JP2018088175A - Output device, computer program, and sending object sending method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an output device capable of sending a sending object such as a postcard without disclosing an address to each other.SOLUTION: An output device comprises a candidate output unit that outputs a transmission destination candidate without an address which may be a transmission destination of a sending object, a first reception unit that receives identification information identifying the selected transmission destination candidate, a second reception unit that receives a message to be written in the sending object, an acquisition unit that acquires an address corresponding to the received identification information from a storage unit that makes the address of the transmission destination candidate and the identification information correspond to each other and store them, and an output unit that outputs the acquired address and the received message.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an output device that outputs a communication text and a delivery address of the communication text.

  In recent years, the awareness of protecting personal information has increased. Therefore, the general public avoids disclosure of name, address and phone number as much as possible. On the other hand, with the spread of the Internet, the online shopping usage rate is increasing. In online shopping, merchandise is received by mail or courier delivery. Therefore, unlike shopping at an actual store, it is necessary to disclose a name, an address, and a telephone number to a product supplier, and there is a problem in that personal information is known to many suppliers. In order to solve such a problem, a system that can request a product from a supplier while concealing personal information has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-296737 A

  On the other hand, with the spread of the Internet, the construction of human relations on the Internet is also progressing by SNS (Social Networking Service). There is no need to inform each other of the address and telephone number in the human relationship on the net. For this reason, it is not easy to send presents by courier or send items such as postcards and sealed letters to people who have a relationship on the Internet. This is because the address of the other party is required to perform these actions, but the other party does not always disclose the address. Further, the above system is not intended for delivery between individuals.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. An object of the present invention is to provide an output device or the like that enables sending items to be sent without disclosing addresses.

  An output device according to the present invention includes a candidate output unit that outputs a destination candidate that does not include an address that can be a destination of a shipment, a first reception unit that receives identification information that identifies the selected destination candidate, Acquisition that acquires an address associated with the received identification information from a second reception unit that receives a communication message to be described in the delivery and a storage unit that stores the address and identification information of the destination candidate in association with each other And an output unit that outputs the acquired address and the received communication text.

  In the present invention, the destination identification information and the communication text selected from the destination candidates not including the address are received, and the address and the communication text associated with the identification information of the selected destination are received. Since the data is output, it is possible to send the sent items without disclosing the addresses.

  The output device according to the present invention is characterized in that the second receiving unit receives model identification information for identifying a template that defines the format of the communication text, and the output unit outputs the received template identification information. To do.

  In the present invention, since a template is used to create a communication message, it is easy to format the communication message.

  The output device according to the present invention includes a third receiving unit that receives image data.

  In the present invention, the received image can be sent together with the communication text.

  The output device according to the present invention is characterized in that the second receiving unit receives article identification information for identifying an article different from the delivery, and the output unit outputs the received article identification information.

  In the present invention, it is possible to send a delivery such as a gift to the recipient of the message.

  The output device according to the present invention transmits an invitation message to a user of a social networking service who is not included in the destination candidate and does not disclose an address via the social networking service. It comprises a part.

  In the present invention, since the invitation message is transmitted through the social networking service, it is possible to invite friends on the social networking service.

  In the output device according to the present invention, each time the output unit outputs the address and the communication unit, the storage unit that associates the identification information of the sender of the delivery with the number of points held by the sender. A subtracting unit for subtracting the number of points is provided.

  In the present invention, payment consideration is paid in points, so that a settlement procedure is not required at the time of sending.

  The output device according to the present invention includes a third reception unit that receives an invitation ID and the address and name of the invited user, and temporary registration data that includes the received address and name in the storage unit in association with the invitation ID. A registration unit that registers, the output unit outputs a two-dimensional barcode generated based on the invitation ID, and the registration unit acquires the invitation ID included in the two-dimensional barcode The temporary registration data associated with the acquired invitation ID is stored as user data in the storage unit.

  In the present invention, since an existing user inputs the address and name of a user to be invited, a new user who is not accustomed to data input can also perform user registration.

  The computer program according to the present invention outputs a delivery destination candidate that can be a delivery destination of a delivery, accepts identification information for identifying the selected delivery destination candidate, accepts a communication message to be described in the delivery, Obtaining an address associated with the received identification information from a storage unit that stores the address of the destination candidate and the identification information in association with each other, and causing the computer to execute a process of outputting the acquired address and the received communication text It is characterized by.

  In the present invention, it is possible to send a delivery without disclosing each other's address.

  The delivery method according to the present invention outputs a delivery destination candidate that does not include an address that can be a delivery destination of the delivery, accepts identification information for identifying the selected delivery destination candidate, and describes the identification information in the delivery. The address corresponding to the received identification information is acquired from the storage unit that receives the correspondence message and stores the address and the identification information of the destination candidate in association with each other, and prints the acquired address and the received communication message. It outputs to the computer of the supplier who performs.

  In the present invention, it is possible to send a delivery without disclosing each other's address.

  In the present invention, it is possible to send a delivery without disclosing each other's address.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a letter platform. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of an output server. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of user DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of friend DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of card DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a home screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a format selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a design selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a card creation screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a destination selection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a confirmation screen. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a creation process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a friend screen. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of friend processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a selection screen. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a creation process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a gift selection screen. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a creation process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of an invitation screen. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of friend processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of my address screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of my address DB. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a creation process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of this registration process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the record layout of user DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of address DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the record layout of ID conversion DB.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the letter platform 100. The letter platform 100 includes an output server (output device) 1, a printer 2, and a user terminal 3. The output server 1 and the printer 2 are connected by a network N1. The output server 1 and the user terminal 3 are connected to each other by a network N2 such as the Internet. The output server 1 and the user terminal 3 may be connected to each other by a network N2 and a network N3 (for example, a public telephone network). In the present embodiment, a postcard is used as an example of a delivery.

  The output server 1 is configured by a server computer, a blade computer, or the like. The printer 2 is a laser printer or an ink jet printer. The user terminal 3 is a desktop PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a tablet, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), a smartphone, or a portable game machine with a communication function.

  The output server 1 outputs a communication text and destination information of the communication text from the user terminal 3. Based on the information output from the output server 1, the printer 2 prints a message, a destination address, and a name on a postcard. The printed postcards are stamped and mailed. The user terminal 3 transmits to the output server 1 information about the communication text input by the user and the destination of the communication text selected by the user. Note that a printer such as a rotary press may be employed instead of the printer 2. Further, the printer 2 may be operated by a company different from the operator of the letter platform 100. Furthermore, the function of the output server 1 may be provided in the cloud.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the output server 1. The output server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a mass storage unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a reading unit 16. Each component is connected by a bus B.

