JP5160353B2 - Mail editing support system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a system that supports editing of electronic mail distributed to a plurality of users, and more particularly to a mechanism for efficiently editing a plurality of patterns of electronic mail.

<Conventional example 1>
A service that distributes an e-mail magazine describing sale information and the latest special features is known (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).
The above services are provided, for example, as follows (see Non-Patent Document 2).
(A) A plurality of types of mail magazines are distributed for each service and genre. Each user can select the type (news) of the mail magazine that he / she wishes to subscribe to.
(B) A delivery format (either HTML format or text format or both) is designated for each type of mail magazine (news). When both are specified, each user can select one of the formats.

<Conventional example 2>
A concept of personalizing content and advertisements browsed by a user based on the user's sex, age, residence, and other information is known (for example, see Non-Patent Document 3).
Regarding the above concept, in the service of Conventional Example 1, the user is requested to input the date of birth, sex, and residential area when applying for distribution (see Non-Patent Document 2). In addition, the “Personal Information Protection Policy” that requires each user to consent when applying for distribution includes: “Contents and advertisements viewed by customers, personal attributes or purchases such as customer gender, age, place of residence, hobbies / preferences” The point of using the user's personal information is described for “Personalization by history, browsing history of the website operated by the group” (see “4. Purpose of use (3)” of Non-Patent Document 3) .

<Conventional example 3>
A mechanism for creating e-mails having different contents and transmitting them to a plurality of other parties at once is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Regarding the above structure, Patent Document 1 describes the following points.
(A) The text input field of the e-mail software installed in the personal computer is divided, and an address input area corresponding to each of the divided text input fields is provided (see paragraphs [0043] to [0045], FIG. 3 etc.) .
(B) A destination is set for each text data input in the divided text input field (see paragraph [0046], FIG. 3 etc.).
(C) The body data is integrated for each set destination and transmitted to the destination (see paragraphs [0047] to [0056], FIGS. 4 to 6 and the like).
(D) E-mails for individual destinations can be edited in the same window (see paragraphs [0056], [0061], etc.).

In addition, regarding the timing of division of the text input field (the above (a)), Patent Document 1 has the following description.
(A-1) The division processing is started “when the division button 201k is pressed” (see paragraph [0042] and the like).
(A-2) “By constantly monitoring the number of line breaks in the text data, for example, when a line break is input twice, immediately or after confirming whether or not the division process may be performed” The process is started (see paragraph [0066]).

<Conventional Example 4>
A mechanism for supporting creation of an e-mail to be transmitted to a plurality of destinations by means of prompting correction of a specific word included in a message according to the destination is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Regarding the above structure, Patent Document 2 describes the following points.
(A) A system including a client and a server connected via a network is used (see paragraph [0028], FIG. 1 and the like).
(B) A mail address as a mail destination is specified by inputting a group name in which a plurality of users are collected (see paragraphs [0033] to [0034]).

<Conventional Example 5>
A mechanism is known in which a character string corresponding to a destination is inserted into each broadcasted e-mail (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
Regarding the above structure, Patent Document 3 describes the following points.
(A) The user operates the mail client to designate a document file including merge character string designation data and a transmission attribute file including a merge character string (see paragraphs [0013] to [0014], FIG. 1 and the like). ).
(B) The mail client integrates the document file and the transmission attribute file and sends the file to the mail server (see paragraph [0015], FIG. 1 and the like).
(C) The mail server receives the integrated data from the mail client, detects the insertion position (position of the insertion character string designation data in the document data) from the document data, and determines the insertion character string extracted from the outgoing attribute data. The electronic mail is completed by inserting it into the insertion position (see paragraphs [0019] to [0022], FIG. 1 etc.).
(D) If a special character is input as insertion character string designation data, it can be detected (see paragraph [0013] and the like).

JP 2004-272660 A JP 2004-287864 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 07-0778150 Rakuten, “Rakuten Ichiba Guide“ Rakuten's Mail Magazine ””, [online], Internet <URL: http://event.rakuten.co.jp/beginner/news/> Rakuten, Inc., “Rakuten's e-mail magazine distribution application”, [online], Internet <URL: http://emagazine.rakuten.co.jp/ns?act=apply> Rakuten, “Personal Information Protection Policy”, [online], established and enforced on April 1, 2005, Internet <URL: http://privacy.rakuten.co.jp/>

[Delivery List]
There is a case where a distribution destination list is divided and a mail magazine having partially different contents (contents) is distributed for each group of divided distribution destinations. For example, the following division modes are conceivable.
(A) Dividing into a predetermined number of groups based on subscriber attributes (age group, gender, residential area, etc.).
(B) Dividing into a predetermined number of groups so that the number of mail addresses belonging to each group after division is equal (approximately the same number).
(C) The above (a) and (b) are combined and divided into a predetermined number of groups.

The background of trying to divide the distribution destination list includes, for example, the following circumstances on the side of distributing the mail magazine and / or on the side of requesting the mail magazine to post information (such as advertisements).
(A) We want to provide different information according to the attributes of subscribers (age group, gender, residential area, etc.).
(B) If the advertising fee is set to be calculated based on the number of mail magazine distribution destinations, the advertising fee should be kept low.
(C) I want to disperse various risks caused by the contents of the mail magazine.

[Problems in editing email]
When distributing e-mail magazines with different contents (contents) for each of the divided distribution destinations, the e-mail magazine editor must edit the body data of multiple patterns with partially different contents (contents). is there.
For example, when the distribution destination list is divided into two parts according to gender, and each divided group according to gender is equally divided into three parts, it is necessary to create a total of six patterns of body data.

FIG. 1 illustrates six patterns of body data.
In the text data of each pattern illustrated in FIG. 1, three different parts are arranged for each pattern between parts common to all patterns. Therefore, in the six patterns of body data shown in FIG. 1, “structure of body” and “content of common part” are common to all patterns.

(A) Problems of All Pattern Creation Method All the text data of a plurality of patterns can be created individually (all pattern creation method).
However, when this method is adopted, the body data of all patterns including the content of the common part is created, so that a certain overlap (content of the common part) is included in each pattern.

In addition, when this method is adopted, when it is necessary to correct matters common to all patterns (for example, “text structure”, “contents of common parts”, etc.), the editor in charge performs the same proofreading work. You will have to do this separately for each pattern.
For example, if it becomes necessary to replace a character string commonly included in the text data (“Join me!” In FIG. 1) with another character string (eg, “Join me?”) The user in charge must repeat the same replacement work for each pattern. Therefore, since the work burden given to the person in charge of editing is large, efficiency is low and mistakes are likely to occur.

(B) Problems of all part insertion method It is also possible to create all parts (parts) of the text data of a plurality of patterns by insertion processing (all part insertion method).
For example, in order to create the six patterns of body data illustrated in FIG. 1, the following data may be created. Thereby, the duplication of the content of a common part is eliminated.
・ Data that defines the structure of the text, the position of the insertion part, etc. (one for each pattern / total of 6)
・ Common part contents (one for each part / total 3)
・ Contents of plug-in parts (6 types for each part / 18 types in total)

However, some of the “data defining the structure of the text, the position of the insertion part, etc.” still contain duplicates (part corresponding to the structure of the text).
In addition, when this method is adopted, insertion processing occurs for each mail, so when hundreds of thousands to millions of mail magazines are distributed, processing given to a system that executes processing such as a server device The load will increase.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce the work load of a user who edits multiple patterns of e-mails having partially different contents.
Further, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce the processing load of a system that distributes mail.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention comprises an editing user's terminal for editing a plurality of predetermined patterns of e-mails, a common part, and at least one insertion part corresponding to one of the patterns. A mail server of a mail editing support system connected via a communication network to a mail server that supports the editing work of the e-mail, and a mail data storage means for storing mail data related to the mail An insertion part addition button for adding at least one insertion field indicating a insertion part at a predetermined position adjacent to the text input field, and a text input field for the common part in response to a request from the terminal; An edit page transmitting means for transmitting an edit page having at least a data save button to the terminal, and the data save button on the terminal And the text data of each common part input in the text input field of each common part in the edit page and the identification data of each plug part corresponding to each plug-in field in the edit page When received from the terminal, the received text data and identification data are stored in the mail data storage means in a predetermined format, and at least a link including identification information of each insertion field in each insertion field When the link is clicked on the terminal and the identification information included in the link is received from the terminal, the data storage / page updating means for transmitting the added edited page to the terminal is received. An insertion data edit page in which at least one of the text input fields of the corresponding insertion part and at least an insertion data save button are arranged is sent to the terminal. The insertion data edit page sending means to be clicked, and the insertion data save button is clicked on the terminal, and the text data of the insertion part entered in the text input field of the insertion part in the insertion data editing page is displayed. When received individually or collectively from the terminal, the received text data is stored in a predetermined format in the mail data storage unit, and stored in a predetermined format in the mail data storage unit Mail generating means for generating e-mails of the respective patterns based on the text data of the common parts, the identification data, and the text data corresponding to the patterns of the plug-in parts. It is characterized by.

