JP3928554B2 - Communication terminal - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multimedia utilization system that handles multimedia contents in which various types of information such as voice, music, images, and character strings are reproduced and output by sound or visual display.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a communication terminal, receiving and reproducing various kinds of information such as characters, images, or voices has been actively used in various scenes such as a ringing melody of a mobile phone or an incoming image or an e-mail. Has been. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system for digital radiotelephone that facilitates transfer of a message including a large amount of content such as long mails, images, music, etc., with such various information.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-197553 A
[0004]
Further, the applicant of the present invention has already disclosed a system capable of editing multimedia data composed of images, sounds, character strings, and the like with a template at a communication terminal by Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-82831 (hereinafter referred to as “prior application”). is suggesting. In the system of the prior application, time and space arrangement designation information for specifying the playback / display timing of a plurality of element contents (text data, image data, audio data, melody data, etc.), an area for storing each element content, and other headers A template file having a region is prepared in advance, and the terminal user appropriately modifies the template file on the mobile phone terminal or newly embeds element content, thereby completing the completed multimedia content. So that it can be generated.
[0005]
In such a system using multimedia contents, multimedia contents individually edited by the terminal user can be completed and transmitted to other users, etc., so that they can be effectively used in various fields. Is expected.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
A main object of the present invention is to provide a communication terminal capable of using multimedia contents more effectively by including personal information in the multimedia contents from other communication terminals.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the main feature of the present invention, file receiving means (5; CR1, CR42, CR52) for receiving an incoming melody file (MF) to which address information (E5, E6) for specifying a source terminal (CLs) is added; Storage means (2A, 2F; CR4, CR26 to CR28, CR43) for storing the received incoming melody file (MF) and the address information (E5, E6) added thereto in association with each other, and the stored address In response to an incoming call from the caller terminal (CLs) specified by the information (E5, E6), the incoming melody file (MF) associated with the address information (E5, E6) is read from the storage means (2F). Reproducing means (4; CR5 to CR6, CR31 to CR33, CR44 to CR45) for reproducing, and storing means (2A, 2F) CR4, CR26 to CR28, CR43) include an address book (2A) for storing address information received by the file receiving means (5; CR1, CR42, CR52), and the file receiving means (5; CR1, CR42, CR52). The communication terminal (CLr) for recording the address information (E5, E6) added to the incoming melody file (MF) received in the address book (2A) is provided. The parentheses indicate reference symbols or terms in the corresponding embodiments, and the same applies to the following.
[0008]
In the communication terminal (CLr) according to the present invention, the ringing melody file (MF) is a multimedia content file including ringtone data (E1) and image or character string data (E2, E3), and reproduction means (4; CR5 to CR6, CR31 to CR33, and CR44 to CR45) reproduce an incoming melody based on the ring tone data (E1) and reproduce an image or character string based on the image or character data (E2, E3). 2].
[0009]
[Effects of the Invention]
In the communication terminal (CLr) according to the present invention (Claim 1), address information (E5, E5) that specifies the source terminal (CLs) in advance, such as the telephone number or mail address of another source terminal (CLs). The incoming melody file (MF) to which E6) is added is received (5; CR1, CR42, CR52), and the incoming melody file (MF) and the address information (E5, E6) are associated with each other and the storage means (2A, 2F) ) (CR4, CR26 to CR28, CR43). Here, the storage means (2A, 2F) is not only provided with a file library (2F) for storing the incoming melody file (MF), but also personal information (E4, E5) of a plurality of caller terminals (CLs). ...) is stored, and address information added to the incoming melody file (MF) received in advance from the source terminal (CLs) is provided in the address book (2A). Personal information (E4, E5,...) Including (E5, E6) can be sequentially added. Then, when there is a call from the caller terminal (CLs) specified by the address information (E5, E6) stored in the storage means (2A, 2F) (CS3, CS42), the address according to the incoming call The incoming melody file (MF) associated with the information (E5, E6) is read out from the storage means (2F) and played back to notify that it is an incoming call from a specific source terminal (CLs) (4; CR5 CR6, CR31 to CR33, CR44 to CR45).
[0010]
Furthermore, this ringing melody file (MF) is a multimedia content file including, for example, ringtone data (E1), image data (E2), or character string data (E3) as element contents, and ringtone data ( The ringing melody can be reproduced by E1), and the image or character information can be reproduced and displayed by the image data (E2) or the character string data (E3).
[0011]
That is, according to the present invention, not only the above-described media data (E1 to E3) are described in the multimedia file (MF) transmitted in advance according to the instruction of the transmission source terminal (CLs), but also the file ( Personal information such as a user name (E4), a telephone number (E5), a mail address (E6), and an address of the source terminal (CLs) of MF) is added. Therefore, when the multimedia file (MF) from the caller terminal (CLs) is stored in the file library (2F) of the communication terminal (CLr) as an incoming melody file, the personal information (E4, E5) of the file (MF) is stored. ,... Are stored in the address book (2A), and can be effectively used as “business card” data independently of the incoming melody file (MF). Further, since the incoming melody file (MF) is stored in association with the address information (E4, E5) included in the personal information (E4, E5,...), When there is an incoming call from the caller terminal (CLs). The element data (De: E1, E2,...) Of the incoming melody file (MF) corresponding to the caller terminal (CLs) is read from the file library (2F), and the incoming call according to the specific caller (CLs) is read. It can be used as a melody / receipt screen.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, this is merely an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the invention can be implemented in various modes.
[0013]
[System Overview]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a multimedia use system including a server (distribution server) and a communication terminal (client terminal) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the overall view of FIG. 1 (1), this multimedia utilization system includes one or more distribution servers SV (one in the illustrated example) that distribute various types of multimedia information such as template files. A plurality of client terminals CL1, CL2,..., CLn having a function of creating a multimedia file or the like and transmitting it by mail (MR). These devices SV, CL1 to CLn communicate with each other. They are connected to each other via a network CN so that they can communicate with each other.
