JP3965733B2 - Email system, client, and server - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic mail system, a client, and a server that send and receive mail via a server, and more particularly to an electronic mail system, a client, and a server that have a mail retransmission function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, e-mail has become widespread, its uses have been diversified, and an environment for exchanging various contents of mail has been set. However, even if the mail is transmitted unilaterally, it is not always received or read reliably at the recipient. For this reason, conventionally, when the mail is not received, a device such as automatically repeating retransmission has been performed.
[0003]
In addition to this, in order to cope with the diversification of electronic mail, various ideas have been made in the mail transmission method. For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-314827, the importance level of a mail is determined from the attribute of an electronic mail, and a transfer destination is selected and transferred automatically based on the importance level.
[0004]
Also, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-186593, there is an apparatus in which transfer efficiency is improved by retransmitting mail when it is detected that a mail transmission destination terminal is ready to receive mail. .
[0005]
Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-110598, when a highly urgent e-mail cannot be relayed, it is immediately notified to the caller.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional technique, parameters for the number of mail retransmissions and the retransmission interval are set in units of users or systems. For this reason, even if it is desired to change the retransmission method for each mail, it is necessary to change the setting of the e-mail system for each user or for each system, which is troublesome.
[0007]
Conventionally, the resending method cannot be changed after the mail is sent. So, for example, if you notice that something you sent as a regular email later needs an urgent action, you need to change the sending method and resend the same email, There was a problem that two emails with the same contents would arrive.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide an e-mail system, a client, and a server in which retransmission parameters for each mail can be set freely and easily on the user side. And
[0009]
Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to change a retransmission parameter of mail after transmission.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in an electronic mail system having a mail retransmission function, a retransmission parameter setting means for enabling parameter setting of the retransmission method in units of the mail on a client, and the set Mail sending means for sending a mail with a parameter added as one of attribute data to the server side, mail management means for storing and managing the sent mail on the server side, and adding to the sent mail An e-mail comprising: a distribution management unit that performs distribution management of the mail based on the attribute data that has been performed; and a distribution execution unit that distributes the mail in response to a command from the distribution management unit A system is provided.
[0011]
In such an electronic mail system, the retransmission parameter setting means allows the user to set a parameter for the retransmission method on a client-by-mail basis. Then, the mail transmission means transmits the mail added with the set parameter as one of the attribute data to the server side.
[0012]
On the server side, the mail management means stores and manages the transmitted mail, while the distribution management means performs mail distribution management based on the attribute data added to the transmitted mail. Then, the delivery execution means delivers mail in response to a command from the delivery management means. Thereby, after delivery, if mail is not accepted at the delivery destination for some reason, each mail is subjected to retransmission processing according to the retransmission time and the number of retransmissions set for each mail.
[0013]
Further, in the present invention, parameter changing means for changing a parameter for retransmission of the already sent mail on the client, changed parameter transmitting means for sending the changed parameter to the server side, and the distribution By providing attribute changing means for changing the retransmission parameter of the attribute data managed by the management means to the changed contents, it is possible to change the retransmission time, retransmission interval, etc. of the already sent mail .
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the concept of functions of the electronic mail system of the present invention. In the client 1, the user sets a parameter for the retransmission method in units of mail by the retransmission parameter setting unit 1a. Then, the mail transmission means 1b transmits the mail added with the set parameter as one of the attribute data to the server 2 side. The parameter for resending the mail once transmitted can be changed by the parameter changing unit 1c, and the changed parameter is transmitted to the server 2 side by the changed parameter transmitting unit 1d.
[0015]
On the server 2 side, the mail management unit 2a stores and manages the transmitted mail, while the distribution management unit 2b manages mail distribution based on the attribute data added to the transmitted mail. And the delivery execution means 2c delivers mail according to the command from the delivery management means 2b. As a result, when mail is not accepted at the delivery destination for some reason after delivery, the mail is retransmitted according to the retransmission time and the number of retransmissions set for each mail.
[0016]
When the parameter is changed on the client, the attribute changing unit 2d rewrites the retransmission parameter in the attribute data managed by the distribution management unit 2b with the changed content. As a result, it is possible to change the resend time, resend interval, etc. of the already sent mail.
[0017]
Next, a more specific form of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of functions of the electronic mail system according to the present embodiment. In this electronic mail system 10, an example in which mail is transmitted from the client 20 to the client 50 via the servers 30 and 40 is shown. The client 20 and the server 30, the server 30 and the server 40, and the server 40 and the client 50 are connected by lines L1, L2, and L3 such as a LAN and a public line, respectively.