  The CPU 11 controls each part of the hardware according to the control program 1P stored in the ROM 12. The RAM 13 is, for example, SRAM (Static RAM), DRAM (Dynamic RAM), or flash memory. The RAM 13 temporarily stores data generated when the CPU 11 executes the program.

  The large-capacity storage unit 14 is, for example, a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The large-capacity storage unit 14 stores a user DB (DataBase) 141, a friend DB 142, and a card DB 143, which will be described later. Further, the control program 1P may be stored in the large-capacity storage unit 14.

  The communication unit 15 communicates with the printer 2 via the network N1. The communication unit 15 communicates with the user terminal 3 via the network N2 or the networks N2 and N3.

  The reading unit 16 reads a portable storage medium 1a including a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) -ROM. The CPU 11 may read the control program 1P from the portable storage medium 1a via the reading unit 16 and store it in the large-capacity storage unit 14. Further, the CPU 11 may download the control program 1P from another computer via the network N1 or the like and store it in the large-capacity storage unit 14. Furthermore, the CPU 11 may read the control program 1P from the semiconductor memory 1b.

  Next, a database stored in the large-capacity storage unit 14 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the user DB 141. The user DB 141 is a database that stores information about users. The user DB 141 includes an ID column, a name column, an e-mail column, a password column, a postal code column, an address column, and a point column. The ID column stores an ID (identification information) that can uniquely identify the user. The name column stores the name of the user. The e-mail column stores the user's e-mail address. The password column stores a password for user authentication. The postal code column stores the user's postal code. The address column stores the user's address. The point column stores points owned by the user.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the friend DB 142. The friend DB 142 is a database that stores friend relationships between users. The friend DB 142 includes an ID column, a friend ID column, and a status column. The ID column stores the user ID. The friend ID column stores the friend ID or the status of the user who is applying for friends. For example, the status column stores “approved” during application. During application, it shows the state of applying for friendship to other users. Approved indicates that the friend has approved the application.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the card DB 143. The card DB 143 is a database that stores information about picture postcards. The card DB 143 includes an ID column, a product number column, an image column, a thumbnail column, a name column, a necessary point column, and a category column. The ID column stores an ID (model identification information) that uniquely specifies the picture postcard. The product number column stores the product number of the picture postcard. The product number is, for example, a JAN (Japan Article Number) code. The image sequence stores the picture surface of a postcard as an image. The thumbnail column stores thumbnails of images on the picture surface. The name column stores the name of the postcard. The necessary point column stores the number of points necessary for sending the postcard. The user cannot send a postcard unless he has more points than necessary. The category column stores the classification of postcards (season or usage scene, etc.). For example, the category column stores season, everyday, thanksgiving or anniversary. The season indicates that the design is in accordance with the season. Everyday shows that the pattern can be used all year round. Appreciation indicates that the design is suitable for expressing gratitude. Anniversary indicates that the picture is suitable for sending on an anniversary such as a birthday or wedding anniversary. Note that the pattern surface may include an area where the image is printed and an area where the communication text is printed instead of the entire image. In that case, a template that defines the format of the card DB 143 pattern is stored. The model includes, for example, the position and size of an area for printing an image and the position and size of an area for printing a communication text. The card DB 143 may store the design of the address surface. The design of the address is, for example, a template that defines how to arrange a correspondence, a mailing address, and a name. The model may be stored for each picture plane, or may be common to all picture planes.

  Next, the postcard creation procedure and the like of the letter platform 100 will be described using an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 3. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the home screen 41. The home screen 41 is a screen displayed immediately after the user (sender) logs into the letter platform 100. The home screen 41 includes a notification area 41a, a menu area 41b, and a main area 41c.

  The notification area 41a includes a holding point display 411, a friend application display 412 and a notification display 413. The possessed point display 411 shows the value of the points possessed by the user. Points have monetary value. In the letter platform 100, when the user sends a postal matter such as a postcard, the user pays points as the price. The user needs to purchase points prior to sending the shipment. A friend application display 412 indicates whether or not a friend application has been made. When a friend application is received from another user, the number of applications is displayed in the friend application display 412. When friend application display 412 is clicked on with a mouse or the like, the screen changes to a friend application approval screen (not shown). The notification display 413 indicates the number of notifications from the letter platform 100. When there is a notification addressed to the user, the number of notifications is displayed on the notification display 413. If notification display 413 is clicked with a mouse or the like, a transition is made to a notification list display screen (not shown).

  The menu area 41b includes a home menu 414, a creation menu 415, a friend menu 416, and a setting menu 417. The home menu 414 is a menu for returning to the home screen 41. The creation menu 415 is a menu for starting the creation of a postcard. In the present embodiment, when the creation menu 415 is selected, the screen changes to a format selection screen. A friend menu 416 is a menu for transitioning to a friend list screen. A setting menu 417 is a menu for transitioning to a setting screen.

  The main area 41 c includes a banner 418. The banner 418 displays the content notified to all users.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the format selection screen 42. The format selection screen 42 includes a notification area 42a, a menu area 42b, and a main area 42c. Since the notification area 42a and the menu area 42b are the same as the home screen 41, description thereof is omitted. The main area 42c includes a format option 425. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the postcard type is displayed as the format option 425. In FIG. 7, when the postcard type is selected, the screen changes to a design selection screen. In FIG. 7, only the postcard type is displayed, but other formats may be displayed. The other format is, for example, a format (described later) in which a photograph uploaded by the user is used as a picture postcard.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the design selection screen 43. The design selection screen 43 includes a notification area 43a, a title area 43b, a classification area 43c, and a main area 43d. The notification area 43a includes a holding point display 431, a friend application display 432, a notification display 433, and a home display 434. Since the possession point display 431, the friend application display 432, and the notification display 433 are the same as the home screen 41, description thereof is omitted. The home display 434 is a display for transitioning to the home screen 41. When the home display 434 is selected with a mouse click or the like, the screen transitions to the home screen 41.

  The title area 43b includes a postcard icon 435. The classification area 43 c includes a classification display 436. In the example shown in FIG. 8, as the classification display 436, season, anniversary, birthday, everyday, thanks, and others are displayed. The fact that the birthday is surrounded by a rectangle indicates that the birthday classification display 436 is selected.

