JP2003008654A

JP2003008654A - Mail system, method for determining newly-arrived mail, and program

Info

Publication number: JP2003008654A
Application number: JP2001184710A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Katsuhiro Sasaki; 克博佐々木
Original assignee: NEC Corp
Current assignee: NEC Corp
Priority date: 2001-06-19
Filing date: 2001-06-19
Publication date: 2003-01-10
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-19
Also published as: JP3695356B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a method, which can determine that a mail newly arrived, even if operation, such as a user deletes mails on a mail server, is performed, and can notify the user of the newly-arrived mail without changing the mail server. SOLUTION: A new arrival monitoring server 201 comprises a new arrival determining means 206, a timer 205, a mail list storing section 203, a notified- pointer storing section 202, and a user information storing section 204. The new arrival monitoring server 201 periodically makes a connection to the mail server to get the mail list, and searches a mail being at the front of a newest mail list from the front of a mail list obtained last time to a point given by the notified-pointer. When not finding the mail, the server 201 regards all the mails being in the newest mail list as newly-arrived mails, and notifies the user of the newly-arrived mails. When finding the mail, the server 201 regards later mails than the next mail to the found mail as newly-arrived mails, and notifies the user of the newly-arrived mails.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、新着情報をユーザ
に通知する技術に関し、特に、電子メールシステムに適
用して好適なシステム、方法、装置並びにプログラムに
関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for notifying a user of new arrival information, and more particularly to a system, method, device and program suitable for application to an electronic mail system.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】近年、インターネットなどを使用したデ
ータ通信が盛んとなり、とくに電子メールサービスは広
く普及している。ただし、Push型、すなわち、サーバが
自主的にユーザ端末へデータを送信するタイプの電子メ
ールサービスはまだ一部で利用されているというのが実
情である。一般的なインターネットメールサービスは、
「メールサーバ」と呼ばれるメールを蓄積しているサー
バにユーザがログインし、メールをクライアントに引き
取る必要がある。2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, data communication using the Internet has become popular, and in particular, electronic mail services have become widespread. However, the push type, that is, the type of e-mail service in which the server voluntarily sends data to the user terminal is still partially used. Common Internet mail services are
A user needs to log in to a server that stores emails called a "mail server" and receive the emails to clients.

【０００３】このため、ユーザに代わってメールサーバ
を定期的にチェックし、新着メールがあった場合にの
み、ユーザにリアルタイム通知を行うことで、ユーザの
メール確認のための負担、すなわち、メール確認に費や
す時間や通信料金を軽減するさまざまな仕組みが提案さ
れている。Therefore, the mail server is regularly checked on behalf of the user, and real-time notification is given to the user only when there is a new mail, thereby burdening the user with checking the mail, that is, checking the mail. Various mechanisms have been proposed to reduce the amount of time spent and communication charges.

【０００４】ユーザに代わって新着メールを監視するシ
ステムにおいて、メールを蓄積するサーバに新着メール
が到着したことを検知する手法としては、例えばスプー
ルサイズの変化を調べる方法や、メールの数を調べる方
法（特開平5-48645号公報）、前回最後に読んだメール
のＩＤを記録しておく方法（特開平11-328060号公報）
などが知られている。In a system for monitoring new mail on behalf of a user, as a method of detecting arrival of new mail at a server that stores mail, for example, a method of checking a change in spool size or a method of checking the number of mails is used. (JP-A-5-48645), a method of recording the ID of the last read mail (JP-A-11-328060)
Are known.

【０００５】これらの方法は、いずれも、当該システム
を経由することなく、ユーザが、直接、サーバ上のメー
ルを削除したりしてしまうと、正しくメールの新着を判
定することができなくなる。そして、メールの新着を正
しく判定できない場合、新着メールが存在するにもかか
わらず、これを検出することができず、通知がかからな
かったり、逆に、新着メールがないにもかかわらず、新
着メールありと判断して、ユーザに通知を行ってしまう
という誤報が起こる可能性があり、通知サービスの意味
がなくなってしまう。In any of these methods, if the user directly deletes the mail on the server without going through the system, it becomes impossible to correctly determine the new mail. And if the new arrival of the mail cannot be correctly determined, it cannot be detected even if there is new arrival mail, and no notification is given, or conversely, even if there is no new arrival mail, new arrival There is a possibility that an error message may occur in which it is judged that there is an email and the user is notified, and the meaning of the notification service is lost.

【０００６】また、例えば特開2000-165433号公報に
は、サーバ上のメールを直接書き換え、メールヘッダに
通知が完了したことを示す情報を付加する電子メールシ
ステムが提案されている。しかしながら、通常のメール
サーバはメールヘッダを書き換える手段を持たないた
め、メールサーバ自体に特殊な機能を追加しなければな
らず、汎用的とはいえない。[0006] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-165433 proposes an electronic mail system in which a mail on a server is directly rewritten and information indicating that notification has been completed is added to a mail header. However, since a normal mail server does not have a means for rewriting a mail header, it is necessary to add a special function to the mail server itself, and it cannot be said to be general-purpose.

【０００７】[0007]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】したがって、本発明が
解決しようとする課題は、メールサーバに特別な変更を
加えることなく新着メールの通知を行うことを可能と
し、ユーザがメールサーバ上のメールを削除するなどの
操作を行っても、正しく新着を判断することができるシ
ステム及び装置並びに方法とプログラムを提供すること
にある。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable notification of new mail without making any special changes to the mail server, and to allow the user to check mail on the mail server. An object of the present invention is to provide a system, an apparatus, a method, and a program that can correctly determine a new arrival even if an operation such as deletion is performed.

【０００８】[0008]

【課題を解決するための手段】課題を解決するための手
段を提供する本発明は、その一つのアスペクトにおい
て、メールサーバに予め定められた間隔で接続してメー
ルリストを取得し、新着メールが到着したか否かを判定
し、新着メールが到着した場合にその旨をユーザに通知
するサービスを提供する新着監視サーバと、を備え、前
記メールリスト中においてメールは到着順にその識別子
が配置され、前記新着監視サーバが、前記メールサーバ
より今回取得したメールリストにおいて最も早く到着し
たメールの識別子が、前記メールサーバより前回取得し
記憶部に記憶保持されているメールリスト中において、
ユーザに通知済みの位置を指示するポインタが指し示す
範囲内に存在しているかを検索する手段と、前記検索の
結果、見つからない場合には、前記メールサーバより今
回取得したメールリストにあるメールをすべて新着メー
ルとみなしてユーザに通知する手段と、前記検索の結
果、見つかった場合には、前記メールサーバより前回取
得し前記記憶部に記憶保持されているメールリストにお
いて、前記通知済みの位置を指示するポインタを判定用
のポインタとして、前記判定用のポインタが示すメール
の識別子を、前記今回取得したメールリストから検索
し、検索の結果、見つかった場合には、前記見つかった
メールの次のメール以降を新着メールとみなしてユーザ
に通知する手段と、を備えている。より詳細な構成とし
て、本発明は、受信したメールにユニークなＩＤを付与
し、到着順にメールのＩＤを並べたリストを生成するメ
ールサーバと、ユーザに新着メールが到着したことを通
知するサービスを提供する新着監視サーバと、を備え、
新着監視サーバは、新着判定手段、タイマ手段、定期的
にメールサーバから取得するメール識別子の一覧よりな
るメールリストを記憶しているメールリスト記憶部と、
前記メールリスト記憶部において、メールリスト中の最
初のメールから何番目のメールまでがすでにユーザに通
知済みであるかを示す情報を記憶している通知済みポイ
ンタ記憶部と、前記メールサーバに接続するためのＩＤ
とパスワードが記憶されるユーザ情報記憶部と、を備
え、前記タイマ手段により定期的にメールサーバへ接続
し、前記メールサーバ上に存在するメールについてメー
ルの識別子を、メール到着順に並べた一覧よりなるメー
ルリストを取得し、前記新着判定手段は、前記メールサ
ーバより取得された最新メールリスト中の先頭にあるメ
ールの識別子（ＩＤ）を、前記メールリスト記憶部に記
憶されている前回取得したメールリスト中の先頭から前
記通知済みポインタが指す位置まで検索し、前記最新メ
ールリスト中の先頭にあるメールが、前記メールリスト
記憶部に記憶されている前回取得したメールリスト中の
先頭から前記通知済みポインタが指す位置までの範囲で
見つからない場合には、前記最新メールリストにあるメ
ールをすべて新着メールとみなしてユーザに通知し、一
方、見つかった場合には、前記メールリスト記憶部に記
憶されているメールリストにおいて、前記通知済みポイ
ンタを判定用のポインタとして、前記判定用のポインタ
が示すメールの識別子を、前記最新メールリストから検
索し、検索の結果、見つかった場合、前記見つかったメ
ールの次のメール以降を新着メールとみなしてユーザに
通知する。In one aspect of the present invention, which provides means for solving the problems, a mail server is connected at a predetermined interval to acquire a mail list, and new mails are received. A new arrival monitoring server that provides a service for determining whether or not a new mail has arrived and notifying the user when a new mail has arrived; and in the mail list, the identifiers of mails are arranged in the order of arrival, In the mail list in which the new arrival monitoring server has the identifier of the earliest arrived mail in the mail list acquired this time from the mail server in the mail list previously acquired from the mail server and stored and stored in the storage unit,
A means to search whether the pointer that indicates the position that has been notified to the user exists within the range pointed to, and if it is not found as a result of the search, all mails in the mail list acquired this time from the mail server are searched. A means for notifying the user of new mail and notifying the user of the position in the mail list previously acquired from the mail server and stored and stored in the storage unit when found as a result of the search. Using the pointer as the determination pointer, the mail identifier indicated by the determination pointer is searched from the mail list acquired this time, and if found, as a result of the search, after the mail next to the found mail, And means for notifying the user of the new mail. As a more detailed configuration, the present invention provides a mail server that gives a unique ID to a received mail and generates a list in which mail IDs are arranged in the order of arrival, and a service that notifies a user that a new mail has arrived. With the new arrival monitoring server provided,
The new arrival monitoring server includes a new arrival determining unit, a timer unit, and a mail list storage unit that stores a mail list including a list of mail identifiers that are regularly acquired from the mail server.
In the mail list storage unit, a notified pointer storage unit that stores information indicating from the first mail to the number of the mail in the mail list that has already been notified to the user, and the mail server are connected. ID for
And a user information storage unit in which a password is stored, which is connected to the mail server by the timer means periodically, and is composed of a list of mail identifiers of mails existing on the mail server in the order of mail arrival. The mail list is acquired, and the new arrival determination means uses the identifier (ID) of the first mail in the latest mail list acquired from the mail server as the previously acquired mail list stored in the mail list storage unit. Search from the top of the list to the position pointed to by the notified pointer, and the mail at the top of the latest mail list is the notified pointer from the top of the previously acquired mail list stored in the mail list storage unit. If it is not found within the range indicated by, all the mails in the latest mail list will be If it is found, on the other hand, in the mail list stored in the mail list storage unit, the mail indicated by the determination pointer is used as the determination pointer. Is searched from the latest mail list, and if found as a result of the search, the mail after the found mail is regarded as a new mail and the user is notified.