The insertion data editing page transmission means includes the insertion data editing page further including a radio button for setting any text data input in the text input field of the insertion portion as a default of the insertion portion. Transmitted to the terminal, the plug-in data storage means further receives default setting data indicating text data set as default from the terminal and stores it in the mail data storage means, the mail generation means, When the text data is empty, if there is text data set as the default of the insertion part to which the empty text data belongs, the text data set as the default is replenished to the empty text data. The electronic mail of each pattern may be generated.
When any text data corresponds to data indicating a predetermined sky, the mail generating means may generate the e-mail of each pattern with the text data being empty.
The insertion data edit page transmission means may set a comment tag as an initial value in each text input field of the insertion data edit page to be transmitted to the terminal.
The insertion data edit page transmission means may set data indicating the empty as an initial value in each text input field of the insertion data edit page transmitted to the terminal.

The edit page transmitting means, when the insert part addition button is clicked, a program for causing the terminal to execute a process of adding the insertion field at a predetermined position close to the text input field. And may be transmitted to the terminal.
The program transmitted to the terminal includes a common part addition button for adding a common part text input field, an insertion part addition button, an insertion part deletion button for deleting the added insertion field, and a text input for the common part. It may be for causing the terminal to execute a process of further adding at least one of the columns to a predetermined position close to the insertion column to be added in the editing page based on a predetermined condition.

The insertion data edit page transmission means transmits the insertion data edit page further arranging a display switching link and / or a display switching tab to the terminal, and when the display switching link or the display switching tab is clicked. A program for causing the terminal to execute a process of switching the display format or display target of the text input field may be incorporated into the insertion data editing page and transmitted to the terminal.
The insertion data editing page transmission means may transmit the insertion data editing page further arranged with a display switching link and / or a display switching tab to the terminal, and in this case, the display switching link on the terminal. Or, when the display switching tab is clicked and the identifier of the clicked display switching link or the display switching tab is received from the terminal, the display format or the display target of the text input field is switched according to the received identifier. An insertion data editing page updating unit for transmitting the insertion data editing page to the terminal may be further provided.
Instead of the insertion data editing page update means, when the display switching link or the display switching tab is clicked on the terminal, and the identifier of the clicked display switching link or the display switching tab is received from the terminal, the An insertion data editing page partial update means for transmitting insertion data editing page update data for switching display of the insertion data editing page to the terminal according to the received identifier may be provided.
Instead of the data saving / page updating means, the data saving button clicked on the terminal and the text data of each common part input in the text input field of each common part in the editing page, and the editing When the identification data of each insertion portion corresponding to each insertion field in the page is received from the terminal, the received text data and identification data are stored in the mail data storage means in a predetermined format. The data storage / edit page partial update means for transmitting to the terminal edit page update data for adding at least a link including identification information of each insert field in each insert field may be provided.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes an editing user's terminal that edits a plurality of predetermined patterns of e-mail, a common portion, and at least one insertion portion corresponding to one of the patterns. A mail editing support method by a mail server of a mail editing support system that is connected to a configured mail server that supports editing of an email via a communication network, wherein the mail server is a mail related to the mail. A mail data storage means for storing data, and in response to a request from the terminal, a text input field for the common part and an insertion field indicating the insertion part at a predetermined position close to the text input field An edit page for transmitting to the terminal an edit page in which at least one insertion part addition button to be added and a data save button are arranged. The transmission step, the text data of each common part input to the text input field of each common part in the edit page when the data save button is clicked on the terminal, and each insertion field in the edit page And the received text data and identification data in a predetermined format in the mail data storage means, and in each insertion column A data storage / page update step for transmitting to the terminal the edit page to which at least a link including identification information of each insertion field is added, and the link is clicked on the terminal, and the identification information included in the link is displayed. When received from the terminal, at least one of the text entry fields of the insertion part corresponding to the received identification information, and a data insertion save button The insertion data editing page transmission step of transmitting at least the insertion data editing page arranged to the terminal, and the insertion data saving button is clicked on the terminal, and the insertion data editing page Insertion data storage step of storing the received text data in the mail / data storage means in a predetermined format when the text data of the insertion part input in the text input field is received individually or collectively from the terminal And based on the text data corresponding to the patterns of the common parts, the identification data and the patterns of the insertion parts stored in a predetermined format in the mail data storage means, A mail generation step of generating a pattern electronic mail.

  A program for causing a computer to realize each means included in the mail server as a function is also the present invention.

The mail server of the present invention edits contents separately for each of a plurality of patterns of e-mails having partially different contents, divided into a common part and each insertion part.
The pages for editing the contents of the common part are integrated into one, and it is not necessary to perform the same proofreading operation individually for each pattern. In this respect, the work burden on the user is reduced.
In addition, since only a portion having a different content is handled as an insertion portion, duplication of data is eliminated and insertion processing necessary for generating a mail can be minimized. In these respects, the processing load on the system is reduced.

<Definition of terms>
The meanings of the terms used in the following description are as defined below.
Attribute division: Dividing the distribution destination list into a plurality of distribution destination groups based on the attributes of the subscribed user.
Equal division: Dividing the distribution destination list or the distribution destination group into a plurality of groups so that the number of mail addresses is substantially equal in the distribution destination list or the distribution destination group. For example, it divides at random or in the order of registration.
-Common part: The part common to each pattern of the e-mail magazine.
・ Plug-in part: A different part for each e-mail magazine pattern.

Content: Data (for example, text data) constituting the body of an e-mail (e-mail magazine).
Manuscript: Data composing e-mail (for example, subject, content, etc.).
Common data: Data common to all patterns (for example, body structure, common part content, etc.).
Insertion data: data that differs for each pattern (for example, contents of insertion parts).

<Definition of symbols>
The symbols used in the following description indicate the following contents, respectively. Note that i, j, and k are all appropriate natural numbers.
Pattern [ij]: Pattern of i-th group and j-th group.
-Insertion part [k] ... kth insertion part.
Content [ijk]: Content of the k-th insertion part of the pattern of the i-th group and the j-th group.

<Contents>
[1. Outline of system of embodiment]
[1-1. System configuration]
[1-2. System overview]
[1-3. Service Overview]
(A) Mail editing support service (b) Mail distribution service [1-4. Main features]
(A) Editing procedure (b) Effect [1-5. Main functions]

[2. Details of System of Embodiment]
[2-1. Mail server]
[2-2. User DB]
(A) Editing user information (b) Subscription user information [2-3. Mail DB]
(A) Mail distribution information (b) Mail distribution destination list (c) Test transmission destination list (d) Gender attribute division information (e) Regional attribute division information (f) Generation attribute division information (g) Distribution mail information (h) Plug-in part information [2-4. User terminal A (editing user terminal)]
[2-5. User terminal B (subscription user terminal)]

[3. Mail magazine distribution procedure]
[3-1. Procedure before editing]
(A) Editing user authentication (b) Mail magazine selection (c) Function selection [3-2. Registration procedure]
(A) Issue issue (b) Issue setting [3-3. Document editing procedure]
(A) Editing of common data (b) Editing of insertion data (c) Confirmation of manuscript [3-4. Procedure after editing]
(A) Mail generation (b) Delivery

<Description of Embodiment>
[1. Outline of system of embodiment]
An outline of the system of the present embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.
In this embodiment, the number of users (editing users) who edit mail magazine manuscripts is m (m is an arbitrary natural number), and those who belong to the same organization (for example, employees of a specific company) are assumed. ing. On the other hand, there are n users (subscribing users) who subscribe to the e-mail magazine (n is a natural number of 2 or more), and each subscribing user has at least one of e-mail magazine types (news) distribution destination lists. It is assumed that it has been registered.

[1-1. System configuration]
As shown in FIG. 2, the system of the present embodiment as a whole is used by a mail server 10 that provides a mail editing support service and a mail distribution service, user terminals 20A (1 to m) used by editing users, and subscribed users. User terminals 20B (1 to n). The mail server 10 has a user DB 11 that stores information related to the user and a mail DB 12 that stores information related to the mail magazine.
The mail server 10 and the user terminals 20A (1 to m) are connected to each other via the LAN 30, and the mail server 10 and the user terminals 20B (1 to n) are connected to each other via the Internet 40. Communication (access) between the mail server 10, the user terminals 20A (1 to m), and the user terminals 20B (1 to n) is controlled by the firewall 50.

[1-2. System overview]
The system of this embodiment is a system that provides an email editing support service to at least one user (editing user) who uses the user terminal 20A.
The system of this embodiment is a system that provides a mail delivery service to a plurality of users (subscription users) who use the user terminal 20B.

[1-3. Service Overview]
[1-3 (a). Overview of email editing support service]
The mail editing support service is a service that supports editing work of a distributed electronic mail (mail magazine).
The mail editing support service provider is the mail server 10. The mail editing support service is provided via the LAN 30 to editing users who use the user terminals 20A (1 to m).