  The main area 43d includes an image display 437 and a necessary point display 438. The image display 437 displays an image of the picture surface of the postcard. The necessary point display 438 is displayed corresponding to the image display 437. The necessary point display 438 displays the number of points required when a picture postcard for the corresponding image display 437 is sent. In the example shown in FIG. 8, since the birthday classification display 436 is selected in the classification area 43c, the image display 437 of the main area 43d displays a picture postcard image for the birthday card. When the user selects an image display 437 that displays an image to be sent by mouse click or the like, the screen changes to a card creation screen.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the card creation screen 44. The card creation screen 44 includes a notification area 44a, a title area 44b, a destination area 44c, a design display area 44d, and a main area 44e. The notification area 44 a includes a holding point display 441, a friend application display 442, a notification display 443, and a home display 444. Since the possession point display 441, the friend application display 442, the notification display 443, and the home display 444 are similar to the design selection screen 43, description thereof is omitted. The title area 44b displays a screen title. In the example shown in FIG. 9, “Create new card” is displayed.

  The destination area 44c is an area for setting a postcard delivery destination. The destination area 44 c includes a destination display 445 and a destination selection screen calling area 446. The destination display 445 displays the name of the user who is the destination of the picture postcard and the photograph of the user. If the user has not set a photo, an unset icon is displayed instead of the photo. A destination selection screen calling area 446 is an area for calling a destination selection screen. When the destination selection screen calling area 446 is selected by mouse click or the like, the screen changes to the destination selection screen. Note that the address of the user as the destination is not displayed in the destination area 44c. The destination area 44c may display a nickname, pen name, or handle name instead of the name of the destination user.

  The design display area 44d includes a selected design area 447 and a design selection screen calling area 448. The selected design area 447 displays a thumbnail of the picture image of the selected postcard. The design selection screen calling area 448 is an area for calling the design selection screen 43. When the design selection screen calling area 448 is selected by mouse click or the like, the design selection screen 43 is transitioned to.

  The main area 44e includes an input area 449 and a confirmation button 440. The input area 449 is an area for inputting a communication text. The confirmation button 440 is a button for making a transition to the confirmation screen. By selecting the confirmation button 440 with a mouse click or the like after setting the destination, selecting the design, and inputting the communication text, the screen transitions to the confirmation screen.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the destination selection screen 45. The destination selection screen 45 includes a notification area 45a, a status display area 45b, a title area 45c, and a destination selection area 45d. The notification area 45a includes a holding point display 451, a friend application display 452, a notification display 453, and a home display 457. Since the possession point display 451, friend application display 452, notification display 453, and home display 457 are the same as the design selection screen 43, description thereof is omitted.

  The status display area 45b indicates that the destination selection screen 45 has been called in the new card creation state. The title area 45c indicates that the screen is a screen for selecting a destination. The destination selection area 45d is an area for selecting a destination. The destination selection area 45d displays a list of users (destination candidates) who are friends as destination candidates. The list display includes a user photo 454, a user name 455, and a select button 456. By selecting the selection button 456 corresponding to the user as the destination by clicking the mouse or the like, it is possible to select it as the destination. Note that the address of the user who is a friend is not displayed in the destination selection area 45d. Further, a nickname, pen name, or handle name may be displayed instead of the user's name 455.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen 46. The confirmation screen 46 includes a notification area 46a and a main area 46b. The notification area 46a includes a holding point display 461, a friend application display 462, a notification display 463, and a creation screen calling area 464. Since the possession point display 461, the friend application display 462, and the notification display 463 are the same as those of the design selection screen 43, description thereof is omitted. The creation screen calling area 464 is an area for returning to the card creation screen 44. When the creation screen calling area 464 is selected by mouse click or the like, the screen changes to the card creation screen 44.

  The main area 46 b includes a creation screen calling area 465, a card address face display 466, a card picture face display 467, a confirmation message display 468, and a shipping button 469. The creation screen call area 465 has the same function as the creation screen call area 464. When the creation screen calling area 465 is selected by clicking the mouse or the like, the screen changes to the card creation screen 44.

  A card address display 466 displays a print image of the address of the picture postcard. The card address display 466 includes a communication sentence 4661, a sender user photo 4661, a sender name 4663, a destination name 4664, and a note 4665. A communication sentence 4661 is a communication sentence input by the sender user. A sender user photo 4661 and a sender name 4663 are a photograph and a name of a user who is a sender. The destination name 4664 is the name of the user who is the destination. The note 4665 indicates that an appropriate postal address and address are described in the actual postcard to be sent. The note 4665 indicates that the user can confirm again that the postcard can be sent without knowing the address of the user who is the sender. If the destination name 4664 is not the name of the user, the name of the user printed on the postcard is printed instead of the destination name 4664.

  The card picture surface display 467 displays an image of the picture face of the picture postcard. The confirmation message display 468 includes points owned by the sender user and points used for sending the postcard. A shipping button 469 is a button for instructing shipping of a postcard. The user confirms the contents of the card address surface display 466, the card picture surface display 467, and the confirmation message display 468, and selects the shipping button 469 with a mouse click or the like.

  Next, processing performed by the output server 1 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the main process. The CPU 11 of the output server 1 performs login processing (step S1). When there is a new access from the user terminal 3, the CPU 11 displays a login screen on the user terminal 3. The CPU 11 acquires the ID and password input by the user. The CPU 11 authenticates the user by associating the acquired combination of ID and password with the combination of ID and password stored in the user DB 141. If the user authentication fails, the CPU 11 stops the process. When the CPU 11 succeeds in user authentication, the CPU 11 performs step S2.