[0014]
The distribution server SV and each of the client terminals CL1 to CLn can use an information processing apparatus having a communication function such as a personal computer, a workstation, a mobile phone, a PDA, a game machine, and the communication network CN includes a LAN. And a wide area communication network such as the Internet or a telephone line network. Therefore, for example, when the client terminals CL1 to CLn are mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones and PDAs, the distribution server SV and the base station (BS) that the client terminals CL1 to CLn actually communicate with each other are in a communication network. Connected via CN. In the following embodiments, as the client terminals CL1 to CLn, a mobile phone or a terminal having a function equivalent to this (for example, a personal computer equipped with a communication card) is particularly preferably used.
[0015]
Each client terminal CL1 to CLn includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1, a storage unit 2, an input unit 3, an output unit 4, a communication unit 5 and the like as illustrated in the internal configuration block diagram of FIG. Prepare. The storage means 2 includes a read-only memory (ROM) unit that stores a control program and control data, a random access memory (RAM) unit that temporarily stores processing data, and an external storage unit that stores various data and programs. These storage units can be composed of a semiconductor memory. The external storage unit of the storage means 2 is provided with a file library 2F and an address book 2A for storing multimedia contents and personal information. And CPU1 controls the operation | movement of the said client terminal using the data of an external storage part according to the control program of ROM part by using RAM part as a work memory.
[0016]
The input means 3 includes a sound device or an image data input device such as a microphone or a camera in addition to operation devices such as a key device such as a keyboard and various switches and a pointing device such as a mouse and a tablet. The output unit 4 includes a visual display unit including a display such as a CRT / LCD, an acoustic output (report sound) unit including a sound source / speaker, and the like. Depending on the type of terminal, a printing unit such as a printer may be used. Is also provided.
[0017]
The communication means 5 is means for communicating with the distribution server SV or other client terminals via the communication network CN. The communication means 5 includes a modem, a LAN card, etc., and communicates with the distribution server SV to communicate various control programs, Data can be received. For example, the control program itself relating to the multimedia content file can be downloaded from the server SV and stored in the external storage unit (2), and various processes relating to the multimedia content file can be performed according to this control program. In the case of a mobile terminal, the communication means 5 includes wireless communication means with the base station BS, and is connected to the communication network CN via the base station BS.
[0018]
The distribution server SV has the same internal configuration as that in FIG. 1B, and can provide a program and data to each client terminal CL as described above. Therefore, the external storage unit of the storage means 2 is a large-capacity storage composed of an appropriate recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (flexible disk, tape device, hard disk, etc.) or an optical storage medium (CD, DVD, MO, etc.). Device included.
[0019]
[Multimedia file]
In the multimedia use system according to the embodiment of the present invention, a multimedia file (also referred to as a multimedia content file, also abbreviated as an MM file) MF is connected between the client terminals CL (CL1 to CLn) to the client terminal CL. -It is exchanged between distribution servers SV. The multimedia file MF is created by an arbitrary client terminal CLs (1 ≦ s ≦ n), or is created on the distribution server SV based on an instruction from the client terminal CLs, and another arbitrary client terminal CLr (1 ≦ r ≦ n, r ≠ s) can be transmitted. In the following, the client terminal CLs that has created or instructed the creation of the multimedia file MF is referred to as a “transmission side terminal”, and the client terminal CLr that has transmitted the multimedia file MF is referred to as a “reception side terminal”. Is simply called “server”.
[0020]
FIG. 2 shows an example of the data structure of a multimedia file handled in the multimedia utilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multimedia file MF created by the sending terminal CLs or the server SV has a data structure as visually shown in FIG. 2, and includes management data Dc (left column), spatio-temporal arrangement track information Dt (upper right column). ) And element data De (lower right column). This multimedia file MF is composed of musical tone information (also called BGM) as a ringing melody and a combination of various attached information, and after being stored for receiving in the receiving terminal CLr, the “ringing melody” is stored. Also called “file”.
[0021]
As shown in the lower right column of FIG. 2, the element data De includes media information in various data formats such as sound information such as ringtone melody data E1, image information such as image data E2, text information such as text data E3, and the like. The media information is called “media data” or “element content” of the multimedia file MF. For example, the sound information E1 is expressed in the form of waveform data, MIDI musical sound data, or the like, and can be reproduced as a ringing tone or a ringing melody by voice or musical tone. The image information E2 can be used for a standby screen or the like in the form of image data or graphic data, and the text information E3 is a message created by the user of the sending terminal CLs in the form of character string (text) data. It can be a sentence.
[0022]
In addition to such media data, the element data De further includes a user name (name) E4, a telephone number E5, an E-mail address E6, and an address (see FIG. Business card information (also referred to as personal information) representing text data. In addition, among the business card information E4, E5,..., The telephone number E5 and the mail address E6 are used as identification information for identifying the transmission source user at the time of communication between the client terminals CLs and CLr. Called.
[0023]
As shown in the left column of FIG. 2, the management data Dc includes profile information Pf representing the outline contents (comments, playback time, etc.) of the multimedia file MF, and elements E1, E2 defined by a space-time arrangement track Dt described later. ,... Spatiotemporal arrangement designation information Ts for designating each element data De, editing permission information Ep representing whether or not each element data De designated by the spatiotemporal arrangement designation information Ts can be edited, and the editing mode permitted. The business card information E4, E5,... Is designated in the element data De, and the business card designation information Cd, which is information indicating that the business card information is included in the multimedia file MF.
[0024]
Here, the business card designation information is included as flag information of a specific bit in the multimedia file MF or tag information in the header, and the receiving terminal CLr checks whether or not the business card designation information Cd is present. It can be determined whether or not the business card information is included in the multimedia file MF.
