JP4068434B2 - E-mail browsing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic mail browsing apparatus capable of efficiently searching for mail that has been browsed in the past by searching for a target mail based on the date and time of previous browsing in a method for searching for electronic mail. In the following description, Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks or trademarks.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, an electronic mail browsing device displays mails in the order of arrival, and is thus configured to efficiently read new mail. In addition, if you remember when the mail arrived, it is also suitable for efficiently searching for the target mail. In addition, some mail browsing devices are provided with a search function that enables searching for mail including keywords so that necessary mail can be searched from the stored mail. For example, such a search function is provided in Outlook Express of Microsoft Corporation.
[0003]
[Non-Patent Document 1]
Microsoft Office 97 for Windows User's Guide, published by Microsoft Corporation, p.135
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when it is desired to re-read e-mails that have been searched and viewed using the above-described search function at a later date, search needs in different aspects often occur. For example, there may be needs such as “I want to read again the mail that I searched and read the day before yesterday” or “I want to read the mail that I found and read at the same time when I read this mail before.”
[0005]
In this case, in the conventional electronic mail browsing apparatus, when searching from the new arrival list, it is already an old mail, so the search starts from a considerable back of the new arrival list. Or, the search key used for searching at that time reminded me of the search procedure, and I searched again, remembering the last time I searched the email, and searching for it with the same effort.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional electronic mail browsing apparatus, and an object of the present invention is to improve the operability by expanding options for a method for searching for electronic mail. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved e-mail browsing device capable of efficiently searching for browsed e-mails. The present invention is particularly useful when applied to a terminal having poor display and input means such as a portable terminal.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, an electronic mail browsing apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic mail is stored and the electronic mail is browsed. A mail storage unit (100) having a browsing date recording field (110) for recording at least one date and time, and when the electronic mail is received, the email is stored in the mail storage unit, and a corresponding browsing date recording field is displayed. A mail receiving unit (200) to be initialized, a mail browsing unit (300) for displaying the electronic mail when browsing the electronic mail, and recording the browsing date and time in a browsing date recording field corresponding to the electronic mail; Search date acquisition part (400) for acquiring the date specified as a search key, and the date and time in the date record field for each e-mail A browsing date search unit that takes the difference between the date and time specified as the search key and the closest browsing date and the date and time specified as the search key and obtains the search result based on the difference (for example, based on the absolute value of the difference). (500) and a search result display unit (700) for displaying a list of e-mails of search results, an e-mail browsing device is provided.
[0008]
According to such a configuration, it is possible to record the date and time of browsing for each mail and to search for mail based on it. For example, if the mail received on July 11 is viewed on July 23, and if it is viewed again on July 24, it will be possible to perform a search based on "I read this mail the previous day". The range of options for searching is expanded and operability is improved. In particular, when searching for e-mails that have been browsed in the past on terminals with poor display and input means, such as mobile devices, rather than searching for e-mails from the past (number of screens) in the new arrival list and entering keywords. It is more convenient to select the date and time of browsing before, and such a search means is effective.
[0009]
As described in claim 2, the mail browsing unit (300) includes a browsing date update determination unit (310) for determining whether or not the browsing date and time of an e-mail can be used for a later search. The browsing date field can be updated only when it is determined to update the browsing date field. As a result, the date and time of browsing can be prevented from being recorded when an e-mail is opened by mistake.
[0010]
In the browsing date update determination unit (310), it can be determined, for example, as follows whether or not the browsing date of the e-mail is likely to be used for a later search.
(1) When an e-mail is displayed at a certain rate or more in the mail viewing part (for example, when the display screen is scrolled until it is displayed at a certain rate or more), the viewing date field corresponding to the e-mail is updated. (Claim 3).
(2) If the e-mail is displayed for a predetermined time or longer in the e-mail browsing unit, it is determined that the viewing date field corresponding to the e-mail is updated.
(3) When the browsing date record field corresponding to the e-mail being browsed in the e-mail browsing section does not record the browsing date within a certain time from the current date and time, the browsing date field corresponding to the e-mail is updated. (Claim 5).
