JP3867265B2 - E-mail receiver - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an e-mail receiving device that performs various processes for a plurality of e-mail accounts. In place It is related.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When sending and receiving e-mail, personal computers, cellular phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) having communication functions, and the like are used. In that case, an electronic mail program is executed in these various computers.
[0003]
In a conventional e-mail program, a user sets in advance a user's e-mail address, a received mail server (such as a POP3 server), its password, an outgoing mail server (such as an SMTP server), and its password. At the time of receiving the e-mail, the user only performs a receiving operation (for example, an operation of pressing the receiving button on the GUI), and the e-mail program accesses the receiving mail server and receives the received mail accordingly. For example, a list of senders and titles of the received mail is displayed. When sending an e-mail, the user inputs or selects a destination e-mail address, inputs a title, inputs a text of a body, and then performs a transmission operation (for example, an operation of pressing a send button on the GUI). Then, the electronic mail program accesses the outgoing mail server and sends the outgoing mail accordingly.
[0004]
Such a conventional electronic mail program is designed on the assumption that one user uses it. However, some conventional e-mail programs have a multi-account function. The multi-account function is a function that makes it possible to appropriately use those e-mail accounts when one user has a plurality of e-mail accounts.
[0005]
In addition, when a plurality of users send and receive e-mails on a single computer, for example, on a multi-user OS, each user must use an e-mail program that has been individually set as described above. Become. In that case, in order to check the mail reception status of other users, it is considered to have the other users' passwords in advance and to check the reception status of other people's emails using that password. However, even the body of the received mail that is not desired to be seen by others is seen, and such a state is not preferable in terms of security, so it is not practical. Also, those who have been informed of their passwords will be peeping at others, making it difficult to do such work.
[0006]
Furthermore, in this case, each user needs to log on to the device every time he / she sends / receives an e-mail. In addition, each user needs to log on again when sending and receiving e-mails using a single computer.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, when a conventional e-mail program is used, it is difficult for a plurality of users to easily check and send / receive e-mails using a single device.
[0008]
Further, when a conventional electronic mail program is used, it is difficult in practical terms to know the mail reception status of other users.
[0009]
Furthermore, when using a conventional e-mail program, it is difficult to make it available to an unspecified number of users due to security problems such as leakage of e-mail addresses and mail server passwords. is there.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an e-mail receiving apparatus that allows a plurality of users to easily check the e-mail reception status using a single apparatus. Place The purpose is to obtain.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0017]
Book The electronic mail receiving device of the invention displays, for a plurality of users, a list of storage means for storing each user's e-mail account information and graphics and / or characters corresponding to the e-mail accounts of the plurality of users. Corresponding to the selected figure and / or character when the display means, the input means operated by the user, and the figure and / or character displayed on the display means by the user's operation on the input means are selected Control means for displaying the mail reception status of the user's e-mail account on the display means, and the control means periodically checks whether there is a new mail for each user and uses the new mail. The figure and / or character corresponding to the person is displayed in a list on the display means.
[0018]
By using this electronic mail receiving device, it is possible to grasp at a glance the users who have new mail (unread received mail) at the present time among all users.
[0019]
Also The electronic mail receiving device of the present invention is: For multiple users, storage means for storing each user's e-mail account information, display means for displaying a list of figures and / or characters corresponding to the e-mail accounts of multiple users, and operations by the user And when the figure and / or character displayed on the display means is selected by the user's operation on the input means, the user's e-mail account corresponding to the selected figure and / or character is selected. Control means for displaying the mail reception status on the display means, The display means displays a new mail display screen selection GUI operation section, and the control means periodically only when the new mail display screen selection GUI operation section is operated by a user operation on the input means. It is determined whether or not there is a new mail for the user, and graphics and / or characters corresponding to the user with the new mail are displayed in a list on the display means.
[0020]
If this e-mail receiving device is used, for example, when the display mode is set during standby, it is possible to grasp at a glance the users who have new mail (unread received mail) at the present time among all users. .
[0021]
Also The electronic mail receiving device of the present invention is: For multiple users, storage means for storing each user's e-mail account information, display means for displaying a list of figures and / or characters corresponding to the e-mail accounts of multiple users, and operations by the user And when the figure and / or character displayed on the display means is selected by the user's operation on the input means, the user's e-mail account corresponding to the selected figure and / or character is selected. Control means for displaying the mail reception status on the display means, The display means displays an initial letter selection GUI operation unit for classifying and displaying graphics and / or characters corresponding to the user by the initial letter of the user name, and the control means is a user operation on the input means. When one of the initial character selection GUI operation units is operated by the above, the graphic and / or character corresponding to the user whose initial character is the character corresponding to the initial character selection GUI operation unit is displayed on the display means. A list is displayed.