[0025]
Also, the spatio-temporal arrangement track information Dt shown in the upper right column of FIG. 2 indicates a plurality of times and positions at which the element data De (E1, E2,...) Designated by the spatio-temporal arrangement designation information Ts should be reproduced and output. The control information of the track, the output position (display position, output part, etc.) of each element data De is defined for each track, and the output timing of each element data De is defined by the time data of each track. Further, the spatio-temporal arrangement track information Dt is converted into the corresponding element data De when creating or editing the multimedia file MF, and spatiotemporally [for example, the output track position] Is displayed on the vertical axis and the output timing is displayed on the horizontal axis (however, such details are not displayed in FIG. 2), and can be used to confirm the playback mode of the multimedia file MF.
[0026]
In other words, the spatiotemporal arrangement track Dt defines information such as the reproduction timing and display position of each element data, and the spatiotemporal arrangement designation information Ts includes each element data of the spatiotemporal arrangement track Dt and the element data. Is defined in correspondence with the entity data De to be reproduced / displayed.
[0027]
In the multimedia use system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the multimedia file MF created by the transmission side terminal CLs such as a portable telephone or the server SV is sent to another reception side terminal CLr according to the instruction of the transmission side terminal CLs. Each receiving terminal CLr records the received multimedia file MF so that it can be used as an incoming melody file corresponding to a call from the transmitting terminal CLs.
[0028]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an aspect of extracting information about a multimedia file transmitted by E-mail to the receiving terminal. In this case, as shown in the upper left of FIG. 3, for example, the mail MR transmitted from the file transmission source terminal CLs to the destination reception terminal CLr stores a transmission message representing the mail text as shown in the upper left of FIG. The first part Pt1 and the second part (attached file) Pt2 including the multimedia file (MM file) MF and other parts (FIG. 3 shows a case where the other part is only the second part Pt2). Each part Pt1, Pt2,... Is composed of a part header and part data (message body and multimedia file MF).
[0029]
Further, the external storage unit of the storage means 2 in the receiving terminal CLr is provided with a file storage area 2F called “file library” and a personal data storage area called “address book” as shown in the lower right of FIG. 2A is provided. The receiving terminal CLr first extracts the multimedia file MF from the second part of the mail MR received by the terminal CLs and stores it in the file library 2F. Here, when the extracted multimedia file MF is used as a ringing melody, it is set as a ringing melody file.
[0030]
Note that the incoming melody file stored in the file library 2F may store the extracted multimedia file MF as it is in the file library 2F, but business card information (personal information including personal card designation information Cd and address information E5 and E6) Information) E4, E5,... May be deleted from the multimedia file MF, that is, personal information may be separated from the multimedia file MF. If the multimedia file from which the personal information is separated in this way (for convenience, it is referred to as “post-separation multimedia file MF ′”) is stored in the file library 2F, the post-separation multimedia file MF ′ may be stored in the other case. Even if it is transmitted to or transferred to the device, personal information is not leaked.
[0031]
Next, the business card information (personal information) E4, E5, E6,... (Including address information E5, E6) indicated by the business card designation information Cd included in the management data Dc of the multimedia file MF is included in the element data De. The file is taken out and stored in the address book 2A in association with the multimedia file (incoming melody file) MF in the file library 2F.
[0032]
As described above, personal information such as name, telephone number, and mail address is further added to the multimedia file MF that defines the display timing of elemental contents such as voice or melody data and other images or character strings. . Accordingly, the receiving terminal CLr can use the multimedia file MF as a “business card”, for example, as an incoming melody / receipt screen corresponding to the sending terminal CLs of the other party that sent the multimedia file MF. can do.
[0033]
The multimedia file MF creation and transmission method includes the following three methods [1] to [3]. Details of each method will be described in order, but the configuration common to each method is described in the first method. It shall be explained in the section of the first embodiment according to method [1]:
[1] A method of creating a multimedia file MF in the sending terminal CLs and sending the multimedia file MF to the receiving terminal CLr in a format attached to the e-mail MR (first embodiment),
[2] A method of sending information (address information, image data, etc.) necessary for creating a multimedia file to the server SV, creating or storing the multimedia file MF on the server SV, and distributing it to the receiving terminal CLr ( Second and third embodiments),
[3] A method of sending the multimedia file MF itself created in the transmission side terminal CLs to the server SV and distributing it from the server SV to the reception side terminal CLr.
[0034]
[First Method = First Embodiment]
FIG. 4 shows the overall processing related to multimedia in the case where a multimedia file is created in the transmission side terminal CLs according to the first method [1] and is directly transmitted to the reception side terminal CLr [first embodiment]. The flow is shown. In the overall process 1 according to the first embodiment, a multimedia file MF is created at the transmission-side terminal CLs that is the transmission source instructing transmission of the multimedia file MF (step CS1). The multimedia file MF is attached to the e-mail MR and transmitted to the destination receiving terminal CLr (step CS2).
[0035]
The receiving terminal CLr receives and analyzes the electronic mail MR transmitted from the transmitting terminal CLs (step CR1), and extracts the multimedia file MF from the received mail MR according to the information extraction procedure described in FIG. (Step CR2). Further, the extracted multimedia file MF is analyzed to extract business card information E4, E5, E6,... (Step CR3). Then, the multimedia file MF is associated with the business card information as an incoming melody file, and the file MF and the business card information are recorded in the file library 2F and the address book 2A of the receiving terminal CLr (step CR4). That is, the multimedia file MF and the business card information are rearranged so that the multimedia file MF can be taken out using the address information E5 and E6 as key information.
[0036]
Thereafter, when a transmission such as a call or mail transmission is made from the transmission side terminal CLs to the reception side terminal CLr (step CS3), identification information (that is, address information) of the terminal CLs is obtained from the transmission data of the transmission side terminal CLs. Confirm (step CR5), read the incoming melody file (multimedia file) MF corresponding to the confirmed identification information from the file library 2F onto the RAM, and receive the incoming melody or incoming call through the display or sound output unit of the output means 3 It reproduces as a screen or the like (step CR6).