[0018]
In the client 20 on the transmission side, when the user starts mail transmission, the transmission operation unit 21 having the functions of the retransmission parameter setting unit 1a and the parameter change unit 1c shown in FIG. 1 opens the mail sheet on the screen and transmits the mail. Prompt the user to input parameters required for Parameters necessary for this mail transmission include a subject name, a destination, and the like, and there is also a retransmission parameter for when mail is not delivered to the transmission destination once.
[0019]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a retransmission parameter input screen. On this retransmission parameter input screen 211, the user first sets the retransmission method in the retransmission method setting field 211a. Specifically, it is selected from “Specify by number of times and interval”, “Specify by interval and time limit”, and “Specify by time limit and number of times”. Here, for example, when “designate by the number of times and interval” is selected, the retransmission number column 211b and the retransmission interval column 211c are ready for input. The user uses a keyboard or the like to enter desired numbers in both fields. The retransmission deadline is internally calculated from the input number of retransmissions and retransmission interval and the current time, and is displayed in the retransmission deadline column 211d.
[0020]
As the retransmission parameter, a value that seems to be common in normal operation can be registered in the client 20 or the server 30 that accepts transmission. Alternatively, a unique value can be prepared for the entire electronic mail system 10. Also, the user can adjust the numerical value appropriately on the basis of this value, or the input itself can be omitted.
[0021]
Returning to FIG. 2, when input of each parameter for transmission is completed in this way, the mail is transmitted via the transmission unit 22 having the functions of the mail transmission means 1b and the changed parameter transmission means 1d shown in FIG. When the transmission operation is performed by the user, the transmission unit 22 adds each set parameter as attribute data to the mail, and transmits the mail to the server 30 via the line L1.
[0022]
In response to this, on the server 30 side, the mail reception unit 31 receives the transmitted mail and generates an ID associated with the mail. Then, in association with this ID, the mail is stored in the mail management table 32 having the function of the mail management means 2a shown in FIG.
[0023]
At the same time, the mail reception unit 31 gives transmission status data for each mail destination based on information such as mail attribute data and current time, and distributes the delivery management means 2b shown in FIG. The mail is registered in the distribution management table 34 via the distribution management unit 33 having the function of the attribute changing unit 2d.
[0024]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the mail management table. In the mail management table 212, an ID is associated with the mail, and the sender of the mail, transmission start time, retransmission parameter, retransmission attempt time, transmission status data, and the like are managed. Here, the retransmission attempt time indicates a time when transmission or retransmission is attempted. That is, the time at which the first transmission is made is displayed during the first retransmission from the first transmission, and the time when the retransmission is most recently attempted is displayed after the first retransmission.
[0025]
Further, the transmission status data given to each mail destination includes, for example, “incoming”, “error”, “sending”, and “waiting for retransmission”. That is, “incoming” is given when the mail is successfully stored in the destination mailbox. An “error” is given when an incoming call fails beyond the limit of retransmission. “Transmitting” is given while the distribution process is being executed. Further, “waiting for retransmission” is given when distribution is started and within the limit of retransmission and has not yet arrived.
[0026]
At the time of registration in the distribution management table 34, “sending” is given to the mail.
Returning to FIG. 2, the mail reception unit 31 passes the received mail ID and address to the distribution execution unit 35 and requests distribution. The distribution execution unit 35 takes out the corresponding mail from the mail management table 32 based on the ID via the distribution management unit 33, and executes distribution to each destination via the line L2 or the like. If the delivery of these emails is successful, the delivery execution unit 35 sends the transmission status data of the corresponding email destination in the delivery management table 34 via the delivery management unit 33 to “Sending”. Change from to incoming. The distributed mail is received when the receiving client 50 accesses the mail box 42 of the server 40 via the line L3 or the like.
[0027]
On the other hand, if the distribution fails, the distribution execution unit 35 changes the transmission status data of the destination from “transmitting” to “waiting for retransmission”.
By the way, the reasons for the delivery failure are as follows.
[0028]
(1) The allowable amount (email size and number) of the mail box 42 of the server 40 on the receiving side is the limit.
(2) The reception service is not operating.
[0029]
(3) The simultaneous processing limit of the request is exceeded in the receiving service.
(4) The line cannot be connected to the server 40 on the receiving side due to a failure of the line L2.
[0030]
(5) The server 40 on the receiving side is not activated.
(6) The receiving service is in a mode incapable of receiving.