[0022]
By using this e-mail receiving apparatus, e-mail accounts of a plurality of users can be completely visually classified, and even a beginner can easily find an e-mail account of a specific user.
[0023]
Also The electronic mail receiving device of the present invention is: For multiple users, storage means for storing each user's e-mail account information, display means for displaying a list of figures and / or characters corresponding to the e-mail accounts of multiple users, and operations by the user And when the figure and / or character displayed on the display means is selected by the user's operation on the input means, the user's e-mail account corresponding to the selected figure and / or character is selected. Control means for displaying the mail reception status on the display means, The storage means stores, for each user, a plurality of passwords corresponding to the degree to which other users can refer to the received mail of the user, and the control means is input by the user who is currently operating. In addition, according to the password of other users, only the part permitted by the password in the received mail information addressed to other users can be displayed on the display means as the mail reception status. .
[0024]
Using this e-mail receiving device, when checking the mail reception status, it is possible to limit the portion of the received mail that can be viewed according to the password that the user knows. . As a result, the user who checks the email reception status only sees the range that is allowed to be referenced, so there is no sense of peeping. For the user who checks the email reception status, Since you can only see the range that you can refer to, you can ask other users to confirm the mail reception status with confidence.
[0025]
Furthermore, in addition to the electronic mail receiving devices of the above inventions, the electronic mail receiving device of the present invention can be used as a mail reception status when the control means receives a predetermined first level password. Only the number of received mails addressed to a person can be displayed.
[0026]
When this e-mail receiving device is used, another user who is informed of only a predetermined first-level password for an e-mail account of a certain user (recipient) can receive the user (recipient). As the mail reception status, it is not necessary to see contents other than the number of received mails. That is, even when the user (recipient) does not want to see the sender of the received mail, the sender of each received mail, the title and body of each received mail, he / she knows only the password of the predetermined first level. It is possible to ask other users who have been confirmed to check the status of email reception.
[0027]
Further, the electronic mail receiving device of the present invention is not limited to the electronic mail receiving device of each of the above inventions, and when the control means receives a predetermined second level password, the electronic mail receiving device can be used as another mail reception status. Only the number of received mails addressed to the user and the sender of each received mail can be displayed.
[0028]
When this e-mail receiving apparatus is used, another user who is informed of only a predetermined second-level password for an e-mail account of a certain user (recipient) can receive the user (recipient). As the mail reception status, it is not necessary to see the number of received mails and the contents other than the sender of each received mail. In other words, even if the user (recipient) does not want to see the title or text of the received mail, it is safe for other users who are informed of the password of the predetermined second level only. You can request confirmation of the reception status.
[0029]
Further, the electronic mail receiving device of the present invention is not limited to the electronic mail receiving device of each of the above inventions, and when the control means receives a predetermined third level password, the electronic mail receiving device can be used for other purposes. Only the number of received mails addressed to the user, the sender of each received mail, and the title of each received mail can be displayed.
[0030]
When this e-mail receiving apparatus is used, another user who is informed of only a predetermined third-level password for an e-mail account of a certain user (recipient) can receive the user (recipient). As the mail reception status, it is not necessary to see contents other than the number of received mails, the sender of each received mail, and the title of each received mail. In other words, even if the user (recipient) does not want to see the text of the received mail, it is safe for other users who are informed of the password of the predetermined third level only. You can ask for confirmation.
[0047]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0048]
Embodiment 1 FIG.
The electronic mail receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is an apparatus used for confirmation of electronic mail reception by a plurality of users in a home or office.
[0049]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic mail receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a computer 1 is an apparatus that stores an e-mail program and executes the e-mail program.
[0050]
The display 2 is a display means such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display. The display 2 displays a list of graphics and / or characters corresponding to a plurality of users' email accounts.
[0051]
The touch panel 3 is an input unit that is arranged on the display screen of the display 2 and senses the contact of the user with a finger or an instruction member (not shown) and outputs information on the contact position. The keyboard 4 and the mouse 5 are input means operated by the user.
[0052]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the computer 1 in FIG. In FIG. 2, the image processing circuit 11 is a circuit that receives display image data from the control unit 15 and supplies an image signal corresponding to the data to the display 2.
[0053]
The interface (I / F) 12 is a circuit that is connected to input means such as the touch panel 3, the keyboard 4, and the mouse 5 and receives signals from these input means.