  The CPU 11 displays the home screen 41 on the user terminal 3 (step S2). The CPU 11 determines whether or not the user has selected the creation menu 415 on the home screen 41 (step S3). If the CPU 11 determines that the creation menu 415 has been selected (YES in step S3), the CPU 11 performs a creation process (step S4). After the creation process, the CPU 11 returns the process to step S2. When the CPU 11 determines that the creation menu 415 is not selected (NO in step S3), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the friend menu 416 is selected (step S5). If the CPU 11 determines that the friend menu 416 has been selected (YES in step S5), the CPU 11 performs friend processing (step S6). After the friend process, the CPU 11 determines whether or not to transition to card creation (step S7). If the CPU 11 determines to shift to card creation (YES in step S7), the process proceeds to step S4. If the CPU 11 determines not to make a card creation (NO in step S7), the process returns to step S2. If the CPU 11 determines that the friend menu 416 has not been selected (NO in step S5), the CPU 11 determines whether or not logout has been selected (step S8). If the CPU 11 determines that logout has been selected (YES in step S8), the process ends. If the CPU 11 determines that logout is not selected (NO in step S8), the process returns to step S2.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the creation process. The CPU 11 acquires type selection information (step S11). The CPU 11 displays the format selection screen 42 on the user terminal 3. The CPU 11 acquires the type selected by the user from the user terminal 3. The CPU 11 determines whether or not the acquired type is a post card (type) (step S12). If the CPU 11 determines that the acquired type is a post card (YES in step S12), the CPU 11 displays the image of the post card on the tile (step S13). The CPU 11 changes the screen of the user terminal 3 to the design selection screen 43. The CPU 11 acquires an image of the postcard pattern from the card DB 143 and displays the acquired image on the design selection screen 43. CPU11 acquires card selection information (Step S14). The CPU 11 displays the card creation screen 44 on the user terminal 3 (step S15). The CPU 11 determines whether or not a destination has been selected (step S16). That is, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the destination selection screen calling area 446 has been selected on the card creation screen 44. When it is determined that the destination has been selected (YES in step S16), the CPU 11 displays a list of destination candidates (step S17). The CPU 11 refers to the friend DB 142 and acquires the user's friend ID. The CPU 11 acquires user information corresponding to the acquired ID from the user DB 141. The CPU 11 changes the screen of the user terminal 3 to the destination selection screen 45. Based on the acquired user information, the CPU 11 displays a list of destination candidates in the destination selection area 45d. CPU11 acquires a destination (step S18). The destination to be acquired is the ID of the user selected as the destination. CPU11 returns a process to step S16. When returning the processing to step S16, the CPU 11 updates the contents of the destination display 445 on the card creation screen 44 based on the destination acquired in step S18.

  If the CPU 11 determines that the destination has not been selected (NO in step S16), it determines whether a communication text has been input (step S19). If the CPU 11 determines that a communication text has been input (YES in step S19), the CPU 11 displays the content of the input communication text in the input area 449 (step S20). CPU11 returns a process to step S16. If the CPU 11 determines that no communication text has been input (NO in step S19), the CPU 11 determines whether card selection has been instructed (step S21). The CPU 11 determines whether or not the design selection screen calling area 448 is selected on the card creation screen 44. If the CPU 11 determines that card selection has been instructed (YES in step S21), the process returns to step S13. When determining that the card selection is not instructed (NO in step S21), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the confirmation button 440 is selected (step S22). When the CPU 11 determines that the confirmation button 440 has been selected (YES in step S22), the CPU 11 displays a confirmation screen 46 on the user terminal 3 (step S23).

  The CPU 11 determines whether or not shipping has been instructed on the confirmation screen 46 (step S24). If the CPU 11 determines that shipping is not instructed (NO in step S24), the process returns to step S15. If the CPU 11 determines that shipping has been instructed (YES in step S24), the CPU 11 outputs information about the selected design and the selected destination (step S25). Based on the ID of the user selected as the destination, the CPU 11 acquires a name, a zip code, and an address associated with the ID from the user DB 141. The CPU 11 outputs the acquired name, zip code, and address. As a result, the selected design is printed on the design surface, and a postcard printed with the address and address based on the selected destination is created by the printer 2. The CPU 11 subtracts the sender user's points (step S26). The CPU 11 ends the creation process and returns the process to the caller. If the CPU 11 determines that the confirmation button 440 has not been selected (NO in step S22), the CPU 11 ends the creation process and returns the process to the caller. If the CPU 11 determines that the acquired type is not a postcard (NO in step S12), the CPU 11 ends the creation process and returns the process to the caller. In addition, the pattern surface may not be printed each time, but may be prepared in advance by printing the pattern surface.

  A part of the creation process may be performed only by the user terminal 3. For example, step S19 and step S20. In that case, steps S19 and S20 disappear from FIG. If NO in step S16, step S21 is executed.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the friend screen 47. The friend screen 47 includes a notification area 47a, a menu area 47b, and a main area 47c. The notification area 47a includes a holding point display 471, a friend application display 472, and a notification display 473. The menu area 47b includes a home menu 474, a creation menu 475, a friend menu 476, and a setting menu 477. Since the notification area 47a and the menu area 47b are the same as the home screen 41, description thereof is omitted.

  The main area 47c includes a friend display area 479 and a friend candidate display area 470. The friend invitation area 478 is an area for calling an invitation function for inviting a friend who is not a user of the letter platform 100. The friend invitation area 478 includes a friend invitation icon 4781 and a friend invitation sentence 4782. When friend invitation icon 4781 and friend invitation sentence 4782 are selected with a mouse click or the like, a hyperlink to a friend invitation page in letter platform 100 is displayed. The user notifies the friend who wants to invite the displayed hyperlink by e-mail or the like. Thereby, the user can invite friends to the letter platform 100.

  The friend display area 479 displays information about friends. The friend display area 479 includes a photo 4791, a name 4792, a birthday 4793, and a create button 4794. A photo 4791, a name 4792, a birthday 4793, and a create button 4794 are displayed for each friend. A photo 4791 is a photo registered by a friend. Name 4792 is the name of a friend. Birthday 4793 is the friend's birthday. A create button 4794 is for creating a card. When the creation button 4794 is selected by mouse click or the like, the corresponding friend is set as the destination, and the screen changes to the card creation screen 44.

  The friend candidate display area 470 displays users (friend candidates) who may be friends. The friend candidate display area 470 includes a photograph 4701, a name 4702, a common number 4703, an exclude button 4704, and an application button 4705. A photograph 4701, a name 4702, a common number 4703, an exclude button 4704, and an application button 4705 are displayed for each friend candidate. A photo 4701 is a photo registered by a friend candidate. Name 4702 is the name of a friend candidate. The common number 4703 is the number of friends shared by the user and the friend candidates. The exclude button 4704 is a button for excluding a corresponding user from friend candidates. When the exclude button 4704 is selected by a mouse click or the like, the corresponding user is not displayed as a friend candidate thereafter. The application button 4705 is a button for transmitting a friend application to the corresponding user. In addition, a well-known technique can be utilized for extraction of the user who becomes a friend candidate.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a friend processing procedure. The CPU 11 displays the friend screen 47 on the user terminal 3 (step S31). The CPU 11 reads out the ID (friend ID) of the friend who is associated with the user ID from the friend DB 142 and whose state has been approved. A record associated with the read friend ID is read from the user DB 141. The CPU 11 generates a friend screen 47 based on the read record. The CPU 11 determines whether or not the creation button 4794 has been selected (step S32). If the CPU 11 determines that the creation button 4794 has been selected (YES in step S32), the CPU 11 sets the user corresponding to the selected creation button 4794 as the destination (step S33). The CPU 11 ends the friend process and returns the process to the caller.