[0011]
If the date and time are recorded in all the browsing date record fields corresponding to the e-mail being browsed by the e-mail browsing unit, the e-mail viewing unit (300) responds to the e-mail. It is possible to overwrite the browsing date and time within a certain time from the current date and time in the browsing date recording field with the current date and time, and if not, overwrite the oldest browsing date and time with (unnecessary) the current date and time. It is. As a result, it is not necessary to record everything read back several times in a short time, or to leave a browsing date that is not used for searching, and avoid using a browsing date recording field that can record multiple dates and times. it can.
[0012]
The search browsing date acquisition unit (400) sets the date and time when the search operation is performed (the time when the user performs the search operation) as the date and time specified as the search key. Can do.
[0013]
In order to obtain a search result based on the date difference, the browsing date search unit (500) may use an e-mail with the absolute value of the date difference as a search result in order to obtain a search result based on the date difference. it can. Alternatively, as described in claim 9, in order to obtain a search result based on the absolute value of the date and time difference, a certain number of e-mails can be used as the search result in ascending order of the absolute value of the date and time difference.
[0014]
The search result display unit (700) displays the searched e-mails in ascending or descending order of the date and time differences taken by the browsing date and time search unit, as described in claim 10, and whether the date and time difference is positive or negative A specific mark can be displayed in the part where changes. Alternatively, as described in claim 11, the retrieved e-mails are displayed in ascending or descending order of the date and time difference taken by the browsing date and time search unit, and a portion where the sign of the date and time difference changes is displayed on the display screen. The search results can be displayed so as to enter (for example, the screen is automatically scrolled). By displaying a certain mark (horizontal line, etc.) at a position where the sign of the date and time difference changes, or scrolling so that the position falls within the display screen, the mail viewed on the date closest to the purpose is clear. Can be displayed.
[0015]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to a second aspect of the present invention, an electronic mail browsing device (20) according to claim 12, wherein the electronic mail is stored and the electronic mail is stored. A mail storage unit (100) having a browsing date record field (110) for recording at least two browsing dates and times, and when receiving an e-mail, the e-mail is stored in the mail storage unit and a corresponding browsing date record A mail receiving unit (200) for initializing the field, and a mail browsing unit (300) for displaying the electronic mail when browsing the electronic mail and recording the browsing date and time in the browsing date recording field corresponding to the electronic mail A key data designating unit (600) for acquiring an e-mail designated as a search key, and a browsing date recording file for each e-mail. Search based on the difference in the combination of the closest date and time between the date and time in the field and the browsing date and time in the browsing date record field corresponding to the e-mail specified by the key data specification part (for example, based on the absolute value of the difference) An e-mail browsing apparatus is provided, which includes a browsing date search unit (1500) for obtaining a result and a search result display unit (1700) for displaying an e-mail list of search results.
[0016]
According to such a configuration, by storing a plurality of browsing dates and times, information on the date and time of browsing in the past remains stored even when the browsing is newly performed. Also, by comparing the browsing dates, it is possible to search for emails that were read at the same time. As a result, when the last read mail is read before, the function to search the mail read at the same time can be realized. Can be easily performed by “searching for mail read at the same time”.
[0017]
The mail browsing unit, as described in claim 13, browse date update determination unit (1310) that determines to update the browsing date field when there is a possibility that the date and time of browsing of an email may be used for a later search. The browsing date field can be updated only when it is determined to update the browsing date field. As a result, the date and time of browsing can be prevented from being recorded when an e-mail is opened by mistake.
[0018]
In the browsing date update determination unit (1310), it can be determined, for example, as follows whether or not the browsing date of the electronic mail is likely to be used for a later search.
(1) When an e-mail is displayed at a certain rate or more in the mail viewing part (for example, when the display screen is scrolled until it is displayed at a certain rate or more), the viewing date field corresponding to the e-mail is updated. The determination is made (claim 14).
(2) If an e-mail has been displayed for a predetermined time or longer in the e-mail browsing unit, it is determined that the viewing date field corresponding to the e-mail is to be updated (claim 15).
(3) If another e-mail is being browsed within a predetermined time in the e-mail browsing unit, it is determined that the viewing date field corresponding to the e-mail is to be updated (claim 16).
(4) After browsing the email in the mail browsing section, when another operation is attempted without ending the operation, it is determined that the viewing date field corresponding to the email is updated (request) Item 17).
(5) Update of the browsing date field corresponding to the e-mail when the browsing date recording field corresponding to the e-mail being browsed in the mail browsing section does not record the browsing date and time within a certain time from the current date and time. (Claim 18).