【０００９】本発明においては、前記最新メールリスト
中の先頭にあるメールの識別子（ＩＤ）が、前記メール
リスト記憶部に記憶されている前回取得したメールリス
ト中の先頭から前記通知済みポインタが指す位置までの
範囲で見つかった場合に、前記判定用のポインタが示す
メールを、前記最新メールリストから検索し、見つから
なかった場合、前記判定用のポインタを一つ戻し、前記
判定用のポインタが示すメールを、前記最新メールリス
トから検索し、検索の結果、見つかった場合、前記見つ
かったメールの次のメール以降を新着メールとみなして
ユーザに通知する。In the present invention, the identifier (ID) of the first mail in the latest mail list is pointed to by the notified pointer from the first in the previously acquired mail list stored in the mail list storage section. When found in the range up to the position, the mail indicated by the determination pointer is searched from the latest mail list, and if not found, the determination pointer is returned by one and the determination pointer indicates The mail is searched from the latest mail list, and if found as a result of the search, the mail after the found mail is regarded as a new mail and the user is notified.

【００１０】[0010]

【発明の実施の形態】発明の実施の形態について説明す
る。図１は、本発明に係るシステムの一実施の形態の構
成を示す図である。図１に示すように、インターネット
などのコンピュータを相互接続するネットワーク１０上
にメールサーバ１０１が接続されており、特定のユーザ
（メールアドレス）に対しての電子メールを受け付け、
メールスプールに蓄積する、という電子メールサービス
を提供している。ネットワーク上に接続されているメー
ルサーバ１０１とは別に新着監視サーバ２０１を備えて
いる。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a mail server 101 is connected on a network 10 that interconnects computers such as the Internet, and accepts e-mails for specific users (mail addresses).
It provides an e-mail service that stores data in a mail spool. In addition to the mail server 101 connected to the network, a new arrival monitoring server 201 is provided.

【００１１】メールサーバ１０１は、受信したメールに
ユニークな識別子（ＩＤ）を付与し、到着順にメールの
ＩＤを並べたリストを生成する。The mail server 101 adds a unique identifier (ID) to the received mail and creates a list in which the mail IDs are arranged in the order of arrival.

【００１２】新着監視サーバ２０１は、ユーザに新着メ
ールが到着したことを通知するサービスを提供するもの
であり、タイマ２０５により定期的にメールサーバ１０
１へ接続し、メールサーバ１０１上に存在するメールに
ついてメールの識別子を、メール到着順に並べた一覧よ
りなるメールリストを取得する。新着監視サーバ２０１
は、以下のような新着メール判定処理を行う。新着監視
サーバ２０１におけるこの新着メール判定処理は、新着
監視サーバ２０１が起動されるコンピュータで実行され
るプログラムで実現される。The new arrival monitoring server 201 provides a service for notifying the user that new mail has arrived, and the mail server 10 is periodically notified by the timer 205.
1 to obtain a mail list composed of a list of mail identifiers of mails existing on the mail server 101 in the order of mail arrival. New Arrival Monitoring Server 201
Performs the following new mail determination processing. This new arrival mail determination processing in the new arrival monitoring server 201 is realized by a program executed by a computer on which the new arrival monitoring server 201 is activated.

【００１３】本発明に係る新着判定方法の一実施の形態
についてその要部を説明する。メールサーバ１０１より
取得された最新メールリスト中の先頭にあるメールのＩ
Ｄ（識別子）を、定期的にメールサーバから取得するメ
ール識別子の一覧よりなるメールリストを記憶している
メールリスト記憶部に記憶されている前回取得したメー
ルリスト中の先頭から、通知済みポインタ（メールリス
ト中の最初のメールから何番目のメールまでがすでにユ
ーザに通知済みであるかを示す情報を記憶している）が
指す位置まで検索する（図３のステップＳ１）。An essential part of an embodiment of a new arrival determination method according to the present invention will be described. I of the first mail in the latest mail list acquired from the mail server 101
The D (identifier) is notified from the beginning of the previously acquired mail list stored in the mail list storage unit that stores the mail list including the list of mail identifiers that are periodically acquired from the mail server, and the notified pointer ( The search is performed up to the position pointed to by the first mail to the first mail in the mail list (which stores information indicating that the user has already been notified) (step S1 in FIG. 3).

【００１４】最新メールリスト中の先頭にあるメールの
ＩＤが、メールリスト記憶部に記憶されている前回取得
したメールリスト中の先頭から前記通知済みポインタが
指す位置までの範囲で見つからない場合には（図３のス
テップＳ２のＮＯ）、前記最新メールリストにあるメー
ルをすべて新着メールとみなしてユーザに通知する（図
３のステップＳ３）。When the ID of the first mail in the latest mail list is not found in the range from the first in the previously acquired mail list stored in the mail list storage section to the position pointed to by the notified pointer, (NO in step S2 in FIG. 3), all the mails in the latest mail list are regarded as new mails and the user is notified (step S3 in FIG. 3).

【００１５】一方、見つかった場合には（図３のステッ
プＳ２のＹＥＳ）、前記メールリスト記憶部に記憶され
ているメールリストにおいて、前記通知済みポインタを
判定用のポインタとして（図３のステップＳ４）、前記
判定用のポインタが示すメールのＩＤを、前記最新メー
ルリストから検索し、検索の結果、見つかった場合（図
３のステップＳ６のＹＥＳ）、前記見つかったメールの
次のメール以降を新着メールとみなしてユーザに通知す
る(図３のステップＳ７)。On the other hand, if found (YES in step S2 in FIG. 3), the notified pointer is used as a determination pointer in the mail list stored in the mail list storage section (step S4 in FIG. 3). ), The ID of the mail indicated by the determination pointer is searched from the latest mail list, and if found as a result of the search (YES in step S6 of FIG. 3), new mail is added after the mail found after the found mail. It is regarded as an email and notified to the user (step S7 in FIG. 3).

【００１６】判定用のポインタが示すメールを、前記最
新メールリストから検索し、見つからなかった場合（図
３のステップＳ６のＮＯ）、判定用のポインタを一つ戻
し、前記判定用のポインタが示すメールのＩＤを、前記
最新メールリストから検索し(図３のステップＳ５)、検
索の結果、見つかった場合、前記見つかったメールの次
のメール以降を新着メールとみなしてユーザに通知する
(図３のステップＳ７)。The mail indicated by the judgment pointer is searched from the latest mail list, and if it is not found (NO in step S6 of FIG. 3), the judgment pointer is returned by one and the judgment pointer indicates. The mail ID is searched from the latest mail list (step S5 in FIG. 3), and if found as a result of the search, the mail after the found mail is regarded as a new mail and the user is notified.
(Step S7 in FIG. 3).

【００１７】本発明に係るシステム及び装置の一実施の
形態の構成について詳細に説明する。新着監視サーバ２
０１は、新着判定手段（ソフトウェア）２０６、タイマ
２０５、通知済みポインタ記憶部２０２、メールリスト
記憶部２０３、ユーザ情報記憶部２０４を備えており、
ユーザ３００に新着メールが到着したことを通知するサ
ービスを提供する。The configuration of one embodiment of the system and apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail. New Arrival Monitoring Server 2
01 includes a new arrival determination means (software) 206, a timer 205, a notified pointer storage unit 202, a mail list storage unit 203, and a user information storage unit 204,
A service is provided to notify the user 300 of the arrival of new mail.