[0037]
[Multimedia file creation process]
FIG. 5 shows an example of an operation flow in the multimedia file creation process (CS1) of the overall process 1 of FIG. The multimedia file MF is created based on a multimedia file template (hereinafter abbreviated as “MMT”) in the same manner as the process of FIG. The MMT is a file that is a prototype of the multimedia file MF to be created. Similar to the multimedia file MF in FIG. 2, the element data De, the spatio-temporal layout designation information Ts, and the editability information Ep have a correspondence relationship. It is remembered while keeping. Further, the business card designation information Cd and business card information E4, E5,... Of the MMT are permitted to be edited and are all blank (no data) or some minimum data (for example, address information E4, E4). The content related to E5) is entered by default.
[0038]
In the transmission side terminal CLs, such MMT can be received in advance from the server SV or other client terminal having the MMT creation function and prepared in the external storage unit (2). Element data (referred to as alternative element data; including business card information) newly incorporated in the created multimedia file MF can also be stored in the external storage unit (2).
[0039]
In this multimedia file creation process, first, the MMT is read onto the RAM (2) (step M1), and then the contents editable by the user are displayed on the display (4) based on the editability information Ep of the MMT. Then, the user's editing operation is prompted with a message or the like (step M2). Here, when the user performs some editing operation using the operator 24 of the input means 3 (step M3 → YES), the MMT data is modified according to the user's operation input (step M4).
[0040]
The contents of the editing operation (M3 → M4) include, for example, the following according to the permission instruction of the editability information Ep:
(1) Reproducibility: Whether or not element data (including business card information) De indicated by the track Dt and the spatiotemporal layout designation information Ts is reproduced at each timing or screen position according to the spatiotemporal layout track Dt. Decide
(2) Determination of element data indicated by the spatio-temporal arrangement designation information Ts: When the element data indicated in (1) is reproduced, the element data De in the MMT or already stored in the transmitting terminal CLs Decide which of the various data is to be played back (multiple playback modes or types can be set)
(3) Editing of text data arrangement: Change within a predetermined range of the arrangement (timing or position) indicated by the spatiotemporal arrangement designation information Ts and the spatiotemporal arrangement track Dt with respect to the character string (text) data E3, E4,. To
(4) Business card information editing: Enter or change business card designation information Cd and business card information (address information, etc.) E4, E5,.
(5) Setting of playback conditions: For each element data De (including business card information) to be played back at each timing or screen position in (3), what conditions are supported when multiple modes or multiple types are set Then, in which aspect the element data De is to be reproduced, or what kind of element data De is to be reproduced is determined, and so on.
[0041]
In the determination of the element data in (2), appropriate video effects such as animation and scrolling can be applied to display media data such as character strings and image information. In this case, the multimedia file MF is applied to the multimedia file MF. Define that. Also, a plurality of playback modes can be defined so that such a video effect is applied or not applied according to predetermined playback conditions. Similarly, for each multimedia file MF, a plurality of types of display messages based on character data are prepared, and a corresponding message is set to be displayed in accordance with a predetermined reproduction condition. A plurality of types of data are also prepared for image information used for the standby screen E2 and music information used for BGM such as ringtone melody data E1, and the corresponding data content is set to be reproduced according to predetermined reproduction conditions. (In either case, this is defined.)
[0042]
In the setting of the playback condition in (5), as described above, the playback conditions corresponding to each playback mode or type when a plurality of playback modes or types are set for each element data De are determined. A typical example of this reproduction condition is the type of incoming event (incoming type) from the transmitting terminal CLs that is the transmission source. For example, when the image information A and B are set as the element data De to be reproduced at a certain timing and position in (2) and the messages a and b are set at another timing and position, the incoming call type from the terminal CLs is a telephone number. In the case of the information A, the reproduction of the image information A and the message a is instructed at each timing and position, and in the case of the E-mail, the information A to be reproduced is instructed to instruct the reproduction of the image information B and the message b. a: B and b are associated with the incoming call type.
[0043]
Further, a plurality of multimedia files from the same transmission terminal CLs may be used to change the reproduction mode according to the type of incoming call from the same transmission terminal CLs. In this case, the user of the transmission side terminal CLs creates multimedia files MF1 and MF2 defined so as to reproduce different images and BGM, and transmits the respective multimedia files MF1 and MF2 to the same reception side terminal CLr. Here, each of the multimedia files MF1 and MF2 includes different address information (for example, a telephone number in MF1 and E-mail address information in MF2) as business card information. The receiving side terminal CLr stores these multimedia files MF1 and MF2 in the file library 2F corresponding to the address information included in each, that is, the incoming call type, by the processing described later, and receives incoming calls (outgoing calls) from the transmitting side terminal CLs. The corresponding multimedia file (for example, multimedia file MF1 if a call is received, multimedia file MF2 if an e-mail is received) is played according to the type of incoming call detected according to the received call type. To do.
[0044]
It should be noted that it is also possible to output element data in different playback modes depending on the playback mode set state of the receiving terminal CLr without setting the playback condition as the incoming call type. In this case, a multimedia file MF that is set in advance so as to obtain different playback modes for each playback mode is created in the transmission side terminal CLs, and the reception side terminal CLr stores the multimedia file MF in the file library. After storing in 2F, a desired reproduction mode may be set by a setting operator of the input means 3.
[0045]
Now, after the MMT data modification process (M4) or when there is no editing operation input (M3 → NO), it is determined whether or not there is a preview instruction (M5). Here, when the preview is instructed by the user, a preview process for reproducing and outputting the element data being edited to each output means 4 is performed (step M6), and the user needs to check the editing status as needed to further modify the data. Sex can be judged.
[0046]
After the review process (M6) or when there is no preview instruction editing operation input (M5 → NO), it is determined whether or not an instruction to end the creation process is given by the user (step M7). If not (M7 → NO), the process returns to the first display step (M2), and the above-described editing operations (M2 to M7) are repeated. Note that the MMT data modification process (M4) can be modified any number of times in the same portion as long as the edit variable information Ep allows, and can be restored.