[0054]
The communication means 13 is a circuit for accessing a computer network such as the Internet or a server for connecting to such a computer network. For example, as the communication means 13, a network interface card or various modems are used. Note that the communication means 13 periodically accesses the e-mail server and acquires the received mail to each user's e-mail account.
[0055]
The storage unit 14 is an apparatus that stores an electronic mail program 21 and user information 22 including information on each user's electronic mail account for a plurality of users. As the storage means 14, a nonvolatile storage means such as a hard disk device is used.
[0056]
In addition, the user information 22 includes graphic and / or text information set in association with the electronic mail account. The graphic information is a path to an image file such as an icon set for the user in advance. As the image file, an image file stored in advance in the storage unit 14 is used, or an image file newly created by the user is used. The character information is a user name, a nickname, or the like, and is set in advance for the user.
[0057]
Furthermore, as a part of the user information 22, the storage unit 14 has a plurality of items according to the degree to which other users can refer to the received mail of the user in addition to the normal password. Remember my password. The plurality of passwords are appropriately set by each user.
[0058]
The control means 15 is configured by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and is a circuit that executes the e-mail program 21. When the graphic and / or character displayed on the display 2 is selected by the user's operation on the input means such as the touch panel 3, the control unit 15 selects the electronic of the user corresponding to the selected graphic and / or character. The mail reception status of the mail account is displayed on the display 2.
[0059]
Next, the operation of the above apparatus will be described.
[0060]
The control means 15 of the computer 1 executes the e-mail program 21 when the computer 1 is activated or when a predetermined operation is performed by the user. The following processing is executed according to the e-mail program 21.
[0061]
When the e-mail program 21 is executed, the computer 1 causes the display 2 to display a menu for displaying a list of figures and / or characters indicating e-mail accounts of a plurality of users.
[0062]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu for displaying a list of graphics and / or characters indicating an electronic mail account of a plurality of users. In FIG. 3, a “new mail” button 31 and initial buttons 32 of “a” to “wa” are displayed.
[0063]
The “new mail” button 31 is a GUI operation unit for selecting a new mail display screen, and the initial button 32 is used to classify and display graphics and / or characters corresponding to the user by the initial of the user name. It is a GUI operation unit for initial letter selection.
[0064]
In this display state, when the user touches the “new mail” button 31, the touch panel 3 supplies information on the contact position to the computer 1. When the control means 15 of the computer 1 determines that the “new mail” button 31 has been operated by the user's operation on the touch panel 3, the control means 15 periodically checks whether there is a new mail for each user. The display 2 displays a list of graphics and / or characters corresponding to users who have mail. Note that the computer 1 operates in the same manner when the user selects the “new mail” button 31 by operating the keyboard 4 or the mouse 5. That is, graphics and / or characters corresponding only to users who have new mail among all registered users are displayed.
[0065]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a list of graphics and characters corresponding to a user who has a new mail. In FIG. 4, five users have new mails, and graphics and characters 33 corresponding to the five users are displayed.
[0066]
When a new user with a new mail is newly generated, a figure and / or character corresponding to the user is added to the list on the screen.
[0067]
For example, when the user touches any initial button 32 in the state where the menu shown in FIG. 3 is displayed, the touch panel 3 supplies the information of the contact position to the computer 1. When the control means 15 of the computer 1 determines that the initial button 32 is operated by the user's operation on the touch panel 3, the figure corresponding to the user whose initial character is the initial character. And / or display characters on the display 2.
[0068]
For example, in the initial button 32 shown in FIG. 3, when the initial “t” button 32 is operated, one of the characters on the line (t, t, t, t) is an initial. A list of figures and / or characters corresponding to a user having a certain name (or nickname) (for example, “Takagi”) is displayed.
[0069]
In this way, a list of figures and / or characters for the user corresponding to each GUI operation unit such as the “new mail” button 31 is displayed.
[0070]
Then, when a list of graphics and / or characters corresponding to the user is displayed, when the user touches any user's graphic and / or character (graphic and character 33 in FIG. 4). The touch panel 3 supplies the contact position information to the computer 1. The control means 15 of the computer 1 specifies a graphic and / or character selected by the user's operation on the touch panel 3 and displays an image prompting the user to input a password corresponding to the selected graphic and / or character. It is displayed on the display 2.
[0071]
When the user operates the input means to input a password, the control means 15 of the computer 1 corresponds to either the password of the user or a password set for another user. Determine whether or not.