【００１８】新着監視サーバ２０１のユーザ情報記憶部
２０４には、メールサーバ１０１に接続するためのＩＤ
とパスワードが記憶される。これは、新着メールの通知
サービスを使用するユーザ３００があらかじめ登録して
おく。すなわち、新着監視サーバ２０１は、何らかのユ
ーザインタフェースを備えているものとし、ユーザ３０
０は、端末等（図示されない）のブラウザなどのクライ
アントソフトウェアで、直接、新着監視サーバ２０１に
接続して登録作業を行うことができるような構成とされ
ている。The user information storage unit 204 of the new arrival monitoring server 201 has an ID for connecting to the mail server 101.
And the password is memorized. This is registered in advance by the user 300 who uses the new mail notification service. That is, the new arrival monitoring server 201 is assumed to have some kind of user interface, and the user 30
Reference numeral 0 denotes client software such as a browser of a terminal or the like (not shown), which is configured to directly connect to the new arrival monitoring server 201 and perform registration work.

【００１９】新着監視サーバ２０１のメールリスト記憶
部２０３は、定期的にメールサーバ１０１から取得する
メール識別子（ＩＤ）の一覧（リスト）を記憶してい
る。The mail list storage unit 203 of the new arrival monitoring server 201 stores a list (list) of mail identifiers (ID) that is periodically acquired from the mail server 101.

【００２０】通知済みポインタ記憶部２０２は、メール
リスト中の最初のメールから何番目のメールまでがすで
にユーザに通知済みであるかを示す情報を記憶してい
る。たとえば、メールリストに、図４に示すように、４
通のメール（１：AAAA、２：BBBB、３：CCCC、４：DDD
D）（ただし、AAAA等はメールのＩＤである）が存在
し、通知済みポインタ記憶部２０２が、３通目のメール
（３：CCCC）を指している場合、メールリスト中１通目
から３通目までのメールが既にユーザに通知済みである
ことを表し、４通目のメール（４：DDDD）が、まだ通知
されていない（未通知である）ことを示している。The notified pointer storage unit 202 stores information indicating from the first mail to what number of mails in the mail list have already been notified to the user. For example, in the mail list, as shown in FIG.
Regular email (1: AAAA, 2: BBBB, 3: CCCC, 4: DDD)
D) (however, AAAA and the like are mail IDs) and the notified pointer storage unit 202 points to the third mail (3: CCCC), the first 3 mails in the mail list The mail up to the second mail has already been notified to the user, and the fourth mail (4: DDDD) has not been notified (not yet notified).

【００２１】新着監視サーバ２０１は、タイマ２０５に
より定期的にメールサーバ１０１へ接続し、ユーザ情報
記憶部２０４に記憶されているＩＤとパスワードを使用
してメールサーバ１０１にログインし、その時点で、メ
ールサーバ１０１上に存在するメールの一覧を取得し、
その後、メールサーバ１０１との接続を切断する。The new arrival monitoring server 201 periodically connects to the mail server 101 by the timer 205, logs in to the mail server 101 using the ID and password stored in the user information storage unit 204, and at that time, Obtain a list of emails that exist on the email server 101,
After that, the connection with the mail server 101 is disconnected.

【００２２】このメールの一覧は、メールの識別子を、
メール到着順に並べたものとなっている必要がある。This list of mails uses the mail identifiers
It must be arranged in the order that mail arrives.

【００２３】新着監視サーバ２０１は、メールサーバ１
０１から最新のメールリストを取得した後、メールリス
ト記憶部２０３に記憶された前回取得時のメール一覧
と、今回取得したメールリストとを比較し、ユーザにま
だ通知していないメールの情報のみを通知する。もし、
ユーザに、未通知のメールが１つも存在しない場合に
は、通知は行わない。The new arrival monitoring server 201 is the mail server 1.
After acquiring the latest mail list from 01, the mail list stored previously in the mail list storage unit 203 is compared with the mail list acquired this time, and only the information of the mail not yet notified to the user is displayed. Notice. if,
If there is no unnotified mail to the user, no notification is given.

【００２４】新着監視サーバ２０１は、ユーザにまだ通
知していないメールがあるか否かを、図３に流れ図とし
て示す処理手順によって、判断する。The new arrival monitoring server 201 determines whether or not there is a mail that has not been notified to the user by the processing procedure shown as a flowchart in FIG.

【００２５】まず新着監視サーバ２０１は、メールサー
バ１０１から取得した最新メールリスト中の先頭にある
メールのＩＤ（識別子）を、前回取得したメールリスト
中から検索する。ただし、リストの最初から、検索を行
い、通知済みポインタ２０２が指し示す位置まで検索し
ても見つからなかった場合には、検索を中止する。も
し、当該ＩＤが見つからなければ、最新メールリスト中
のメールは、すべてユーザに未通知であるとみなして、
通知を行う。First, the new arrival monitoring server 201 searches the previously acquired mail list for the ID (identifier) of the first mail in the latest mail list acquired from the mail server 101. However, if the search is performed from the beginning of the list and no search is made up to the position pointed to by the notified pointer 202, the search is stopped. If the ID is not found, all the mails in the latest mail list are regarded as not notified to the user,
Notify me.

【００２６】これは、メールスプールに対するメール操
作が、「メールの削除」と「メールの追加」だけであ
り、古いメールが復活したり、リストの途中にメールが
挿入されるということがあり得ないため、このように判
断できる。すなわち、最新メールリスト中の最も古いメ
ールがユーザに未通知であるということは、リスト全体
が未通知であることに他ならない。This is because the mail operations for the mail spool are only "delete mail" and "add mail", and there is no possibility that old mail will be restored or mail will be inserted in the middle of the list. Therefore, it can be determined in this way. That is, the fact that the oldest mail in the latest mail list has not been notified to the user means that the entire list has not been notified.

【００２７】前回取得時のメールリスト中のうち、通知
済みのものの中に、最新メールリストの先頭のメールＩ
Ｄが含まれていた場合（図３のステップＳ２のＹＥＳ分
岐）、最新メールリストにあるメールのうちいくつか
は、すでにユーザに通知済みであるということなので、
どこまでが通知済みであり、どこからのメールを通知す
べきなのかを調べる必要がある。この調査は、以下のよ
うにして行う。The mail I at the top of the latest mail list is among the notified mails in the mail list obtained at the previous acquisition.
If D is included (YES branch of step S2 in FIG. 3), it means that some of the mails in the latest mail list have already been notified to the user.
You need to find out how much has been notified and where from which email should be sent. This survey is conducted as follows.

【００２８】まず、通知済みポインタが指し示してい
る、前回最後にユーザに通知したメールのＩＤを、取得
した最新メールリストの中から検索する（図３のステッ
プＳ５、Ｓ６）。ここで、当該ＩＤが最新メールリスト
中に含まれている場合、そのＩＤ以降のメールを未通知
メールとみなして、ユーザに通知する（図３のステップ
Ｓ７）。First, the ID of the last mail notified to the user, which is pointed to by the notified pointer, is searched from the acquired latest mail list (steps S5 and S6 in FIG. 3). Here, when the ID is included in the latest mail list, the mail after the ID is regarded as an unnotified mail and the user is notified (step S7 in FIG. 3).

【００２９】一方、当該ＩＤを最新メールリスト中から
発見できなかった場合、前回取得したリストから当該Ｉ
Ｄよりも１つ古いメールのＩＤを取得し、このメールの
ＩＤを最新メールリスト中から検索する（図３のステッ
プＳ５、Ｓ６）。そして、そのＩＤが見つかれば同様に
してそれ以降のメールを未通知とみなしてユーザに通知
する（図３のステップＳ７）。この処理をＩＤが見つか
るまで繰り返す。On the other hand, when the ID cannot be found in the latest mail list, the ID is found from the list acquired last time.
The ID of the mail one older than D is acquired, and the ID of this mail is searched from the latest mail list (steps S5 and S6 in FIG. 3). Then, if the ID is found, the subsequent mails are similarly regarded as unnotified and the user is notified (step S7 in FIG. 3). This process is repeated until the ID is found.

【００３０】たとえば、単に、メールの数やスプールサ
イズや、最後に通知したメールのＩＤなどを比較するだ
けでは、ユーザがメールを削除した場合に新着メールが
あるか否かが正しく判断できない場合がある。For example, if the user deletes a mail, it may not be possible to correctly determine whether or not there is a new mail by simply comparing the number of mails, the spool size, and the ID of the last notified mail. is there.

【００３１】これに対して、本発明においては、上記の
ような処理手順（アルゴリズム）でリスト同士を比較す
ることにより、前回取得したリスト中のいくつかのメー
ルをユーザが削除していても、最新メールリストのどの
部分までが通知済みかを検索することができるので、未
通知メールがあるか否かを正しく判断することができ
る。On the other hand, in the present invention, even if the user deletes some mails in the list acquired last time by comparing the lists with the above processing procedure (algorithm), Since it is possible to search up to which part of the latest mail list has been notified, it is possible to correctly determine whether or not there are unnotified mails.