[0047]
When there is an end instruction (M7 → YES), designation of a destination to which the edited MMT modified by the modification process (M4) should be output as a multimedia file (MM file) MF (for example, the receiving terminal CLr Are received (step M9), and the edited MMT, that is, the multimedia file MF is output in accordance with the output designation (step M10). After the file output process (M10), the multimedia file creation process is terminated.
[0048]
For business card information editing (*) in the editing operation (3), the business card information is handled separately from other element data, and after an instruction to end MMT modification (M4) (M7 → YES), a broken line As shown by, it may be executed in a process (step M8) of adding (*) business card information. In this case, after the end instruction is given, the business card information may be added to the element data E5 to E6 and the business card designation information Cd may be generated or added.
[0049]
When the multimedia file MF created in the file output process (M9) or the multimedia file MF temporarily stored in the external storage unit 2 after file creation is transmitted to the receiving terminal CLr, the multimedia file MF itself As for the content change, all of the personal data (business card information including address information E5, E6) E4, E5, etc. designated by the business card designating information Cd are automatically performed. The extraction and deletion of the information is controlled to be permitted.
[0050]
[Processing at receiving terminal]
6 to 8 are process flow examples showing in more detail the processing (CR1 to CR4, CR5 to CR6) at the receiving terminal CLr that receives the multimedia file attached mail from the transmitting terminal CLs in FIG. First, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a mail browser activation process for browsing received electronic mails at the receiving terminal CLr. In the reception side terminal CLr, before entering this processing flow, the e-mails already received by the terminal CLr and stored in the external storage unit of the storage unit 2 are displayed in a list on the display of the output unit 4. You can select emails for which you want to see detailed content from this list.
[0051]
Therefore, when the user selectively designates the received electronic mail from the mail list displayed on the display (4), the structure of the received mail MR is analyzed according to the mail browsing application (browser) (step CR11). Next, after the text of the received e-mail MR is displayed on the display (4) (step CR12), it enters a state of waiting for some user operation (step CR13).
[0052]
For example, in the case of a received e-mail MR composed of a plurality of parts, such as a mail with a multimedia file MF attached (see FIG. 3), when the received e-mail is displayed through the structure analysis (CR11) (CR13). , First part Pt1 [Normally, the mail text is stored. ] Is displayed and waits until there is an instruction to select another part (such as Pt2) or an instruction to end the mail browsing application (CR13). In this standby stage (CR13), for example, the “part display instruction event” process shown in FIG. 8 is executed.
[0053]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a “part display instruction event” process executed as a child (subordinate) process of the mail browser of FIG. In this processing flow, first, it is determined whether or not there is a part in the received mail selected from the list (the received mail consists of a plurality of parts) (step CR21). If there is a part (CR21 → YES), The item information of the part header after the second part Pt2 of the received mail is displayed, and a part instruction from the user is awaited. That is, in an e-mail including a plurality of parts Pt1, Pt2,..., As described above, the first part is usually the text, and since the second part and the like include an attached file, an e-mail including a plurality of parts. Is browsed (CR21 → YES), the “previous part” / “next part” button or the like is displayed on the display (4) and waits for the user's instruction. Display the part.
[0054]
Here, when a desired part (Pt2 or the like) is instructed by the user, it is determined from the information of the part header for the instructed part whether or not the content type belongs to the multimedia file MF (step CR22). . Then, if the content type of the part is checked and the multimedia file is MF (CR22 → YES), it is further checked whether or not the business card designation information Cd is added to Dc in the management information of the part content (step) CR23).
[0055]
If it is determined in this examination that the business card designation information Cd has been added (CR23 → YES), a dialog asking whether to register the contents of the multimedia file MF is displayed and the user is inquired about registration of the file MF. (Step CR24). On the other hand, it is determined whether or not “registration” has been selected by the user (step CR25). It is preferable that the multimedia file MF is reproduced by the output means (display, sound emitting unit, etc.) 4 before the registration inquiry step (CR23). By providing such a playback step, the user can confirm the specific contents of the multimedia file MF of the part and the details of the business card information (address information).
[0056]
When the user selects “Register” (CR25 → YES), the multimedia file MF is saved as an incoming melody file in the file library 2F (step CR26), and the received multimedia file MF is stored. Address information [telephone number (E5), mail address (E6)] and other personal data (name (E4), address, etc.) embedded as part of element data De are registered in address book 2A (step CR27).
[0057]
As already described with reference to FIG. 3, in the file saving step (R26), the business card designation information Cd and the business card information E4, E5,. (Including address information) may be deleted to separate the business card information as personal information, and the separated multimedia file MF ′ may be stored as a ringtone melody file.
[0058]
Further, the user of the caller terminal CLs specified by the address information is associated with the stored incoming melody file MF (step CR28). That is, in order to use address information represented by predetermined symbol data in the business card information [for example, telephone number (E5) to mail address (E6)] as the caller identification data, the caller terminal CLs receives an incoming call with this identification data. The melody file MF is associated. After this association process (CR28), this event process is terminated, and the process returns to the standby step (FIG. 5: CR13) of the mail browser activation process.
[0059]
As described above, when the multimedia file MF is received as data attached to an e-mail, when the part storing the multimedia file MF is selected by the mail browser (CR21 to CR22 → YES), If it is detected that the business card is specified in the file MF (CR23 → YES), the business card information (personal data E4, E5,...) Including the address information (E5, E6) added to the file MF is stored in the address book. In addition to 2A (CR27), the source CLs defined by the address information (E5, E6) is associated with the multimedia file MF (CR28). In the above example, registration is performed only when the user answers YES in the dialog display (CR24 to CR28). However, if there is business card designation information Cd, it is automatically registered. It may be.