The mail editing support service focuses on reducing the work load of an editing user who is in charge of editing an electronic mail (mail magazine). In particular, a function necessary for improving the work efficiency in the editing operation of a plurality of patterns of documents composed of a common part (common part) and an insertion part (insertion part) is prepared.
For example, when the distribution destination list is divided into two groups according to gender, and each divided group according to gender is equally divided into three, it is necessary to create six patterns of documents in total.

A document editing procedure using the mail editing support service will be conceptually described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 shows an image of a document to be created using the system of this embodiment. Between the common parts (common parts) 1 to 3 common to all patterns, different insertion parts (insert parts) 1 to 3 are arranged for each pattern. This structure is the same as the text data illustrated in FIG.

In the mail editing support service, after setting the structure (layout) of the body consisting of a common part (common part) and an insertion part (insertion part), multiple patterns of originals (common parts) and each It is divided into plug-in parts (plug-in parts) and edited separately. The desired text data is generated by inserting the content of the insertion part at a specific position between the contents of the common part (part insertion method).
For example, when editing a document having the structure shown in FIG. 3, the following four Web pages are prepared separately.
-Edit page for editing the contents of the common parts 1 to 3 and the position of the insertion part-Insertion data editing page for editing the contents (6 types) of the insertion part 1-Each content of the insertion part 2 ( Insert data edit page for editing (6 ways) etc.-Insert data edit page for editing each content (6 ways) of the insert part 3

[1-3 (b). Overview of mail delivery service]
The mail distribution service is a service for distributing an electronic mail (mail magazine) to a mail address registered in the distribution destination list (similar to the service of the conventional example 1).
The mail delivery service provider is the mail server 10. The mail distribution service is provided via the Internet 40 to subscribed users who use the user terminals 20B (1 to n).

In the present embodiment, each subscribed user operates the user terminal 20B in advance to specify (a) the type (news) of a mail magazine desired to be subscribed, (b) an e-mail address of a destination, and the like. It is assumed that the application for distribution is made to No.10.
Register other users' e-mail addresses in the distribution destination list, such as users who have agreed to distribute e-mail magazines when using other e-commerce services, users who have been individually designated by the person in charge of distributing e-mail magazines, etc. Also good. In addition, the mail addresses of these users may be mixed in the distribution destination list, including the mail address of the user who performed the distribution application procedure.

[1-4. Main features]
[1-4 (a). Editing procedure]
A document editing procedure using the system of this embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. Note that the document to be edited has the structure illustrated in FIG.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are display examples of a part of an edit page for editing the content of the common part. On the other hand, FIG. 4C is a display example of a part of the insertion data editing page for editing the contents of the insertion part.

(1) An input field 410 and buttons 405a and 415a are arranged adjacent to each other on the edit page (FIG. 4A). When the button 415a is clicked, an insertion part is added to a predetermined position close to the input field 410 (predetermined position adjacent to the button 415a), and a link 420 to the insertion data editing page is created by performing a predetermined storage operation. Is displayed (FIG. 4B). It should be noted that a predetermined button (for example, buttons 425a-c, etc.) or another text input field may be further arranged at a predetermined position adjacent to the insertion field where the link 420 is displayed.
(2) When link 420 is clicked, an insertion data edit page is displayed. For example, input fields 420a and 420b are arranged on the insertion data editing page (FIG. 4C). The display of the insertion data editing page can be switched by the tab 430 or the like.
(3) The editing user repeatedly clicks various buttons on the editing page to set the structure (layout) of the text, and inputs the content of the common part in the input field. In addition, in the insertion data editing page corresponding to each insertion part, the contents of the insertion part are input in the input field. When the set or input data is transmitted from the user terminal 20A to the mail server 10, the mail server 10 stores the received data in the mail DB 12 in a predetermined format.

[1-4 (b). effect]
The main feature of the mail editing procedure using the system of the present embodiment is that a plurality of patterns of originals are divided into a common part (common part) and each insertion part (insertion part), and the content is edited separately. is there.
Desired body data is generated from content edited separately by inserting the content of the insertion portion at a specific position between the content of the common portion.

The pages for editing the contents of the common part are collected on one layout screen, and it is not necessary to perform the same proofreading operation individually for each pattern. In this respect, the work burden on the user is reduced.
Moreover, there is no duplication in each edited data. In addition, the insertion process at the time of mail generation is minimized. In these respects, the processing load applied to the server that executes the mail generation process is reduced.

[1-5. Main functions]
The mail editing support service provides the functions shown in the table below.

[2. Details of System of Embodiment]
The configuration of the system of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5 to 6-2.
Here, the contents of various types of information stored in the user DB 11 and the mail DB 12 will be described in detail, focusing on parts necessary for providing the mail editing support service and the mail distribution service.

[2-1. Mail server]
In FIG. 2, a mail server 10 is a server that provides a mail editing support service and a mail distribution service.
The mail server 10 is linked to a web server (not shown), and the web server performs processing such as generation and transmission of a web page in response to a request. For example, the mail server 10 reads necessary information stored in the user DB 11 or the mail DB 12 in response to a transmission request from the user terminal 20A and the like, and corresponds to the URL specified for the Web server. Web pages to be generated can be generated and transmitted.
Further, the mail server 10 naturally performs reception / generation / transmission processing of electronic mail as necessary.

[2-2. User DB]
In FIG. 2, a user DB 11 is a database that stores information related to users.
The user DB 11 constitutes a database management system (DBMS) and can provide various types of information according to requests. For example, the user DB 11 can provide the stored information in response to a request from the mail server 10.
In this embodiment, the user DB 11 is constructed in an external storage device connected to the mail server 10, but if the stored information can be read, it is constructed in a storage device built in the mail server 10. May be.

For example, the user DB 11 stores the following information. Here, the following information will be described with reference to FIG. 5, focusing on the parts necessary for providing the mail editing support service and the mail distribution service.
(A) Information of a user who edits a mail magazine manuscript (editing user information)
(B) Information of users who subscribe to the e-mail magazine (subscription user information)

[2-2 (a). Editing user information]
FIG. 5A shows main items of the editing user information.
FIG. 5A shows editing user information corresponding to one editing user, and a plurality of editing user information can be stored in the user DB 11. The editing user information of each editing user is generated by the system administrator and is appropriately changed according to a request from each editing user.

In FIG. 5A, “editing user ID” is identification information unique to the editing user. “Password” is a password used for authentication of the editing user. The “mail address” is a mail address used as a destination for various contacts with the editing user.
For the editing user authentication (login), the “editing user ID” and “password” among the editing user information items are used. In this embodiment, the “edit user ID” and “password” are the same as the “employee ID” and “password” assigned to each employee of the organization that provides the mail delivery service. Also good. In addition, cookie information may be used for authentication of the editing user.

Similarly, in FIG. 5A, “access authority information” is information indicating a range of information (information related to the mail magazine) accessible to the editing user.
In this embodiment, access authority is set for each type of mail magazine, and “mail magazine ID” (described later) of the mail magazine that is permitted to be accessed by the editing user is listed as an item of “access authority information”. Each editing user can use the mail editing support service within the scope of authority.
In addition, it is possible to set a specified method in advance, and grant access authority to information of multiple mail magazines to the system administrator, the person in charge of editing, etc. all at once by specifying all and specifying groups. Good.

Similarly, in FIG. 5A, “use authority information” is a category indicating the range of functions (functions provided by the mail editing support service) that can be used by the editing user.
In this embodiment, the classification is set as shown in the table below. Each editing user can use the function of the mail editing support service provided by the system of the present embodiment within the scope of authority. About the contents of each function, [1-5. Refer to [Main Functions].

[2-2 (b). Subscribed user information]
FIG. 5B shows main items of the subscribed user information.
FIG. 5B shows subscribed user information corresponding to one subscribed user, and the user DB 11 can store a plurality of subscribed user information. Each subscribed user information is generated through a distribution application procedure by each subscribed user, and is appropriately changed according to a request from each subscribed user.

In FIG. 5B, “subscription user ID” is identification information unique to a user who subscribes to the mail magazine (subscription user). “Mail address” is a mail address registered as a destination of a mail magazine distributed to the subscribed user. “Mail address classification” is information indicating the classification of the mail address of the subscribed user (for example, PC, mobile phone (carrier D), mobile phone (carrier K), mobile phone (carrier S), etc.).
The “mail address” of each subscribed user may be used as the “subscriber user ID”.

Similarly, in FIG. 5B, “name” is the name of the subscribed user. “Birth date” is the date of birth of the subscribed user. “Gender” is information indicating the sex category of the subscribed user. “Residential area” is information indicating the classification of the area (prefecture, foreign country) where the subscribed user resides.
In this embodiment, among the items shown in FIG. 5B, “name”, “birth date”, “sex”, and “resident area” are set as arbitrary registration items. When each subscription user does not register at the time of distribution application, these items are handled as “unknown”. Further, other items may be provided in addition to the items shown in FIG.