When the delivery execution unit 35 completes the execution of the delivery process to all destinations, the delivery execution unit 35 checks whether there is a destination that has failed to be delivered. This can be confirmed by the success or failure of acceptance from the delivery acceptance unit 41 of the server 40. If delivery to all destinations is successful, the target mail is deleted from the mail management table 32. On the other hand, when there is even one address that could not be distributed, the distribution execution unit 35 inquires of the distribution management table 34 whether or not the current mail is designated for retransmission.
[0031]
If the current mail is designated to be retransmitted, each transmission history information is updated, and the current distribution process is terminated.
If the current mail is not designated to be retransmitted, the distribution execution unit 35 sends the address and transmission source that could not be distributed to the notification unit 36. At the same time, the distribution execution unit 35 changes the transmission status data of the corresponding mail destination in the distribution management table 34 from “during transmission” to “error”. Then, this mail is deleted from the mail management table 32, and the current distribution process is terminated.
[0032]
When the notification unit 36 receives a destination and a transmission source that could not be distributed from the distribution execution unit 35, the notification unit 36 notifies the transmission source that the distribution could not be performed and the destination. As a means of notification, an error mail including a destination that could not be delivered is created and sent to the sender, or a connection to the sender is established via the line L1, and the notification reception unit 24 of the client 20 directly. Or the client periodically inquires and the notification unit 36 provides the latest data.
[0033]
When receiving the distribution, the distribution receiving unit 41 of the server 40 on the receiving side attempts to store the mail in the mail box 42 of the corresponding destination. If the mail has been successfully stored, a message to the effect is sent to the delivery execution unit 35. On the other hand, even when the server 40 is operating, as described in the reasons (1), (3), and (6) of the delivery failure described above, mail storage may fail. In this case, the distribution accepting unit 41 notifies the distribution executing unit 35 that it has failed.
[0034]
When the mail is successfully stored, the reception receiving unit 43 of the server 40 receives a reception request from the client 50 on the receiving side, reads out the mail corresponding to the recipient from the mail box 42, and provides it.
[0035]
The distribution management unit 33 of the server 30 monitors the mail in the distribution management table 34 based on the time indicated by the timer 37. Specifically, the destination of “Waiting for retransmission” is extracted from the mail in the delivery management table 34, and the retransmission interval set by the retransmission parameter is compared with the current time, so that the retransmission timing is achieved. When it is time to resend, the distribution management unit 33 requests the distribution execution unit 35 to distribute to the corresponding destination. Receiving this, the distribution execution unit 35 changes the transmission status data of the corresponding destination in the distribution management table 34 from “waiting for retransmission” to “during transmission”, and performs distribution processing in the same manner as the distribution immediately after transmission.
[0036]
If distribution cannot be performed at the final retransmission timing, the distribution execution unit 35 sends the destination and transmission source that could not be distributed to the notification unit 36. At the same time, the distribution execution unit 35 changes the transmission status data of the corresponding mail destination in the distribution management table 34 from “during transmission” to “error”. Then, this mail is deleted from the mail management table 32, and the current retransmission process is terminated. This resending process is repeatedly executed at a constant cycle independently of the mail reception from the client side.
[0037]
As described above, during the distribution and retransmission, the transmission-side client 20 can refer to and update the retransmission information. On the client 20 side, when the user requests browsing of transmission history information, the transmission operation unit 21 provides the transmission history information to the user through a monitor or the like. This transmission history information can be realized, for example, by inquiring the information of the distribution management table 34 to the distribution management unit 33 of the server 30.
[0038]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of transmission history information. In the transmission history information screen 213, as the data related to the transmitted mails D1 to D4, respective destinations, transmission dates and times, subject names, and attached document names are displayed. Further, here, data not included in the example of the distribution management table 212 of FIG. 4, “subject name” and “attached document name” are displayed, but this is achieved by adding necessary elements to the distribution management table 34. It becomes possible.
[0039]
On the other hand, when the user specifies a certain transmitted mail and requests the transmission history information from the client 20, the transmission operation unit 21 requests the distribution information access unit 23. The distribution information access unit 23 accesses the server 30 using communication means or the like, reads out the transmission history information of the specific mail requested, and sends it to the transmission operation unit 21. Receiving this, the transmission operation unit 21 displays this as specific transmission history information.
[0040]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of specific transmission history information. The specific transmission history information 214 displays the subject of the mail specified by the user, the destination and the transmission state thereof, the retransmission parameters such as the number of retransmissions set at the start of transmission, the number of remaining retransmissions, the retransmission attempt time, and the like. .