[0019]
In particular, it is effective to determine that the browsing date should be recorded when (3) other emails were browsed within a certain period of time, or (4) other operations were attempted after browsing emails. Is. As a result, when other mails are not viewed at the same time, it is determined that the browsing date and time need not be used for searching the mails that are viewed at the same time, and the browsing date and time is not recorded.
[0020]
When the date and time are recorded in all the browsing date recording fields corresponding to the e-mail being browsed by the mail browsing unit as described in claim 19, the mail browsing unit (300) is as follows: Can be overwritten.
Of the browsing date and time in the browsing date record field corresponding to the email,
▲ 1 Reading date and time within a certain time from the current date and time
(2) Viewing date / time that is more than a certain amount in the past from the current date / time, and that has not been recorded in the browsing date storage field of each email in the email storage part.
If there is any of the browsing date and time of (1) and (2) above, it is overwritten with the current date and time.
If there is no browsing date of (1) and (2) above, (3) the oldest browsing date is overwritten with the current date (unnecessary). As a result, it is not necessary to record everything read back several times in a short time, or to leave a browsing date that is not used for searching, and avoid using a browsing date recording field that can record multiple dates and times. it can.
[0021]
The key data specifying unit (600) corresponds to the email stored in the mail storage unit at the time when the search operation is performed (when the user performs the search operation), as described in claim 20. An e-mail with the latest browsing date recorded in the browsing date recording field can be set as an e-mail designated as a search key. This makes it possible to implement a function for “searching for mail that was read at the same time when the mail that was being read is read before”.
[0022]
The browsing date and time search unit (1500) includes the current date and time among the browsing date and time recorded in the browsing date recording field corresponding to the electronic mail specified as the search key by the key data specifying unit. Browsing date and time within a certain period of time can not be used. I have just seen it by performing the processing by excluding the browsing date within a certain period (10 minutes etc.) from the current date and time among the browsing dates recorded in the browsing date field of the email specified in the key data specification part Can be removed from the search target, making it more convenient. It is desirable to add such improvements especially when you want to use "read mail" as a search key.
[0023]
In order to obtain a search result based on the date / time difference, the browsing date / time search unit (1500) may use, as a search result, an e-mail whose absolute value of the date / time difference is less than a certain value. it can. Alternatively, as described in claim 23, in order to obtain a search result based on the date and time difference, a certain number of e-mails can be used as the search result in ascending order of absolute value of the date and time difference.
[0024]
As described in claim 24, the search result display unit (1700) displays the searched e-mails in ascending or descending order of the date and time difference taken by the browsing date and time search unit, and whether the date and time difference is positive or negative A specific mark can be displayed in the part where changes. Alternatively, as described in claim 25, the retrieved e-mails are displayed in ascending or descending order of the date and time difference taken by the browsing date and time search unit, and a portion where the sign of the date and time difference changes is displayed on the display screen. The search results can be displayed so as to enter (for example, the screen is automatically scrolled). By displaying a certain mark (horizontal line, etc.) at a position where the sign of the date and time difference changes, or scrolling so that the position falls within the display screen, the mail viewed on the date closest to the purpose is clear. Can be displayed.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of an electronic mail browsing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In the following description, “electronic mail” is also simply referred to as “mail”.
[0026]
(First embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a method for solving the problem by recording the date and time of browsing for each mail and searching the mail based on the date and time will be described.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an electronic mail browsing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic mail browsing apparatus 10 includes a mail storage unit 100, a mail receiving unit 200, a mail browsing unit 300, a browsing date update determination unit 310, a search browsing date acquisition unit 400, a browsing A date and time search unit 500 and a search result display unit 700 are provided. Each component will be described in detail below.
[0028]
(Mail storage unit 100)
The mail storage unit 100 stores a received mail and has a browsing date record field 110 for recording the date and time when the mail is read at least once. In the present embodiment, the browsing date storage field 110 stores one browsing date for each mail.
[0029]
(Mail receiver 200)
The mail receiving unit 200 stores the received mail in the mail storage unit 100 and initializes the browsing date record field 110 corresponding to the mail.