[2-3. Mail DB]
Returning to FIG. 2, the mail DB 12 is a database that stores information related to mail.
The mail DB 12 constitutes a database management system (DBMS) and can provide various types of information according to requests. For example, the mail DB 12 can provide stored information in response to a request from the mail server 10.
In this embodiment, the mail DB 12 is constructed in an external storage device connected to the mail server 10, but if the stored information can be read, it is constructed in a storage device built in the mail server 10. May be.

The mail DB 12 stores the following information, for example. Here, the following information will be described with reference to FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2, focusing on the parts necessary for providing the mail editing support service and the mail distribution service.
(A) Information related to mail magazine distribution (mail distribution information)
(B) Mail magazine distribution list (Mail distribution list)
(C) Mail magazine test destination list (test destination list)
(D) Information defining a mode of attribute division based on gender (gender attribute division information)
(E) Information defining an aspect of attribute division based on region (region attribute division information)
(F) Information defining a mode of attribute division based on generation (generation attribute division information)
(G) Information on the mail magazine to be distributed (distributed mail information)
(H) Information about each plug-in part (plug-in part information)

[2-3 (a). Mail delivery information]
FIG. 6A shows main items of the mail distribution information.
FIG. 6A shows mail distribution information corresponding to one type of mail magazine, and mail DB 12 can store mail distribution information corresponding to a plurality of types of mail magazines. The mail distribution information is generated by the system administrator and is changed as appropriate according to planning / marketing, service management policy, and the like.

In FIG. 6A, “Mail Magazine ID” is identification information unique to the mail magazine. “Name” is a name given to the mail magazine. In this embodiment, the name “XX news” is assigned to each type of mail magazine.
Similarly, in FIG. 6A, the “delivery schedule” indicates the delivery cycle of the mail magazine (for example, “every Friday”, “every other Friday”, “the second Friday of every month”, “irregular”, etc.). It is the character string which shows. The “distribution target device” is information indicating a classification (for example, “PC”, “mobile”, “PC and mobile”, etc.) of a device to which the mail magazine is distributed. The “distribution format” is information indicating a classification of an e-mail data format (for example, “HTML”, “plain text”, etc.) when the mail magazine is distributed.

Of the mail delivery information items, “name”, “delivery schedule”, “delivery target device”, and “delivery format” are displayed or reflected on a Web page for recruiting a mail magazine (conventional example 1). (See Non-Patent Document 2).
In addition, the “name” of the mail delivery information items may be used as all or part of the subject of the mail magazine to be delivered.

[2-3 (b). Mail distribution list]
FIG. 6B shows items in the mail delivery destination list.
FIG. 6B is a mail delivery destination list corresponding to one type of mail magazine, and the mail DB 12 can store a plurality of mail delivery destination lists corresponding to the types of mail magazines. The mail distribution destination list is generated simultaneously with the mail distribution information (FIG. 6-1 (a)), and “subscription user ID” is sequentially added by the distribution application procedure of each subscribed user.

In FIG. 6B, the “mail magazine ID” is identification information unique to the mail magazine, and is the same as the “mail magazine ID” in the mail distribution information (FIG. 6A). The “subscription user ID” in the list (1, 2, 3,...) Is identification information unique to the subscribed user who applied for delivery of the mail magazine, and the subscribed user information is added to the mail delivery destination list (FIG. 5B). Is associated. In addition, the mail magazine distribution destination list in which the distribution format can be selected may include information indicating the classification of the format selected by each subscribed user.
The mail distribution destination list of each mail magazine is generated / updated by an upload operation of an editing user having appropriate authority ("access authority information" and "usage authority information" in the editing user information (FIG. 5A)). You can also

[2-3 (c). Test destination list]
FIG. 6C shows items of the test transmission destination list.
FIG. 6C is a test destination list corresponding to one type of mail magazine, and the mail DB 12 can store a plurality of test destination lists for each type of mail magazine. The test transmission destination list of each mail magazine is generated and updated by a registration procedure of an editing user having appropriate authority (editing user information ("access authority information", "usage authority information" in FIG. 5A)). .

In FIG. 6C, the “mail magazine ID” is identification information unique to the mail magazine, and is the same as the “mail magazine ID” in the mail distribution information (FIG. 6A). The “mail address” in the list (1, 2, 3,...) Is a mail address that is a destination for the test transmission of the mail magazine. The “mail address classification” in the list (1, 2, 3,...) Includes the corresponding “mail address” classification (for example, “PC”, “mobile (carrier D)”, “mobile (carrier K)”, “mobile”. (Carrier S) "etc.).
In this embodiment, it is also possible to specify a test transmission destination mail address for each test transmission procedure. Therefore, the test transmission destination list is arbitrary information in providing the mail editing support service.

[2-3 (d). Gender attribute division information]
FIG. 6-1 (d) shows all gender attribute division information and its main items.
“Gender” in the subscribed user information (FIG. 5B) is any one of “male”, “female”, and “unknown”, and the distribution mode of the distribution destination list based on the “sex” attribute is as shown in FIG. The number is limited to the four shown in (d). In this embodiment, all division modes are defined in advance and presented to the editing user as options of division modes based on gender attributes.

In FIG. 6A, each row is one gender attribute division information, and each column is a main item of gender attribute division information.
In the item of FIG. 6A, “attribute ID” is identification information unique to the gender attribute division information. “Number of divisions” is the number of divisions of the distribution destination list. “Division mode” is information indicating gender divisions included in each group after division. Here, the gender classification corresponds to “gender” in the subscribed user information (FIG. 5B).

For example, the gender attribute division information identified by the “attribute ID” of “S-01” is defined to divide the mail magazine distribution destination list into “male + unknown” and “female”. The same applies to other gender attribute division information.
Note that the editing user may be allowed to specify the division mode for each procedure for determining the division mode of the distribution destination list. Therefore, the gender attribute division information is arbitrary information in providing the mail editing support service.

[2-3 (e). Region attribute division information]
Fig. 6-1 (e) shows the main items of the region attribute division information.
FIG. 6E shows one form of area attribute division information corresponding to one type of mail magazine, and the mail DB 12 can store a plurality of pieces of area attribute division information for each type of mail magazine. Each region attribute division information is registered / updated by an editing user having appropriate authority ("access authority information" and "use authority information" in the editing user information (FIG. 5A)).

In FIG. 6-1 (e), the “mail magazine ID” is identification information unique to the mail magazine, and is the same as the “mail magazine ID” in the mail distribution information (FIG. 6-1 (a)). The “attribute ID” is identification information unique to the region attribute division information in each mail magazine type.
Similarly, in FIG. 6-1 (e), the “name” is a name (character string) given to make it easy to determine the division mode. The “registrant” is information (editing user ID) indicating the editing user who registered the division mode, and the editing user information (FIG. 5A) is associated with the region attribute division information. The “updater” is information (editing user ID) indicating the editing user who recently updated the division mode, and the editing user information (FIG. 5A) is associated with the regional attribute division information.

Similarly, in FIG. 6E, “number of divisions” is the number of divisions in the distribution destination list. The “name” of the group (A, B,...) Is a name (character string) given to the group. “Elements” (1, 2,...) Of the group (A, B,...) Are divisions of residential areas belonging to each group after division. Here, the division of the residential area corresponds to the “resident area” of the subscribed user information (FIG. 5B).
Note that the division mode may be designated for each procedure for determining the division mode of the distribution destination list. Therefore, the regional attribute division information is arbitrary information in providing the mail editing support service. Moreover, a division mode having high versatility may be defined in advance as regional attribute division information, and presented to the editing user as a division mode option based on the regional attribute.

[2-3 (f). Generation attribute split information]
FIG. 6-1 (f) shows main items of generation attribute division information.
FIG. 6-1 (f) shows one type of generation attribute division information corresponding to one type of mail magazine, and the mail DB 12 can store a plurality of generation attribute division information for each type of mail magazine. Each generation attribute division information is registered / updated by an editing user having appropriate authority ("access authority information" and "usage authority information" in the editing user information (FIG. 5A)).

In FIG. 6A, the “mail magazine ID” is identification information unique to the mail magazine, and is the same as the “mail magazine ID” in the mail distribution information (FIG. 6A). “Attribute ID” is identification information unique to the generation attribute division information in each mail magazine type.
Similarly, in FIG. 6-1 (f), “name” is a name (character string) given to make it easy to determine the division mode. The “registrant” is information (editing user ID) indicating the editing user who registered the division mode, and the editing user information (FIG. 5A) is associated with the generation attribute division information. “Updater” is information (editing user ID) indicating an editing user who recently updated the division mode and associates editing user information (FIG. 5A) with generation attribute division information.

Similarly, in FIG. 6-1 (f), “number of divisions” is the number of divisions in the distribution destination list. “Division method” is information indicating a classification of a reference (birth year, age) for dividing the distribution destination list.
Similarly, in FIG. 6A, the “name” of the group (A, B,...) Is a name (character string) given to the group. The “element” (1, 2,...) Of the group (A, B,...) Is a division of generations belonging to each group after division.

