registration unit that registers the business card information and the business card specific code in the business card information database. 32. The business card information providing device according to claim 29, wherein the business card information database stores a plurality of business card element information as the business card information, and the plurality of business card element information is a business card distributor name. , Organization to which the business card distributor belongs, zip code, address, telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail address and Web page U related to the business card distributor
A business card information providing device comprising at least two RLs. 33. The business card information providing apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the plurality of business card element information includes a name of a business card distributor, a telephone number of the business card distributor, and an affiliation organization. . 34. A business card in which business card information such as a business card distributor is described, wherein the business card information providing device that provides the business card information is a business card identification code stored in association with the business card information,
When the business card information providing device provides the business card information to the business card information using device by communication, the business card identification code received from the business card information using device by communication to specify the business card information to be provided is used by the business card information using device. A business card, which the device has in a readable form. 35. The business card according to claim 34, wherein the business card identification code is constituted by a barcode. 36. The business card according to claim 34, wherein a plurality of business card identification codes corresponding to a plurality of different distribution purposes are attached. 37. The business card according to claim 36, wherein a business card identification code and a business card identification code are attached. 38. A distributor information providing device, and a distributor information using device capable of communicating with the distributor information providing device, wherein the distributor information, which is information of a distributor who distributes a distribution, is provided by the distributor. A distributor information processing system provided by the information providing device to the distributor information using device, wherein the distributor information providing device stores the distributor information and a distributor specifying code associated with the distributor information. A distributor information database, and when the distributor identification code is sent from the distributor information using device, the distributor information corresponding to the distributor identification code is read from the distributor information database and the distributor information is read. A distributor information providing unit that provides the distributor information providing unit with the distributor identification code. A specific code reading unit to be read, the distributor specifying code read by the specific code reading unit is sent to the distributor information providing device, and the distributor corresponding to the distributor specifying code is transmitted from the distributor information providing device. A distributor information processing system, comprising: a distributor information acquiring unit that acquires information; and a distributor information using unit that uses the distributor information acquired by the distributor information acquiring unit. 39. A specific code reading unit that reads a distributor identification code attached to a distribution, and specifies the distributor identification code and distributor information that is information of a distributor who distributes the distribution. A distributor information acquisition unit that sends the distributor information corresponding to the distributor identification code sent back to the holding unit together with the code by communication, and distributor information acquired by the distributor information acquisition unit. A distributor information utilization unit, comprising: a distributor information utilization unit to be used. 40. A distributor information database that stores distributor information that is information of a distributor who distributes a distribution material and a distributor identification code associated with the distributor information, and is stored in the distributor information database. A distributor information providing unit that provides distributor information by communication, wherein the distributor information providing unit responds to the distributor identification code being transmitted and responds to the distributor identification code. A distributor information providing apparatus for reading distributor information from the distributor information database and sending it back. 41. In a distributed material distributed by a distributor, a distributor information providing device for providing distributor information, which is information of the distributor, uses a distributor identification code stored in association with the distributor information. When the distributor information providing apparatus provides the distributor information to the distributor information using apparatus by communication, the distribution received from the distributor information using apparatus by communication to specify the distributor information to be provided. A distribution code having a user identification code in a form readable by the distributor information utilization device. 42. A business card information processing method for processing business card information, which is information written on a business card, by a computer system including a business card information providing device and a business card information using device communicable with the business card information providing device. Wherein the business card information providing device stores the business card information and a business card identification code associated with the business card information in a business card information database; and when the business card identification code is transmitted from the business card information utilization device. Reading the business card information corresponding to the business card identification code from the business card information database and providing the business card information utilization device to the business card information utilization device, wherein the business card information utilization device reads the business card identification code from the business card; Sending the read business card identification code to the business card information providing device, Step a business card information processing method by a computer system and performing the step of utilizing the acquired business card information, a to get the business card information corresponding to et the business card identification code. 43. A business card information use method in which a computer obtains and uses business card information, which is information described on a business card, wherein: a specific code reading step for reading a business card specific code attached to the business card; A business card information obtaining step of transmitting a specific code to the means for holding business card information, which is information described on the business card, together with the business card specific code, and obtaining the business card information corresponding to the returned business card specific code; And a business card information using step using the business card information acquired in the business card information acquiring step. 44. The business card information using method according to claim 43, wherein in the business card information obtaining step, the business card information providing device having the business card information and the business card identification code is accessed via the Internet, A business card information utilization method, wherein the business card information corresponding to a specific code is obtained from the business card information providing device. 