[0030]
(Mail browsing unit 300)
When the mail browsing unit 300 displays the mail designated by the user, the mail browsing unit 300 updates the browsing date recording field 110 corresponding to the mail by writing the date and time at that time. When the browsing date recording field 110 can record a plurality of browsing dates, the most unnecessary browsing date is determined according to a certain rule, and is overwritten with the current date and time. The most unnecessary browsing date can be determined, for example, by selecting the oldest date and time.
[0031]
(Browsing date update determination unit 310)
When the mail is opened, the corresponding browsing date record field 110 may be constantly updated. However, when the e-mail is opened by mistake, the browsing date recording field 110 may not be updated. preferable. Therefore, in this embodiment, the browsing date update determination unit 310 is provided.
[0032]
The browsing date update determination unit 310 determines whether or not the browsing date should be recorded in the browsing date recording field 110 when the mail is opened. The browsing date update determination unit 310 determines that the browsing date should be recorded when, for example, the mail display displays the full text of the mail or is scrolled by the user. Alternatively, it is determined that the browsing date should be recorded when the mail has been open for a certain period of time. Thereby, it is possible not to record the browsing date and time when an e-mail is opened by mistake. In the present invention, the browsing date update determination unit 310 is not necessarily an essential component.
[0033]
(Search browsing date acquisition unit 400)
The search browsing date acquisition unit 400 is a means for inputting a browsing date to be searched. This may be a user interface for the user to input the date and time, or may be configured to display the date and time when the browsing date and time search unit 500 is executed, so that the date and time are displayed in the order of reading. Is possible.
[0034]
(Browsing date search unit 500)
The browsing date and time search unit 500 compares the browsing date and time recorded in the browsing date recording field 110 for all mails in the mail storage unit 100 with the date and time given by the search browsing date and time acquisition unit 400 and close to a certain date and time (for example, 1 If the date is within (date), an email having the browsing date record field 110 is added to the search result. Alternatively, a certain number of mails may be used as search results in order of date and time.
[0035]
(Browsing date search result display section 700)
The browsing date search result display unit 700 presents mails that are search results obtained by the browsing date search unit 500 to the user, for example, by displaying a list of titles (Subject :). The display order is given by the search browsing date and time acquisition unit 400 and the date and time closest to the date and time given by the search browsing date and time acquisition unit 400 among the browsing dates and times recorded in the browsing date recording field 110 for each mail. Arrange them in ascending order of difference. Then, display a mark (horizontal line, etc.) at a position where the difference value changes from negative to positive, or scroll so that the position enters the screen. It is preferable to display as follows.
[0036]
The electronic mail browsing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above. Next, the operation of the electronic mail browsing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic mail browsing apparatus 10. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an electronic mail browsed by the electronic mail browsing apparatus 10.
[0037]
If the mail M1 shown in FIG. 3 is received on July 11 (step S101), the mail receiving unit 200 stores the mail in the mail storage unit 100 and empties the browsing date record field 110 corresponding to the mail. (Step S102). In this embodiment, it is assumed that one browsing date is stored in one browsing mail storage field 110 for one mail.
[0038]
When the user reads and scrolls the mail M1 with the mail browsing unit 300 on July 12 of the next day when the mail M1 is received (step S103), the browsing date update determination unit 310 displays the browsing date record field corresponding to the mail M1. 110 is determined to be updated, and the date and time of “July 12” is recorded (step S104). In order to simplify the explanation, only the month and day are recorded. However, the year, hour, minute, and second may be recorded.
[0039]
Then, for example, on July 23, which is the day before the meeting described in the mail M1, when the user finds the mail M1 by some means and reads it back (step S105), the mail browsing unit 300 reads the browsing date corresponding to the mail M1. "July 12" recorded in the recording field 110 is overwritten with "July 23" (step S106).
[0040]
Further, it is assumed that the user wants to confirm the meeting again by the mail M1 on July 24, the day of the meeting recorded in the mail M1. In this case, since the user remembers to have found and read the mail M1 yesterday, the search browsing date acquisition unit 400 designates “July 23” which is the date of yesterday (step S107).
[0041]
The browsing date search unit 500 searches for a mail having a date and time close to “July 23” in the browsing date record field 110 (step S108). As a result, the mail M1 in which “July 23” is recorded in the browsing date recording field 110 is included in the search result. In particular, as described above, it is possible to easily find the mail M1 by arranging in ascending order of the viewing date and time, or adding a mark or the like at a position where the viewing date or time difference changes from positive to negative.