Here, the classification of generations is based on the “date of birth” in the subscribed user information (FIG. 5B). For example, when the above-mentioned “division method” is “birth year”, the generation classification is “born in year A to year B”. On the other hand, when the “division method” is “age”, the generation classification is “full-year-old to ○ -year-old”.
In the present embodiment, the distribution destination list is divided based on the distribution point of the mail magazine. Therefore, the number of delivery destination email addresses belonging to each group after division can vary depending on the relationship between the date of birth of each subscribed user and the delivery date of the email magazine. Even if the delivery date is the same, the number of delivery destination email addresses belonging to each group after the division is different if the “division method” is different.

Note that the division mode may be designated for each procedure for determining the division mode of the distribution destination list. Therefore, the generation attribute division information is arbitrary information for providing the mail editing support service.
Further, a division mode having high versatility may be defined in advance as generation attribute division information and presented to the editing user as a division mode option based on the generation attribute.

[2-3 (g). Distribution mail information]
FIG. 6-2 (g) shows the main items of the delivery mail information.
FIG. 6-2 (g) shows distribution mail information corresponding to one mail magazine, and the mail DB 12 can store a plurality of distribution mail information. Each distribution mail information is registered / updated with an editing operation by an editing user having appropriate authority ("access authority information" and "use authority information" in the editing user information (FIG. 5A)).

In FIG. 6G, “No. ID” is identification information unique to each issue of the mail magazine. A part of the “No. ID” corresponds to the “E-mail magazine ID” in the mail distribution information (FIG. 6-1 (a)), and the “E-mail magazine ID” can be specified based on the “No. ID”. It is.
Similarly, in FIG. 6-2 (g), the “delivery time” is the date and time (○ year ○ month ○ day ○ hour) of the scheduled delivery of the issue, and the mail delivery information (FIG. 6-1 (a)). Based on “delivery schedule”.

Similarly, in FIG. 6-2 (g), the “registrant” is information (edit user ID) indicating the edit user who registered the issue, and the edit user information (FIG. 5 (a)) is added to the distribution mail information. It is related. The “updater” is information (editing user ID) indicating the editing user who updated the issue most recently, and the editing user information (FIG. 5A) is associated with the distribution mail information. “Status” is a classification of the progress status of the operation / processing for the issue (for example, “Manuscript editing” (initial value), “Saved”, “Test sent”, “Full sent”, etc.) It is information which shows.
Similarly, in FIG. 6-2 (g), the “original type” is a data format classification (“HTML”, “plain text”, etc.) of the original of the issue, and distribution mail information (FIG. 6-1 (a) )) "Distribution format". The “distribution target user” is information indicating a classification of users to be distributed (“all members”, “HTML format selector”, “text format selector”). This item does not need to be provided for the issue of the mail magazine for which the delivery format cannot be selected.

Similarly, in FIG. 6-2 (g), the “attribute division condition” is information (attribute ID) indicating the distribution condition of the distribution destination list in the issue, and attribute distribution information (FIG. 6-1 (FIG. 6-1) any one of d) to (f).
Similarly, in FIG. 6G, the “number of attribute divisions” is the number of divisions in the case where attribute division is performed for the issue, and attribute division information (FIG. 6-6) associated with the “attribute division condition”. 1 (d) to (f)). “Equal number of divisions” is the number of divisions when equal division is performed for the issue.

Similarly, in FIG. 6-2 (g), the “parent subject name” is an initial value of the subject attached to the issue. “Comment” is information (character string) for making it easy to distinguish the issue.
Similarly, in FIG. 6-2 (g), the “path” of the “delivery mail file” (A, B) is a character string that identifies the file in which the data of the document of that issue is described. Each delivery mail file is stored in the mail DB 12.

Each “delivery mail file” includes the following data. Details of the format will be described later.
Delivery mail file A: Common data (text structure and common part content)
・ Delivery mail file B ... Insertion data (contents of the insertion part)

[2-3 (h). Plug-in information]
Fig. 6-2 (h) shows the main items of the plug-in part information.
FIG. 6B shows plug-in part information corresponding to one plug-in part, and the mail DB 12 can store a plurality of plug-in part information. Each plug-in part information is registered / updated along with an editing operation by an editing user having appropriate authority ("access authority information" and "usage authority information" in the editing user information (FIG. 5A)).

In FIG. 6-2 (h), “No. ID” is identification information unique to each issue of the mail magazine, and is common to the “No. ID” of the distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)). The “insert part ID” is identification information unique to the insert part in each issue. In this embodiment, a serial number is used as the “insert part ID”. “Name” is a name (character string) given to make it easy to identify the insertion part.
Similarly, in FIG. 6-2 (h), “default content” is information (content ID) indicating content designated as default in the insertion part. The “main transmission enable flag” of “content” ([1-1- ○], [1-2- ○],...) Is a flag indicating that editing of the content is completed and the main transmission is possible. Yes, if this transmission is possible, a flag is set.

[2-4. User terminal A (editing user terminal)]
Returning to FIG. 2, the user terminals 20 </ b> A (1 to m) are terminals used by the editing user. In the present embodiment, for example, an existing terminal having a communication function such as a personal computer may be used.
The user terminal 20A (1 to m) has a Web browser function, performs Web page request / reception / display processing as necessary, and provides a mail editing support service provided by the mail server 10 via the LAN 30. Can be used. In addition, the user terminal 20A (1 to m) has a mailer function, and can perform transmission / reception / display processing of electronic mail as necessary.

Note that the Web browser of the user terminal 20A (1 to m) can interpret and execute a script (for example, JavaScript format) incorporated in a Web page (for example, HTML format).
Further, it is assumed that execution of a script (for example, JavaScript format) is effective for the setting of the Web browser included in the user terminal 20A (1 to m).

[2-5. User terminal B (subscription user terminal)]
In FIG. 2, user terminals 20B (1-n) are terminals used by subscribed users. In the present embodiment, for example, an existing terminal having a communication function such as a personal computer, a portable information terminal, and a mobile phone may be used.
The user terminal 20B (1 to n) has a web browser and / or a mailer, and can receive and display an e-mail as necessary.

[3. Mail magazine distribution procedure]
The mail magazine delivery procedure will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG.
Here, a procedure will be described in which a certain editing user edits a document of a certain number using the user terminal 20A, and the mail server 10 delivers the edited mail magazine to a predetermined destination.

In the sequence chart of FIG. 7, numbers of other drawings to be referred to are added. Please refer to the other drawings as necessary.
The following description is based on the following points.
Editing user information (FIG. 5A) of an editing user who edits a document is stored in the user DB 11.
-The editing user has at least the authority necessary to execute the procedure described in the following description.
The document to be edited has a total of 6 patterns (2 divisions for men and women, and equally 3 divisions), and has the structure illustrated in FIG.

[3-1. Procedure before editing]
[3-1 (a). Edit user authentication (login)]
As shown in FIG. 7, the mail server 10 first authenticates the editing user who is in charge of editing (S705).
In this procedure, the mail server 10 refers to “edit user ID” and “password” in the edit user information (FIG. 5A) stored in the user DB 11. Note that cookie information may be used as necessary.

The mail server 10 authenticates the editing user as follows, for example.
(1) The login page is transmitted to the user terminal 20A in response to the request, and the editing user is requested to input the editing user ID and password.
(2) The editing user ID and password input by the editing user on the login page are received from the user terminal 20A.
(3) The editing user is authenticated by confirming whether or not the received editing user ID / password combination matches the editing user ID / password combination of the editing user information. If authentication is successful, login to the email editing support service is permitted. On the other hand, if the authentication is unsuccessful, the fact that the authentication has failed is notified, and the editing user ID and password are requested to be retransmitted.

[3-1 (b). Select e-mail magazine]
Returning to FIG. 7, the mail server 10 subsequently causes the authenticated editing user to select a mail magazine to be edited (S710).
In this procedure, the mail server 10 refers to “access authority information” in the editing user information (FIG. 5A) stored in the user DB 11.

The mail server 10 causes the editing user to select a mail magazine as follows, for example.
(1) A mail magazine selection page is transmitted to the user terminal 20A of the editing user who has succeeded in authentication, and the editing user is requested to select a mail magazine to be edited. On the mail magazine selection page, mail magazines accessible to the editing user are displayed as options (links).
(2) The mail magazine selection information corresponding to the link selected by the editing user on the selection page is received from the user terminal 20A.

[3-1 (c). Function selection]
Returning to FIG. 7, the mail server 10 subsequently causes the editing user to select a function corresponding to the work to be performed on the selected mail magazine (S <b> 715).
In this procedure, the mail server 10 refers to “usage authority information” in the editing user information (FIG. 5A) stored in the user DB 11.

The mail server 10 causes the editing user to select a function as follows, for example.
(1) The function list page is transmitted to the user terminal 20A of the editing user who has selected the mail magazine, and the editing user is asked to select a function corresponding to the work to be performed on the mail magazine to be edited. On the function list page, an overview of each function is displayed, and functions available to the editing user are displayed as options (links).
(2) The function selection information corresponding to the link selected by the editing user on the selection page is received from the user terminal 20A. Here, it is assumed that the editing user selects “Register issue”.