[0072]
The control means 15 of the computer 1 displays an image indicating that the password is not authenticated on the display 2 when the input password does not correspond to either the password of the user or the password set for another user. Let
[0073]
On the other hand, if the input password is the password of the user, the control means 15 of the computer 1 can display all the contents of the received mail of the user, and according to the operation of the user, A desired portion of the received mail is displayed on the display 2.
[0074]
In addition, when the input password is a password for another user, the control means 15 of the computer 1 determines the password in the received mail information addressed to the selected user according to the password. Only the portion permitted by the above can be displayed as the mail reception status, and a desired portion of the received mail portion that can be displayed is displayed on the display 2 according to the operation of the user.
[0075]
As for the method for accessing the e-mail server and obtaining the received mail of each e-mail account, a method of periodically trying to obtain the e-mail program 21 after the execution of the e-mail program 21, or the figure and / or character as described above. When there is a selection operation, a method of trying to obtain the received mail of the electronic mail account of the user of the figure and / or character is applied. The acquired received mail is stored in the storage means 14 and stored in a mail box preset for each user. In addition, even if the received mail is obtained from the e-mail server, if the setting is made so that the received mail is not deleted from the e-mail server, each user can later use his / her e-mail program as before, Receiving mails addressed to each can be acquired.
[0076]
At this time, when a predetermined first-level password is input, only the number of received mails addressed to other selected users can be displayed as the mail reception status. When a predetermined second-level password is input, only the number of received mails addressed to other selected users and the sender of each received mail can be displayed as the mail reception status. . Furthermore, when a predetermined third level password is entered, only the number of received emails addressed to other selected users, the sender of each received email, and the title of each received email are received as the email reception status. Can be displayed.
[0077]
In this example, a password for another user is set, and the portion of the received mail that can be displayed is restricted according to the password. However, other methods can be used for other users. The portion of received mail that can be displayed may be limited.
[0078]
For example, for each user, the storage means 14 stores in advance reference permission information indicating the degree of authority for other users to refer to the user's received mail, and the control means 15 sets the mail reception status. Alternatively, only the portion permitted by the authority indicated by the reference permission information of the user referred to the received mail may be displayed on the display 2.
[0079]
Alternatively, the storage means 14 stores in advance reference authority information indicating the degree of authority to refer to other users' received mail for each user, and the control means 15 is currently operating as the mail reception status. Only the portion permitted by the authority indicated by the user's reference authority information may be displayed on the display 2.
[0080]
As described above, the received mail addressed to the email accounts of a plurality of users is acquired by one e-mail receiving device, and a part or all of the received mail is confirmed by the person or other users. .
[0081]
Therefore, for example, a salesperson who is out of business can request a colleague, boss, office worker or the like in the office to confirm the reception status of an e-mail addressed to him. Furthermore, if necessary, the e-mail can be transferred to the salesperson's mobile phone using a transmission function described later.
[0082]
It should be noted that a function for sending outgoing mail may be added to the electronic mail receiving apparatus according to the first embodiment. In that case, the display 2 displays a palette of characters and / or figures at the time of creating the outgoing mail, and the control means 15 determines the destination, title and text of the electronic mail according to the user's operation on the touch panel 3. Then, the communication means 13 is controlled in accordance with the user's operation after the transmission mail is completed, and the electronic mail is transmitted. At this time, the communication means 13 accesses an electronic mail server such as an SMTP server and transmits an electronic mail created by the user. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a character palette. FIG. 5 shows a hiragana character palette, but an alphabetic character palette, a figure palette, or the like may be used.
[0083]
Of course, it is possible to transfer received mails by other users using the transmission function described above. Further, new mail may be periodically transferred to an e-mail address that is a preset destination for the user who is the destination. At this time, only a part of the contents of the new mail (for example, transmission and / or reception date / time, sender, and title) may be transferred. In this way, for example, if the e-mail address of the transfer destination is set as the e-mail address of the mobile phone, the reception status of new mail can be confirmed on the go.
[0084]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the storage unit 14 of the computer 1 stores information on each user's e-mail account for a plurality of users, and the display 2 includes a plurality of users. A list of figures and / or characters corresponding to the e-mail account is displayed, and the touch panel 3, the keyboard 4, the mouse 5 and the like function as input means operated by the user, and the control means 15 of the computer 1 provides the input means. When the figure and / or character displayed on the display 2 is selected by the user's operation, the mail reception status of the user's e-mail account corresponding to the selected figure and / or character is displayed on the display 2. Let As a result, a plurality of users can easily check the reception status of the e-mail using a single device. Furthermore, it is possible to easily grasp the mail reception status of other users.