[0060]
In the second and third embodiments to be described later, when the multimedia file MF is received by HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) (FIG. 10: CR42, FIG. 11: CR52), it is indicated by “A” in FIG. As described above, the file information extraction process is started from the registration inquiry step (CR24).
[0061]
In this way, when the incoming melody file MF and the business card information are registered and associated with the corresponding transmitting terminal CLs (CR26 to CR28), the multimedia file MF is created thereafter (described later). In the second embodiment, an incoming call from the user of the sending terminal CLs (instructed to create the multimedia file MF) (for example, incoming call, incoming e-mail, incoming connection request such as chat) is identified. In this case, the incoming melody file MF associated with the user is read out in the transmission source association step (CR28) in FIG. 8 and output to the output means 4 to be reproduced as an incoming melody or a receiving screen.
[0062]
When it is determined that there is no part at the part determination step (CR21) (CR21 → NO) and when “not registered” is determined at the registration command determination step (CR25) (CR25 → NO), the mail browser starts immediately. The process returns to the processing standby step (FIG. 5: CR13). Further, when it is determined that the file type is not a multimedia file MF in the file type determination step (CR22) (CR22 → NO), and when no business card designation information is detected in the business card inspection step (CR23) (CR23 → NO), When the content of the part is reproduced by the output means 4 and displayed, sound is emitted, the user is notified of the content (including the file type) and the absence of the business card information (step CR29), and the user confirms this Then, the process returns to the standby step (FIG. 5: CR13) of the mail browser activation process.
[0063]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing “call incoming event processing” executed by the receiving terminal CLr in response to a call from the transmitting terminal CLs. In this processing flow, when there is an incoming event such as an incoming call, an incoming e-mail, or an incoming connection request such as a chat in response to an outgoing call from the sending side terminal CLs, Identification data of the terminal CLs is detected (step CR31). Then, based on this identification data, it is determined whether or not the file library 2F stores the incoming melody file MF corresponding to the user of the transmitting terminal CLs that has made a call. Check (step CR32).
[0064]
Here, if there is an incoming melody file MF corresponding to the transmission side terminal CLs (CR32 → YES), the incoming melody file MF is reproduced by the output means 4 to notify the incoming call (step CR33). FIG. 9 is an example of output content reproduced by the output means in accordance with the incoming melody file MF. Further, when there is no such file MF (CR32 → NO), a process of notifying that there is an incoming call by a default method using a ringtone or an incoming call image preset in the receiving terminal CLr is performed. (Step CR34) Then, after such incoming call notification processing (CR33, CR34), it enters a state of waiting for the next communication or user operation (step CR35).
[0065]
As described above, the receiving terminal CLr according to the embodiment of the present invention receives the multimedia file MF in which the reproduction contents of the plurality of element data are set according to the incoming call type from the transmitting terminal CLs. This is prepared as an incoming melody file, and the incoming melody file MF can be reproduced with the set reproduction content according to the type of incoming event from the transmitting terminal CLs. That is, in the incoming call event process (FIG. 7) of the receiving terminal CLr, when the incoming melody file MF corresponding to the transmitting terminal CLs that has communicated is searched (CR32 → YES), it is exemplified in FIG. In addition, it is reproduced on the output means 4 with the reproduction content corresponding to the incoming call type of the communication.
[0066]
That is, in the transmission side terminal CLs, whether the incoming call is a call (call) or the incoming E-mail to the multimedia file (incoming melody file) MF stored as content in the reception side terminal CLr. Corresponding to the type of incoming event, different images (E2), BGM (E1), messages (E3), etc. are defined to be reproduced. When there is an incoming call from the transmitting terminal CLs, the output mode of the predetermined content file MF reproduced by the output means 4 is changed according to the incoming call type. To change the output mode, not only a plurality of types of data are prepared, but for character / image data, video effects such as animation and scrolling are appropriately defined in the incoming melody file (multimedia file) MF. This image effect may be executed. Musical sound information such as BGM is not limited to one type, but a plurality of types of data may be defined in the file MF and used.
[0067]
Furthermore, each of a plurality of multimedia contents (ringing melody files) from the transmitting terminal CLs may be defined so as to play different images and BGMs for each incoming call type. In this case, the incoming call type is set in advance for each of the plurality of multimedia contents transmitted from the transmitting terminal CLs so as to switch the incoming melody file to be played according to the identification information of the caller (telephone number E5 or mail address E6). May be set, or when registering business card information from each multimedia content, an incoming melody file may be stored corresponding to each type of incoming call from the sending terminal CLs. .
[0068]
In the example of FIG. 9 described above, according to the information defined in the multimedia file MF (incoming melody file), the type of the incoming event received by the receiving terminal CLr is an incoming call or an incoming email. Depending on whether there are different messages (E3), address information (telephone number E5 or mail address E6) and user name (E4) are displayed on the display of the output means 4 and different background music (E1: "BGM1" or " BGM2 ") is emitted from the sound output unit. In this example, since a plurality of pieces of image information are not set for the image (E2), the same image is displayed.
[0069]
[Second Method = Second and Third Embodiments]
The multimedia file MF used in this multimedia utilization system contains personal information, and the file data stored in the terminal can usually be transferred to other devices. There is a risk of information leakage. Therefore, in the above-described second method [2], the user of the transmission side terminal CLs that is the transmission source does not directly transmit the multimedia file MF, but once the multimedia file is transmitted by the server SV according to the instruction of the user. By creating the MF (second embodiment) or by sucking the multimedia file MF into the server SV (third embodiment) and then transmitting the file MF only to the receiving terminal CLr which is a specific destination The transmission destination of the multimedia file MF is limited to prevent personal information from leaking to the public.
[0070]
In the second method [2], “transfer impossible” information is added to the multimedia file MF to be transmitted. Each receiving-side terminal CLr that is a sending destination strictly observes “untransferable” and prevents the file MF from being transmitted or transferred to another device. Furthermore, a function for managing the delivery destination of the multimedia file MF is provided to ensure complete file management (third embodiment).