The function options (links) that can be used by each editing user may be displayed in common on the main pages in the mail editing support service and used for navigation. Thus, each editing user can select a desired function not only from the function list page but also from other pages on which function options (links) are displayed.
Further, the progress of the work may be saved. As a result, each editing user can resume the work from the continuation of the previous work at another opportunity.

[3-2. Registration procedure]
[3-2 (a). Issue Issue]
Returning to FIG. 7, subsequently, the mail server 10 issues a new issue in response to a request from the user terminal 20A (S720).
In this process, the mail server 10 stores the distribution mail information of the newly issued issue in the mail DB 12 every time a new issue is issued.

FIG. 8 illustrates an issue list page. The list page 800 is a page transmitted to the user terminal 20 </ b> A when “Register No.” is selected on any of the pages on which function options (links) are displayed.
The list page 800 mainly includes an area 810 and an area 820. In the area 810, buttons and the like (pull-down 811 and button 812) corresponding to functions necessary for issuing a new issue are displayed. On the other hand, in the area 820, a list (table 821) in which the distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) stored in the mail DB 12 is arranged in descending order of the distribution scheduled time is displayed. In addition, “issue_id” in the table 821 is “issue ID” of the distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)), and is a link to a page for selecting various operations for the issue corresponding to the “issue_id”. It has become.

A new issue is issued, for example, by the following procedure.
(1) Upon receiving selection information of “Register No.” from the user terminal 20A, the mail server 10 transmits a list page 800 (FIG. 8) to the user terminal 20A.
(2) When the editing user designates the scheduled delivery time of a new issue from the pull-down 811 and clicks the button 812 displayed as “to confirmation screen”, the user terminal 20A issues an issue including the designated delivery scheduled time. The request is transmitted to the mail server 10.
(3) Upon receiving an issuance request from the user terminal 20A, the mail server 10 transmits a confirmation page to the user terminal 20A and confirms with the editing user, and then generates distribution mail information corresponding to the newly issued issue. And stored in the mail DB 12.
(4) When the delivery mail information is stored, the mail server 10 updates the list page of the issue and transmits it to the user terminal 20A. The delivery mail information corresponding to the newly issued issue is added to the list on the updated issue list page.

[3-2 (b). Number setting]
Returning to FIG. 7, the mail server 10 then sets a number based on the information received from the user terminal 20 </ b> A (S <b> 725 to S <b> 730). Specifically, (a) No. general and (b) division conditions are set.
In these processes, the mail server 10 reads the distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) stored in the mail DB 12 and updates the corresponding distribution mail information.

(A) Number setting FIG. 9 illustrates a number setting page. The setting page 900 is a page transmitted to the user terminal 20A when a specific issue (issue_id) is selected on the issue list page (for example, the list page 800 (FIG. 8)).
The setting page 900 mainly includes an area 910 and an area 920. In the area 910, a list (table 911) of items of delivery mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) corresponding to the selected issue is displayed. On the other hand, the area 920 corresponds to a function for setting unregistered items (excluding items related to division of the distribution destination list) in the distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) stored in the mail DB 12. Buttons (radio button 921a, radio button 921b, radio button 922, text box 923, text box 924, etc.) are displayed.

The number is set by the following procedure, for example.
(1) When the selection information of a specific number is received from the user terminal 20A, the mail server 10 transmits a setting page 900 (FIG. 9) to the user terminal 20A.
(2) The editing user designates a new “distribution target user” with the radio button 921a (in the case of HTML format, further “original type” with the radio button 921b), and the radio button 922 divides the distribution destination list. When the presence / absence is specified, “parent name” is input in the text box 923, “comment” is input in the text box 924, and the button 925 displayed as “next” is clicked, the user terminal 20 A is input. The setting information of the issue including each information is transmitted to the mail server 10.

(B) Setting of division conditions FIG. 10A illustrates a setting page for division conditions. The setting page 1000 is a page transmitted to the user terminal 20 </ b> A when the button 925 displayed as “Next” is clicked on the setting page of the issue (for example, the setting page 900 (FIG. 9)).
The setting page 1000 mainly includes an area 1010. The area 1010 includes a list (Table 1011) of items of distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) corresponding to the selected issue, and distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2) stored in the mail DB 12. In (g)), buttons and the like (radio button 1012a, radio button 1013a, etc.) corresponding to the function for setting items relating to the division of the distribution destination list are displayed.

The division condition is set by the following procedure, for example.
(1) When the setting information of the issue is received from the user terminal 20A, the mail server 10 transmits a setting page 1000 (FIG. 10) to the user terminal 20A.
(2) The editing user designates the division condition using the radio button 1012a or the like (the designation procedure will be described later).
(3) When the editing user clicks the button 1014 on which “Setting confirmation” is displayed in a state where necessary division conditions are input, the user terminal 20A transmits the input division conditions to the mail server 10.
(4) When the division condition is received from the user terminal 20A, the mail server 10 transmits a confirmation page to the user terminal 20A and confirms with the editing user, and then the distribution mail information in the mail DB 12 (FIG. 6-2 (g) ).

(C) Division condition designation procedure When the editing user selects “with attribute division” using the radio button 1012a on the setting page 1000 (FIG. 10A), the attribute used as a reference for division is set at a predetermined position adjacent to the radio button 1012a. A radio button to select is displayed.
Further, when the editing user selects any attribute by the radio button, the attribute division information registered in advance for the mail magazine corresponding to the issue is displayed at a predetermined position adjacent to the radio button (FIG. 6-1 (d ) Gender attribute division information, region attribute division information in FIG. 6-1 (e) or generation attribute division information in FIG. 6-1 (f)), which corresponds to the selected attribute is displayed as an option (pull-down). Is done.

Similarly, when the editing user selects “with equal division” using the radio button 1013a on the setting page 1000 (FIG. 10A), a text box for inputting the number of divisions is displayed at a predetermined position adjacent to the radio button 1013a.
The processing on the user terminal 20A side is controlled by a script (for example, JavaScript format) that is interpreted and executed by the Web browser.

FIG. 10B shows a display example after the broken line portion (the radio button 1012a and the radio button 1013a portion) of the setting page 1000 (FIG. 10A) is updated.
FIG. 10B is a display example of a state after the editing user performs the following operation on the setting page 1000 (FIG. 10A).
(1) Select “With attribute division” with the radio button 1012a, select the gender attribute with the displayed radio button 1012b, and select the division mode of “male + unknown / female” in the displayed pull-down 1012c. .
(2) With the radio button 1013a, “with equal division” is selected, and the equal division number “3” is entered into the displayed text box 1013b.

[3-3. Document editing procedure]
Returning to FIG. 7, the mail server 10 then transmits a predetermined Web page to the user terminal 20 </ b> A to support editing of the document (S <b> 735).
In this process, the mail server 10 reads the distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) stored in the mail DB 12, and stores the insertion part information corresponding to the generated insertion part in the mail DB 12. To do. Further, the contents of the edited document are stored in the mail DB 12 as the distribution mail file A and the distribution mail file B.

The editing of the document is performed by the following two-step procedure.
(A) Edit / save common data (b) Edit / save merged data As described in detail below, the mail editing support service sets the structure (layout) of the main text and sets multiple patterns. The manuscript is divided into common parts and plug-in parts, and the contents are edited and saved separately. Therefore, the editing user can efficiently proceed with the document editing operation.

[3-3 (a). Edit common data]
The procedure for editing / saving common data will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12 and FIGS.
In the flowchart of FIG. 11, numbers of other drawings to be referred to are added. Please refer to the other drawings as necessary.

The following explanation is based on the following matters.
FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing on the user terminal 20A side in the common data editing / saving procedure. The processing on the user terminal 20A side is controlled by a script (eg, JavaScript format) that is interpreted and executed by the Web browser.
An example of a manuscript editing procedure when the distribution destination list is divided into two groups based on the sex attribute of the subscribed user, and each group after division is equally divided into three. That is, the number to be edited in the following description is set so that the number of attribute divisions is 2 and the number of equal divisions is 3, for a total of 6 patterns.
・ The mail magazine to be edited is in the HTML format. Since the top (<html>) and bottom (</ html>) of the HTML source are common, the editing page described below is arranged so that common parts are arranged at the top and bottom. Designed.

(A) Display of Edit Page As shown in FIG. 11, the process on the user terminal 20A side in the common data edit / save procedure starts from the process of displaying the received edit page (S1105).
FIG. 13 illustrates an edit page (initial state). The edit page 1300 is displayed when the issue number to be edited is selected on the issue list page (for example, the list page 800 (FIG. 8)) and “edit original” is selected on the function selection page to be displayed subsequently. This is a page transmitted to the user terminal 20A.

  The edit page 1300 mainly includes an area 1310 and an area 1320. In the area 1310, a list (table 1311) of items of delivery mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) corresponding to the selected issue is displayed. On the other hand, in the area 1320, an edit column, a button, etc. (edit column 1321, buttons 1322-1324, etc.) corresponding to the function for editing the common data are displayed.

