JP4968452B2 - Information distribution management system, information distribution management server, program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information distribution management system, an information distribution management server, and a program. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mechanism for managing information distribution by interposing between an information providing terminal and an information receiving terminal.

  2. Description of the Related Art Content service technology that accesses, downloads, and prints out a document stored in a mass storage device such as a hard disk using a personal computer or an image forming apparatus is generally well known.

  Furthermore, in recent years, with the spread of networks, new content services can be easily used in offices and homes. In this method, a large number of users access a document service stored in a public box or content server that has been established in advance, and try to obtain documents provided by these services.

  However, naturally, these contents are also stored in the large-capacity storage device, and the storage capacity of such a storage device has not been infinite even though it has increased dramatically in recent years. Therefore, various techniques have been proposed for the purpose of more efficiently utilizing a finite storage area (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 6).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-065471 JP 2000-236425 A JP 2001-094745 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-197786 JP-A-10-190997 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-075748

  For example, in the mechanism described in Patent Document 1, a mechanism is proposed in which printing is started when a certain amount of image data stored in a storage device exceeds a certain amount, and documents that have been printed are sequentially deleted from the memory. .

  However, in the mechanism described in Patent Document 1, once a document is deleted, it cannot be reused when the image data becomes necessary later.

  In order to solve these problems, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3 propose a mechanism for deleting a document after a predetermined time has elapsed, and Patent Document 4 specifies a deletion time in advance, and the time A mechanism has been proposed for deleting data when the value reaches.

  Further, Patent Document 5 proposes a mechanism for calculating the frequency of print output and adjusting so as to delay the time to delete a frequently used document. Furthermore, Patent Document 6 proposes a mechanism in which the number of times of printing is set in advance and the print data is erased when the number of times of printing set in advance becomes zero.

  However, the mechanisms described in Patent Documents 2 to 6 have the following problems when considering use in a content service on the assumption that a large number of users access.

  In the first place, the desire to “output” originates from the circumstances of each user who wants the document, and depends on attributes such as the elapsed time, output count, and access frequency at which the document was created. do not do.

  For example, it is assumed that a certain user A has output many times, and the document has already been deleted after exceeding the number of outputs. Then, even if another user B tries to obtain the document later, there is no document that he / she wants to use at that time. Also, when considering the passage of time and frequency as a reference, even if there is a user C who tries to obtain the document after a while, the document cannot be obtained in the same way. There is.

  In order to solve this problem, perpetuating data goes against the purpose of solving the original problem of effective use of the storage device.

  As described above, in the conventional information distribution management mechanism, it is difficult to balance the access request for information and the utilization efficiency of the storage capacity.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information distribution management mechanism capable of balancing the access request for information and the utilization efficiency of storage capacity.

An information distribution management system according to the present invention receives information to be provided through an information storage device that stores the information to be provided, and the information to be provided stored in the information storage device. An information distribution management system in which an information receiving terminal and an information distribution management server that controls distribution of the provision target information are connected by a communication network, wherein the information distribution management server is associated with the provision target information. Determining means for determining whether or not the provision target information has been provided to all of the specific reception target persons, and for all of the specific reception target persons associated with the provision target information by the determination means. When it is determined that the provision target information has been provided, and the publication time limit or the number of publications set in the provision target information is exceeded, the provision target information is deleted from the information storage device. And a control means for controlling so as to.

  The mechanism according to the present invention can be realized by software using an electronic computer (computer), and a program for this purpose and a recording medium storing this program can also be extracted as an invention. The program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be provided by distribution via wired or wireless communication means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to balance the access request for information and the utilization efficiency of the storage capacity .

  For example, users who intend to use content services and their systems are able to reliably obtain the relevant content without being deleted unexpectedly when the user wants to use it. The operability and the storage area of the storage device of the system can be effectively utilized.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Outline of information distribution management system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an information distribution management system that manages access control of stored information. As shown in the figure, the information distribution management system 1 according to this embodiment includes an information storage device 3 that stores information to be distributed, and storage, distribution, and deletion of information stored in the information storage device 3a. An information distribution management server 5 having a storage control device 4 that controls access control of stored information, an information storage request (also referred to as data registration or upload) to the information storage device 3, and an information distribution request from the information storage device 3 A client terminal 6 that executes (also referred to as download) is connected to a network 9 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet.

  In the figure, the information storage device 3 is connected to the network 9 via the storage control device 4, and information is stored in the information storage device 3 and information stored in the information storage device 3 is provided to the user. In the example, the storage control device 4 is used. That is, the storage control device 4 is a configuration example that not only controls information storage and information provision in the information storage device 3 but also intervenes (relays) information storage and information provision in the information storage device 3.

  However, such a configuration is an example, and the information storage device 3 is connected to the network 9, and information storage and information provision to the information storage device 3 are performed directly with the information storage device 3. The storage control device 4 can also control the storage and provision of information in the information storage device 3.

  Further, the information provided by the information providing user via the information providing terminal 6a is stored in the information storage device 3 of the information distribution management server 5 and transmitted to the information receiving terminal 6b used by the information using user. The information distribution management server 5 has only the storage control device 4 that controls the distribution processing using authentication information exclusively when distributing information from the information providing terminal 6a to the information receiving terminal 6b, and includes the information storage device 3. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that is not. In this case, the function of the information storage device 3 is provided on the information providing terminal 6a side.

  The information storage device 3 is equipped with a hard disk device 3a, an optical / magnetic disk device 3b, and other mass storage devices.

  Further, the client terminal 6 may be any terminal that can register data in the information storage device 3 or request distribution of information stored in the information storage device 3. For example, from the viewpoint of the function of the information providing terminal 6a for registering data in the information storage device 3, a digital document DOC is created and processed, such as a notebook or desktop personal computer (personal computer). In addition to 6a_1, a color scanner 6a_2, a digital camera 6a_3, or a data storage device (for example, a document box or a Web server) 6a_4 such as a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device or an optical disk device, and a FAX device 6a_5 or a mobile phone 6a_6 A number of information input sources may be included. The mobile phone 6a_6 is connected to the network 9 by radio.

  On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the function of the information receiving terminal 6b that makes a distribution request for information stored in the information storage device 3, a configuration using an electronic computer such as the personal computer 6b_1, or distributed information is received. In addition to an image forming apparatus 6b_2 such as a printer, a copier, a FAX apparatus, or a multifunction machine that executes image forming processing such as printout based on the information, an arbitrary number of information receiving terminals such as a mobile phone 6b_3 are included. obtain.

  The storage control device 4 includes a storage control device main body 4a, a display device 4b, and an instruction input device 4c. The storage control device main body 4a is provided with various functional units for realizing a function of storing in the information storage device 3 or managing access to stored information.

  The storage control device 4 stores (stores) information provided from the information providing terminal 6a in the information storage device 3, distributes information stored in the information storage device 3 to the information receiving terminal 6b, What is necessary is just to be able to implement a control function for controlling deletion of information stored in the storage device 3 or prohibition of distribution (collectively referred to as distribution invalidation).

  Typically, as the storage control device 4, for example, one having a configuration using an electronic computer such as a personal computer is used. Of course, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration using an electronic computer, and may be realized by each functional unit configured by hardware that realizes the function of the storage control device 4.