[0085]
Further, according to the first embodiment, since the input means is a touch panel arranged on the screen surface of the display 2, even a user who is not familiar with the keyboard can easily operate. .
[0086]
Further, according to the first embodiment, the communication means 13 periodically accesses the email server and acquires the received mail to each user's email account, thereby allowing access to the email server. There is no need to perform an operation for this. This is particularly convenient when there are many users.
[0087]
Further, according to the first embodiment, the control means 15 of the computer 1 periodically checks whether or not there is a new mail for each user, and the figure and / or character corresponding to the user with the new mail. Are displayed as a list on the display 2. As a result, among all users, it is possible to grasp at a glance the users who have a new mail (unread received mail) at the present time. Even a person who is not permitted to view the contents of the received mail of another user (that is, who does not have a password) can only confirm that there is a new mail.
[0088]
Further, according to the first embodiment, the display 2 displays the “new mail” button 31, and the control means 15 of the computer 1 operates the “new mail” button 31 by a user operation on the input means. Only when there is a new mail, it is periodically checked whether there is a new mail for each user, and a figure and / or a character corresponding to the user with the new mail is displayed on the display 2 as a list. Thus, for example, if the display mode is set during standby, it is possible to grasp at a glance the users who have new mail (unread received mail) at the present time among all users.
[0089]
Further, according to the first embodiment, the display 2 displays the initial button 32 for classifying and displaying the graphic and / or character corresponding to the user by the initial of the user's name. When one of the initial buttons 32 is operated by the user's operation on the input means, the control means 15 is a figure corresponding to the user whose initial letter is the character corresponding to the initial button 32 and / or Alternatively, a list of characters is displayed on the display 2. Thereby, the email accounts of a plurality of users can be completely visually classified, and even a beginner can easily find an email account of a specific user.
[0090]
Further, according to the first embodiment, the storage unit 14 of the computer 1 stores a plurality of passwords corresponding to the degree to which other users can refer to the received mail of each user. Then, the control means 15 of the computer 1 is permitted by the password of the received mail information addressed to the other user according to the password of the other user input by the currently operating user. Only the portion can be displayed on the display 2 as the mail reception status. Thereby, when confirming the reception status of the mail, it is possible to limit the portion of the received mail that can be viewed in accordance with the password that is made known to the user. Therefore, the user who confirms the mail reception status sees only the range that is allowed to be referenced, so there is no sense of peeping, and the user who confirms the mail reception status refers to Since it is only possible to see the range that allows it, you can ask other users to confirm the mail reception status with peace of mind.
[0091]
Further, according to the first embodiment, when a predetermined first level password is input, the control means 15 of the computer 1 sets other users (in this case, receivers) as the mail reception status. ) Only the number of received mail addressed to can be displayed. As a result, other users who are informed of only a predetermined first-level password for an e-mail account of a certain user (recipient) receive it as the mail reception status of that user (recipient). There is no need to see anything other than the number of emails. That is, even when the user (recipient) does not want to see the sender of the received mail, the sender of each received mail, the title and body of each received mail, he / she knows only the password of the predetermined first level. It is possible to ask other users who have been confirmed to check the status of email reception.
[0092]
Further, according to the first embodiment, when a predetermined second level password is input, the control means 15 of the computer 1 sets other users (herein called receivers) as the mail reception status. ) Only the number of received mails addressed and the sender of each received mail can be displayed. As a result, another user who is informed of only the second password for the predetermined second level for the email account of a certain user (recipient) receives it as the mail reception status of that user (recipient). It is not necessary to see the number of mails and the contents other than the sender of each received mail. In other words, even if the user (recipient) does not want to see the title or text of the received mail, it is safe for other users who are informed of the password of the predetermined second level only. You can request confirmation of the reception status.
[0093]
Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when a predetermined third level password is input, the control means 15 of the computer 1 sets other users (in this case, receivers) as the mail reception status. ) Only the number of received mails addressed, the sender of each received mail, and the title of each received mail can be displayed. As a result, other users who are informed of only the password of the predetermined third level for the email account of a certain user (recipient) receive it as the mail reception status of that user (recipient). There is no need to see contents other than the number of mails, the sender of each received mail, and the title of each received mail. In other words, even if the user (recipient) does not want to see the text of the received mail, it is safe for other users who are informed of the password of the predetermined third level only. You can ask for confirmation.