[0071]
FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show the case where the multimedia file MF is created and stored on the server SV based on the instruction from the transmission side terminal CLs according to the second method [2] [second and third embodiments]. The overall processing flow for media is shown.
[0072]
First, in the overall processing 2 according to the second embodiment of FIG. 10, the element data De required for creating the multimedia file MF to be sent from the transmission-side sending terminal CLs instructing the transmission of the multimedia file MF. The personal data such as the address information (E5, E6) and the media data such as the incoming melody (E1) and the image data (E2) are directly attached to the e-mail or transmitted to the server SV by HTTP ( Step CS41). In this case, for media information such as images and melodies, a plurality of media data may be stored in the server SV so that the user of the transmission side terminal CLs can select them. In addition, an instruction to select a template MMT of the multimedia file MF may be issued.
[0073]
The server SV creates a multimedia file MF similar to FIG. 2 in the same procedure as the multimedia file creation process of FIG. 5 based on the personal data and media data transmitted from the transmission side terminal CLs (steps). S41). The created multimedia file MF is a file database (DB) SD provided in the storage means (external storage unit) 2 in the server SV so that the multimedia file MF can be uniquely specified in a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) format. Accumulated in. In this case, “non-transferable information” is added to the multimedia file MF to be created and stored, and the receiving terminal CLr that has received the multimedia file MF (usually) sends the file MF to another device. Can not be transferred to. Further, the registration information is not limited to the URL but may be other information as long as the multimedia file MF can be uniquely specified.
[0074]
Next, registration information unique to the multimedia file MF of the transmission side terminal CLs created and stored in the server SV is notified to the transmission side terminal CLs by e-mail or the like (step S42). The notification form of the registration information is not limited to electronic mail. For example, after the element data De is transmitted to the server SV by HTTP as described above, the registration notification may be similarly displayed by HTTP, or may be notified by using another apparatus such as FAX. The registration information notified to the transmission side terminal CLs is further notified from the transmission side terminal CLs by e-mail or the like with an arbitrary reception side terminal CLr as a transmission destination.
[0075]
The receiving side terminal CLr accesses the server SV by HTTP according to the notified registration information, and requests a multimedia file MF corresponding to the registration information (step CR41). When the server SV receives this request (step S43), the server SV retrieves the multimedia file MF from the file database SD and transmits it to the receiving side terminal CLr in an e-mail attachment format or HTTP (step S44).
[0076]
When receiving the multimedia file MF, the receiving side terminal CLr refers to the first embodiment (FIGS. 3 and 4: CR3 to CR4, FIGS. 6 and 8 (however, starts with “A” in the case of HTTP)). ], The file MF is analyzed (step CR42), the file MF is associated with the address information and rearranged as a ringing melody file and downloaded (step CR43).
[0077]
Thereafter, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 4: CS3, CR5 to CR6; FIG. 7: CR31 to CR33), there is an outgoing call or mail transmission from the sending terminal CLs to the receiving terminal CLr. (Step CS3), the identification information (namely, address information) of the terminal CLs is confirmed from the transmission data of the transmitting terminal CLs (Step CR5), and the incoming melody file (multimedia file) MF corresponding to the confirmed identification information Is read from the file library 2F onto the RAM and reproduced as an incoming melody, a receiving screen or the like through the display or the sound output unit of the output means 3 (step CR6).
[0078]
Next, in the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the multimedia file MF is stored in the server SV as in the second embodiment, and the destination information is stored on the server SV to manage the file destination. It is configured to be able to do.
[0079]
In the overall process 3 of FIG. 11 according to the third embodiment, first, the user of the transmission source terminal CLs who wants to transmit the multimedia file MF sends the address information (E5, E5) necessary for creating the multimedia file to be sent. E6) In addition to element data De such as image data (E2) and ringing melody (E1), destination information for designating users of one or more sending terminals CLr to which the created multimedia file MF should be sent Is sent to the server SV by e-mail attachment or HTTP to instruct creation and sending of the multimedia file MF (step CS51). Here, the destination designation information is information that can uniquely identify the receiving terminal CLr as the destination, such as a telephone number or an IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) address. In addition, an instruction to select a template MMT of the multimedia file MF may be sent.
[0080]
In the server SV, the multimedia file MF is created based on the element data De from the transmission side terminal CLs in the same procedure as described above (see FIG. 5), the created multimedia file MF, and the destination One or more destination terminals CLr designated by the designation information are stored in association with each other (step S51). That is, the multimedia file MF is stored in the file database SD by adding unique registration information by URL or the like, and the destination information is recorded in the destination list file LS in association with the stored multimedia file MF. To do.
[0081]
Next, in order to control the server SV to transfer the stored multimedia file MF only to the destination terminal CLr, the server SV stores registration information specific to the multimedia file MF as the transmission side terminal CLs and the destination terminal CLr. Then, notification is made by electronic mail or the like (step S52). For example, the URL of the multimedia file MF is simultaneously notified to the transmission source CLs and one or more specified destinations CLr. Note that there is a method in which the multimedia file MF file is directly transmitted to the designated destination terminal CLr regardless of the notification of the URL [in this case, the file transmission / reception step (S55, Go to CR52). ]
[0082]
The receiving terminal CLr accesses the server SV by HTTP in accordance with the notified registration information, and requests a multimedia file MF corresponding to the registration information (step CR41). When the server SV receives the request (step S53), the user identification information of the requested receiving terminal CLr, the terminal user information indicated by the destination information of the multimedia file MF recorded in the destination list file LS, In contrast, it is determined whether or not the multimedia file MF should be permitted to be sent to the request source terminal CLr (step S54).
[0083]
Here, when it is determined that the user identification information of the receiving side terminal CLr matches the destination information (S54 → YES), the multimedia file MF is taken out from the file database SD, and an e-mail attachment format or The receiving side terminal CLr is transmitted by HTTP (step S54). Further, when the user identification information does not match the destination information and cannot be sent (S54 → NO), the processing for this request is terminated with or without notification to the receiving terminal CLr.