  In such a system configuration, the information distribution management server 5 is provided with an information storage device 3 on which a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk device 3a is mounted. The information storage device 3 is connected to the information storage device 3 via an information providing terminal 6a. So-called content that uploads information to be disclosed, accesses the information stored in the information storage device 3 using the personal computer 6b_1, the image forming device 6b_2, etc., and downloads or prints out the information. The service is supposed to run.

  Here, various information can be stored in the information storage device 3, but in providing the information, the clients to be provided are limited, or provision conditions such as a time limit and the number of times of use are set, The storage control device 4 executes management for adding such access restriction.

  For example, in the information stored in the information storage device 3, the access target user is not limited, and the access target user such as a confidential document can be freely accessed by anyone at all times. Things to be limited can be mixed. In order to prevent a situation in which information that should limit the user to be accessed leaks to a malicious third party, the storage control device 4 manages the access right to the information, and the allowable range of the access right And allow download.

  In addition, many users access document services stored in the information storage device 3 that functions as a public box or content server established in advance. These services are provided within the allowable range of access rights. You can try to get a document.

  Here, of course, these contents are stored in the large-capacity storage device of the information storage device 3, but the storage capacity of such a storage device is not infinite even though it has increased dramatically in recent years.

  Therefore, in the information distribution management system 1 of the present embodiment, the storage control device 4 not only manages the uploading and downloading of information, but also for the purpose of more efficiently utilizing the limited storage area of the information storage device 3. The access request level is set for each user (recipient) and object data (provided target information) and disclosed to the user, and the access request level is monitored while monitoring the access status to the object data using the access right. Is controlled so as to delete the stored information from the information storage device 3. Such an information access management method is called an access authentication control method.

  Simply, if the object data is deleted from the information storage device 3 when the preset deletion deadline or number of times of use is reached, even if there is an access request from a user who originally has a legitimate access right, Can't meet the demand. On the other hand, considering the balance between the deletion conditions such as the deletion deadline and the number of times of use and the degree of access requests, by dynamically adjusting the deletion conditions, efficient use of the storage capacity and the access requests It takes a balance.

  In this way, for users who intend to use the content service and their systems, information is not unexpectedly deleted when the user wants to use it, and confidentiality is ensured. The operability that allows the user to always obtain the corresponding contents and the purpose of effectively using the storage area of the storage device of the system are achieved.

<Configuration example of information distribution management server>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information distribution management server 5 (particularly the storage control device 4) according to the present invention. The information distribution management server 5 is characterized in that it includes a functional unit that executes information access management.

  Here, the storage control device 4 configuring the information distribution management server 5 of the present embodiment is not limited to configuring a part of various functional units by a hardware processing circuit, but may be a program code for realizing the function. Based on this, it can be realized by software using a mechanism similar to that of an electronic computer (computer).

  By adopting a mechanism for executing predetermined processing (especially information access management in the present embodiment) by software, it is possible to have a configuration in which some of the functional elements configured by the hardware processing circuit are removed, and hardware It is possible to enjoy the advantage that the processing procedure and the like can be easily changed without changing the wear. On the other hand, it is possible to construct an accelerator system with a higher speed by using a hardware processing circuit. Even if the processing is complicated, the accelerator system can prevent a reduction in processing speed and can obtain a high throughput.

  When the information access management function is executed by software using a mechanism similar to that of an electronic computer, a computer (such as an embedded microcomputer) in which a program constituting the software is incorporated in dedicated hardware or a CPU ( Central Processing Unit), logic circuit, ROM (Read Only Memory) as a read-only memory, RAM (Random Access Memory) as an example of a volatile memory that can be written and read at any time, or non-volatile SOC (System On a Chip) which implements a desired system by mounting functions such as a storage device such as RAM (described as NVRAM) which is an example of the storage unit on one chip, Alternatively, the recording medium can be configured to execute various functions by installing various programs. Installed from.

  The recording medium causes a state change of energy such as magnetism, light, electricity, etc. according to the description contents of the program to the reading device provided in the hardware resource of the computer, and in the form of a signal corresponding to the change. The program description can be transmitted to the reader.

  For example, a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk FD), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory)), a DVD on which a program is recorded, which is distributed to provide a program to a user separately from a computer. (Including Digital Versatile Disc), magneto-optical disc (including MD (Mini Disc)), or package media (portable storage media) made of semiconductor memory, etc. It may be configured by a ROM, a hard disk, or the like in which a program is recorded, which is provided to the user in a state of being recorded.

  The program constituting the software is not limited to being provided via the recording medium without using the recording medium, and may be provided via a wired or wireless communication network.

  For example, a storage medium recording software program codes for realizing an information access management function is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads out the program codes stored in the storage medium By executing this, the same effect as in the case of the hardware processing circuit is achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes an information access management function.

  Further, not only the information access management function is realized by executing the program code read by the computer, but also an OS (Operating Systems; basic software) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code is actually used. The information access management function may be realized by performing part or all of the process.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. There may be a case where the CPU or the like provided in the card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the information access management function is realized by the processing.

  The program is provided as a file describing a program code that implements the information access management function. In this case, the program is not limited to being provided as a batch program file, and the hardware configuration of a system configured by a computer is used. Accordingly, it may be provided as an individual program module.

  For example, the storage control device 4 configured as a computer system includes a system control unit 102 that controls the operation of the entire device. Specifically, the system control unit 102 includes a controller unit (control unit) 104, a hard disk device (HDD) 118 or an optical / magnetic disk device 119 shown in the figure, a flexible disk (FD) drive, a CD that is not shown in the figure. A recording / reading control unit 106 for reading and recording data from a predetermined storage medium such as a ROM (Compact Disk ROM) drive and a semiconductor memory controller; The hard disk device 118 can use the hard disk device 3a provided in the information storage device 3, and the optical / magnetic disk device 119 uses the optical / magnetic disk device 3b provided in the information storage device 3. can do.

  The controller unit 104 includes a CPU 112, a ROM 113 that is a read-only storage unit, a RAM 115 that is an example of a volatile storage unit that can be written and read at any time, and a RAM (NVRAM) that is an example of a nonvolatile storage unit. 116).

  In the above description, the “volatile storage unit” means a storage unit in which the stored contents are lost when the power of the apparatus is turned off. On the other hand, the “nonvolatile storage unit” means a storage unit in a form that keeps stored contents even when the main power supply of the apparatus is turned off. Any memory device can be used as long as it can retain the stored contents. The semiconductor memory device itself is not limited to a nonvolatile memory device, and a backup power supply is provided to make a volatile memory device “nonvolatile”. You may comprise as follows.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to a semiconductor memory element, and may be configured using a medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk. For example, the hard disk device 118 and the optical / magnetic disk device 119 can be used as a nonvolatile storage unit. In addition, it is possible to use as a nonvolatile storage unit by adopting a configuration for reading information from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  In addition, the storage control device 4 configured with a mechanism similar to that of the computer system includes an instruction receiving unit 152 as a functional unit that forms a user interface such as receiving an operation instruction of the device, a guidance screen (operation menu) during operation, A display output unit 154 (corresponding to the display device 4b in FIG. 1) that presents predetermined information such as an operation state of the device and a processing result to the user, and an interface unit (IF unit) that performs an interface function between each functional unit 190.