[0094]
Further, according to the first embodiment, the communication unit 13 accesses the electronic mail server and transmits the electronic mail created by the user. The display 2 displays a palette of characters and / or figures when creating the outgoing mail, and the control means 15 of the computer 1 determines the e-mail destination, title, and text according to the user's operation on the touch panel. Then, the communication means 13 is controlled in accordance with the user's operation after completion of the transmission mail, and the electronic mail is transmitted. Thereby, when this electronic mail receiving apparatus is used, electronic mail can be transmitted and transferred easily.
[0095]
Reference example .
Of the present invention Reference example The e-mail transmission / reception device is installed in a place that can be used by an unspecified number of users, such as corridors and halls in facilities such as hospitals, hotels, government offices, schools, stations, and various high-rise buildings. It is a device used for receiving status confirmation. In addition, This reference example Now, I will explain the e-mail transmission / reception device. This reference example An e-mail receiving device that performs only e-mail receiving processing in the same manner as This reference example Of course, an e-mail transmission apparatus that performs only e-mail transmission processing in the same manner as described above can be realized.
[0096]
FIG. 6 illustrates the present invention. Reference example It is a perspective view which shows an example of the electronic mail transmission / reception apparatus which concerns on. Of the present invention Reference example Since the e-mail transmitting / receiving apparatus according to the above is installed in the place as described above, for example, the computer 1, the display 2 and the touch panel 3 are installed in a casing as shown in FIG. Realized by built-in. Note that a keyboard 4 and a mouse 5 may be connected to the apparatus shown in FIG. The apparatus shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example, and the present invention Reference example The electronic mail transmitting / receiving apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to this shape.
[0097]
FIG. 7 illustrates the present invention. Reference example It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the computer 1 in the electronic mail transmission / reception apparatus which concerns on. Note that the display 2, the touch panel 3, the keyboard 4, the mouse 5, and the like, which are peripheral devices of the computer 1, are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0098]
In FIG. 7, the storage means 14 Reference example Stores an e-mail program 61 for realizing the e-mail transmitting / receiving apparatus according to the above, server information 62 including the name or IP address of an e-mail server such as a transmission mail server (for example, SMTP server) used at the time of e-mail transmission To do.
[0099]
The other configuration (that is, the hardware configuration) of the computer 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. However, in this apparatus, the user and the destination e-mail address are not stored in advance.
[0100]
Next, the operation of the above apparatus will be described. FIG. This reference example It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the electronic mail transmission / reception apparatus which concerns on.
[0101]
this Reference example The electronic mail transmitting / receiving apparatus according to the above is used when a user stops at a facility such as a hospital, hotel, government office, school, station, or various high-rise buildings.
[0102]
The control means 15 of the computer 1 executes the e-mail program 61 after starting or when a predetermined operation is performed, and enters a standby state (step S1).
[0103]
In the standby state, for example, the computer 1 displays characters and images such as “email transmission” and “email reception” on the display 2 as a GUI operation unit as a standby screen.
[0104]
Then, when the user touches the GUI operation unit indicating “e-mail transmission” on the display screen, the touch panel 3 arranged on the display screen of the display 2 senses the contact, and the computer 1 detects the contact position information. Supply.
[0105]
Based on the contact position, the control unit 15 of the computer 1 determines that the GUI operation unit indicating “e-mail transmission” has been operated (step S2), and starts an e-mail transmission process.
[0106]
In the e-mail transmission process, first, the control means 15 of the computer 1 causes the display 2 to display characters and images that prompt the user to input the title and text of the transmitted mail. At this time, for example, a character palette as shown in FIG. 5 is also displayed. And based on the character input by the touch to the touch panel 3, the title and the text of a transmission mail are input (step S3).
[0107]
After the title and text of the outgoing mail are input, the control means 15 of the computer 1 causes the display 2 to display characters and images that prompt the user to input an electronic mail address. And based on the character input by the touch to the touch panel 3, a user's e-mail address is input (step S4).
[0108]
Next, the control means 15 of the computer 1 causes the display 2 to display characters and images that prompt the input of the destination e-mail address. Then, based on the character input by touching the touch panel 3, a destination e-mail address is input (step S5).
[0109]
Note that the order of input of the title and text of the outgoing mail, the input of the user's e-mail address, and the input of the destination e-mail address is not limited to the above-described order, and may be another order. Further, instead of the touch panel 3, a keyboard 4 or a mouse 5 may be used for these inputs.
[0110]
When the input of the title and text of the outgoing mail, the input of the user's email address, and the input of the destination email address are completed, the control means 15 of the computer 1 refers to the server information 62 of the storage means 14. Reads the name (machine name and domain name) and IP address of the outgoing mail server set in advance and controls the communication means 13 to access the outgoing mail server and send the outgoing mail entered by the user. (Step S6).