【００３２】新着メールの通知は、新着監視サーバ２０
１がユーザに対して何らかのデータプッシュ機構を使用
して、新着メールの存在を伝えるか、またはメールの要
約情報（たとえばメールのサブジェクトやサイズなど）
を送信することで行う。The notification of new mail is sent by the new mail monitoring server 20.
1 uses some data push mechanism to inform the user of the arrival of new mail, or summary information of the mail (for example, subject and size of mail)
By sending.

【００３３】本発明において、通知に使用できるデータ
プッシュ機構としては、例えば、電話をかけたり、ペー
ジャなどに通知したり、あるいはｉ−ｍｏｄｅ（登録商
標）などのPush型メールサービスを使用して通知するな
どの方法を用いることができる。In the present invention, as a data push mechanism that can be used for notification, for example, a call is made, a pager or the like is notified, or a push type mail service such as i-mode (registered trademark) is used for notification. And the like can be used.

【００３４】ユーザへの通知が成功した場合には、通知
済みポインタ２０２を更新する。通知が失敗した場合に
は、通知済みポインタ２０２を更新しない。ユーザへの
通知が失敗する場合としてはたとえば通知先のユーザ機
器の電源が入っていないか故障している、または通知先
が無線端末で、サービス圏外にいる場合などがある。When the notification to the user is successful, the notified pointer 202 is updated. When the notification fails, the notified pointer 202 is not updated. The case where the notification to the user fails may be, for example, that the user equipment of the notification destination is not powered on or out of order, or the notification destination is a wireless terminal and is out of the service area.

【００３５】新着メールがあるという通知を受けたユー
ザ３００は、端末（図示されない）を、メールサーバ１
０１に直接接続してメールを取得する。このように、新
着監視サーバ２０１が、定期的に、メールサーバ１０１
に接続して新規メールが存在するかをチェックし、存在
した場合のみユーザ３００に通知することで、ユーザ３
００が自ら定期的にメールサーバ１０１に接続して新規
メールが存在するか否かチェックする必要がなくなり、
ユーザ３００の負担（メールをチェックするための時間
や通信料）を減らすことができる。The user 300 who has received the notification that there is a new mail sets the terminal (not shown) to the mail server 1
Directly connect to 01 to get mail. In this way, the new arrival monitoring server 201 periodically receives the mail server 101.
To check if a new mail exists and notify the user 300 only if there is a new mail,
00 does not need to periodically connect to the mail server 101 to check whether or not new mail exists,
It is possible to reduce the burden on the user 300 (time for checking emails and communication charges).

【００３６】[0036]

【実施例】上記した発明の実施の形態について更に詳細
に説明すべく、本発明の実施例について図面を参照して
説明する。図２は、本発明を適用した一実施例の構成を
示す図である。図２を参照すると、この実施例では、イ
ンターネット１０に接続されたメールサーバ１０１を備
え、登録されたユーザに対して届いたメールを蓄積する
サービスおよび登録されたユーザに直接ログインさせる
ことでメールの読み出し、削除などの操作を可能とする
サービスを提供している。このサービスを提供するため
にメールサーバ１０１は、メールを蓄積しておくための
二次記憶装置であるメールスプール１０２と、ユーザを
認証するための情報を記憶しておくための二次記憶装置
１０３とを備えている。この実施例では、さらに、イン
ターネット１０に接続されている新着監視サーバ２０１
を備えており、この新着監視サーバ２０１は、二次記憶
装置内に通知済みポインタ記憶部２０２と、メールリス
ト記憶部２０３と、ユーザ情報記憶部２０４と、タイマ
２０５と、新着判定プロセス（ソフトウェア）２０６
と、を備えている。EXAMPLES Examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings in order to explain the above-described embodiments of the present invention in more detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. Referring to FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a mail server 101 connected to the Internet 10 is provided, and a service for accumulating mails received by registered users and mail registration by directly registered users We provide services that enable operations such as reading and deleting. In order to provide this service, the mail server 101 has a mail spool 102, which is a secondary storage device for storing mail, and a secondary storage device 103, which stores information for authenticating a user. It has and. In this embodiment, the new arrival monitoring server 201 connected to the Internet 10 is further added.
The new arrival monitoring server 201 includes a notified pointer storage unit 202, a mail list storage unit 203, a user information storage unit 204, a timer 205, and a new arrival determination process (software) in the secondary storage device. 206
And are equipped with.

【００３７】新着監視サーバ２０１のメールリスト記憶
部２０３、通知済みポインタ記憶部２０２は、前記実施
の形態で説明した通りであり、メールリスト記憶部２０
３は、定期的にメールサーバ１０１から取得するメール
識別子の一覧を記憶している。通知済みポインタ記憶部
２０２は、メールリスト中の最初のメールから何番目の
メールまでがすでにユーザに通知済みであるかを示す情
報を記憶している。The mail list storage unit 203 and the notified pointer storage unit 202 of the new arrival monitoring server 201 are as described in the above embodiment, and the mail list storage unit 20.
3 stores a list of mail identifiers that are periodically acquired from the mail server 101. The notified pointer storage unit 202 stores information indicating from the first mail to what number of mails in the mail list have already been notified to the user.

【００３８】ユーザ情報記憶部２０４は、新着監視サー
バ２０１による新着メール通知サービスを使用するユー
ザについて、メールサーバ１０１にログインするための
ＩＤおよびパスワード、通知に使用する電話番号の情報
を記憶している。The user information storage unit 204 stores, for a user who uses the new mail notification service by the new arrival monitoring server 201, the ID and password for logging in to the mail server 101, and the telephone number information used for notification. .

【００３９】タイマ２０５は、一定時間ごとに、新着監
視サーバ２０１をして、メールサーバ１０１への接続を
開始させる。The timer 205 causes the new arrival monitoring server 201 to start connection to the mail server 101 at regular intervals.

【００４０】新着監視サーバ２０１は、ターミナルアダ
プタ（またはモデム）３０１を通して公衆電話網３０２
に接続されており、ユーザ３００に電話をかけて新着メ
ールを通知することができる。ユーザ３００は新着通知
を受けるための携帯電話機４０１（又はＰＨＳ（パーソ
ナルハンディホンシステム）端末）と、メールクライア
ントソフトウェアがインストールされた携帯情報端末４
０２と、を有している。The new arrival monitoring server 201 has a public telephone network 302 through a terminal adapter (or modem) 301.
, And can notify the new mail by calling the user 300. The user 300 has a mobile phone 401 (or PHS (Personal Handyphone System) terminal) for receiving a new arrival notification, and a mobile information terminal 4 in which mail client software is installed.
02 and.

【００４１】携帯情報端末４０２は、インターネットに
接続するための何らかの手段、たとえば内蔵モデムや無
線データ通信ハードウェアなどを内蔵しおり、ユーザ３
００は携帯情報端末４０２を使用して外出先からメール
サーバに接続してメールを取得したり削除したりするこ
とができる。また、携帯電話機４０１の機能を携帯情報
端末４０２に包含する構成としてもよい。すなわち、携
帯情報端末４０２自身で公衆回線からの着信を受け付け
ることができ、かつインターネットに接続する機能も持
っているという構成でもよいことは勿論である。The portable information terminal 402 has some means for connecting to the Internet, such as a built-in modem and wireless data communication hardware, and is built in by the user 3
00 can connect to the mail server from the outside using the portable information terminal 402 to acquire or delete the mail. Further, the function of the mobile phone 401 may be included in the mobile information terminal 402. That is, it goes without saying that the portable information terminal 402 itself may accept an incoming call from the public line and has a function of connecting to the Internet.

【００４２】次に、この実施例の動作について説明す
る。メールサーバ１０１はインターネット１０に接続さ
れた他のメールサーバ（不図示）からのメールを受け付
けており、メールが到着すると、そのメールをメールス
プール１０２に蓄積し、それぞれのメールに対して一意
に識別できる識別子（文字列）を与える。メールサーバ
１０１において、メールは、到着順に並べられてスプー
ルに格納されて行く。Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The mail server 101 accepts mails from other mail servers (not shown) connected to the Internet 10. When the mails arrive, the mails are accumulated in the mail spool 102, and each mail is uniquely identified. Gives a possible identifier (string). In the mail server 101, the mails are arranged in the order of arrival and stored in the spool.

【００４３】図５は、本発明の一実施例を説明するため
の模式図である。新着監視サーバ２０１のメールリスト
記憶部２０３に記憶されている、前回メールサーバ１０
１より取得したメールリスト、およびメールサーバ１０
１上の最新メールリストが、図５（ａ）、図５（ｂ）に
示すようなものであるとする。これは、前回、新着監視
サーバ２０１がメールリストを取得した時刻以降に、ユ
ーザが、メールサーバ１０１上で、メールＩＤ "AAA
A"、"BBBB"、"CCCC"の３通のメールを削除しており、さ
らに３通の新規メール "EEEE"、"FFFF"、"GGGG"がメー
ルサーバ１０１上に到着して、メールスプールに追加さ
れたことを表している。FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining one embodiment of the present invention. The previous mail server 10 stored in the mail list storage unit 203 of the new arrival monitoring server 201
Mail list obtained from 1 and mail server 10
It is assumed that the latest mail list on No. 1 is as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). This is because, after the time when the new arrivals monitoring server 201 acquired the mail list last time, the user has the mail ID "AAA" on the mail server 101.
Three mails of "A", "BBBB", and "CCCC" have been deleted, and three new mails "EEEE", "FFFF", and "GGGG" have arrived on the mail server 101 and the mail spool. It has been added to.