  The interface unit 190 includes, for example, a user interface unit 192 (see FIG. 1) including an operation panel unit 192a and an operation key unit 192b, in addition to a system bus 191 that is a transfer path of processing data (including image data) and control data. Equivalent to the instruction input device 4c), a communication interface unit 194 that performs protocol control and functions as an interface with a network, and a device interface unit that functions as an interface with other external devices.

  The communication interface unit 194 exchanges data between computers via a network controller 142 that controls a wired network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), or a public line network (for example, a telephone line). It has a communication control function such as a modem 144 used for the The network is not limited to a wired type, and may be a wireless type network. In this case, a wireless network controller 146 is provided.

  The device interface unit controls various device devices, as will be described later.

  As the instruction receiving unit 152, for example, the operation key unit 192b of the user interface unit 192 can be used. Alternatively, a keyboard 152a, a mouse 152b, or the like can be used.

  Although not shown, the user interface unit 192, the keyboard 152a, and the mouse 152b are connected to the system bus 191 via a device interface unit that controls key input from the keyboard 152a and input from a pointing device such as the mouse 152b. Connected.

  The display output unit 154 includes a display control unit and a display device. As the display device, for example, the operation panel unit 192a of the user interface unit 192 can be used. Alternatively, another display unit 154a made of CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) may be used.

  For example, the display control unit displays guidance information, a list of information taken from various media by the recording / reading control unit 106, and the like on the operation panel unit 192a and the display unit 154a. It is also used as a display device when notifying the operator of various types of information. Note that the display unit 154a having a touch panel on the display surface may be used to configure the instruction receiving unit 152 that inputs predetermined information with a fingertip or a pen.

  In addition to the above-described functional units, the accumulation control device 4 is also provided with specific functional units corresponding to the device functions. As an example, if the information storage device 3 has a function of reducing the amount of information stored, a data processing unit 180 that performs processing such as image data and other data compression / decompression processing and data processing is provided.

  Here, the data processing unit 180 of the present embodiment includes a functional unit that forms the additional information embedding device 200 that executes additional information embedding processing for embedding predetermined information in output document information, and additional information embedded therein. The image processing apparatus includes a functional unit that forms an additional information restoration apparatus 300 that executes additional information extraction (additional information restoration) processing on an image as a processing target.

  The additional information embedding device 200 and the additional information restoring device 300 may be equipped with either one or both depending on what form the storage control device 4 is in. There is also a configuration. Details of the functional units constituting the additional information embedding device 200 and the additional information restoring device 300 will be described later.

  Also, as an example, if the image forming apparatus is provided with a print output function and a copy function, the image reading unit for reading a document image or printing image information is omitted although illustration is omitted. An image for outputting an image to a predetermined output medium (for example, printing paper) based on an image read by the image reading unit, print data acquired via the communication interface unit 194, or the like so as to be output and presented to the user A recording unit (image forming unit) can also be provided. The image reading unit and the image recording unit are connected to the system bus 191 via a scanner interface unit and a printer interface unit as a device interface unit that forms the interface unit 190.

  In addition to these, for example, an audio device 188 that emits audio information is connected to the system bus 191 via an audio interface unit 198 that controls input / output of audio signals.

  A USB device 189 such as a USB memory conforming to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard is connected to the system bus 191 via a USB interface unit 199 that controls data input / output with the USB device 189.

  Various devices such as a data processing unit 180, an image reading unit, an image recording unit, an audio device 188, and a USB device 189 have an application program corresponding to them and an application program (software for operating system) that controls the whole by the controller unit 104. Etc.) is constructed so as to provide various services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles. For example, the processing of various functional units for executing the additional information embedding process provided in the data processing unit 180 can be realized by software.

  Each application for each of these devices can be added (installed), changed in specifications (small changes within the same version such as version upgrades and bug fixes), or deleted (uninstalled) for each application. It is possible to add, change specifications, or delete each module that constitutes.

  In such a configuration, the CPU 112 controls the entire system via the system bus 191. The ROM 113 stores various fixed data including a control program used by the CPU 112. The RAM 115 is configured by an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like, stores program control variables, data for various processes, and the like, data obtained by calculation according to a predetermined application program, data obtained from the outside, and the like. Is temporarily stored, and is used for a work memory or the like when the CPU 112 performs data processing or the like.

  The NVRAM 116 stores control parameters and processed data, and is backed up. In particular, the configuration of the present embodiment has a function of storing various data related to the additional information embedding process.

  In the storage control device 4 having such a configuration, for example, a program for causing a computer to execute an information access management function is distributed through a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, this program may be stored in the FD instead of the CD-ROM. In addition, an MO drive may be provided to store the program in the MO, or the program may be stored in another recording medium such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory card such as a flash memory. Furthermore, the program may be downloaded from another server or the like via a network such as the Internet, or may be updated or updated.

  As a recording medium for providing the program, in addition to FD and CD-ROM, optical recording medium such as DVD, magnetic recording medium such as MD, magneto-optical recording medium such as PD, tape medium, and magnetic recording A semiconductor memory such as a medium, an IC card, or a miniature card can be used. Some or all of the functions for realizing the information access management function can be stored in an FD or CD-ROM as an example of a recording medium.

  Further, the storage device such as the hard disk device 118 and the optical / magnetic file holds programs, various applications, user data and control management data such as font data and user files, or data acquired by the device itself or acquired from the outside. An area for temporarily storing a large amount of data or the like is included, and reading / writing of data is controlled by the recording / reading control unit 106 which functions as an input / output interface.

  With such a configuration, the information access management program is installed in the RAM 115 from a readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM storing a program for executing the information access management function in accordance with a predetermined command, and the instruction receiving unit The information access management program is activated by automatic processing triggered by an instruction from the operator via 152 or a predetermined condition.

  The CPU 112 executes processing steps associated with information access management processing, which will be described later, in accordance with this information access management program, stores the processing results in a storage device such as the RAM 115 and the hard disk device 118, and if necessary, an operation panel unit, CRT, LCD, etc. The information is displayed on the display device. By using the recording medium recorded with the program for executing the information access management process, the storage control device 4 for executing the information access management process can be constructed universally without changing the existing system.

  Not only the configuration using such a computer, but also the storage control device 4 that can execute the information access management function can be configured by a combination of dedicated hardware that performs processing of each functional unit. it can.

<Information access management function; block diagram>
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a device configuration example from the aspect of the function for realizing the information access management function in the storage control device 4.

  The storage control device 4 controls the storage of the information requested to be stored (hereinafter referred to as object data) in the information storage device 3, and also provides the object data requested to provide the information and the information storage device 3 for the object data. An object control unit 200 that is an example of an information management control unit that controls deletion from the object, and an access right for managing the access right for each object data stored in the information storage device 3 in association with the object data A setting management unit 300 and an authentication processing unit 400 that executes an authentication process when an information provision request is made based on the access right for each object data set by the access right setting management unit 300 are provided.