45. The business card information using method according to claim 44, wherein in the business card information obtaining step, when the business card specific code is read in the specific code reading step, the business card information providing apparatus is automatically sent to the business card information providing apparatus. A business card information utilization method characterized by accessing. 46. The business card information using method according to claim 45, wherein in the business card information obtaining step, the business card information providing apparatus is accessed using a URL of the business card information providing apparatus stored in advance. How to use business card information. 47. The business card information using method according to claim 45, further comprising a URL information reading step in which the computer reads URL information of the business card information providing device attached to the business card, wherein the business card information obtaining step includes: A business card information using method, wherein the business card information providing apparatus is accessed using a URL of the business card information providing apparatus read by the URL information reading unit. 48. The business card information using method according to claim 43, wherein, in the specific code reading step, a bar code representing the business card specific code is read from a business card by a bar code reader. . 49. The business card information using method according to claim 43, wherein in the business card information obtaining step, an electronic mail address is obtained as the business card information, and in the business card information using step, an electronic mail is sent to the electronic mail address. A method of using business card information, which performs a sending process. 50. The business card information use method according to claim 49, wherein in the business card information use step, an e-mail screen in which the e-mail address is entered is displayed on a display unit. . 51. The business card information using method according to claim 49, wherein in the business card information obtaining step, the business card information includes:
Acquiring the information of the name of the business card distributor along with the e-mail address, and in the business card information using step, the e-mail is sent to the business card distributor by a process of presenting the information of the business card distributor to the user. A business card information utilization method characterized in that a user can confirm the information. 52. The business card information using method according to claim 43, wherein in the business card information obtaining step, W is used as the business card information.
A method for using business card information, comprising: acquiring a URL of an web page; and performing processing for displaying the web page in the business card information use step. 53. The business card information using method according to claim 43, wherein in the business card information obtaining step, a telephone number of a business card distributor is obtained as the business card information, and in the business card information using step, the telephone number is used. A business card information using method for making a telephone call to a business card distributor. 54. The business card information using method according to claim 43, wherein in the business card information acquisition step,
A business card information using method, wherein a plurality of business card element information is acquired, and in the business card information using step, the plurality of business card element information is stored in a business card information storage unit. 55. The business card information using method according to claim 54, wherein in said business card information using step, said plurality of business card element information is stored in a business card information management function. 56. The business card information using method according to claim 54, wherein the plurality of business card element information includes a business card distributor name, an organization belonging to the business card distributor, a postal code, an address, a telephone number, a facsimile number, and an e-mail. A business card information utilization method comprising at least two of an address and a Web page URL related to the business card distributor. 57. The business card information using method according to claim 54, wherein the plurality of element business card information includes a business card distributor name, a telephone number of the business card distributor, and an affiliation organization. . 58. The business card information using method according to claim 43, wherein in the business card information obtaining step, an e-mail address is obtained as the business card information, and in the business card information using step, the e-mail address is stored in an address book of an e-mail function. A method of using business card information, wherein an e-mail address is registered. 59. The business card information using method according to claim 43, further comprising a use selection receiving step in which the computer receives selection of a use of the business card information, wherein the business card information use step is received in the use selection receiving step. Using the business card information for different purposes. 60. The business card information using method according to claim 59, wherein in the business card information obtaining step, business card information including a plurality of business card element information is obtained, and in the business card information using step, the business card information obtaining unit A business card information using method, wherein business card element information corresponding to a selected use is used from a plurality of pieces of acquired business card element information. 61. The business card information using method according to claim 59, wherein in the business card information obtaining step, business card element information corresponding to a selected use is obtained from a plurality of business card element information. How to use business card information. 62. The business card information using method according to claim 59, wherein the uses to be selected include registration of business card information and transmission of an e-mail. In the business card information using step, registration of the business card information is selected. Storing the business card information in a business card information storage unit, and performing a process for transmitting an e-mail to an e-mail address as the business card information when transmission of the e-mail is selected. Method. 63. The business card information using method according to claim 59, wherein the uses to be selected include transmission of an e-mail and access to a Web page. In the business card information use step, transmission of an e-mail is selected. Then, a process for transmitting an e-mail to an e-mail address as business card information is performed, and when access to the Web page is selected, the user accesses the Web page using the URL of the Web page as business card information. Business card information using method for performing business card information. 64. The business card information using method according to claim 43, wherein in the business card information obtaining step, non-described information, which is information of a business card distributor not described in the business card, is obtained. How to use information. 