【００４４】新着監視サーバ２０１の通知済みポインタ
記憶部２０２は、メールリストの３番目のＩＤ、すなわ
ち"CCCC"のメールを指し示しているものとする。The notified pointer storage unit 202 of the new arrival monitoring server 201 is assumed to point to the third ID in the mail list, that is, the mail of "CCCC".

【００４５】新着監視サーバ２０１の新着判定プロセス
２０６は、タイマ２０５により一定時間ごとに起動さ
れ、メールサーバ１０１へ接続し、ユーザ情報記憶部２
０４に記憶されているＩＤとパスワードを使用してメー
ルサーバ１０１にログインし（認証が行われる）、その
時点で、メールサーバ１０１上に存在するメールの一覧
を取得し、メールリスト取得後、メールサーバ１０１と
の接続を切る。The new arrival determination process 206 of the new arrival monitoring server 201 is activated by the timer 205 at regular intervals, connects to the mail server 101, and stores the user information in the user information storage unit 2.
Log in to the mail server 101 using the ID and password stored in 04 (authentication is performed), at that time, obtain a list of emails existing on the mail server 101, and after obtaining the email list, email The connection with the server 101 is cut off.

【００４６】新着監視サーバ２０１は、メールサーバ１
０１から最新のメールリストを取得した後、図３に流れ
図として示す処理手順に従って、新旧メールリストを比
較し、ユーザに未通知のメールが存在するか否かを判定
する。The new arrival monitoring server 201 is the mail server 1
After acquiring the latest mail list from 01, the old and new mail lists are compared according to the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, and it is determined whether or not the user has an unnotified mail.

【００４７】すなわち、まず最新メールリスト中の先頭
にあるメールＩＤ"DDDD"（図５（ｂ）参照）を、前回取
得したメールリスト中から検索する。ただし、検索する
範囲は、リストの最初から始めて、通知済みポインタ２
０２が指し示す位置までとする（ステップＳ１）。図５
に示す例では、通知済みポインタ２０２は、前回取得メ
ールリスト中（図５（ａ）参照）の３番目のメール"CCC
C"を指しているので、メールＩＤ"AAAA"、"BBBB"、"CCC
C"の中から"DDDD"検索することになる。メールＩＤ"DDD
D"は、これらの３つのメールＩＤリスト中に存在してい
ないため、最新メールリスト中のメールは、すべてユー
ザに未通知であるとみなして、通知を行う（ステップＳ
３）。That is, first, the mail ID "DDDD" (see FIG. 5B) at the head of the latest mail list is searched from the mail list acquired last time. However, the range to be searched starts from the beginning of the list, and the notified pointer 2
Up to the position indicated by 02 (step S1). Figure 5
In the example shown in Fig. 5, the notified pointer 202 indicates that the third mail "CCC" in the previously acquired mail list (see Fig. 5 (a)).
Since it refers to "C", the email IDs "AAAA", "BBBB", and "CCC"
"DDDD" will be searched from "C". Mail ID "DDD"
Since D "does not exist in these three mail ID lists, all the mails in the latest mail list are regarded as unreported to the user and notified (step S
3).

【００４８】通知すべき新着メールが存在する場合、新
着監視サーバ２０１は、ターミナルアダプタ（またはモ
デム）３０１および公衆回線３０２を通じて、ユーザ３
００に電話（ユーザの電話番号はあらかじめ例えばユー
ザ情報記憶部２０４等に記憶されている）をかけること
で（自動発信で行われる）、ユーザ３００に新着メール
の存在を知らせる。通知が成功した場合、すなわち携帯
電話機４０１の電源が入っており、ユーザ３００がサー
ビス圏内におり、電話がかかった場合（通話接続した場
合）には、通知済みポインタ２０２を通知完了した最後
のメールまで進める。通知が失敗した場合、すなわちユ
ーザの携帯電話機の電源が入っていないか、またはユー
ザがサービス圏外にいるために、電話が通じない場合に
は、通知済みポインタ２０２を進めず、次回のメールチ
ェック時に通知を再試行する。When there is a new arrival mail to be notified, the new arrival monitoring server 201 uses the terminal adapter (or modem) 301 and the public line 302 to send the user 3
00 (the user's telephone number is stored in advance, for example, in the user information storage unit 204 or the like) to 00 (which is automatically transmitted), to notify the user 300 of the presence of a new mail. When the notification is successful, that is, when the mobile phone 401 is turned on, the user 300 is in the service area, and a call is made (when the call is connected), the notification-completed pointer 202 is the last mail for which notification is completed. Proceed to. If the notification is unsuccessful, that is, if the user's mobile phone is not powered on or the user is out of the service area and the call cannot be reached, the notified pointer 202 is not advanced and the next mail check is performed. Retry notification.

【００４９】別の例として、新着監視サーバ２０１のメ
ールリスト記憶部２０３にある前回取得したメールリス
トおよびメールサーバ１０１上の最新メールリストが、
図６（ａ）、図６（ｂ）にそれぞれ示すようになってい
るものとする。すなわち、前回、新着監視サーバ２０１
がメールリストを取得した時刻以降に、ユーザがメール
ＩＤ"CCCC"のメールを削除しており、１通の新規メー
ル"DDDD"がメールサーバ１０１上に到着してスプールに
追加されたものとする。As another example, the previously acquired mail list in the mail list storage unit 203 of the new arrival monitoring server 201 and the latest mail list on the mail server 101 are
6A and 6B, respectively. That is, last time, new arrival monitoring server 201
It is assumed that the user has deleted the mail with the mail ID "CCCC" after the time when the mail list was acquired and one new mail "DDDD" arrived on the mail server 101 and was added to the spool. .

【００５０】通知済みポインタ記憶部２０２はメールリ
ストの３番目のＩＤ、すなわち"CCCC"のメールを指し示
しているものとする。It is assumed that the notified pointer storage unit 202 points to the third ID in the mail list, that is, the mail of "CCCC".

【００５１】図３の流れ図に従い、通知済みポインタ２
０２は、前回取得メールリスト中の３番目のメール"CCC
C"を指しているので、新着監視サーバ２０１は、まず、
メールＩＤ "AAAA"、"BBBB"、"CCCC"の３つの中から、
最新メールリスト中の先頭にあるメールＩＤ "AAAA"検
索する（ステップＳ１）。"AAAA"はこの３つのリスト中
に存在するので、最新メールリスト中にあるメールの一
部またはすべてが既にユーザに通知済みであることがわ
かる。According to the flow chart of FIG. 3, the notified pointer 2
02 is the third mail "CCC" in the previously acquired mail list
Since it indicates "C", the new arrival monitoring server 201 first
From the three email IDs "AAAA", "BBBB", and "CCCC",
Search for the mail ID "AAAA" at the top of the latest mail list (step S1). Since "AAAA" exists in these three lists, it can be seen that some or all of the mails in the latest mail list have been notified to the user.

【００５２】このため、次に、通知済みポインタ２０２
が指す位置を判定用ポインタに設定し（ステップＳ４、
（図６（ｃ）参照））、メールＩＤ "CCCC"を、最新メ
ールリスト中から検索する（ステップＳ５）。最新メー
ルリストは、"AAAA"、"BBBB"、"DDDD"、"EEEE"であ
り、"CCCC"は存在しない（図６（ｄ）参照）。Therefore, next, the notified pointer 202
The position pointed to by is set to the determination pointer (step S4,
(See FIG. 6C)), and search for the mail ID "CCCC" from the latest mail list (step S5). The latest mail list is "AAAA", "BBBB", "DDDD", "EEEE", and "CCCC" does not exist (see FIG. 6 (d)).

【００５３】そこで、判定用ポインタを一つ戻し（ステ
ップＳ８）、再び、判定用ポインタが指し示すメールＩ
Ｄ、すなわち、"BBBB"（図６（ｅ）参照）を最新メール
リストから検索する（ステップＳ５）。Therefore, the judgment pointer is returned by one (step S8), and the mail I pointed to by the judgment pointer is again displayed.
D, that is, "BBBB" (see FIG. 6E) is searched from the latest mail list (step S5).

【００５４】"BBBB"は、最新メールリスト（図６（ｆ）
参照）の２番目に存在するため、ここで検索を終了し、
その次以降のメール、すなわち"DDDD"と"EEEE"を新着メ
ールとみなしてユーザに通知する（ステップＳ７）。ユ
ーザからの確認を受けた場合、メールリスト記憶部２０
３に保持されている前回取得したメールリストを、図６
（ｆ）のものに置き換える。"BBBB" is the latest mail list (see FIG. 6 (f)).
Since it exists second in (), the search ends here,
The subsequent mails, that is, "DDDD" and "EEEE" are regarded as new mails and notified to the user (step S7). When the confirmation from the user is received, the mail list storage unit 20
Fig. 6 shows the previously acquired mail list stored in No. 3
Replace with (f).