  When the object control unit 200 receives provision of object data from a user A who has the purpose of distributing content based on certain object data, the object control unit 200 stores the object data in the information storage device 3.

  Here, the object data is not limited to unlimited disclosure, such as a fixed publication deadline, the number of publications, or highly confidential business confidential documents. In addition, there are those in which public users are restricted.

  The object control unit 200 reads an object data storage unit 210 that stores an object provided by the user via the information providing terminal 6a in the information storage device 3, and reads out the object data stored in the information storage device 3 to request distribution An object data access unit 220 that is distributed to the information receiving terminal 6b, and an object data deletion unit 230 that is an example of an information deletion control unit that deletes object data stored in the information storage device 3 from the information storage device 3. have.

  When object data deletion conditions such as a publication deadline and the number of publications are set at the time of data upload, the object data storage unit 210 saves object data such as a publication deadline and the number of publications when saving the object data in the information storage device 3. Save the deletion condition in association with the object data.

  When the object data access unit 220 receives a request for downloading object data from the user via the information receiving terminal 6b, the object data access unit 220 determines whether or not the user has a right access right for downloading the requested object data. Based on the authentication result by the authentication processing unit 400, access to the object data stored in the information storage device 3 is controlled.

  The object data deletion unit 230 deletes object data based on deletion conditions such as a publication period and the number of publications set for each object data. If no special deletion condition is set in the object data, the deletion is performed according to the deletion condition unique to the storage control device 4. This is for avoiding unlimited data storage.

  Here, the object data deletion unit 230 of the present embodiment does not use only the deletion conditions set for each object data for the deletion determination of the object data, but is managed by the access right setting management unit 300. And an access status deletion unit 232 that determines whether or not to delete the electronic identification information DID_1 associated with the object data, that is, the degree of access request for the object data. It is characterized in that

  The access right setting management unit 300 includes an identification information acquisition unit 302 that acquires the user identification information UID, and identification information that is digitized from the user identification information UID acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 302 (referred to as electronic identification information DID_1). The electronic identification information generation unit 304 to be generated and the electronic identification information DID_1 as the recipient authentication information generated by the electronic identification information generation unit 304 are associated with the object data to be provided in association with a database (for example, the hard disk device 118 or the optical The electronic identification information management unit 310 managed by the magnetic disk device 119) and the issuance of the public access authentication information AID corresponding to the electronic identification information DID_1 managed in the database by the electronic identification information management unit 310 are managed. And an access authentication information management unit 320. The access authentication information AID is used as an access right when receiving information at the information receiving terminal 6b.

  The access authentication information disclosing unit 310 is provided from the information providing terminal 6a and is controlled by the object control unit 200. The information storage device 3 (for example, a hard disk device 3a, an optical / magnetic disk device 3b, a memory element formed of a semiconductor, or the like) An electronic identification information corresponding unit 312 for giving electronic identification information DID_1 for each object data to the object data to be provided to the information receiving terminal 6b, and an electronic identification information corresponding unit An electronic identification information deletion unit 314 that deletes the electronic identification information DID_1 associated with the object data 312 and an electronic identification information invalidation unit that invalidates the electronic identification information DID_1 associated with the object data. 316 and electronic identification information DID_1 once deleted by the electronic identification information invalidation unit 316 And an electronic identification information enabling portion 318 to enable.

  The deletion of the electronic identification information DID_1 by the electronic identification information deletion unit 314 and the invalidation of the electronic identification information DID_1 by the electronic identification information invalidation unit 316 are collectively referred to as making the electronic identification information DID_1 unusable.

  The identification information acquisition unit 302 inputs the user identification information UID that defines the user range to be disclosed in order to define the user range to be disclosed with respect to the object data uploaded by the user A. Accept from.

  For example, if the user A is a user B, C, or D, the user A inputs user identification information UID that identifies each user B, C, or D to the identification information acquisition unit 302. As this user identification information UID, for example, logical information such as the unique identifier ID, name, and arbitrary character string of each user B, C, D is representative, but retina, vein, fingerprint, voiceprint, etc. Of course, it is also possible to input information recognized by the biological information.

  In the above description, the case where the user A who is an uploading user sets a user range that can be permitted to publish in advance has been described for object data that needs to be restricted in advance, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Although there is no disclosure restriction for users to be disclosed, disclosure restrictions from other aspects such as a time limit and the number of times of information provision may be set. In this case, a user who desires to provide object data inputs user identification information UID that identifies himself / herself to the identification information acquisition unit 302.

  The electronic identification information generation unit 304 converts the user identification information UID acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 302 into a signal sequence or the like that can be electrically processed by a computer, and sets this as electronic identification information DID_1.

  In the electronic identification information management unit 310 desired by the user A, the electronic identification information corresponding unit 312 has already stored or registered the electronic identification information DID_1 generated by the electronic identification information generation unit 304 in the information storage device 3. Management information is associated with scheduled object data (content information such as document, mail, video, music) on a one-to-one basis.

  In this way, a user range that can be permitted to be opened is set for each object data. If there is no disclosure restriction for users to be disclosed, if there is a request for information provision from a user other than those who have already been registered, the user identification information UID will be input first. At a time when data disclosure is not prohibited, the user range that can be permitted to be released is dynamically adjusted.

  The electronic identification information deletion unit 314 and the electronic identification information invalidation unit 316 terminate the access (operation) of the object data of the user given the access authentication information AID as an access right to the object data. Handle deletion and invalidation of.

  In effect, the electronic identification information DID_1 generated by the electronic identification information generation unit 304 and set in association with the object data by the electronic identification information corresponding unit 312 and the access authentication information AID corresponding thereto are one-time (one-time). Access right. It is similar to the mechanism using a one-time password.

  For example, for each of the users B, C, and D, the electronic identification information deletion unit 314 deletes the electronic identification information DID_1 or the electronic The identification information invalidation unit 316 invalidates the electronic identification information DID_1. Therefore, even if there is a second access using the previously used access authentication information AID, the effective electronic identification information DID_1 corresponding to the access authentication information AID does not exist or has been deleted. Is never executed.

  In other words, the access authentication information AID is a security ticket that also serves as an access right to object data. By exercising this right with respect to the information storage device 3, data access becomes possible, but with the used ticket (access authentication information AID in this example), it becomes impossible to access the object data. .

  If the user wishes to access again, the user identification information UID is input again via the identification information acquisition unit 302, or the electronic identification information DID_1 is invalidated by the electronic identification information invalidation unit 316. This can be dealt with by accessing the electronic identification information validation unit 318 and validating the invalid electronic identification information DID_1.

  When the user identification information UID is input again, the electronic identification information DID_1 and the access authentication information AID need to be reissued. Therefore, although processing time is required, the electronic identification information validating unit 318 converts the invalid electronic identification information DID_1 to the electronic identification information validation unit 318. If it is only enabled, processing time is not required.

  Further, when the electronic identification information DID_1 being invalidated is validated by the electronic identification information validation unit 318, the previously used access authentication information AID can be used as it is. However, even in this case, the access authentication information AID may be reissued.