65. The business card information using method according to claim 64, wherein the non-described information includes a message from the business card distributor to a business card receiver. 66. The business card information using method according to claim 64, wherein the non-described information includes an image of the business card distributor or an image related to the business card distributor. 67. The business card information using method according to claim 64, wherein the non-described information includes sound information. 68. The business card information using method according to claim 43, wherein, in the specific code reading step, one business card specific code is assigned to a plurality of business card specific codes corresponding to a plurality of different distribution purposes. In the business card information obtaining step, the business card information for the distribution purpose corresponding to the business card specific code is obtained using the business card specific code read by the specific code reading unit. How to Use. 69. The business card information using method according to claim 68, wherein the plurality of business card identification codes corresponding to the plurality of distribution purposes are a business business card identification code and a private business card identification code. How to use business card information. 70. A business card information providing method in which a computer provides information described on a business card by communication, wherein the business card information, which is information described on the business card, and a business card identification code associated with the business card information. The computer performs a step of storing the business card information stored in the information database and a business card information providing step of providing the business card information stored in the business card information database by communication. In the business card information providing step, the business card identification code is transmitted. A business card information providing method by a computer, wherein the business card information corresponding to the business card identification code is read out from the business card information database and returned. 71. The business card information providing method according to claim 70, wherein in the business card information providing step, a computer having a function of a WWW server receives an access from the Internet, and the business card specifying code is transmitted via the Internet. A business card information providing method, wherein when sent, business card information corresponding to the business card identification code is returned. 72. The business card information providing method according to claim 70, further comprising: a business card information receiving step of receiving business card information to be described on the business card in relation to the business card distributor; A business card information providing method, wherein the computer performs: a specific code issuance step for issuing the business card information and the business card specific code in the business card information database. 73. The business card information providing method according to claim 70, wherein the business card information database stores a plurality of business card element information as the business card information, and the plurality of business card element information is a business card distributor. A business card information providing method comprising: at least two of a name, an organization belonging to a business card distributor, a postal code, an address, a telephone number, a facsimile number, an e-mail address, and a Web page URL related to the business card distributor. 74. The business card information providing method according to claim 70, wherein the plurality of business card element information includes a name of a business card distributor, a telephone number of the business card distributor, and an affiliation organization. . 75. A computer system including a distributor information providing device and a distributor information using device capable of communicating with the distributor information providing device transmits distributor information that is information of a distributor who distributes a distribution. A distributor information processing method for processing, wherein the distributor information providing apparatus stores the distributor information and a distributor identification code associated with the distributor information in a distributor information database; Reading the distributor information corresponding to the distributor identification code from the distributor information database when the specific code is sent from the distributor information utilization device, and providing the distributor information utilization device to the distributor information utilization device. The distributor information utilization device performs a specific code reading step for reading the distributor specific code from a distribution provided with the distributor specific code. Sending the read distributor identification code to the distributor information providing device, and acquiring the distributor information corresponding to the distributor identification code from the distributor information providing device. Using the distributor information, and a distributor information processing method by a computer system. 76. A method of using a distributor information in which a computer acquires and uses distributor information that is information of a distributor who distributes a distribution, the reader reading a distributor identification code attached to the distribution. A code reading step, sending the distributor identification code by communication to means for holding distributor information, which is information of a distributor who distributes the distribution, together with the distributor identification code, and returning the distributor identification Wherein the computer performs a distributor information obtaining step of obtaining the distributor information corresponding to a code, and a distributor information using step of using the distributor information obtained in the distributor information obtaining step. How to use the distributor information by the computer. 77. A distributor information providing method in which a computer provides information of a distributor who distributes a distribution by a computer, the distributor information being information of a distributor who distributes the distribution, and the distributor information Storing the distributor identification code associated with the distributor information database in the distributor information database, and providing the distributor information stored in the distributor information database by communication. In the distributor information providing step, in response to the transmission of the distributor identification code, distributor information corresponding to the distributor identification code is read from the distributor information database and sent back. How to provide distributor information. 78. A program executable by a computer system for causing a computer system to execute the business card information processing method according to claim 42. 79. A computer-executable program that causes a computer to execute the method for using business card information according to claim 43. 80. A computer-executable program for causing a computer to execute the business card information providing method according to claim 70. 81. A program executable by a computer system for causing a computer system to execute the distributor information processing method according to claim 75. 82. A computer-executable program for causing a computer to execute the method of using distributor information according to claim 76. 83. A computer-executable program for causing a computer to execute the distributor information providing method according to claim 77. 84. A computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to claim 78.