The function of each button in the following explanation is as follows.
“Add insertion” button: Each time this button is clicked, a new insertion part is added at a predetermined position adjacent to the button. A “delete insertion” button or the like for deleting a newly added insertion part is also added.
-“Delete insertion” button: Deletes an insertion part adjacent to the button. The clicked “Delete insertion” button itself is also deleted.
-“Add Common” button: Adds a new common part at the position of the button. A “common delete” button for deleting a newly added common part is also added.
-“Common delete” button: Deletes a common part adjacent to the button. The clicked “Common delete” button itself is also deleted.

(B) Event detection Various buttons and links are provided on the edit page. When the editing user clicks one of these button links, the user terminal 20A detects a click operation by the editing user as an event (S1110 in FIG. 11), and performs processing corresponding to the clicked button link. (S1115 in FIG. 11).
In the flowchart of FIG. 11, processing (S1120 to S1135) related to editing of common data (text structure, content of common parts) does not transmit / receive data to / from the mail server 10, and the user terminal 20A. Complete above. On the other hand, processing (S1140) related to editing of insertion data (content of the insertion part) and processing related to storage of common data (S1145) are performed by transmitting / receiving data to / from the mail server 10. The user terminal 20A and the mail server 10 cooperate with each other.

(C) Addition of Insertion Part, etc. The flow of the insertion part addition process (S1120 of FIG. 11) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In the process shown in FIG. 12, when the editing user clicks a button (for example, the button 1321-1a on the editing page 1300 (FIG. 13)) displayed as “add insertion” on the editing page, the user terminal 20A The click operation is detected as an event (S1110, S1115 in FIG. 11), and the process corresponding to the clicked button (S1120 in FIG. 11) is performed.

As shown in FIG. 12, the user terminal 20A adds an insertion part to the edit field 1321, for example, as follows.
(1) It is determined whether or not the step above the clicked button is an “insertion part” (S1205). When the upper part is the “insert part” (Yes in S1205), a “common addition” button is added to the lower center of the upper part “insert part” (S1210), and the process proceeds to (2) below. On the other hand, when the upper part is not the “insertion part” (No in S1205), the process proceeds to (2) below.
(2) A “plug-in part” is newly added below the clicked button (S1215). In the edit page, “insert part” is displayed as a link to the insert data edit page. If the common data is not yet stored in the mail server 10, the link is not activated.
(3) An “add insertion” button is added to the lower left side of the newly added “insert part” (S1220).

(4) It is determined whether or not the lower row of the clicked button is an “insertion part” (S1225). When the lower part is “insert part” (Yes in S1225), a “common addition” button is added to the lower center of the newly added “insert part” (S1230), and the process proceeds to (5) below. On the other hand, when the lower row is not the “insertion part” (No in S1225), the process proceeds to (5) below.
(5) A “delete insertion” button is added to the lower right side of the newly added “insertion part” (S1235).
(6) It is determined whether or not the newly added “insert part” is the lowermost part (S1240). When it is the lowest part (Yes in S1240), a “common part” (text entry field) and an “add insertion” button are added below the newly added “insertion part” (S1245), and processing is performed. Exit. On the other hand, when it is not the lowest part (No in S1240), the process ends.

In addition, you may change so that the mail server 10 may perform additional processing, such as an insertion part, as follows.
(A) When the editing user clicks the button displayed as “add insertion” on the editing page, the editing page updated by the mail server 10 is transmitted to the user terminal 20A.
(B) When the editing user clicks a button displayed as “add insertion” on the edit page, the mail server 10 updates a part of the edit page (for example, a part of the edit column 1321 of the edit page 1300). Update data to be transmitted to the user terminal 20A, causing the user terminal 20A to update a part of the edit page.

(D) Structure Setting and Display Example The flow of processing (S1120 to S1135 in FIG. 11) for setting the structure (layout) of the main text will be described with reference to the display examples in FIGS. The editing user can set a desired structure including a plurality of insertion parts by combining individual operations. Here, the structure illustrated in FIG. 3 is set as described above.
Hereinafter, changes in the edit column 1321 on the edit page 1300 (FIG. 13) will be described. 14 to 17 are diagrams showing only the area 1320 in the edit page 1300 (FIG. 13). In FIG. 13 to FIG. 17, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(1) FIGS. 13 to 14
In the state of FIG. 13, when the editing user clicks the button 1321-1a displayed as “add insertion”, the user terminal 20A detects the click operation as an event, and below the clicked button 1321-1a. Insertion part 1321-2 etc. and common part 1321-6 etc. are added (S1120 of FIG. 11, FIG. 12). FIG. 14 illustrates a state after the insertion part or the like is added.
On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 14, when the editing user clicks the button 1321-2c displayed as “Delete insertion”, the user terminal 20A detects the click operation as an event, and the clicked button 1321-2c is displayed. The upper insertion part 1321-2 and the like are deleted (S1130 in FIG. 11). In this case, the lowermost common part 1321-6 is also deleted. After deleting the plug-in part or the like, the process returns to the state shown in FIG.

(2) FIGS. 14 to 15
In the state of FIG. 14, when the editing user clicks the button 1321-2a on which “add insertion” is displayed, the user terminal 20A detects the click operation as an event, and below the clicked button 1321-2a. Insertion part 1321-4 etc. are added (S1120 of FIG. 11, FIG. 12). FIG. 15 illustrates a state after the insertion part or the like is added.
On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 15, when the editing user clicks the button 1321-4c displayed as “Delete insertion”, the user terminal 20A detects the click operation as an event, and the clicked button 1321-4c The upper insertion part 1321-4 and the like are deleted (S1130 in FIG. 11). After deleting the plug-in part and the like, the state returns to the state of FIG.

(3) FIGS. 15 to 16
In the state of FIG. 15, when the editing user clicks the button 1321-2b displayed as “common addition”, the user terminal 20A detects the click operation as an event, and below the clicked button 1321-2b. A common part 1321-3 and the like are added (S1125 in FIG. 11). FIG. 16 illustrates a state after adding common parts and the like.
On the other hand, when the editing user clicks the button 1321-3c displayed as “common deletion” in the state of FIG. 16, the user terminal 20A detects the click operation as an event, and the clicked button 1321-3c The upper common part 1321-3 and the like are deleted (S1135 in FIG. 11). After deletion of the common part, etc., the state returns to the state of FIG.

(4) FIGS. 16 to 17
In the state of FIG. 16, when the editing user clicks the button 1321-4a displayed as “add insertion”, the user terminal 20A detects the click operation as an event, and below the clicked button 1321-4a. Insertion part 1321-5 etc. are added (S1120 of FIG. 11, FIG. 12). FIG. 17 illustrates a state after the insertion part or the like is added.
On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 17, when the editing user clicks the button 1321-5c displayed as “Delete insertion”, the user terminal 20A detects the click operation as an event, and the clicked button 1321-5c is displayed. The upper insertion part 1321-5 and the like are deleted (S1130 in FIG. 11). After deleting the plug-in part or the like, the state returns to the state of FIG.

(E) Common Data Saving Process and Display Example / Saving Format The common data saving process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11, the display example of FIG. 18, and the saving format example of FIG.
FIG. 18 shows only the area corresponding to area 1320 of edit page 1300 (FIG. 13). In FIG. 18, the same elements as those in FIGS. 13 to 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Yes. Further, the following description is based on the assumption that the editing user has set the structure of the body on the editing page as shown in FIG.

(1) Saving Common Data As shown in FIG. 11, when the editing user clicks a button (for example, the button 1322 in the state of FIG. 17) displayed on the editing page, The click operation is detected as an event (S1110), and the set or input common data (text structure and common part content) is transmitted to the mail server 10 to request storage (S1145). For example, the content of the common part and the identification data of the plug-in part (for example, data that the mail server 10 can identify as a plug-in part) are transmitted to the mail server 10 in the order of the columns displayed on the screen. To do.
The contents of each common part and the identification data of each plug-in part are preliminarily formatted in a predetermined format (for example, a text format shown in FIG. 19 described later) on the terminal side and transmitted to the mail server 10. Also good.

Even when the editing user clicks a button (for example, the button 1323 or the button 1324 in the state of FIG. 17) displayed on the editing page as “Save and finish” or “Save and send to test transmission”. The terminal 20A transmits the set common data (text structure and common part content) to the mail server 10 and requests storage.
In these cases, after saving, another page is displayed (for example, “Save and finish” issues list page, “Save and send to test” page).

When receiving the save request, the mail server 10 saves the common data in a predetermined format (see FIG. 19 described later). At this time, the “status” of the distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) stored in the mail DB 12 is updated to “saved”.
Moreover, insertion part information is produced | generated for every added insertion part, and it links | relates with corresponding delivery mail information, and memorize | stores it in mail DB12.