  When the object control unit 200 deletes the object data stored in the information storage device 3, in addition to the publication deadline and the number of publications set in the object data, the electronic identification associated with the object data The access status deleting unit 232 determines whether the information should be deleted or disabled in consideration of the information.

  For example, even when a certain user B outputs a number of times and the number of times of output exceeds the number of times that the document should be deleted, electronic access information DID_1 for another user C is stored by the access right setting management unit 300. If managed, even if the deletion condition from the aspect of output count is reached, the deletion is suspended.

  Further, even when a considerable time has elapsed after the use of a certain user B, and the time when the document should be deleted after the expiration date has been reached, the electronic identification information DID_1 for another user C is stored in the access right setting management unit. If managed by 300, the deletion is suspended even if the deletion condition from the aspect of the publication period is reached.

  As long as the access right (electronic identification information DID_1) set for each object data is managed by the access right setting management unit 300 as being valid, it matches with general deletion conditions such as the number of output times and the publication deadline. Also defer deletion. In this way, even when considering the passage of time and frequency as a reference, the document can be obtained in the same manner for the user C who has attempted to obtain the document after a while. To do.

  Of course, if all access rights to the object data are invalid, the object data can be deleted when the general deletion conditions such as the output count and the publication deadline are met as before, so there is no inconvenience. Does not occur. Even if there is an access to the object data, the access to the object data is not executed unless the valid electronic identification information DID_1 is managed by the access right setting management unit 300.

  The access authentication information management unit 320 converts the electronic identification information DID_1 assigned to each object data by the electronic identification information corresponding unit 312 into access authentication information AID that can be recognized by the user according to a predetermined conversion rule. The access authentication information issuing unit 322 issued, the access authentication information disclosing unit 326 for disclosing the access authentication information AID issued by the access authentication information issuing unit 322 to the user, and the access authentication issued by the access authentication information issuing unit 322 The access authentication information maximum issue number management unit 328 manages the maximum issue number of information AID in units of users.

  Access authentication information AID includes, for example, bar code information printed on paper, information such as light and sound, electronic encryption keys attached to e-mails, and various fields including industrial products such as IC tags. Can be converted.

  The access authentication information issuing unit 322 receives a separate request and reissues the access authentication information AID, and the access prohibition unit prohibits the issuance of the access authentication information AID for users who have exceeded the maximum number of issues. 325. The maximum number of access authentication information AIDs issued in units of users, including reissues by the reissue unit 324, is managed by the access authentication information maximum issue number management unit 328, and the access prohibition unit 325 has exceeded the maximum number of issues. Giving access authentication information AID to the user is prohibited.

  For example, the access authentication information issuing unit 322 associates each user (for example, users B and C) with the electronic identification information DID_1 as management information for managing access to the object data given by the electronic identification information corresponding unit 312. , D) can be recognized and issued to the user via the access authentication information disclosing unit 326.

  The authentication processing unit 400 includes an access authentication information acquiring unit 402 that acquires the access authentication information AID issued by the access authentication information issuing unit 322 and disclosed to the corresponding user by the access authentication information disclosing unit 326, and the access authentication information acquiring unit 402. The electronic identification information analysis unit 404 for analyzing the electronic identification information DID_2 corresponding to the acquired access authentication information AID, and the electronic identification information DID_2 analyzed by the electronic identification information analysis unit 404 can be used by the electronic identification information management unit 310 An electronic identification information collating unit 406 for collating whether or not the electronic identification information DID_1 managed in the database matches, and an object associated with the electronic identification information DID_1 matched by the electronic identification information collating unit 406 For the data, the object data access unit 220 is It has an access right giving section 408 gives the right to access it.

  Further, the authentication processing unit 400 monitors the usage status of the access authentication information AID acquired by the access authentication information acquisition unit 402, that is, the usage status (access) of browsing or downloading of object data corresponding to the access authentication information AID. It includes a usage status monitoring unit 420 and an unauthorized access detection unit 422 that detects access from unauthorized users who do not have valid access authentication information AID.

  Here, “an unauthorized user who does not have legitimate access authentication information AID” has a user who does not have legitimate access authentication information AID in the first place and access authentication information AID issued by the access right setting management unit 300. Although it is a user, the user who exceeded the maximum issuance number of access authentication information AID is included.

  The access right to the object data using the access authentication information AID is issued every time the use is desired, and is invalidated every time the use is completed. When the use is desired again, the access authentication information AID is within the range of the maximum issuance number. By re-issuing, the reuse of the used access authentication information AID is prohibited.

  Further, the authentication processing unit 400 performs a predetermined notification regarding the use of the object data based on the monitoring result of the usage status by the usage status monitoring unit 420 to the user who has issued the corresponding access authentication information AID. A user notification unit 424 as a unit and a predetermined notification (particularly a notification for warning) related to unauthorized access based on unauthorized access detected by the unauthorized access detection unit 422 to a user who has input the corresponding access authentication information AID And a user notification unit 426 serving as an unauthorized access warning unit.

  Further, the authentication processing unit 400 is detected by an access prohibition unit 430 that prohibits unauthorized users who do not have legitimate access authentication information AID from accessing object data, a usage status monitoring unit 420, and an unauthorized access detection unit 422. And an access status notifying unit 432 for notifying the main manager of the object data of the detection result of the access to the object data stored in the information storage device 3.

  The access authentication information acquisition unit 402 accepts input of the access authentication information AID issued / published by the users B, C, and D via the access authentication information issuing unit 322 and the access authentication information disclosing unit 326, for example. If AID is acquired, it will be passed to the electronic identification information analysis part 404. FIG.

  The electronic identification information analysis unit 404 converts the access authentication information AID received from the access authentication information acquisition unit 402 into electronic identification information DID_2 according to a conversion rule opposite to the conversion rule applied by the access authentication information issue unit 322, It passes to the identification information collation unit 406.

  The electronic identification information matching unit 406 is such that the electronic identification information DID_2 received from the electronic identification information analysis unit 404 is the same as the electronic identification information DID_1 managed by the access authentication information management unit 320 of the access right setting management unit 300. Check if it exists.

  Here, the access right granting unit 408 proves that the user B, C, and D have the right to access the object data associated with the matching electronic identification information DID_1. The access right granting unit 408 notifies the object data access unit 220 of the proof result.

  The object data access unit 220 controls access to the object data based on the certification result from the access right grant unit 408. For example, the legitimate users B, C, and D can access the object data stored in the information storage device 3, for example, read and write, or print output and delete.

  When the access operation is completed, the electronic identification information deletion unit 314 deletes the electronic identification information DID, or the electronic identification information invalidation unit 316 invalidates the electronic identification information DID, assuming that the access right to the object data is lost. . Thereafter, since the access using the previously issued access authentication information AID is detected as an unauthorized one by the authentication processing unit 400, unauthorized access (re-access here) to the object data is prohibited. It will be. This is because the valid electronic identification information DID_1 is deleted or invalidated even if there is a re-use access using the access authentication information AID.

  In addition, the access authentication information management unit 320 includes the reissue unit 324 that reissues the access authentication information AID, so that the access authentication information management unit 320 can use the access authentication information AID (that is, the electronic identification information DID_1) once as needed. Thus, it can be reissued to users who receive information (for example, users B, C, and D).