  When the CPU 11 determines that the creation button 4794 is not selected (NO in step S32), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the invitation function is called (step S34). The CPU 11 determines whether or not the friend invitation icon 4781 or the friend invitation sentence 4782 is selected. When the friend invitation icon 4781 or the friend invitation sentence 4782 is selected, the CPU 11 determines that the invitation function has been called. If the CPU 11 determines that the invitation function has been called (YES in step S34), the CPU 11 displays a hyperlink to the friend invitation page on the user terminal 3 (step S35). The user copies the displayed hyperlink and sends it to a friend by email. Friends use hyperlinks in the received email to access the invitation page and register as a user. The CPU 11 determines whether or not it has been instructed to return (step S38). If the CPU 11 determines that an instruction to return has been issued (YES in step S38), the friend process ends and the process returns to the caller. If the CPU 11 determines that there is no instruction to return (NO in step S38), it returns to step S32.

  When determining that the invitation function has not been called (NO in step S34), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the application button 4705 has been selected (step S36). If the CPU 11 determines that the application button 4705 has been selected (YES in step S36), it makes a friend application to the user corresponding to the application button 4705 (step S37). Since the friend application process can be realized by a known technique, a description thereof will be omitted. The CPU 11 moves the process to step S38. If the CPU 11 determines that the application button 4705 has not been selected (NO in step S36), the process proceeds to step S38.

  The present embodiment has the following effects. The letter platform 100 stores the user name and address in the user DB 141 in association with each other. The letter platform 100 does not disclose the user's address to other users. Therefore, even if the sender does not know the address of the destination, it is possible to send the postcard by designating the name of the destination. The letter platform 100 has a friend invitation function. Existing users can invite friends to the letter platform 100 by notifying their friends of hyperlinks to the invitation page. If a friend who does not know the address is invited to the letter platform 100 and the friend registers as a user, then a postcard can be sent to the friend.

  Since it is an approved friend that can be specified as a destination, each user can prevent a postcard from reaching a user who is not familiar with it. Since the letter platform 00 stores the address of each user, if the friend who knows the address is a user, the user can send a postcard to the friend without knowing the change of the address due to moving or the like.

  Note that the name displayed on the destination display 445 or the like of the card creation screen 44 may be a nickname or the like instead of the user's name. In this case, the user DB 141 stores a nickname and a name. The nickname is displayed to other users, but the address of the postcard to be sent is the name. Thereby, in addition to the address, a postcard can be sent to a user who does not know his / her name.

(Embodiment 2)
The present embodiment relates to a form in which a photograph is printed on the pattern surface of a postcard. In this embodiment, options are added to the format selection screen 17 shown in FIG. An example of an option is “Send my photo”. By selecting the option, the user can create a postcard with a photo printed on the pattern surface.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the selection screen 48. When the user selects “Send my photo” on the format selection screen 17, a selection screen 48 is displayed. When a photographic image to be uploaded is selected on the selection screen 48, the state shown in FIG. 16 is obtained. The selection screen 48 includes a control area 48a, a title area 48b, and a main area 48c. The control area 4a includes a return button 481. When the return button 481 is selected with a mouse click or the like, the format selection screen 42 is displayed again. The title area 48b includes a screen title 482. The screen title 482 is “size adjustment”, for example. The main area 48c includes an image designation button 483, an image display area 484, a size adjustment bar 485, and an upload button 486. An image designation button 483 is a button for selecting an image to be uploaded. When the image designation button 483 is selected with a mouse click or the like, a sub-screen for selecting a photo image file (image data) is popped up. The user designates a photo image file on the subscreen. The image display area 484 displays a photographic image selected by the user. A size adjustment bar 485 is used to adjust the size of the photographic image. Moving the knob 4851 to the right enlarges the photographic image. Moving the knob 4851 to the left reduces the photo image. For example, if the aspect ratio of the photographic image does not match the aspect ratio of the postcard, the displayed image appears to be cut off from top to bottom or from left to right. The upload button 486 is a button for instructing uploading of the selected photo image to the output server 1. When the upload button 486 is selected with a mouse click or the like, a photo image is uploaded. The image to be uploaded is not limited to a photographic image but may be an illustration image.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the creation process. In FIG. 17, the same processing steps as those in FIG. 13 are assigned the same step numbers as in FIG. The CPU 11 acquires type selection information (step S11). The CPU 11 determines whether or not the acquired type is a post card (type) (step S12). If the CPU 11 determines that the acquired type is a post card (YES in step S12), the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG. When the CPU 11 determines that the acquired type is not a postcard (NO in step S12), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the acquired type is a photo (“send your own photo”) (step S41). If the CPU 11 determines that the acquired type is not a photograph (NO in step S41), it returns the process to the caller. When the CPU 11 determines that the acquired type is a photograph (YES in step S41), the CPU 11 displays the selection screen 48 on the user terminal 3 (step S42). The user operates the selection screen 48, selects an image to be uploaded, and instructs the upload using the upload button 486. CPU11 acquires the uploaded image (step S43). The CPU 11 displays a card creation screen 44 (step S15).

  The card creation screen 44 in the present embodiment is almost the same as FIG. The design display area 44d is different. In the selected design area 447, thumbnails of uploaded photographic images are displayed. When the design selection screen calling area 448 is selected, the screen transitions to the selection screen 48.

  The operations from step S16 to S20 are the same as those in FIG. If the CPU 11 determines that no communication text has been input (NO in step S19), it determines whether re-acquisition of the image has been instructed (whether the design selection screen calling area 448 has been selected) (step S44). ). If the CPU 11 determines that an instruction to reacquire an image has been given (YES in step S44), the process returns to step S42. If the CPU 11 determines that an instruction to reacquire an image has not been given (NO in step S44), the CPU 11 determines whether the confirmation button 440 has been selected (step S22). Subsequent processing is the same as in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the picture surface of the picture postcard can be a photographic image designated by the user. Thereby, the user can send a photo to another user who does not know the address.