【００５５】新着メールがあるという通知を受けたユー
ザ３００は、携帯情報端末４０２やデスクトップＰＣな
どを使用してインターネットに接続し、メールクライア
ントソフトを立ち上げてメールを取得したり削除したり
することができる。Upon receiving the notification that there is a new mail, the user 300 connects to the Internet by using the portable information terminal 402, the desktop PC, etc., starts up the mail client software, and acquires or deletes the mail. You can

【００５６】上記実施例では、ユーザに電話（自動発
信）をかけることで、新着メールの存在を通知するもの
としたが、これ以外の通知方法として、i-modeメールや
ショートメッセージなどのPush型メッセージサービスを
使用してメールの件数や表題（サブジェクト）を送信す
るようにしてもよいことは勿論である。すなわち、通知
手段は、サーバ２０１が新着メールの存在を通知したい
時刻に、リアルタイムにユーザに、気づかせることがで
きる手段であれば何でもよい。ユーザのページャ端末
（不図示）へ電話をかける、あるいは、ユーザのファク
シミリ受信機（不図示）へ送信するなどしてもよい。In the above-described embodiment, the presence of new mail is notified by making a telephone call (automatic call) to the user. However, as a notification method other than this, Push type such as i-mode mail and short message is used. Of course, the number of mails and the subject (subject) may be transmitted using the message service. That is, the notification means may be any means as long as the server 201 can notify the user in real time at the time of notification of the presence of new mail. A call may be made to the user's pager terminal (not shown), or the call may be sent to the user's facsimile receiver (not shown).

【００５７】上記実施例では、一つのメールスプールに
対しての新着情報を通知する構成としたが、ユーザあた
りのメールスプールの数は一つに限定されるものではな
い。たとえば、一人のユーザが複数のメールサーバに分
散したメールスプールを持っている場合、新着監視サー
バ上に、それぞれのメールスプールに対するメールリス
ト情報および通知済みポインタを保持することで、複数
のメールスプールに対する新着メールの通知を行うこと
ができる。In the above embodiment, the new arrival information is notified to one mail spool, but the number of mail spools per user is not limited to one. For example, if one user has mail spools distributed over multiple mail servers, by holding mail list information and notified pointers for each mail spool on the new arrival monitoring server, the mail spool information for multiple mail spools can be saved. Notification of new mail can be sent.

【００５８】上記実施例では、メールサービスにおける
新着メールの検出方法を示したが、本発明が適用される
対象は、メールサービスに限定せず、アプリケーション
データの新着情報を蓄積する機能を有するサーバマシン
を備え、かつ、該サーバが情報の識別子を情報の到着時
刻に従ってソートする機能を持っている場合、該サーバ
を定期的に監視して新着情報が存在する場合のみユーザ
に何らかの手段で通知を行うようなサービスにも適用可
能である。In the above embodiment, the method of detecting new mail in the mail service is shown. However, the target to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the mail service, but a server machine having a function of accumulating new information of application data. In addition, if the server has a function of sorting the information identifiers according to the arrival time of the information, the server is regularly monitored and the user is notified by some means only when new information is present. It is also applicable to such services.

【００５９】その構成は、図２、図３を参照して説明し
たものと同様とされ、到着した情報にユニークな識別子
（ＩＤ）を付与し、到着順に情報の識別子（ＩＤ）を並
べたリストを生成するサーバマシン（図２の１０１に対
応する）と、ユーザに新着情報が到着したことを通知す
るサービスを提供する新着監視サーバ（図２の２０１）
と、を備え、新着監視サーバ（図２の２０１）は、新着
判定手段（図２の２０６）、タイマ（図２の２０５）、
定期的に前記サーバマシンから取得する識別子の一覧よ
りなるリストを記憶しているリスト記憶部（図２の２０
３）と、リスト記憶部において、リスト中の最初の情報
から何番目の情報までがすでにユーザに通知済みである
かを示す情報を記憶している通知済みポインタ記憶部
（図２の２０２）と、サーバマシンに接続するためのＩ
Ｄとパスワードとを記憶するユーザ情報記憶部（図２の
２０４）とを備えている。新着監視サーバ（２０１）
は、タイマ（２０５）の制御により定期的にサーバマシ
ン（１０１）へ接続し、サーバマシン上に存在する情報
について情報の識別子を、到着順に並べた一覧よりなる
リストを取得し、新着判定手段（２０６）は、サーバマ
シン（１０１）より取得された最新リスト中の先頭にあ
る情報のＩＤ（識別子）を、リスト記憶部（２０３）に
記憶されている前回取得したリスト中の先頭から前記通
知済みポインタが指す位置まで検索し、前記最新リスト
中の先頭にある情報のＩＤが、リスト記憶部（２０３）
に記憶されている前回取得したリスト中の先頭から前記
通知済みポインタ（２０２）が指す位置までの範囲で見
つからない場合には、前記最新リストにある情報をすべ
て新着情報とみなしてユーザ（３００）に通知し、一
方、見つかった場合には、前記リスト記憶部に記憶され
ているリストにおいて、通知済みポインタ（２０２）を
判定用のポインタとして、前記判定用のポインタが示す
情報を、前記最新リストから検索し、検索の結果、見つ
かった場合、見つかった情報の識別子の次の情報以降を
新着情報とみなして、ユーザに通知する構成とされる。The structure is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and a list in which a unique identifier (ID) is given to the arrived information and the identifiers (ID) of the information are arranged in the order of arrival Server machine (corresponding to 101 in FIG. 2) that generates a new arrival monitoring server and a new arrival monitoring server (201 in FIG. 2) that provides a service for notifying the user that new arrival information has arrived.
And a new arrival monitoring server (201 in FIG. 2) includes a new arrival determination unit (206 in FIG. 2), a timer (205 in FIG. 2),
A list storage unit (20 in FIG. 2) that stores a list including a list of identifiers that are periodically acquired from the server machine.
3), and a notified pointer storage unit (202 in FIG. 2) that stores information indicating from the first information to the number of information in the list that the user has already been notified in the list storage unit. , I for connecting to the server machine
A user information storage unit (204 in FIG. 2) that stores D and a password is provided. New Arrival Monitoring Server (201)
Connects to the server machine (101) at regular intervals under the control of the timer (205), acquires a list of identifiers of information existing on the server machine, arranged in the order of arrival, and determines new arrivals ( 206) has already notified the ID (identifier) of the information at the head of the latest list acquired from the server machine (101) from the head of the previously acquired list stored in the list storage unit (203). A search is performed up to the position pointed by the pointer, and the ID of the information at the head of the latest list is the list storage unit (203).
In the case where it is not found in the range from the beginning of the previously acquired list stored in the above to the position pointed to by the notified pointer (202), all the information in the latest list is regarded as new information and the user (300). On the other hand, if found, in the list stored in the list storage unit, the information indicated by the determination pointer is used as the determination pointer with the notified pointer (202) as the latest list. If the information is found as a result of the search, the information subsequent to the identifier of the found information is regarded as new arrival information, and the user is notified.

【００６０】[0060]

【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明によれば、
ユーザがメールサーバ上のメールを削除しても、ただし
く新着メールが到着したことを判定することができる、
という効果を奏する。その理由は、新着監視サーバを設
け、メールサーバより今回取得したメールリストにおい
て最も早く到着したメールが、前記メールサーバより前
回取得し記憶部に記憶保持されているメールリスト中に
おいて、ユーザに通知済みの位置を指示するポインタが
指し示す範囲内に存在しているかを検索し、前記検索の
結果、見つからない場合には、前記メールサーバより今
回取得したメールリストにあるメールをすべて新着メー
ルとみなしてユーザに通知し、前記検索の結果、見つか
った場合には、前記メールサーバより前回取得し前記記
憶部に記憶保持されているメールリストにおいて、前記
通知済みの位置を指示するポインタを判定用のポインタ
として、前記判定用のポインタが示すメールを、前記今
回取得したメールリストから検索し、検索の結果、見つ
かった場合には、前記見つかったメールの次のメール以
降を新着メールとみなしてユーザに通知する構成とした
ためである。As described above, according to the present invention,
Even if the user deletes the mail on the mail server, it is possible to judge that the new mail arrived properly.
Has the effect. The reason is that a new arrival monitoring server is provided, and the mail that arrived earliest in the mail list acquired this time from the mail server has been notified to the user in the mail list previously acquired from the mail server and stored and stored in the storage unit. If the result of the search is not found, all the mails in the mail list acquired this time from the mail server are regarded as new mails and the user is searched. In the mail list previously acquired from the mail server and stored and stored in the storage unit, if a pointer is found as a result of the search, a pointer indicating the notified position is used as a determination pointer. , Search the mail indicated by the pointer for judgment from the mail list acquired this time, and check A result of, if found, is due to a configuration in which the user is notified after the next e-mail of the found-mail is regarded as a new mail.

【００６１】また、本発明によれば、メールサーバに対
して変更を加えなくてもよいため、現在ユーザが使用し
ているメール環境に容易に導入することができるという
効果を奏する。Further, according to the present invention, since it is not necessary to change the mail server, it is possible to easily introduce the mail server into the mail environment currently used by the user.

[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】本発明のシステムの構成を示す図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system of the present invention.