  However, this causes inexhaustible access to the object data. In some cases, the object data cannot be permanently deleted, and the utilization efficiency of the storage capacity can be reduced. In order to solve this problem, it is possible to instruct from the access authentication information maximum issuance number management unit 328 how much the access authentication information AID issuance number (set number of times) is set in advance for each user. Then, the authentication processing unit 400 rejects the object data reception request from the recipient who has exceeded the maximum number of issues specified by the access authentication information maximum number-of-issues management unit 328, that is, the access exceeding the set number of times. Is prohibited.

<Processing procedure; overview>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall outline of the information access management processing procedure. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a process for exchanging object data, which is content between users, using user identification information UID, electronic identification information DID, and access authentication information AID.

  The user A who has the purpose of distributing content based on certain object data uploads the object data to the information distribution management server 5 via the information providing terminal 6a (S10). The information distribution management server 5 stores the uploaded object data in the information storage device 3 (S11).

  Here, when the object data should restrict the users to be disclosed, such as confidential business documents with high confidentiality (S12-YES), the user A sets the user range to be disclosed. (S13). Specifically, the user A uploads to the information distribution management server 5 the user identification information UID that specifies the disclosure target user (for example, the users B, C, and D) in association with the object data.

  There is a problem that a confidential document may leak to a malicious third party if anyone can always freely access it without limiting user access to the confidential document. Although there is a new concern, this problem is solved by restricting the range of users to be disclosed beforehand on the information provider side.

  On the other hand, when there is no public restriction regarding the public user (S12-NO), the user who desires access to the object data (referred to as an access user) requests the issuance of the access right in advance prior to the actual access. Therefore, the user who wants to provide the object data associates the user identification information UID that identifies the user with the information that identifies the object data to be accessed in association with the information distribution management server 5 via the information receiving terminal 6b. (S14).

  Upon receiving the user identification information UID (S20), the storage control device 4 of the information distribution management server 5 converts the input user identification information UID into electronic identification information DID_1 (S22), and converts it into object data to be provided. In association with registration in the database (S24), the electronic identification information DID_1 is converted into access authentication information AID (S26) and issued to the corresponding user (S28).

  Before the object data is deleted from the information storage device 3, each time the user identification information UID is input from another access user, the storage control device 4 performs the electronic identification information DID corresponding to the user identification information UID, The access authentication information AID is generated, the electronic identification information DID is associated with the object data desired to be accessed, and the access authentication information AID can be disclosed to the corresponding user (S12 to S28).

  After the access authentication information AID is disclosed, the storage control device 4 monitors whether or not the object data using the access authentication information AID is accessed by the usage status monitoring unit 420 or the unauthorized access detection unit 422 (S30).

  If there is no access using the access authentication information AID even after a predetermined period of time has passed since the disclosure of the access authentication information AID (S32-YES), the storage control device 4 Alerting is performed via the user notification unit 424 (S34).

  If there is still a possibility of access to the object data using the issued access authentication information AID, the user who has received this notification issues a notice of extension of the deadline (period reset notice) to the information distribution management server 5 (S36). -YES). When there is a notice of extension of the deadline, the storage control device 4 resets the elapsed period (S38).

  By doing so, it is possible to prevent the object data from being deleted from the information storage device 3 without knowing it even though the access authentication information AID is issued as a use reservation right for the object data. it can. If there is no possibility of access, the information may be left as it is or may be actively notified to the information distribution management server 5.

  An access user who desires access to the object data stored in the information storage device 3 inputs the access authentication information AID issued from the storage control device 4 via the information receiving terminal 6b (S40).

  If there is a legitimate access using the access authentication information AID or an unauthorized access after the access authentication information AID is disclosed (S40, S30-YES), the usage status monitoring unit 420 or the unauthorized access detection unit of the storage control device 4 In step S42, it is determined whether to notify the main user of the object data that access has been made (state change notification). The state change notification at this time is also referred to as owner notification.

  Here, in the determination of “whether or not state change notification is to be performed”, for example, a case where there is an addition or update action to part or all of the object data may be used as a reference. For example, from the viewpoint of the user A who provides information, it is different from the original intention that the user B / C / D can arbitrarily modify the document of the meeting to be distributed. It is.

  In addition, the following are mentioned as an advantage which concerns on an owner notification. As the main administrator, the object data is original (even if it is not malicious) because it is configured to receive access notifications about what changes were made by which users. It is possible to implement tampering control such as monitoring tampering and ensuring that all users can use uniform content.

  Similar to the above, by adopting a means that allows detailed specification of access authentication information for each user to the attribute level of the work, such as “Allow only download and print” and “Allow revision”. Even if tampering control is possible (problem can be avoided), it is possible to take the configuration of notification of access to the owner by adding a configuration in which the work can be limited again (for example, management at the authentication user level is also used). .

  When the state change notification is performed (S42-YES), the usage status monitoring unit 420 and the unauthorized access detection unit 422 are notified that the owner who is the main user of the object data has been accessed by the authorized user, The unauthorized access by the user is performed via the access status notifying unit 432 (S44).

  Upon receiving the access authentication information AID (S52), the storage control device 4 of the information distribution management server 5 converts the input access authentication information AID into electronic identification information DID_2 (S54), and this converted electronic identification information DID_2 Is the same as the electronic identification information DID_1 managed in the database, that is, user authentication processing is performed (S56).

  If the same electronic identification information DID_1 as the electronic identification information DID_2 does not exist or is invalid (S56-NO), the storage control device 4 determines that the access request is from an unauthorized user and sends it to the information storage device 3 Access to the stored object data is prohibited and a warning to prohibit access is issued (S58).

  When access as a legitimate user is desired (S66-YES), before the object data is deleted from the information storage device 3, the process returns to steps S13 and S14, and the user identification information UID by the public user or himself / herself is previously stored. The access authentication information AID is issued by the input (S20 to S28).

  On the other hand, when the electronic identification information DID_2 is the same as the electronic identification information DID_1 (S56-YES), the storage control device 4 is stored in the information storage device 3 as an access request from a legitimate user. Access to the object data is permitted (S60). As a result, the access user can access the object data such as downloading and browsing the object data stored in the information storage device 3 or printing it out with the image forming device 6b_2.

  When completing the provision of the object data to the access user, the storage control device 4 deletes or invalidates the electronic identification information DID_1 associated with the object data (S64). Further, there is no access request even after a certain period of time has passed after the access authentication information AID corresponding to the electronic identification information DID_1 is disclosed (S30-NO, S32-NO), and the user responding to the warning notification (S34) to that effect Even when there is no notice of extension of the deadline (S36-NO), the electronic identification information DID_1 is deleted or invalidated (S64).

  In addition, the storage control device 4 monitors the access status using the access authentication information AID, and the relationship between general deletion conditions such as the expiration date and the number of uses and the degree of access request based on the access status monitoring result. If the predetermined deletion condition is met (S67-YES), the object data is deleted from the information storage device 3 (S68).