[0042]
(Effects of the first embodiment)
As described above, when the user searches for the mail M1 on "July 23", since 12 days have passed since the receipt, the past mail is searched from the new arrival list, or the stored meeting name, etc. It is necessary to search and browse with the same effort as in the past, such as performing a keyword search. In the conventional case, when checking on the day of “July 24”, it is necessary to search the mail M1 again by following the same procedure as that performed on July 23 of the previous day. In other words, mails that are days ago from the new arrival list are searched for, or a keyword such as a meeting name is searched.
[0043]
In this regard, according to the present embodiment, when searching on the day of “July 24”, a search based on “read this mail the previous day” is also possible, and options for searching for the mail M1 are widened. Will improve. In particular, in the case of a terminal with poor display and input means such as a mobile terminal, it is more convenient to select the date and time than searching for mail from the past (every screen earlier) or entering keywords in the list of new arrivals. Search means like this embodiment is effective.
[0044]
(Second Embodiment)
In this embodiment, an application example of the first embodiment will be described. The present embodiment is characterized in the number of times of browsing for each mail recorded in the browsing date recording field 110 and the way of updating the browsing date recording field 110.
[0045]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the electronic mail browsing apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic mail browsing apparatus 20 includes a mail storage unit 100, a mail receiving unit 200, a mail browsing unit 300, a browsing date update determination unit 310, a search browsing date acquisition unit 400, a browsing A date and time search unit 1500 and a search result display unit 1700 are provided, and a key data specifying unit 600 is further provided. Each component will be described in detail below.
[0046]
Since the mail storage unit 100, the mail receiving unit 200, and the mail browsing unit 300 are the same as those in the first embodiment, redundant description is omitted.
[0047]
(Browsing date record field 110)
The browsing date record field 110 can record two or more browsing dates, and the mail browsing unit 300 determines a most unnecessary browsing date according to a certain rule and overwrites it with the current date and time. The most unnecessary browsing date is, for example, unnecessary if a browsing date that is closer than a certain point (such as 10 minutes) is recorded. If there is no such browsing date, there is no other browsing date close to a certain value (such as one day) in the browsing date record field 110 of all the emails stored in the email storage unit 100, and a browsing date that is more than a certain number of days ago. If you don't need it. If there is none, delete the oldest browsing date. As a result, it is not necessary to record everything read back several times in a short time or to leave a browsing date that is not used for searching, and to use the browsing date recording field 110 capable of recording a plurality of dates and times. Can be avoided.
[0048]
(Key data specification unit 600)
The key data designation unit 600 is a means for designating a mail to be used as a search key. For example, by using the mail that was read immediately before as a key, for example, in the present embodiment, a function for “searching for mail read at the same time when reading mail that was read before” is used. Realization is possible. The identification of the e-mail read immediately before this can be realized, for example, by searching for all e-mails in the e-mail storage unit 100 for e-mails with the newest date and time recorded in the browsing date record field 110.
[0049]
(Browsing date search unit 1500)
The browsing date and time search unit 1500 uses the browsing date and time recorded in the browsing date recording field 110 of all the emails in the email storage unit 100 as the browsing date and time in the email browsing date field 110 specified by the key data specification unit 600. In comparison, if the closest dates and times are closer than a certain date (for example, within one day), an email having the browsing date record field 110 is added to the search result. Alternatively, a certain number of mails may be used as search results in order of date and time. At this time, out of the browsing dates recorded in the browsing date field 110 of the email specified by the key data specifying unit 600, the browsing date within a certain period (such as 10 minutes) is excluded from the current date and time. As a result, the email just seen can be excluded from the search target, and the convenience is improved. It is desirable to add such improvements especially when you want to use "mail you just read" as a key.
[0050]
(Browsing date search result display section 1600)
The browsing date search result display unit 1600 displays the mail that is the search result obtained by the browsing date search unit 1500, for example, by displaying the title (Subject :) as a list, and the order in which each mail is displayed. Are arranged in ascending order of the difference between the closest dates and times among the browsing dates and times recorded in the browsing date recording field 110 and the browsing dates and times in the browsing date recording field 110 of the mail designated by the key data designation unit 600. Then, by displaying some mark (horizontal line, etc.) at the position where the difference changes from negative to positive, or scrolling so that the position enters the screen, the mail read on the day closest to the purpose becomes clear It is preferable to display as follows.