【図２】本発明の一実施例の構成を示す図である。FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

【図３】本発明の一実施例におけるメールリスト比較処
理を説明する流れ図である。FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a mail list comparison process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

【図４】本発明の一実施例におけるメールリストと通知
済みポインタを模式的に示す図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a mail list and a notified pointer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

【図５】本発明の一実施例における新着判断処理を説明
するための模式図である。FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining new arrival determination processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

【図６】本発明の一実施例における新着判断処理を説明
するための模式図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining new arrival determination processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

１０ネットワーク（インターネット）１０１メールサーバ１０２メールスプール１０３ユーザ情報記憶部（二次記憶装置）２０１新着監視サーバ２０２通知済みポインタ記憶部２０３メールリスト記憶部２０４ユーザ情報記憶部２０５タイマ２０６新着判定ソフトウエア（プロセス）３００ユーザ３０１ターミナルアダプタまたはモデム３０２公衆電話網４０１携帯電話機４０２情報端末 10 network (Internet) 101 mail server 102 mail spool 103 user information storage unit (secondary storage device) 201 New Arrival Monitoring Server 202 notified pointer storage unit 203 Mail list storage 204 user information storage unit 205 timer 206 New Arrival Software (Process) 300 users 301 Terminal Adapter or Modem 302 Public telephone network 401 mobile phone 402 Information terminal

Claims

[Claims]

1. A mail server is connected to the mail server at a predetermined interval to acquire a list of mail identifiers spooled in the mail server (referred to as "mail list"). A new arrival monitoring server that provides a service that determines whether or not a new mail arrives and notifies the user when a new mail arrives. In the mail list, the mail identifier is The mails are arranged in the order of arrival at the server, and the identifier of the earliest mail in the mail list acquired this time from the mail server by the new arrival monitoring server is previously acquired from the mail server and stored and stored in the storage unit. Search the mail list to see if it is within the range pointed to by the pointer that indicates the notified location to the user. Means for notifying the user that all the mails in the mail list acquired this time from the mail server are regarded as new mails, and notifying the user when the result of the search is found. In the mail list previously acquired from the mail server and stored and held in the storage unit, a pointer indicating the notified position is used as a determination pointer, and the mail indicated by the determination pointer is A search is performed from the mail list acquired this time, and if found as a result of the search, a means for notifying the user of the following mail after the found mail as new mail is notified, and Mail system to do.

2. A unique identifier (I
D) is provided and a mail server that generates a list in which mail identifiers are arranged in the order of arrival, and a new arrival monitoring server that provides a service that notifies the user of the arrival of new mail are provided. , A new arrival judging means for judging a new mail, a timer means for managing a timer, a mail list storage section for storing a mail list comprising a list of mail identifiers to be acquired from a mail server on a regular basis, the mail In the list storage unit, a notified pointer storage unit that stores information indicating from the first mail to the number of the mail in the mail list that has already been notified to the user, and for connecting to the mail server. A user information storage unit that stores and holds a user ID and a password; and the new arrival monitoring server includes the timer unit. To connect to the mail server on a regular basis, log in using the user's ID and password, and create a mail list consisting of a list of mail identifiers of mails existing on the mail server in the order of arrival of mails. The new arrival determination means acquires the identifier of the mail at the head of the latest mail list acquired from the mail server from the head of the previously acquired mail list stored in the mail list storage unit. The search is performed up to the position pointed to by the notified pointer, and as a result of the search, the identifier of the first mail in the latest mail list is stored in the mail list storage unit, and the mail is acquired from the first in the previously acquired mail list. If it is not found within the range pointed to by the notified pointer, the mail in the latest mail list is Notify the user as all new mail, and if found, on the other hand, in the mail list stored in the mail list storage unit, the notified pointer is used as the determination pointer and the determination pointer is used. A means for performing control to notify the user by searching the latest mail list for the identifier of the mail indicated by, and if found as a result of the search, consider the mail after the found mail as new mail and notify the user. A mail system characterized by

3. In the new arrival monitoring server, when the identifier of the first mail in the latest mail list is found in the range from the first in the previously acquired mail list to the position pointed to by the notified pointer, The mail indicated by the judgment pointer is searched from the latest mail list, and if not found, the judgment pointer is returned by one, and the mail identifier indicated by the judgment pointer is returned from the latest mail list. 3. The mail system according to claim 2, wherein if the result of the search is found and the result of the search is found, the mail following the found mail is regarded as a new mail and the user is notified.

4. The new arrival monitoring server, upon completion of the new arrival determination, replaces the previously acquired mail list and the notified pointer stored in the mail list storage unit with new ones. The mail system according to claim 2.

5. The new arrival monitoring server notifies the user when a new mail is present, and a confirmation response to the notification is returned from the user terminal,
The mail system according to claim 2, wherein the notified pointer is updated when it is confirmed that the notification to the user is successful.

6. A mail server comprising: means for generating a list in which received mails are arranged in the order of arrival; means for giving a unique identifier (ID) to each mail; and a network connection with the mail server. A new arrival monitoring server that investigates the mail server, wherein the new arrival monitoring server periodically connects to the mail server, and for each user registered in advance in the new arrival monitoring server, in the mail server, A means for obtaining a list of mail identifiers (IDs) stored in the mail spool of the user (referred to as “mail list”), and to what extent in the mail list of the mail list storage unit when the user was previously connected. A notified pointer storage unit that stores a notified pointer indicating whether the mail has been notified, and the mail The latest mail list acquired this time from the server and the determination pointer used when comparing the mail list previously acquired from the mail server and currently held in the mail list storage unit, and the mail server periodically. A new arrival judging means for connecting to, acquiring the latest mail list, and comparing the latest list with the mail list currently held in the mail list storage section; It is searched whether the identifier of the mail at the head of the latest mail list exists from the head of the mail list currently held in the mail list storage unit to the position pointed to by the notified pointer, and the search is performed. If it is not found, all the mails in the latest mail list are regarded as new mails, and if found, the mail list storage section In the held mail list, the identifier of the mail indicated by the notified pointer is searched from the latest mail list, and it is determined that the mail after the found mail is regarded as a new mail, and the new arrival judging means newly arrives. When the determination process is completed, the old mail list held in the mail list storage unit and the notified pointer are replaced with new ones, and if the result of the judgment by the new arrival judging means is that a new mail exists, the user And a confirmation response to the notification is returned from the user terminal, and when it is confirmed that the notification has succeeded, a means for controlling the updating of the notified pointer is provided. Mail system.

7. One user uses a plurality of mail spools distributed to a plurality of mail servers, and the new arrival monitoring server has a plurality of mail list storage units and a plurality of mail list storage units corresponding to the respective mail spools. 7. The mail system according to claim 1, further comprising: a notified pointer, and means for collectively notifying a user of new mails to the plurality of mail spools.

8. A new arrival monitoring server connectable to a mail server is provided, wherein the new arrival monitoring server connects to the mail server at a predetermined interval and lists mail identifiers spooled in the mail server ( "Mail list"
Is to obtain whether or not a new mail arrives, and provide a service for notifying the user when the new mail arrives, in the order of arrival of mails in the mail list. Mail identifiers are arranged, the new arrival monitoring server, the identifier of the earliest arrived mail in the mail list acquired this time from the mail server, the mail previously acquired from the mail server and stored and held in the storage unit In the list, a step of searching for whether the pointer indicating the notified position to the user exists within the range indicated by the pointer, and if the result of the search is not found, the mail list acquired this time from the mail server is added. The step of notifying the user of all mails as new mails, In the case where there is an error, in the mail list previously acquired from the mail server and stored and held in the storage unit, the pointer for instructing the notified position is used as the determination pointer by the determination pointer. Search the mail identifier from the mail list acquired this time, and if found as a result of the search,
And a step of notifying the user of the following emails after the found email as new emails, and notifying the user.

9. A unique identifier (I
D) is added and a mail server that generates a list in which mail IDs are arranged in the order of arrival, a new arrival monitoring server that provides a service that notifies the user that new mail has arrived, In the method, in the new arrival monitoring server, (a) a mail list composed of a list in which mails connected to the mail server at regular intervals by a timer and mail identifiers of mails existing on the mail server are arranged in order of mail arrival And (b) a mail list storing a mail list consisting of a list of mail identifiers acquired from the mail server, which is the identifier of the first mail in the latest mail list acquired from the mail server. From the beginning of the previously acquired mail list stored in the storage unit, the mail list (C) at the top of the latest mail list, the step of searching up to the position pointed to by the notified pointer that stores the information indicating from the first mail to One email
If no mail is found in the range from the beginning of the previously acquired mail list stored in the mail list storage section to the position pointed to by the notified pointer, all mails in the latest mail list are regarded as new mails. (D) On the other hand, if found, in the mail list stored in the mail list storage unit, the notified pointer is used as a determination pointer, and the determination pointer is used. Is searched from the latest mail list, and if found as a result of the search, the following mails after the found mail are regarded as new mails and the user is notified. The new mail determination method that features.