  For example, there is a case where all electronic identification information associated with certain information (that is, access authentication information (access right) issued to each user) has been lost. In general, when the user A who is an information provider determines that it is unnecessary (when there is a mistake and the user wants to replace it with new object data, etc.), it can be a candidate. However, here, there is a feature in that the system automatically controls using access authentication information even if the user does not intervene as much as possible, so this point is not taken into consideration and a new configuration is not added. The configuration is such that it is deleted when all access rights are lost.

  As the predetermined deletion condition, the object data (provided information) to be determined matches the general deletion condition as long as the electronic identification information DID_1 valid for all users who want to use exists in the database. A typical example is not to delete them.

  When the access user who has completed the use of the object data has a possibility of reusing the same object data, that is, when he / she wishes to access again as a valid user (S66-YES), the object data is information. Before being deleted from the storage device 3, the process returns to steps S13 and S14, and the access authentication information AID is issued in advance by inputting the user identification information UID by the public user or himself (S20 to S28). This is because re-access with the used access authentication information AID is prohibited by the information distribution management server 5 as unauthorized access.

  The actual public user A is not allowed to perform the authentication information issuance input procedure. For example, the object data and the information of the public user are disclosed to the information distribution management server 5 in “Step S10 + Step S13”. If it is possible to perform the authentication work of assigning the DID, that is, the AID as a system, to the user having the access right, it is possible to respond to the access right setting (step S28) of the users B, C, and D. Is possible. The information set by the user A is managed in a database, and the electronic identification information corresponding unit 312 collates the information, so that the information disclosure user A does not need to input the user identification information in the case of a confidential document.

  According to the information access management procedure of this embodiment, the electronic identification information DID and the access authentication information AID are issued in association with the object data for each user to be accessed and for each object data requested to be accessed. As long as there is an access request to the object data stored in the information storage device 3 using the access authentication information AID, the deletion of the object data is controlled according to the degree of the access request. It is possible to balance the response to demand and the utilization efficiency of storage capacity.

  That is, it is possible to delete the electronic identification information DID_1 and the object data after monitoring the access status using the access authentication information AID and alerting the user who has not used it for a long time. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the object data from being deleted in a situation unintended by the user who desires to improve convenience. In addition, if there is no desire for use, the use efficiency of the storage capacity can be improved by deleting the object data from the information storage device 3.

  When the user wants to use the content, it is ensured that the user can use the content, so that the sense of security and convenience is improved. Can be used effectively.

  Even in an environment where a large number of unspecified users are used, it is possible to limit the users who access the content, and thus it is possible to improve confidentiality, such as preventing data from being leaked outside.

  The storage control device 4 can be connected to the Internet communication network as the network 9. As a result, various functions as described above can be realized via the Internet communication network using a predetermined communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). This can be achieved, for example, by exchanging electronic identification information DID_1, access authentication information AID, or a state change notification with a computer connected to the Internet communication network via the communication network. It is.

  Further, the object data to be provided is not limited to document data, and may be any data. It is not limited to application to services such as document output and download. For example, the above procedure can be applied in the same manner to fields such as access to data such as images, videos, and music existing on a network and electronic commerce.

<Processing procedure: Access right setting management>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure until the setting and release of the access authentication information AID triggered by the acquisition of the user identification information in the storage control device 4.

  First, independently of the operation of the access right setting management unit 300, when the object data storage unit 210 accepts an upload of object data from the provider of the object data via the information providing terminal 6a, the object data is stored as information. The data is stored in the storage device 3 (S100).

  On the other hand, the identification information acquisition unit 302 is a user identification information UID based on a user range set by a user who desires access to object data stored in the information storage device 3 or an information provider regarding a user who is permitted to access. Is received, the user identification information UID is passed to the electronic identification information generation unit 304 (S110).

  The electronic identification information generation unit 304 converts the user identification information UID acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 302 into electronic identification information DID and passes it to the electronic identification information corresponding unit 312 of the electronic identification information management unit 310 (S112).

  The electronic identification information corresponding unit 312 accesses the information storage device 3 and searches for electronic identification information DID, that is, object data to be associated with a user who is permitted to access (S120). If stored in the storage device 3 (S120-YES), the electronic identification information DID is associated with the object data (S122).

  On the other hand, if the corresponding object data is not stored in advance in the information storage device 3 (S120-NO), the electronic identification information corresponding unit 312 is in a stage where the object data is uploaded from the information providing user (S100). Similarly, the electronic identification information DID is associated with the object data (S122). The electronic identification information corresponding unit 312 registers the electronic identification information DID associated with the object data as a database, and passes the electronic identification information DID to the access authentication information issuing unit 322 of the access authentication information management unit 320.

  The access authentication information issuing unit 322 converts the electronic identification information DID received from the electronic identification information corresponding unit 312 into access authentication information AID and passes it to the access authentication information disclosure unit 326 (S124). The access authentication information disclosing unit 326 discloses the access authentication information AID received from the access authentication information issuing unit 322 to the corresponding user via, for example, the information receiving terminal 6b (S126). That is, the access authentication information AID is disclosed to the corresponding user.

  If the series of processes is normal, the process is terminated (S130-YES), and if an error occurs, a predetermined error handling process is executed (S130-NO, S132). As the error process, for example, the process is interrupted, and the user is informed that access authentication information cannot be issued. As this notification means, message display on the screen, generation of notification sound, notification of e-mail, or the like may be used.

  When the reissue unit 324 receives a reissue request for the access authentication information AID from the user (S140), the reissue unit 324 checks whether reissue is possible (S142). S142-YES), the desired electronic identification information DID is searched (S144), and the searched electronic identification information DID is converted again into access authentication information AID (S124).

  The configuration of the reissue unit 324 is not in the narrow sense of “means for issuing a new ID again”, but “for the purpose of teaching the ID when the user forgets the access authentication information” It is good to set it as "means with". For example, assuming that the user forgets the AID and reissues a new ID, the forgotten ID can remain in the system without being erased indefinitely, and object data access is completed. It is also possible to avoid the problem that the object cannot be deleted due to (all AIDs become invalid). By adopting such a configuration as the configuration of the reissuing unit 324 as a means for ensuring that the ID that has been issued once is used up, the access authentication information AID can be used without waste, and the object cannot be deleted. It is.

<Processing procedure; access control>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for controlling access to object data triggered by acquisition of access authentication information AID in the storage control device 4.

  When the access authentication information acquisition unit 402 receives an input of the access authentication information AID from a user who desires access to the object data stored in the information storage device 3, the access authentication information AID is sent to the electronic identification information analysis unit 404. Pass (S210). The electronic identification information analysis unit 404 converts the access authentication information AID into electronic identification information DID_2 and passes it to the electronic identification information verification unit 406 (S212).

  The electronic identification information collation unit 406 collates whether or not the electronic identification information DID_2 is the same as the electronic identification information DID_1 managed as a database by the access authentication information management unit 320, and displays the collation result as an access right. The grant unit 408 and the unauthorized access detection unit 422 are notified (S214).

  If there is no electronic identification information DID_1 that matches the electronic identification information DID_2 (S216-NO), the unauthorized access detection unit 422 determines that the access by the user is unauthorized access, and notifies the user of a warning to that effect. The message is issued to the user via the unit 426 and other error processing is performed (S218). For example, as the error process, the process is interrupted and the display again returns to the display of the access authentication information input screen (S210).