[0084]
When receiving the multimedia file MF from the server SV, the receiving side terminal CLr analyzes the file MF in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments (step CR52), and corresponds the multimedia file MF to the address information. Attach it as a ringtone melody file and download it. After that, if there is a call from the sending terminal CLs, the incoming melody or ringing based on the incoming melody file (multimedia file) MF in response to this call in the same procedure as in the first and second embodiments. Play the receiving screen.
[0085]
FIG. 12 shows a case where multimedia files are stored in the server as in the second and third embodiments, and the server SV is accessed by HTTP from the transmission side terminal CLs to instruct creation of a desired multimedia file MF. (FIG. 10: CS41, FIG. 11: CR41) A transition example of the display screen is shown.
[0086]
The address information input screen (1) on the upper left is a screen for inputting a user name (E4), a telephone number (E5), and an e-mail (E6) related to the transmission side terminal CLs. The user inputs data in accordance with the guidance comment “Please enter information”, but the address information may be registered in advance in the receiving terminal CLr and inserted automatically. Alternatively, the server SV may identify and automatically insert the receiving terminal CLr or its user.
[0087]
The content selection screen (2) in the upper center is a screen for inputting images and melodies as media information content that is the media data of the created multimedia file MF, and a guidance comment “Please enter content” The user can input data according to the above, but it is also possible to store a plurality of media information contents as elements in the server SV and select them.
[0088]
The content confirmation screen (3) on the upper right side is a screen for confirming the content of element data of the multimedia file MF created by the server SV. At this time, the content of the multimedia file (ring melody file) MF itself created according to this content may be previewed.
[0089]
Each of the lower screens (3a) to (5) is a screen transition example when a destination is further designated (FIG. 11: CR41) as in the third embodiment. In this case, the content confirmation screen is It is not completed as shown in (3), and it becomes like (3b) on the lower left side. That is, after confirming the content on the content confirmation screen (3b), the screen shifts to the lower destination central destination designation screen (4), and then moves to the lower right destination confirmation screen (5). Further, the template MMT of the multimedia file MF may be selected.
[0090]
Thus, in the second method [2], each client terminal CL does not need to be a mobile phone terminal, and any terminal device such as a PC, a game machine, a set top box, or a PDA can be used. . In addition, various communication modes including wired connection can be used as appropriate for connection with the server SV.
[0091]
[Third method]
In the above-described third method [3], the multimedia file MF is created in the transmission side terminal CLs, and the created multimedia file MF is once taken up by the server SV and then transferred from the server SV to the reception side terminal CLr. To be sent. Therefore, in this method [3], the file creation stage (SV41, SV51) in FIGS. 10 and 11 moves to the transmission side terminal CLs, and in this stage, the multimedia file MF to the destination information are transmitted to the transmission side terminal CLs. Although it differs from the second to third embodiments (second method [2]) in that it is received and recorded in the file database SD or the destination list file, it is stored and sent by the server SV. There is no change in that the multimedia file MF is associated with the destination CLr and the multimedia file MF is controlled to be transferred only to the designated destination CLr. The destination designation information may be sent in a form embedded in the multimedia file MF transmitted from the transmission side terminal CLs.
[0092]
In the embodiment described above, the name, address, and the like, which are business card information, have been described as being input as text data. However, the name, address, telephone number, E-mail address, homepage URL, etc. were recorded together. Electronic business card (such as vCard) information may be added to the multimedia file MF as business card information of the present invention.
[0093]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, personal information is added in advance to the multimedia file transmitted from the caller terminal, so that the multimedia file from the caller terminal is communicated as an incoming melody file. When storing in the file library of the terminal, the personal information attached to the multimedia file is stored in the address book so that it can be effectively used as “business card” data independent of the incoming melody file. be able to. Since the incoming melody file is stored in association with the address information included in the personal information, when there is an incoming call from the source terminal, the element data of the incoming melody file corresponding to the source terminal is retrieved from the file library. It can be read and used as an incoming melody / receipt screen or the like according to the caller.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a multimedia use system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows an example of a data structure of a multimedia file handled in the multimedia use system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of extracting a multimedia file and business card information from an e-mail transmitted to a receiving terminal.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an overall process in the case of transmitting a multimedia file created by a transmitting terminal to a receiving terminal [first embodiment].
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing multimedia file creation processing.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing mail browser activation processing executed at the receiving terminal.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an incoming call event process executed at the receiving terminal.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing part display instruction event processing executed at the receiving terminal as a child process of the mail browser (FIG. 6).
FIG. 9 is an example of output content reproduced by the output means in accordance with a multimedia file (ringing melody file).
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the overall processing in the case where a multimedia file is created and stored in the server [second embodiment].
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an overall process in a case where a multimedia file created by a transmission side terminal is stored in a server [third embodiment].
FIG. 12 is an example of an HTTP screen when storing multimedia files in a server [second and third embodiments].
[Explanation of symbols]
SV distribution server (host device)
CL: CL1 to CLn; CLs, CLr client terminal,
Multimedia file (ring melody file) consisting of MF management data Dc, space-time track information Dt and element data De,
MR E-mail with multimedia file MF attached.

Claims (2)

A file receiving means for receiving an incoming melody file to which address information for identifying a source terminal is added;
Storage means for storing the received incoming melody file in association with the address information added thereto;
Replaying means for reading out and playing the incoming melody file associated with the address information from the storage means in response to an incoming call from the caller terminal identified by the stored address information;
The storage means includes an address book for storing the address information received by the file receiving means, and the address information added to the ringing melody file received by the file receiving means is recorded in the address book. Communication terminal. The ringtone melody file is a multimedia content file including ringtone data and image or character string data,
2. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction means reproduces an incoming melody based on the ring tone data and reproduces an image or a character string based on the image or character data.

Images