[0051]
(Browsing date update determination unit 1310)
In the case of the present embodiment, the browsing date update determination unit 1310 sets the browsing date and time when browsing other emails within a certain period of time or entering another operation without ending the mailer after browsing the emails. It is effective to configure so that it should be recorded. As a result, when no other mails are viewed at the same time, that is, browsing dates and times that are not necessary for searching for mails that have been viewed simultaneously are not recorded.
[0052]
The electronic mail browsing apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above. Next, the operation of the electronic mail browsing apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic mail browsing apparatus 20. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an electronic mail browsed by the electronic mail browsing apparatus 20.
[0053]
If the mail M11 shown in FIG. 6A is received on July 11 (step S201), the mail receiving unit 200 stores the mail in the mail storage unit 100, and the browsing date storage field 110 corresponding to the mail. Is emptied (step S202).
[0054]
If the user reads the mail on July 12, the next day after receiving the mail M11 (step S203), the mail browsing unit 300 records the date and time of “July 12” in the browsing date storage field 110 (step S203). S204). In order to simplify the explanation, only the month and day are recorded. However, the year, hour, minute, and second may be recorded.
[0055]
Assume that the mail M12 shown in FIG. 6B is received and read on July 15 at a later date (step S205). At this time, “July 15” is recorded in the browsing date storage field 110 corresponding to the mail M12 (step S206). In addition, it is assumed that the user searches for a mail related to the mail and searches for the mail M11 on the 15th of July using a conventional method (step S207). At this time, in addition to the previously stored “July 12”, “July 15” is recorded in the browsing date storage field 110 of the mail 11 (step S208).
[0056]
For example, when the user finds the mail M12 by some means and reads it back on July 23, which is the day before the conference described in the mail M12 (step S209), the information is written in the browsing date storage field 110 of the mail M12 first. In addition to “July 15”, “July 23” is recorded (step S210).
[0057]
As a result of the operations so far, “July 12” and “July 15” are displayed in the browsing date storage field 110 corresponding to the mail M11, and “July 15” is stored in the browsing date storage field 110 corresponding to the mail M12. "Day" and "July 23" are recorded.
[0058]
At this time, it is assumed that the user remembers that he / she has also read the mail M11 when he / she read the mail M12 on July 15, and wants to check the mail M11 again in the same manner. At this time, when the user calls the browsing date and time search unit 1500, the key data specifying unit 600 specifies the mail M12 that has been browsing the full text immediately before as a key (step S211).
[0059]
The browsing date search unit 1500 records the browsing date “July 15” and the browsing date “July 23” stored in the browsing date field 110 of the mail M12 in the browsing date field 110 of all emails. The combination having the smallest difference compared to the browsing date is detected below a certain value, for example, one day or less (step S212). As a result, in the case of the mail M11, the browsing date “July 12” and the browsing date “July 15” are “July 15” on the same day as the mail M12 browsing date “July 15”. Since the closest difference is 0 day and less than 1 day, the mail M11 is included in the search result.
[0060]
Therefore, in the search result display unit 700, the mail M11 whose browsing date difference is as small as 0 days is displayed near the marked position and can be easily found.
[0061]
(Effect of the second embodiment)
As described above, it is often the case that a plurality of related mails are read at a time by searching for related mails. When searching for related emails first, you must search from the list of incoming calls as before, or search by specifying keywords to find them one by one. In the past, the same procedure had to be repeated if you wanted to read the same related email again at a later date.
[0062]
In this regard, according to the present embodiment, by storing a plurality of browsing dates and times, information on the date and time browsed in the past remains stored even when newly browsing. Also, by comparing the browsing dates, it is possible to search for emails that were read at the same time. As a result, when the last read mail is read before, the function to search the mail read at the same time can be realized. Can be easily performed by “searching for mail read at the same time”.
[0063]
The preferred embodiment of the electronic mail browsing apparatus according to the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it belongs.
[0064]
For example, it is used in a data browsing apparatus in which there is a scene in which related data is searched for and read at the same time, such as e-mail, and the same data is read later.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to record the date and time of browsing for each mail and to search for mail based on it. For example, if the mail received on July 11 is viewed on July 23, and if it is viewed again on July 24, it will be possible to perform a search based on "I read this mail the previous day". The range of options for searching is expanded and operability is improved. In particular, in the case of a terminal with poor display and input means such as a mobile terminal, it is more convenient to select a date and time rather than searching for mail from the past (number of screens ahead) in the new arrival list or entering keywords. Effective search means are effective.