[0041]
When the user wants to change the setting of the retransmission parameter for the mail being displayed, the user clicks the retransmission method change menu 214a on the screen. Thereby, a screen display similar to the retransmission parameter input screen 211 shown in FIG. 3 is made on the screen, and the setting can be changed on the screen.
[0042]
When the retransmission parameter setting is changed, the distribution information access unit 23 accesses the distribution management unit 33 of the server 30 using the communication means, and changes the contents of the distribution management table 34.
[0043]
In FIG. 2, the blocks are connected by independent lines in order to explain the functions. However, all the blocks may be connected to one line.
Here, the client 20 is the transmission side and the client 50 is the reception side. However, both the clients 20 and 50 actually have both functions of the transmission side and the reception side. The server 30 and the server 40 also have both a distribution function and a reception function.
[0044]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when mail transmission is activated by the client 20 on the transmission side.
[S1] It is determined whether or not mail transmission has been activated. If so, the process proceeds to step S2, and if not, step S1 is repeated.
[S2] A retransmission parameter input screen 211 is displayed.
[S3] A retransmission parameter setting operation is accepted on the screen.
[S4] Upon completion of the operation, the mail and attribute data including the retransmission parameter are transmitted to the server side.
[0045]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for changing retransmission parameters after mail transmission by the client 20 on the transmission side.
[S11] It is determined whether or not the user has requested transmission history information for a specific mail. If so, the process proceeds to step S12, and if not, step S11 is repeated.
[S12] A specific transmission history information screen is displayed.
[S13] It is determined whether or not a retransmission parameter change request has been made. If so, the process proceeds to step S14, and if not, the process returns to step S12.
[S14] An operation for changing a retransmission parameter is accepted on the screen.
[S15] The changed retransmission parameter is transmitted to the server.
[0046]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a mail delivery processing procedure by the server 30 on the transmission side.
[S21] The mail transmitted from the client 20 is accepted and an ID corresponding to the mail is generated.
[S22] The mail for which the ID has been generated is stored in the mail management table 32, and transmission status data is given for each mail destination and registered in the distribution management table 34.
[S23] Distribution is performed to each mail destination.
[S24] It is determined whether or not there is a destination for which distribution has failed. If there is, the process proceeds to step S25, and if not, the process proceeds to step S27.
[S25] It is determined whether or not the current mail is designated for resending. If resent is designated, the process proceeds to step S28, and if not, the process proceeds to step S26.
[S26] The mail transmission source client is notified of the failure of distribution and the destination.
[S27] The target mail is deleted from the mail management table 32.
[S28] The transmission history information in the distribution management table 34 is updated based on the results of distribution performed in steps S21 to S27.
[0047]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a mail resend processing procedure by the server 30 on the transmission side.
[S31] It is determined whether or not mail including a destination in the “waiting for retransmission” state remains in the distribution management table 34. If it remains, the process proceeds to step S32, and if not, this flowchart ends.
[S32] The mail having the destination of “waiting for retransmission” is extracted from the distribution management table 34, and the retransmission time set by the retransmission parameter of the mail is compared with the current time.
[S33] It is determined whether or not it is a retransmission timing. If so, the process proceeds to step S34, and if not, the process returns to step S31.
[S34] The mail transmission status data is changed from “waiting for retransmission” to “sending”, and retransmission processing is executed.
[S35] It is determined whether or not there is a destination that has failed to be delivered as a result of the retransmission. If so, the process proceeds to step S36, and if not, the process proceeds to step S38.
[S36] It is determined whether or not the current retransmission is the final delivery. If so, the process proceeds to step S37, and if not, the process proceeds to step S39.
[S37] The mail transmission source client is notified of the failure of distribution and the destination.
[S38] The target mail is deleted from the mail management table 32.
[S39] The transmission history information in the distribution management table 34 is updated based on the results of distribution performed in steps S31 to S38.
[0048]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a mail receiving procedure in the server 40 on the receiving side.
[S41] Mail distribution is accepted.
[S42] The mail is stored in the mailbox of the delivery destination user.
[S43] The distribution result is returned to the distribution source server.
[0049]
As described above, in this embodiment, since the retransmission parameter can be set by the user on the client 20 side of the mail transmission source, it is possible to freely set the mail for each mail without performing the e-mail system setting for each user or each system. In addition, the retransmission method can be set easily.
[0050]
In addition, in this embodiment, since the retransmission parameter can be changed after the mail is sent, even if, for example, what is sent as a normal mail later becomes urgent later, it is easy. Can change.