  When the user terminal 3 includes a camera, the photo selection method may be as follows. When the user selects an image designation button 483 on the selection screen 48, the user terminal 3 starts an image reference application. The user selects an image to be uploaded from the image list displayed in the image reference application. Also. A camera application is further selected from the image reference application to take a picture. Since the photographed photographic image can be referred to by the image reference application, the photographic image is selected. Thereby, an image of a photograph taken on the spot can be selected as an image to be uploaded. Also, the picture surface of the postcard may be an image in which a photographic image is embedded in a frame image instead of only a photographic image. It is also possible to send a plurality of photos. In that case, you can send the printed photo in a sealed letter. At that time, a postcard may be enclosed. The picture surface of the enclosed postcard may be one of the photographic images.

(Embodiment 3)
This embodiment relates to a form in which a gift (article) is sent in addition to a postcard. In the following description, the case of extending the first embodiment will be described, but the second embodiment can be extended. In the present embodiment, a gift display area is displayed on the card creation screen 44 (see FIG. 9). For example, the gift display area is displayed below the design display area 44d.

  Similar to the design display area 44d, the gift display area includes a selected gift area and a gift selection screen calling area. A photograph of the gift selected by the user is displayed in the selected gift area. The gift selection screen calling area is an area for calling a gift selection screen. When a gift selection screen calling area is selected by mouse click or the like, the screen changes to a gift selection screen.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the gift selection screen 49. The gift selection screen 49 includes a notification area 49a, a title area 49b, a classification area 49c, and a main area 49d. The notification area 49a includes a holding point display 491, a friend application display 492, a notification display 493, and a home display 494. Since the possession point display 491, the friend application display 492, the notification display 493, and the home display 494 are the same as the design selection screen 43, description thereof is omitted.

  The title area 49b includes a title 495. The title 495 is “gift”, for example. Instead of the title 495, an icon indicating a gift may be used.

  The classification area 49c includes a classification display 496. In the example shown in FIG. 18, as in FIG. 8, the classification display 496 displays season, anniversary, birthday, everyday, thank you, and others. The fact that the birthday is surrounded by a rectangle indicates that the birthday classification display 496 is selected.

  The main area 49d includes an image display 497 and a necessary point display 498. The image display 497 displays a gift image. The necessary point display 498 is displayed corresponding to the image display 497. The necessary point display 498 displays the number of points required when a gift for the corresponding image display 497 is sent. In the example shown in FIG. 18, since the birthday display 496 is selected in the classification area 49c, a gift image for birthday is displayed on the image display 497 in the main area 49d. When the user moves the mouse over an image display 497 that displays an image to be sent, a selection message 499 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 18, the selection message 499 is “make this gift”. The user selects a gift by clicking the displayed selection message 499 with a mouse.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the creation process. The creation process of this embodiment is an extension of the process shown in FIG. FIG. 19 mainly shows processing that is not included in FIG. In FIG. 19, the same processes as those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. If NO in step S19 of FIG. 13, the CPU 11 determines whether card selection is instructed (step S21). If the CPU 11 determines that card selection has been instructed (YES in step S21), the process returns to step S13. If the CPU 11 determines that card selection is not instructed (NO in step S21), the CPU 11 determines whether or not gift selection is specified (step S51). If the CPU 11 determines that gift selection is not designated (NO in step S51), it executes step S22. Steps S22 to S24 are the same as in FIG. If the CPU 11 determines that gift selection has been designated (YES in step S51), it displays a list of gifts (step S52). That is, the gift selection screen 49 is displayed on the user terminal 3. The gift information displayed on the gift selection screen 49 is stored in, for example, the large-capacity storage unit 14. The gift information to be stored is the same as the card DB 143. The CPU 11 acquires information on the selected gift (step S53). The CPU 11 moves the process to step S15. If a gift has been selected, the content of the selected gift is displayed on the confirmation screen 46 (FIG. 11) displayed in step S23.

  In the present embodiment, in step S25, the CPU 11 outputs information for sending a gift (gift sending information) in addition to the information for printing a picture postcard. The gift delivery information includes a JAN code (article identification information) for specifying a gift, and the name and address of the delivery destination. The gift delivery information is transmitted to a shopping mall site, for example. The shopping mall site sends a gift based on the gift sending information. In step S26, the CPU 11 also subtracts points necessary for sending gifts in addition to points necessary for sending postcards.

  This embodiment has the following effects. The user can send a gift with a postcard to a friend who does not know the address.

(Embodiment 4)
This embodiment relates to a mode in which an invitation message is transmitted by SNS. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user has registered for a plurality of SNSs.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the invitation screen 50. The invitation screen 50 includes a notification area 50a and a main area 50b. The notification area 50 a includes a holding point display 501, a friend application display 502, a notification display 503, and a home display 504. Since the possession point display 501, friend application display 502, notification display 503, and home display 504 are the same as the design selection screen 43, description thereof is omitted.

  The main area 50b includes an invitation link display 505, a copy instruction unit 506, and an SNS transmission unit 507. The invitation link display 505 displays a hyperlink of the friend invitation page. The copy instruction unit 506 instructs to copy a hyperlink. When the copy instruction unit 506 is selected by mouse click or the like, the hyperlink displayed in the invitation link display 505 is copied to the clipboard. The SNS transmission unit 507 is for transmitting hyperlinks to friends via SNS. In FIG. 20, SNS1 and SNS2 can be selected. When the SNS transmission unit 507 is selected by a mouse click or the like, a transmission screen 50c is displayed. The transmission screen 50 c includes a recipient designation unit 508, a message input area 509, an attachment area 510, a close button 511, and a transmission button 512. A recipient designation unit 508 is for setting a hyperlink recipient (invited friend). A message input area 509 is for inputting a message to the recipient. The attachment area 510 includes a hyperlink of the invitation page. The close button is a button for closing the transmission screen 50c without transmitting an invitation message. A send button 512 is a button for sending an invitation message via the SNS. The transmission screen 50c is not essential. The following operation may be performed without using the transmission screen 50c. When the SNS transmission unit 507 is selected, the SNS software installed in the user terminal 3 is activated. Open the message transmission screen in the SNS software, and embed a hyperlink to the invitation message in the message or as an attachment to the message. Whether to use the transmission screen 50c or the SNS software may be appropriately determined according to specifications such as SNS API (Application Programming Interface).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a friend processing procedure. In FIG. 21, the same processes as those in FIG. 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Steps S31 to S34 and steps S37 to S38 in FIG. 21 are the same as those in FIG.