[0066]
In addition, according to the present invention, by storing a plurality of browsing dates and times, information on the date and time browsed in the past remains stored even when newly browsing. Also, by comparing the browsing dates, it is possible to search for emails that were read at the same time. As a result, when the last read mail is read before, the function to search the mail read at the same time can be realized. Can be easily performed by “searching for mail read at the same time”.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an electronic mail browsing apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic mail browsing apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an electronic mail browsed by the electronic mail browsing apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an electronic mail browsing apparatus according to a second embodiment.
5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the electronic mail browsing apparatus of FIG.
6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an electronic mail browsed by the electronic mail browsing apparatus of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 E-mail browsing device
20 E-mail browsing device
100 mail storage
110 View date record field
200 Mail receiver
300 Mail browsing department
310 Viewing date update determination unit
400 Search browsing date acquisition part
500 browsing date search part
600 Key data specification part
700 Search result display area
1310 Browse date update determination unit
1500 browsing date search part
1700 Search result display area

Claims (23)

An email browsing device,
A mail storage unit having a browsing date recording field for storing an email and recording at least one browsing date and time of the email;
A mail receiving unit that stores the e-mail in the mail storage unit when the e-mail is received and initializes the corresponding browsing date record field;
A mail browsing unit that displays the e-mail when browsing the e-mail, and records the browsing date and time in the browsing date recording field corresponding to the e-mail;
A search browsing date acquisition unit for acquiring a date and time designated as a search key;
For each e-mail, the difference between the date / time specified as the search key and the date / time specified as the search key in the date / time record field is taken and the date / time specified as the search key, and the search result is based on the difference. A browsing date search unit to obtain
A search result display section for displaying an e-mail list of the search results;
Ri name contains,
The search result display section
The retrieved e-mail displayed in ascending order or descending order of the difference between time taken by the browse time retrieval unit, characterized you to view a specific mark in a portion sign changes of the difference between the time該日, E-mail browsing device. The email browsing part
A browsing date update determination unit for determining to update the browsing date field when the browsing date of the e-mail may be used for a later search;
2. The electronic mail browsing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the browsing date field is updated only when it is determined that the browsing date field is updated. The browsing date update determination unit
3. The electronic mail browsing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the electronic mail is displayed at a certain rate or more in the mail browsing unit, it is determined that the browsing date field corresponding to the electronic mail is updated. The browsing date update determination unit
The e-mail browsing according to claim 2, wherein when the e-mail is displayed in the e-mail browsing unit for a predetermined time or more, it is determined to update the browsing date field corresponding to the e-mail. apparatus. The browsing date update determination unit
Updating of the browsing date field corresponding to the e-mail when the browsing date and time within a certain time from the current date and time is not recorded in the browsing date recording field corresponding to the e-mail being browsed by the mail browsing unit The e-mail browsing device according to claim 2, wherein the e-mail browsing device is determined to perform. The email browsing part
When the date and time are recorded in all of the browsing date recording fields corresponding to the e-mail being browsed by the mail browsing unit, the current date and time among the browsing dates and times in the browsing date recording field corresponding to the e-mail 6. The e-mail browsing device according to claim 1, wherein a browsing date and time within a predetermined time is overwritten with the current date and time, and if there is not, the oldest browsing date and time is overwritten with the current date and time. . The search browsing date acquisition unit
The electronic mail browsing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a date and time when a search operation is performed is a date and time designated as the search key. The browsing date search unit
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an electronic mail whose absolute value of the date and time difference is a certain value or less is used as a search result in order to obtain a search result based on the date and time difference. Mail browsing device. The browsing date search unit
8. The search result according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a predetermined number of e-mails are used as search results in ascending order of absolute value of the date / time difference in order to obtain a search result based on the date / time difference. E-mail browsing device. The search result display section
  The searched e-mails are displayed in ascending or descending order of the date and time difference taken by the browsing date and time search unit, and the search result is displayed so that the portion where the sign of the date and time difference changes is within the display screen. The electronic mail browsing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein An email browsing device,
  An e-mail storage unit having a browsing date record field for recording at least two browsing dates and times of the e-mail;