[0051]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of functions of the electronic mail system according to the second embodiment of this invention. This e-mail system 60 is provided with a retransmission parameter table 25 in addition to the configuration of the client 20 of the e-mail system 10 of FIG. 2, and the other configurations are almost the same as those of the e-mail system 10, and therefore the same configuration Portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0052]
The client 20 can select a plurality of mail delivery services. Each mail delivery service is pre-set and registered with one retransmission parameter. These retransmission parameters are set in different patterns, and are stored in the retransmission parameter table 25. In such a setting, the user selects the retransmission parameter on the retransmission parameter selection screen when transmitting mail. The retransmission parameter selection screen is displayed by the transmission operation unit 21.
[0053]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a retransmission parameter selection screen. On the retransmission parameter selection screen 71, each pattern of retransmission parameters stored in the retransmission parameter table 25 is switched and displayed. When the user selects a desired pattern, a mail delivery service having a retransmission parameter for the pattern is selected. That is, for example, if “Pattern 1” is selected as shown in the figure, the combination of the number of retransmissions of 5 times and the retransmission interval of 20 minutes is automatically set. Mail transmission is executed using the mail distribution service thus selected.
[0054]
As described above, by preparing and selecting a plurality of retransmission parameter patterns, the retransmission parameters can be set with a simpler operation. Further, since it is connected to a server that executes the mail delivery service of the selected pattern, it can be executed with a constant retransmission parameter on the server side. Therefore, it is only necessary to switch and select retransmission parameters on the client side, so that the design and provision of the system is simplified.
[0055]
The retransmission parameter pattern can be acquired by inquiring a connectable mail delivery service. Or you may make it register beforehand by a user's hand. In any case, the retransmission parameter pattern and the mail delivery service are stored in the retransmission parameter table 25 in association with each other.
[0056]
When the retransmission parameter is set in this way and the user issues a transmission command, the transmission unit 22 communicates with a server having the mail delivery service of the pattern set in the above procedure.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, the retransmission method can be set in parameters on the client on the client. A retransmission method can be set easily.
[0058]
Further, in the present invention, since it is possible to change the resend time, resend interval, etc. of the already sent mail on the client side, for example, it is noticed that what is sent as a normally handled mail is later urgent. Even if it is, it can be changed easily. Therefore, flexibility can be given to the system.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a concept of functions of an electronic mail system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of functions of the electronic mail system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a retransmission parameter input screen.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mail management table.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example of transmission history information.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of specific transmission history information.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when mail transmission is started by a transmission-side client.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for changing retransmission parameters after mail transmission by a client on the transmission side.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a mail delivery processing procedure by a server on the transmission side.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a mail resend processing procedure by the server on the transmission side.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a mail reception procedure in the server on the receiving side.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of functions of an electronic mail system according to a second embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a retransmission parameter selection screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 client
1a Retransmission parameter setting means
1b Mail sending means
1c Parameter changing means
1d Change parameter transmission means
2 servers
2a Mail management means
2b Distribution management means
2c Delivery execution means
2d attribute changing means
10 E-mail system
20,50 clients
21 Transmission operation section
22 Transmitter
23 Distribution Information Access Department
24 Notification reception part
30, 40 servers
31 Mail reception department
32 Mail management table
33 Distribution Management Department
34 Distribution management table
35 Distribution execution part
36 Notification Department
41 Distribution Reception Department
42 Mailbox
43 Reception reception part

Claims (4)

In an e-mail system with a mail resending function,
On the client, select and set one or more retransmission parameters from the number of retransmissions, retransmission time interval, and retransmission deadline when the delivery to the recipient of the email fails on a per-mail basis. Resending parameter setting means to perform ,
A mail sending means for sending a mail with the set parameter added as one of attribute data to the server side;
Mail management means for storing and managing the sent mail on the server side;
Delivery management means for managing delivery of the email based on the attribute data added to the sent email;
A delivery execution means for delivering the mail in response to a command from the delivery management means;
Mail resending means for resending the mail based on the set parameters when delivery of the mail fails;
An e-mail system characterized by comprising:   Managed by parameter changing means for changing the parameters for resending the mail already sent on the client, change parameter sending means for sending the changed parameter to the server side, and the delivery management means 2. The e-mail system according to claim 1, further comprising attribute changing means for changing the retransmission parameter of the attribute data to the changed contents.   2. The electronic mail system according to claim 1, further comprising transmission history information display means for inquiring the server side and displaying the transmission history of the transmitted mail up to now on the client side.   When delivery within the time limit set by the retransmission parameter fails, it has a notification means for notifying the client side of the failure of the delivery and the subject of the mail that failed to deliver. The electronic mail system according to claim 1.

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