[0111]
Note that the user and the destination e-mail address and text related to the transmitted mail may be deleted from the apparatus after the transmitted mail is transmitted. That is, in that case, even if a usage log or the like remains, the user and the destination e-mail address and text are not stored in the apparatus.
[0112]
In this way, the e-mail transmission process is performed. When the process ends, the computer 1 returns to the standby state, and the computer 1 displays the above-described standby screen on the display 2 again.
[0113]
On the other hand, when the user touches the GUI operation unit indicating “receive email” on the display screen, the touch panel 3 arranged on the display screen of the display 2 senses the contact, and the computer 1 informs the computer 1 of the contact position information. Supply.
[0114]
Based on the contact position, the control unit 15 of the computer 1 determines that the GUI operation unit indicating “electronic mail reception” has been operated (step S7), and starts an electronic mail transmission process.
[0115]
In the e-mail receiving process, first, the control means 15 of the computer 1 displays characters and images prompting the user to input an e-mail address on the display 2. At this time, for example, a character palette as shown in FIG. 5 is also displayed. And based on the character input by the touch to the touch panel 3, a user's e-mail address is input (step S8).
[0116]
Next, the control means 15 of the computer 1 prompts the input of the name (machine name and domain name) or IP address of the received mail server (for example, POP3 server) used to receive the input user's e-mail address. Characters and images are displayed on the display 2. Then, based on the character input by touching the touch panel 3, the name or IP address of the received mail server is input (step S9).
[0117]
Further, the control means 15 of the computer 1 causes the display 2 to display characters and images that prompt the user to input a password for the input e-mail address of the user. Then, based on the character input by touching the touch panel 3, a password for the e-mail address is input (step S10).
[0118]
In addition, you may make it use the keyboard 4 and the mouse 5 instead of the touch panel 3 for the above-mentioned input. As for the name or IP address of the received mail server, the name or IP address of the received mail server is registered in the predetermined center server in association with the user's e-mail address at the first use. Then, the name or IP address of the received mail server may be obtained by presenting the user's electronic mail address to the center server. Thereby, the input process (step S9) of the name or IP address of the received mail server can be omitted from the next time.
[0119]
When the input of the user's email address, the name or IP address of the received mail server, and the password is completed, the control means 15 of the computer 1 controls the communication means 13 to access the received mail server, The received mail addressed to the user's e-mail address is received (step S11). The control means 15 of the computer 1 causes the display 2 to display the contents of the received mail such as the e-mail address, title, and text of the sender of the received received mail.
[0120]
Note that after receiving the received mail and confirming the contents, the user's e-mail address, password, and text may be deleted from the apparatus. That is, in that case, even though a usage log may remain, the user's e-mail address, password, and text are not stored in the apparatus.
[0121]
In this way, e-mail reception processing is performed. When the process ends, the computer 1 returns to the standby state, and the computer 1 displays the above-described standby screen on the display 2 again.
[0122]
It should be noted that this electronic mail transmitting / receiving device may be arranged not in a single unit but in a device combined with or integrated with a public telephone or a telephone box.
[0123]
As above, Reference example According to the electronic mail transmitting / receiving apparatus, the electronic mail transmitting / receiving apparatus is installed in a place where an unspecified number of users can use it. The touch panel 3, the keyboard 4, the mouse 5, etc. function as input means for inputting at least the text of the outgoing mail, the user's email address and the destination email address, and the communication means 13 of the computer 1 A predetermined e-mail server set in advance is accessed, and the control means 15 of the computer 1 communicates with the communication means 13 based on the user's e-mail address and the destination e-mail address input by the input means during e-mail transmission. Is controlled to access a predetermined e-mail server and send outgoing mail. As a result, if the e-mail address of the self and the destination is known, the e-mail can be easily transmitted on the go, etc., and the user can use multiple devices using one device without setting the e-mail server. A person can easily send an email.
[0124]
Also, above Reference example According to the above, when the user and the destination e-mail address are not stored in advance, and after the transmission mail is transmitted, the user and the destination e-mail address and the sentence related to the transmission mail are deleted from the apparatus. The possibility that the user's e-mail address or the like is leaked to other users due to the transmission of the e-mail using this apparatus can be reduced.
[0125]
In addition, the above Reference example According to the above, the touch panel 3, the keyboard 4, the mouse 5 and the like function as input means for inputting at least the user's e-mail address, and the control means 15 of the computer 1 is input by the input means when receiving the e-mail. Based on the e-mail address of the user, the communication means 13 is controlled to access the e-mail server, and e-mail addressed to the user is received. As a result, if you know your e-mail address, you can easily receive e-mail on the go, etc., and multiple users can use one device without setting up an e-mail server etc. Can easily receive e-mails.