  The CPU 11 determines whether or not the friend invitation icon 4781 or the friend invitation sentence 4782 is selected. When the friend invitation icon 4781 or the friend invitation sentence 4782 is selected, the CPU 11 determines that the invitation function has been called. If the CPU 11 determines that the invitation function has been called (YES in step S34), the CPU 11 displays the invitation screen 50 (step S61). The CPU 11 determines whether or not SNS has been selected (step S62). In the example of FIG. 20, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the SNS transmission unit 507 has been selected. When determining that the SNS is not selected (NO in step S62), the CPU 11 determines whether an instruction to return is given (step S63). If the CPU 11 determines that an instruction to return has been issued (YES in step S63), the friend process ends and the process returns to the caller. If the CPU 11 determines that no instruction to return is made (NO in step S63), the process returns to step S62.

  If the CPU 11 determines that SNS has been selected (YES in step S62), it displays a transmission screen 50c (step S64). The CPU 11 determines whether or not the send button 512 has been selected (step S65). If the CPU 11 determines that the send button 512 has been selected (YES in step S65), the CPU 11 sends an invitation message via the SNS (step S66), and the process proceeds to step S67. If the CPU 11 determines that the send button 512 is not selected (NO in step S65), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the close button 511 is selected (step S67). If the CPU 11 determines that the close button 511 has been selected (YES in step S67), the transmission screen 50c is closed (step S68), and the process returns to step S62. If the CPU 11 determines that the close button 511 has not been selected (NO in step S67), the process returns to step S65.

  This embodiment has the following effects. Since the invitation message to the letter platform 100 can be transmitted via the SNS, if it is a friend on the SNS, a friend who does not know the mail address can be invited. Although the present embodiment is an extension of the first embodiment, other embodiments can be expanded.

(Embodiment 5)
This embodiment relates to a form in which an existing user assists registration of a new user. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the existing user knows the address of the new user. For example, it is assumed that it is possible to use the letter platform 100, but a person who cannot perform user registration operation or does not perform troublesome user registration operation is assumed as a new user. The content that the existing user assists temporarily registers the address and name of the new user, and sends a postcard to inform the new user to the new user.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the my address screen 52. This is a screen called from the destination selection screen 45 (FIG. 10). In this embodiment, a My Address button is added to the destination selection screen 45. For example, an annotation such as inputting a delivery address and a name is added to the My Address button. When the My Address button is selected on the destination selection screen 45 with a mouse click or the like, a My Address screen 52 is displayed.

  The my address screen 52 includes a notification area 52a, a title area 52b, and a main area 52c. The notification area 52a includes a stored point display 521, a friend application display 522, a notification display 523, and a back button 524. Since the possession point display 521, the friend application display 522, and the notification display 523 are the same as the design selection screen 43, description thereof is omitted. The return button 524 is a button for discarding the input contents and returning to the destination selection screen 45. The title area 52b includes a title display 525. The title display 525 is, for example, my address.

  The main area 52 c includes a destination input unit 526, a confirmation button 527, and a return button 528. The destination input unit 526 is for inputting a postal code, a prefecture, a municipality, a street address, a building name, and a destination name (delivery destination) of a new user. The confirmation button 527 is a button for displaying an input confirmation screen for confirming the input content. A return button 528 is a button for discarding the input contents and returning to the destination selection screen 45.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the My Address DB 144. For example, the my address DB 144 is stored in the large-capacity storage unit 14. My address DB 144 is a database that stores temporary registration data of invited users before registration. My address DB 144 includes an ID column, a name column, a postal code column, an address column, and an invited user column. The ID column stores an ID that uniquely identifies the record. The ID is issued when a new record is stored, for example. The name column stores the name of the new user. The postal code column stores a postal code corresponding to the address of the new user. The address column stores the address of the new user. The invitation user column stores the IDs of existing users who invite new users. In other words, the invited user column stores the IDs of existing users that assist the registration of new users.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the creation process. The flowchart shown in FIG. 24 is obtained by changing a part of the flowchart shown in FIG. 24, processes similar to those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. In FIG. 24, steps S15 to S17 are the same as those in FIG. After executing step S17, the CPU 11 determines whether or not my address has been selected (step S71). If the CPU 11 determines that my address is not selected (NO in step S71), the CPU 11 acquires a destination (step S18). The CPU 11 returns the process to step S15. When the CPU 11 determines that the My Address has been selected (YES in Step S71), the CPU 11 displays the input screen, that is, the My Address screen 52 on the user terminal 3 (Step S72). The CPU 11 determines whether or not the confirmation button 527 has been selected (step S73). When the CPU 11 determines that the confirmation button 527 has been selected (YES in step S73), the CPU 11 displays an input confirmation screen (not shown) on the user terminal 3 (step S74). The input content on the my address screen 52 is displayed on the input confirmation screen, and a setting button and a return button are displayed. The CPU 11 determines whether or not a setting button has been selected (step S75). If the CPU 11 determines that the setting button has been selected (YES in step S75), the CPU 11 stores the content input on the my address screen 52 in the my address DB 144 (step S76). A QR code (registered trademark) (two-dimensional barcode) is generated (step S77). The QR code to be generated is generated based on the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) to the screen for newly registering a new user and the contents stored in the My Address DB 144, for example, the contents of the ID column, name column, and invitation ID column. . The generated QR code is stored in a temporary storage area provided in the RAM 13 or the like. The CPU 11 returns the process to step S15. If the CPU 11 determines that the confirmation button 527 is not selected (NO in step S73), the process returns to step S15. If the CPU 11 determines that the setting button has not been selected (NO in step S75), the process returns to step S72.

  In the present embodiment, when the CPU 11 outputs information about the selected design and the selected destination (step S25), the QR code stored in the temporary storage area is also output. The QR code is printed on the address of the postcard. The QR code may be displayed on the design surface as well as the address surface. The postcard is sent to the new user. The user who has received the postcard reads the QR code with the user terminal 3 such as a smartphone. Based on the URL obtained from the QR code, the user terminal 3 accesses a screen for performing the main registration provided in the output server 1. With this access, the new user is permanently registered.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the main registration process. CPU11 acquires ID of my address DB144 transmitted from user terminal 3, and ID of an invited user (Step S81). For example, the ID and the ID of the invited user are embedded in a URL argument obtained from a QR code. Therefore, when the user terminal 3 accesses the output server 1, the CPU 11 can acquire the ID and the ID of the invited user. CPU11 reads the record of my address DB144 specified from ID and ID of an invited user. The CPU 11 generates user data based on the read record and stores it in the user DB 141 (step S82). Based on the ID of the new user stored in step S82 and the ID of the invited user acquired in step S81, the CPU 11 sets that both are friends (step S83). That is, the CPU 11 stores a record indicating that both users are friends with each other in the friend DB 142. When generating user data, a screen prompting the user to set a password and an e-mail address may be displayed on the user terminal 3 so that a new user can set the password and e-mail address.