10. In the new arrival monitoring server, the identifier of the mail at the head of the latest mail list is pointed to by the notified pointer from the head of the previously acquired mail list stored in the mail list storage unit. When found in the range up to the position, a step of searching the latest mail list for the identifier of the mail indicated by the determination pointer, and when not found, return one pointer for determination and return the determination pointer A step of searching the latest mail list for the identifier of the mail indicated by the pointer, and a step of notifying the user by regarding the result of the search as a new mail after the mail found after the found mail, if found. The method for determining new mail according to claim 9, characterized in that

11. The new arrival monitoring server, when the new arrival determination is completed, replacing the previously acquired mail list and the notified pointer stored in the mail list storage unit with new ones; In that case, when a new mail is notified to the user, a confirmation response to the notification is returned from the user terminal, and it is confirmed that the notification is successful,
The method according to claim 9, further comprising: updating the notified pointer.

12. A unique identifier (I
In a new arrival monitoring server that is connected to a mail server that gives D) and generates a list in which mail IDs are arranged in the order of arrival, and that provides a service for notifying the user that new mail has arrived, To connect to the mail server to obtain a mail list consisting of a list of mail identifiers of mails existing on the mail server in the order of arrival of mails, and (b) the latest mail list acquired from the mail server. From the top of the previously acquired mail list stored in the mail list storage unit that stores the mail list including the list of mail identifiers acquired from the mail server, the mail identifier at the top of the mail list, How many emails in the above email list have been notified to the user Processing for searching up to the position pointed to by the notified pointer that stores the information, and (c) the result of the search is that the first mail in the latest mail list is the previous mail stored in the mail list storage unit. In the case where it is not found in the range from the top of the acquired mail list to the position pointed to by the notified pointer, all mails in the latest mail list are regarded as new mails and the user is notified, and (d) one , If found, in the mail list stored in the mail list storage unit, the identifier of the mail indicated by the determination pointer is determined from the latest mail list by using the notified pointer as a determination pointer. If you find it as a result of the above search,
A program for causing a computer that functions as a new arrival monitoring server to execute the processing of (a) to (d) of the processing of notifying the user of the following mail after the found mail as new mail.

13. The program according to claim 12, wherein the identifier of the mail at the head of the latest mail list is the notified pointer from the head of the previously acquired mail list stored in the mail list storage unit. When found in a range up to the position indicated by, the mail indicated by the pointer for determination is searched from the latest mail list, and if not found as a result of the search, the pointer for determination is returned by one. Search the identifier of the mail indicated by the pointer for determination from the latest mail list,
A program that causes the computer to execute a process of, if found as a result of the search, notifying the user that a mail following the found mail is regarded as a new mail and thereafter.

14. A mail server is connected at a predetermined interval to obtain a list of mail identifiers spooled in the mail server (referred to as "mail list"),
A new arrival monitoring server that provides a service for determining whether a new mail arrives and notifying the user when the new mail arrives. The identifiers of mails are arranged in the mail list in the order of arrival. The identifier of the earliest mail in the mail list acquired this time from the mail server indicates the position of the notified mail to the user in the mail list previously acquired from the mail server and stored and stored in the storage unit. A means for searching whether the pointer exists within the range pointed to by the pointer, and if not found as a result of the search, all the mails in the mail list acquired this time from the mail server are regarded as new mails and the user is notified. And, if found as a result of the search, previously acquired from the mail server In the mail list stored and held in the storage unit, a pointer pointing to the notified position is used as a determination pointer, and the mail identifier indicated by the determination pointer is searched from the mail list acquired this time. A new arrival monitoring server device, characterized in that, when found as a result of the search, a means for notifying the user of a mail subsequent to the found mail as a new mail is notified.

15. A unique identifier (I
In a new arrival monitoring server that is connected to a mail server that gives D) and generates a list in which mail IDs are arranged in the order of arrival, and that provides a service for notifying the user that new mail has arrived, And a means for obtaining a mail list consisting of a list in which mail identifiers of mails existing on the mail server are arranged in the order of arrival of the mails; and (b) the latest acquired from the mail server. From the top of the previously acquired mail list stored in the mail list storage unit that stores the mail list including the list of mail identifiers acquired from the mail server, the mail identifier at the top of the mail list, How many emails in the above email list have been notified to the user Means for searching up to the position pointed to by the notified pointer that stores the information, and (c) the identifier of the first mail in the latest mail list is the previously acquired mail stored in the mail list storage unit. When the mail is not found in the range from the top of the list to the position pointed to by the notified pointer, all the mails in the latest mail list are regarded as new mails to notify the user, and (d) On the other hand, In this case, in the mail list stored in the mail list storage unit, using the notified pointer as a determination pointer, the identifier of the email indicated by the determination pointer is searched from the latest email list, If it is found as a result of the search, the mail after the found mail is regarded as new mail and the user is notified. It comprises a stage, a new monitoring server and wherein the

16. The identifier of the mail at the head of the latest mail list is found within the range from the head of the previously acquired mail list stored in the mail list storage unit to the position pointed to by the notified pointer. If
The e-mail indicated by the judgment pointer is searched from the latest mail list, and when the e-mail is not found as a result of the search, the judgment pointer is returned by one and the mail indicated by the judgment pointer is updated to the latest mail. 16. The new arrival monitor according to claim 15, further comprising means for searching the mail list and, if found as a result of the search, regard a mail next to the found mail as a new mail and notify the user. Server device.

17. A server machine for holding arrived information and a new arrival monitoring server, wherein the new arrival monitoring server is
A service that obtains a list of information that has arrived by connecting to the server machine at a predetermined interval, determines whether new arrival information has arrived, and notifies the user when new arrival information has arrived A method of providing, wherein identifiers of information arriving at the server machine are sorted according to the arrival time of the information and held as a list, and the new arrival monitoring server arrives earliest in the list acquired this time from the server machine. The information identifier is
In the list previously acquired from the server machine and stored and stored in the storage unit, a step of searching for a position within a range pointed to by a pointer indicating a position of which the user has been notified; If not, a step of notifying the user of all the information in the list acquired this time from the server machine as new information, and if found as a result of the search, previously acquired from the server machine and storing the information. In the list stored and held in the section, the pointer indicating the notified position is used as a determination pointer, and the identifier of the information indicated by the determination pointer is searched from the list acquired this time,
If found as a result of the search, the following information after the found information is regarded as new arrival information and the user is notified, and a new arrival information notification method is included.

18. A list of identifiers of information spooled on the server machine (referred to as "list") is obtained by connecting to the server machine holding the arrived information and at a predetermined interval to the server machine. A new arrival monitoring server that provides a service for determining whether new arrival information has arrived and notifying the user of the arrival of new arrival information; and in the above list, the identifier of the information is , The information is arranged in the order in which the information arrives at the server machine, and the new arrival monitoring server has the identifier of the information that arrived earliest in the list acquired this time from the server machine,
In the list previously acquired from the server machine and stored and stored in the storage unit, a unit for searching for a position within a range pointed to by a pointer indicating a position notified to the user; When not found, means for notifying the user of all the information in the list acquired this time from the server machine as new, and, if found as a result of the search, previously acquired from the server machine and the storage unit In the list stored and stored in, the pointer indicating the notified position is used as a determination pointer, and the identifier of the information indicated by the determination pointer is searched from the list acquired this time. As a result, when it is found, a means for notifying the user of the following information after the found information is regarded as new arrival information. Eteiru New information notification system, characterized in that,.

19. A unique identifier (I
D) is provided and a server machine that generates a list in which identifiers (IDs) of information are arranged in the order of arrival, and a new arrival monitoring server that provides a service that notifies the user that new arrival information has arrived, The monitoring server includes a new arrival determination unit, a timer unit, a list storage unit that stores a list that includes a list of identifiers that are periodically acquired from the server machine, and a list storage unit that stores information from the first information in the list. A notified pointer storage unit that stores information indicating whether up to the second information has already been notified to the user; a user information storage unit that stores and holds an ID and password for connecting to the server machine; And periodically connecting to the server machine by the timer means, and identifying information of information existing on the server machine, in order of arrival. A list consisting of a list arranged in the list storage section, and the new arrival determination means sets the identifier of the information at the head of the latest list acquired from the server machine in the previously acquired list stored in the list storage unit. From the beginning to the position pointed to by the notified pointer, and the identifier of the information at the beginning of the latest list is pointed to by the notified pointer from the beginning in the previously acquired list stored in the list storage unit. If it is not found in the range up to the position, all the information in the latest list is regarded as new arrival information and the user is notified. On the other hand, if found, in the list stored in the list storage unit, Using the notified pointer as a pointer for determination, the information indicated by the pointer for determination is searched from the latest list, and the result of the search is found. And when to notify the user considers subsequent information of the found information and new information, new information notification system, wherein a.

20. The new arrival monitoring server sets the identifier of the information at the head of the latest list from the head of the previously acquired list stored in the list storage unit to the position pointed to by the notified pointer. If found in the range, the identifier of the information indicated by the determination pointer is searched from the latest list, and if not found as a result of the search, the determination pointer is returned by one to return the determination pointer. Search the information indicated by the pointer from the latest list,
If found as a result of the search, the information subsequent to the found information is regarded as new information and the user is notified.
The new arrival information notification system according to claim 19, characterized in that.

21. Upon completion of the new arrival determination, the new arrival monitoring server replaces the old list and the notified pointer stored in the list storage unit with new ones,
If new information exists, notify the user of new information,
A confirmation response to the notification is returned from the user terminal,
20. The notification pointer is updated when it is confirmed that the notification is successful, and the updated pointer is updated.
New information notification system described.