[0126]
In addition, the above Reference example If the user's e-mail address and text related to the received mail are deleted after the received mail is received without storing the user's e-mail address in advance, It is possible to reduce the possibility that the user's e-mail address or the like is leaked to other users due to the use of the e-mail received.
[0127]
【The invention's effect】
In the present invention, an e-mail receiving apparatus that allows a plurality of users to easily receive e-mails using a single apparatus. Place Obtainable.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic mail receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a menu for displaying a list of figures and / or characters indicating an electronic mail account of a plurality of users.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a list of graphics and characters corresponding to a user having a new mail.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a character palette.
FIG. 6 of the present invention Reference example It is a perspective view which shows an example of the electronic mail transmission / reception apparatus which concerns on.
[Fig. 7] of the present invention. Reference example It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the computer in the email transmission / reception apparatus which concerns on.
[Fig. 8] Reference example It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the electronic mail transmission / reception apparatus which concerns on.

Claims (7)

Storage means for storing information about each user's email account for a plurality of users;
Display means for displaying a list of figures and / or characters corresponding to the email accounts of a plurality of users;
Input means operated by the user;
When the figure and / or character displayed on the display means is selected by the user's operation on the input means, the mail reception of the user's e-mail account corresponding to the selected figure and / or character is received. Control means for displaying the situation on the display means;
A communication means for periodically accessing the e-mail server and obtaining received e-mail to each user's e-mail account;
With
The control means periodically checks whether or not there is a new mail for each user, and causes the display means to display a list of graphics and / or characters corresponding to the user with the new mail. E-mail receiving device. Storage means for storing information about each user's email account for a plurality of users;
Display means for displaying a list of figures and / or characters corresponding to the email accounts of a plurality of users;
Input means operated by the user;
When the figure and / or character displayed on the display means is selected by the user's operation on the input means, the mail reception of the user's e-mail account corresponding to the selected figure and / or character is received. Control means for displaying the situation on the display means;
A communication means for periodically accessing the e-mail server and obtaining received e-mail to each user's e-mail account;
With
The display means displays a new mail display screen selection GUI operation unit,
The control means periodically checks whether there is a new mail for each user only when the new mail display screen selection GUI operation section is operated by a user operation on the input means. Displaying a list of graphics and / or characters corresponding to users who have emails on the display means;
An e-mail receiving device characterized by the above. Storage means for storing information about each user's email account for a plurality of users;
Display means for displaying a list of figures and / or characters corresponding to the email accounts of a plurality of users;
Input means operated by the user;
When the figure and / or character displayed on the display means is selected by the user's operation on the input means, the mail reception of the user's e-mail account corresponding to the selected figure and / or character is received. Control means for displaying the situation on the display means,
The display means displays an initial character selection GUI operation unit for classifying and displaying the graphic and / or character corresponding to the user by the initial character of the user name,
When one of the initial letter selection GUI operation parts is operated by a user operation on the input means, the control means uses the initial letter corresponding to the initial letter selection GUI operation part. Displaying the graphic and / or character corresponding to the person on the display means,
An e-mail receiving device characterized by the above. Storage means for storing information about each user's email account for a plurality of users;
Display means for displaying a list of figures and / or characters corresponding to the email accounts of a plurality of users;
Input means operated by the user;
When the figure and / or character displayed on the display means is selected by the user's operation on the input means, the mail reception of the user's e-mail account corresponding to the selected figure and / or character is received. Control means for displaying the situation on the display means,
The storage means stores, for each user, a plurality of passwords according to the degree to which other users can refer to the received mail of the user,
In accordance with the password of the other user input by the user who is currently operating, the control means only sends a part permitted by the password in the information of the received mail addressed to the other user. Enabling display on the display means as a reception status;
An e-mail receiving device characterized by the above. The control means is capable of displaying only the number of received mails addressed to the other users as the mail reception status when a predetermined first level password is input. Item 5. The electronic mail receiving device according to Item 4 . When a predetermined second-level password is input, the control means can display only the number of received mails addressed to the other users and the sender of each received mail as the mail reception status. 6. The electronic mail receiving apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: When a predetermined third level password is input, the control means sets the number of received emails addressed to the other users, the sender of each received email, and the status of each received email as the email reception status. e-mail receiving device according to any one of claims 6 claim 4, characterized in that to enable displaying the title only.

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