  A mail receiving unit that stores the e-mail in the mail storage unit when the e-mail is received and initializes the corresponding browsing date record field;
  A mail browsing unit that displays the e-mail when browsing the e-mail, and records the browsing date and time in the browsing date recording field corresponding to the e-mail;
  A key data specification part for acquiring an email specified as a search key;
  For each e-mail, based on the difference in the combination of the closest date and time among the date and time in the browsing date recording field and the browsing date and time in the browsing date recording field corresponding to the e-mail specified by the key data specifying unit. A browsing date and time search section for obtaining search results;
  A search result display section for displaying an e-mail list of the search results;
Comprising
  The search result display section
  The retrieved e-mails are displayed in ascending or descending order of the date and time difference taken by the browsing date and time search unit, and a specific mark is displayed at a portion where the sign of the date and time difference changes. Mail browsing device. The email browsing part
  A browsing date update determination unit for determining to update the browsing date field when the email browsing date may be used for a later search;
  12. The electronic mail browsing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the browsing date field is updated only when it is determined that the browsing date field is updated. The browsing date update determination unit
  13. The electronic mail browsing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein when the electronic mail is displayed at a certain rate or more in the mail browsing unit, it is determined to update the browsing date field corresponding to the electronic mail. The browsing date update determination unit
  13. The electronic mail browsing according to claim 12, wherein when the electronic mail is displayed for a predetermined time or more in the electronic mail browsing unit, it is determined to update the browsing date field corresponding to the electronic mail. apparatus. The browsing date update determination unit
  13. The method according to claim 12, wherein when the e-mail browsing unit is browsing another e-mail within a predetermined time, it is determined to update the browsing date field corresponding to the e-mail. E-mail browsing device. The browsing date update determination unit
  After browsing the e-mail in the e-mail browsing unit, it is determined that the browsing date field corresponding to the e-mail is updated when another operation is attempted without ending the operation. The electronic mail browsing apparatus according to claim 12. The browsing date update determination unit
  Updating of the browsing date field corresponding to the e-mail when the browsing date and time within a certain time from the current date and time is not recorded in the browsing date recording field corresponding to the e-mail being browsed by the mail browsing unit The electronic mail browsing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the electronic mail browsing apparatus is determined to perform. The email browsing part
  When the date and time are recorded in all of the browsing date recording fields corresponding to the e-mail being browsed by the mail browsing unit, among the browsing dates and times in the browsing date recording field corresponding to the e-mail,
  Viewing date and time within a certain time from the current date and time, or viewing date and time that is more than a certain time in the past from the current date and time, and that has not been recorded in the browsing date storage field of each email in the email storage unit. If there is, overwrite the browsing date with the current date,
  The browsing date and time within a certain time from the current date and time, and the date and time that is more than a certain time past the current date and time, and the date and time closer to the browsing date storage field of each mail in the mail storage unit are not recorded. 18. The electronic mail browsing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein if there is no browsing date, the oldest browsing date is overwritten with the current date. The key data designating part is
  At the time when the search operation is performed, among the emails stored in the email storage unit, the email with the latest browsing date recorded in the corresponding browsing date recording field is designated as the search key The e-mail browsing device according to claim 11, wherein the e-mail browsing device is any one of the above. The browsing date search unit
  Of the browsing dates and times recorded in the browsing date recording field corresponding to the email designated as the search key in the key data designation unit, browsing date and time within a certain time from the current date and time is not used, The electronic mail browsing apparatus in any one of Claims 11-19. The browsing date search unit
  The electronic device according to any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein an electronic mail whose absolute value of the date and time difference is a certain value or less is used as a search result in order to obtain a search result based on the date and time difference. Mail browsing device. The browsing date search unit
  21. The search result according to any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein a predetermined number of e-mails are used as search results in ascending order of absolute value of the date / time difference in order to obtain a search result based on the date / time difference. E-mail browsing device. The search result display section
  The searched e-mails are displayed in ascending or descending order of the date and time difference taken by the browsing date and time search unit, and the search result is displayed so that the portion where the sign of the date and time difference changes is within the display screen. The electronic mail browsing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein the electronic mail browsing apparatus is characterized in that:

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