  On the other hand, when the electronic identification information DID_1 that matches the electronic identification information DID_2 exists (S216-YES), the access right granting unit 408 grants the access right (certification result) to the corresponding user, and displays the certification result. The object data access unit 220 is notified (S220).

  The object data access unit 220 permits data operation by a legitimate user based on the certification result from the access right granting unit 408 (S222). The legitimate user performs various operations such as reading and writing of the object data stored in the information storage device 3, printing output, and deletion, and ends this (S224).

  When the object data access unit 220 detects the completion of the access operation (YES in S224), the object data access unit 220 notifies the electronic identification information management unit 310 of the access right setting management unit 300 (S226).

  The electronic identification information deletion unit 314 and the electronic identification information invalidation unit 316 determine whether or not the electronic identification information DID can be deleted or invalidated (that is, disabled) after data access by a legitimate user to whom an access right is granted. (S230).

  Here, in determining whether “can be deleted or invalidated”, for example, it may be configured to distinguish deletion or invalidation of electronic identification information according to the level of the accessing user. For example, when a public user constructs user setting information in advance, an access level such as guest, sharing, or administrator can be set for the attribute. That is, the access authentication information management unit 320 performs a process of giving only a right to view a document based on this rule for a user access that is treated as a so-called guest.

  Normally, steps to delete and invalidate electronic identification information are taken when the work is completed. If the work is performed by such a “guest user”, the system always deletes the assigned access authentication information at the end of the operation. It becomes the condition that it ends up. However, in the case of sharing or administrator-level user access, the electronic identification information can be selected to be invalidated (from a menu on the operation screen) instead of being fixedly deleted.

  If it can be deleted or invalidated (S230-YES), the electronic identification information deletion unit 314 deletes the electronic identification information DID, or the electronic identification information invalidation unit 316 invalidates the electronic identification information DID (S232).

  Further, the object data deletion unit 230 uses the access status deletion unit 232 to use all the electronic identification information DID_1 associated with the common object data, that is, the access authentication information AID for all users who desire access. The access status is monitored.

  The access status deletion unit 232 can delete the object data based on a comprehensive determination of the access request level specified by the access status monitoring result and other deletion conditions such as the expiration date and the number of times of use. If it is (S234-YES), the object data is deleted from the information storage device 3 (S236). If the object data is not ready to be deleted (S234-NO), the object data is not deleted from the information storage device 3.

  For example, for object data to be determined, if the effective electronic identification information DID_1 for all users who want to use does not exist in the database and matches general deletion conditions, the object data is Delete from the storage device 3.

  On the other hand, as long as valid electronic identification information DID_1 for all users who want to use exists in the database, the object data to be determined is not deleted even if it meets a general deletion condition.

  Further, the object data to be determined is not deleted if the electronic identification information DID_1 valid for all users who wish to use it does not exist in the database unless it meets the general deletion conditions. During this time, if there is an access request triggered by the input of the user identification information UID from a certain user, the storage control device 4 issues electronic identification information DID_1 and access authentication information AID (see S12 to S28 in FIG. 4).

  Therefore, since the object data continues to be stored in the information storage device 3 even after the general deletion condition is met, the user who has issued the access authentication information AID meets the general deletion condition. Even after the data access, data access is possible.

  After the access is complete, the electronic status information DID_1 is deleted or invalidated (see S64 in FIG. 4) unless the user wishes to use it again (see S66 in FIG. 4). If all the deletion conditions are met, the object data can be deleted from the information storage device 3, and it is possible to reliably prevent useless data from remaining.

  In addition, when there is no access using the access authentication information AID even after a predetermined period of time has passed after the access authentication information AID is disclosed, an alert is urged, and the electronic identification information DID_1 is deleted if there is no real availability. Alternatively, since it is invalidated (S32 to S36 in FIG. 4), the access status deletion unit 232 can delete the object data from the information storage device 3 if all other deletion conditions are met, and useless data continues to remain. This can be surely prevented.

  Efficient use of storage capacity and access requests by determining whether or not to delete object data in consideration of the balance between general deletion conditions such as the deletion deadline and the number of times of use and the degree of access requests Can be balanced.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the information delivery management system which manages access control of accumulation | storage information. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information delivery management server (especially storage control apparatus) which concerns on this invention. It is the functional block diagram which showed the structural example of the storage control apparatus from the side of the function for implement | achieving an information access management function. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the whole outline | summary of an information access management processing procedure. It is the figure which showed one example of the information transfer process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process sequence until the setting of access authentication information triggered by acquisition of user identification information, and publication. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence which controls the access to the object data triggered by acquisition of access authentication information.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information distribution management system, 3 ... Information storage apparatus, 4 ... Storage control apparatus, 5 ... Information distribution management server, 6 ... Client terminal, 6a ... Information provision terminal, 6b ... Information reception terminal, 9 ... Network, 200 ... Object Control unit 210 ... Object data storage unit 220 ... Object data access unit 230 ... Object data deletion unit 232 ... Access status deletion unit 300 ... Access right setting management unit 302 ... Identification information acquisition unit 304 ... Electronic identification Information generation unit, 310 ... Electronic identification information management unit, 312 ... Electronic identification information corresponding unit, 314 ... Electronic identification information deletion unit, 316 ... Electronic identification information invalidation unit, 318 ... Electronic identification information validation unit, 320 ... Access authentication Information management unit, 322... Access authentication information issuing unit, 324... Reissuing unit, 325. Access authentication information disclosure unit, 328 ... access authentication information maximum issuance number management unit, 400 ... authentication processing unit, 402 ... access authentication information acquisition unit, 404 ... electronic identification information analysis unit, 406 ... electronic identification information verification unit, 408 ... access Rights granting unit, 420 ... Usage status monitoring unit, 422 ... Unauthorized access detection unit, 424 ... User notification unit, 426 ... User notification unit, 430 ... Access prohibition unit, 432 ... Access status notification unit

Claims (2)

An information providing terminal for providing provision target information via an information storage device for storing the provision target information; an information receiving terminal for receiving the provision target information stored in the information storage device; and An information distribution management system in which an information distribution management server for controlling distribution is connected via a communication network,
The information distribution management server
Determining means for determining whether or not the provision target information is provided to all of the specific reception target persons associated with the provision target information;
The determination means determines that the provision target information has been provided to all of the specific recipients associated with the provision target information , and exceeds the publication deadline or number of publications set in the provision target information And a control means for controlling to delete the provision target information from the information storage device. The provision target information is interposed between an information provision terminal that provides the provision target information through an information storage device that accumulates the provision target information and an information reception terminal that receives the provision target information stored in the information storage device. , A program for performing processing for controlling distribution of the provision target information using a computer,
A determination step of determining whether or not the provision target information is provided to all of the specific recipients associated with the provision target information;
It is determined that the provision target information has been provided to all of the specific recipients associated with the provision target information in the determination step , and the publication time limit or number of publications set in the provision target information is exceeded. when a program for executing a control step of controlling so as to remove the provision target information from the information storage device to the computer.

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