  This embodiment has the following effects. A person who cannot perform the user registration operation or who does not perform the user registration operation is troublesome can be registered as a new user. Thereby, the expansion of the user by the existing user can be aimed at. By registering a person who cannot perform the user registration operation or the user registration operation is not performed by the existing user, the postcard can be sent using the letter platform 100 thereafter. Although the present embodiment is an extension of the first embodiment, other embodiments can be expanded.

(Embodiment 6)
The present embodiment relates to a form in which address data is encrypted and stored. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the record layout of the user DB 141. The user DB 141 includes an ID column, a name column, an email column, a password column, and a point column. The user DB 141 according to the present embodiment is obtained by removing the postal code string and the address string from the user DB 141 according to the first embodiment. Since the ID column, name column, e-mail column, password column, and point column are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the address DB 145. The address DB 145 is stored in, for example, the large capacity storage unit 14. The address DB 145 includes an ID column, a zip code column, and an address column. The ID column stores the user ID. The postal code string stores an encrypted version of the user's postal code. The address string stores the encrypted address of the user. A known technique can be used as an algorithm for encrypting the postal code and the address.

  The processing performed by the output server 1 in this embodiment is almost the same as that in the above-described embodiment. The differences are as follows. In step S25 shown in FIG. 13 and the like, the CPU 11 acquires the name of the destination user from the user DB 141. The CPU 11 acquires the postal code and address of the destination user from the address DB 145. The CPU 11 decodes the acquired zip code and address and outputs them.

  In the present embodiment, the user's zip code and address are encrypted and stored in the database (address DB 145). Thereby, it is possible to reduce the risk of leakage of the zip code and address. The address DB 145 is not provided, and the record layout of the user DB 141 may be the same as that in the first embodiment. In this case, the encrypted postal code and the encrypted address are stored in the postal code string and the address string of the user DB 141, respectively.

  Similarly to the present embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the postal code and the address may not be stored in the my address DB 144 but may be stored in another database. In this case, when the input content is stored in step S76 of FIG. 24, the postal code and address are encrypted and stored.

(Cooperation function)
Even if the letter platform 100 does not teach each other's address, it is possible to link the function of sending articles together with other systems. Hereinafter, the cooperation function will be briefly described. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the ID conversion DB 146. The ID conversion DB 146 includes an ID column and an address ID column. The ID column stores the iD of each user on the letter platform 100. The address ID column stores an address ID arbitrarily determined by the user. However, the address ID cannot be duplicated with other users. The output server 1 is provided with an API that accepts an address ID and outputs the name and address of the user associated with the address ID as a linkage function with another system. The CPU 11 receives an address ID from another system. The CPU 11 refers to the ID conversion DB 146 and acquires an ID corresponding to the received address ID. The CPU 11 acquires the user name, zip code, and address corresponding to the acquired ID from the user DB 141 or the address DB 145. When the acquired zip code and address are encrypted, the CPU 11 decrypts them. The CPU 11 outputs a name, a zip code, and an address.

  With the cooperation function, the letter platform 100 and an EC (Electronic Commerce) site can be linked. The user can send the article from the linked EC without giving the address to the other party by teaching the address ID. Also, what is taught is an address ID corresponding to the ID. The address ID is not directly associated with the user's postal code and address. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the risk of illegally stealing the user's postal code and address using the address ID.

The technical features (components) described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and a new technical feature can be formed by combining them.
The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above-mentioned meaning but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

100 letter platform 1 output server 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Mass storage unit 141 User DB
143 Card DB
144 My Address DB
145 Address DB
146 ID conversion DB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Communication part 16 Reading part 1P Control program 1a Portable storage medium 1b Semiconductor memory 2 Printer 3 User terminal

Claims (9)

A candidate output unit that outputs a destination candidate that does not include an address that can be a destination of the delivery;
A first receiving unit that receives identification information for identifying the selected destination candidate;
A second accepting unit for accepting a communication message to be described in the delivery;
An acquisition unit that acquires an address associated with the received identification information from a storage unit that stores the address of the destination candidate and the identification information in association with each other;
An output device comprising: an output unit that outputs the acquired address and the received communication text. The second accepting unit accepts template identification information for identifying a template that defines the format of the message.
The output device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs received template identification information. The output device according to claim 1, further comprising: a third reception unit configured to receive image data. The second reception unit receives article identification information for identifying an article different from the sent item,
The output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output unit outputs the received article identification information. A transmission unit that transmits an invitation message via the social networking service to a user of a social networking service that is not included in the destination candidate and does not disclose an address. The output device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Each time the output unit outputs the address and the communication unit, a subtracting unit that subtracts the point number of the storage unit that associates the identification information of the sender of the shipment and the number of points held by the sender. The output device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: A third reception unit for receiving the invitation ID and the address and name of the invited user;
A registration unit for temporarily registering the temporary registration data including the received address and name in association with the invitation ID in the storage unit;
The output unit outputs a two-dimensional barcode generated based on the invitation ID,
The said registration part memorize | stores the temporary registration data matched with the acquired invitation ID as said user data in the said memory | storage part, when acquiring the said invitation ID contained in the said two-dimensional barcode. The output device according to claim 6. Output destination candidates that can be the destination of the delivery,
Receiving identification information for identifying the selected destination candidate,
Accepts a correspondence to be described in the delivery,
From the storage unit that stores the address of the destination candidate and identification information in association with each other, obtains the address associated with the received identification information,
A computer program for causing a computer to execute processing for outputting an acquired address and a received communication message. Output destination candidates that do not include addresses that can be sent to
Receiving identification information for identifying the selected destination candidate,
Accepts a correspondence to be described in the delivery,
From the storage unit that stores the address of the destination candidate and identification information in association with each other, obtains the address associated with the received identification information,
A method for sending a delivery, characterized in that the acquired address and the received correspondence are output to a computer of a supplier.

Images