(2) Update Edit Page Returning to FIG. 11, when the storage of the common data is completed, the mail server 10 transmits the updated edit page to the user terminal 20A. The user terminal 20A receives and displays the updated edit page (S1150).
FIG. 18 illustrates an updated editing page. FIG. 18 is a display example of an area 1320 of a page transmitted to the user terminal 20A when the button 1322 displayed as “Save” in the state of FIG. 17 is clicked.

In FIG. 18, the link to the insertion data editing page corresponding to the insertion part (1321-2, 1321-4, 1321-5) is active. Please remove "is cleared. In the URL of the link destination, identification information corresponding to each insertion part (for example, identification data received from the user terminal 20A, data including the insertion part ID, data obtained by encrypting these, etc.) is identified. Information for). The other points are the same as in FIG.
It should be noted that the editing operation of the common data can be continued on the edited editing page (for example, the state of FIG. 18) (S1110 in FIG. 11).

(3) Common Data Storage Format FIG. 19 illustrates a common data storage format. FIG. 19 shows the contents of a delivery mail file A that stores common data having the structure illustrated in FIG.
The delivery mail file A stores the text corresponding to the data input in the text input field of each common part, and the position and identification information (including the insertion part ID) of each insertion part in a predetermined format. .

In FIG. 19, text 1905 is text corresponding to the content of the common part 1321-1. Similarly, the text 1915 and the text 1930 are texts corresponding to the contents of the common part 1321-3 and the common part 1321-6, respectively.
The character string 1910 indicating the insertion part is a character string corresponding to the insertion part 1321-2. Similarly, the character string 1920 and the character string 1925 indicating the insertion part are character strings corresponding to the insertion part 1321-4 and the insertion part 1321-5, respectively.
In addition, it is assumed that a character code (eg, “EOF” code) indicating the end of the file is automatically input at the end of the delivery mail file A. Thereby, the mail server 10 can identify the end of the common data.

Note that each of the text 1905, the text 1915, and the text 1930 may be a text extending over a plurality of lines (text including a line feed). On the other hand, each of the character string 1910, the character string 1920, and the character string 1925 is a one-line character string (text that does not include line breaks) from the viewpoint of reducing the processing load on the mail server 10 in mail generation processing (described later). It is preferable that
Further, in order to reliably determine the text of the common part and the character string indicating the insertion part, the character string 1910, the character string 1920, and the character string 1925 include characters that are rarely used in the body of the mail magazine. It is preferable to use a character string (see the structure of Conventional Example 5). In the present embodiment, a one-line character string “# sashikomi_ ◯” (“◯” is a number corresponding to the “insert part ID” (FIG. 6-2 (h)) of the issue) is used.

(F) Display of Insertion Data Edit Page Returning to FIG. 11, in the state of FIG. 18, when the editing user clicks a link displayed as “insert part” (for example, the link of the insert part 1321-2), The user terminal 20A detects the click operation as an event (S1110), requests the mail server 10 to send an insertion data edit page for editing the contents of the insertion part corresponding to the clicked button, and has received it. The insertion data editing page is displayed (S1140).
The transmission request for the insertion data edit page includes the link destination URL. Further, the link destination URL includes identification information corresponding to the insertion part as described above. The mail server 10 specifies the corresponding insertion part based on the identification information included in the received URL, and transmits the insertion data editing page of the specified insertion part to the user terminal 20A.

[3-3 (b). Edit merge data]
The procedure for editing / saving the insertion data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20 and FIGS.
In the flowchart of FIG. 20, numbers of other drawings to be referred to are added. Please refer to the other drawings as necessary.

The following explanation is based on the following matters.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing on the user terminal 20A side in the insertion data editing / saving procedure.
22 and 23 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing on the mail server 10 side in the insertion data editing / saving procedure.
The issue number to be edited is set so that the number of attribute divisions is 2 and the number of equal divisions is 3, for a total of 6 patterns.

(A) Display of Insertion Data Edit Page As shown in FIG. 20, the processing on the user terminal 20A side in the insert data editing / saving procedure is to display the received insert data edit page in a new window (tab). The process starts from the display process (S2005).
FIG. 21 illustrates an insertion data editing page (initial state). When the link corresponding to the insertion data editing page (for example, the link corresponding to the insertion part 1321-2) is selected on the editing page (S1140 in FIG. 11), the insertion data editing page 2100 is displayed on the user terminal 20A. This is the page sent to.

The insertion data editing page 2100 includes a list of division conditions for the selected issue (table 2110), a link / input field corresponding to a function for editing the insertion data, etc. (display switching link 2120, name input field 2130, An edit field 2140, a save button 2150, a “close” button 2160, etc.) are displayed.
The edit field 2140 includes a link / input field corresponding to a function for editing each content (display switching tab 2141, text input field 2142 and 2143, save buttons 2142 a and 2143 a, radio buttons of default setting field 2144). , A check box of the transmission possible designation field 2145, etc.) is displayed.

(B) Event detection Various buttons and links are provided on the insertion data editing page. When the editing user clicks one of these button links, the user terminal 20A detects a click operation by the editing user as an event (S2010 in FIG. 20), and performs processing corresponding to the clicked button link. (S2015 of FIG. 20).
In the flowchart of FIG. 20, processing related to display switching (S2020, S2025) is completed on the user terminal 20A without transmitting / receiving data to / from the mail server 10. On the other hand, the processing (S2030, 2035) related to the storage of the insertion data is performed in cooperation between the user terminal 20A and the mail server 10 by transmitting / receiving data to / from the mail server 10.

(C) Display Switching As shown in FIG. 20, when a display switching link (for example, display switching link 2120) is clicked on an insertion data editing page (for example, insertion data editing page 2100 (FIG. 21)). (“Display switching link” in S2015), the user terminal 20A switches the display format of the insertion data editing page (S2020).
Further, when a display switching tab (for example, the display switching tab 2141) is clicked on the insertion data editing page (for example, the insertion data editing page 2100 (FIG. 21)) (“display switching tab” in S2015), the user The terminal 20A switches the display target of the insertion data edit page (S2025).

For example, each time the display switching link is clicked, the display format can be changed as follows.
-Text entry fields corresponding to all contents belonging to the same plug-in part are displayed. In this case, the display switching tab is not displayed.
-Only the text entry field corresponding to any one content is displayed. In this case, the content displayed in the text input field can be switched by the display switching tab.
-For each group, a text entry field corresponding to the contents of all groups is displayed. In this case, the group in which the text input field is displayed can be switched by the display switching tab.
A text entry field corresponding to the contents of the j-th group (j = 1, 2,...) Of each group is displayed. In this case, the group in which the text input field is displayed can be switched by the display switching tab.

Thus, in this embodiment, the display format and display target of the insertion data edit page can be switched. For this reason, if the mail editing support service is used, the editing work can be performed while considering the contents belonging to the same insertion part as needed.
As a result, the editing user can efficiently edit the insertion data. In particular, since the insertion part is a part into which different content is inserted for each pattern, the point that the display format and display target of the insertion data editing page can be switched is extremely beneficial to the editing user.

(D) Storage of Inserted Part Content Returning to FIG. 20, on the insertion data editing page (for example, the insertion data editing page 2100 (FIG. 21)), it is displayed at a predetermined position adjacent to each text entry field. When a save button (for example, button 2142a, button 2143a, etc.) is clicked ("Save" button for each content "in S2015), user terminal 20A is input in the input field adjacent to the clicked button. The mail server 10 is requested to save the content (S2030).
It is assumed that the editing user has already entered the contents of each insertion part in the text input field on the insertion data editing page.

The flow of the individual content saving process by the mail server 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 22 (a), upon receiving a request to save the relevant content from the user terminal 20A (S2205a), the mail server 10 individually saves only the relevant content (S2210a). This storage request includes identification information (for example, content ID) corresponding to the corresponding content, and the mail server 10 identifies the content to be stored based on the received identification information. In this case, the contents are written in the location corresponding to the content ID in the delivery mail file B (refer to FIGS. 24-1 and 24-2 to be described later).
The individual content storage process may be performed according to the procedure shown in FIG.

(E) Batch saving of merged data Returning to FIG. 20, on the merged data edit page (for example, merged data edit page 2100 (FIG. 21)), a save button (for example, a button) that is not adjacent to any text entry field. 2150) is clicked ("Save" button for the entire part "in S2015), the user terminal 20A requests the mail server 10 to save the content input in all input fields belonging to that part ( S2035). In the storage request, if there is content set as default, identification information (for example, content ID) corresponding to the content, and if there is content designated to be fully transmitted, identification information corresponding to the content. (For example, content ID).
It is assumed that the editing user has already entered the contents of each insertion part in the text input field on the insertion data editing page.

The flow of content batch storage processing by the mail server 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 22B, when receiving a request to save all contents of the corresponding insertion part from the user terminal 20A (S2205b), the mail server 10 collects all the contents belonging to the corresponding insertion part at once. (S2210b ~). The storage request includes identification information (for example, insertion part ID) of the insertion part, and the mail server 10 identifies the insertion part to be processed based on the received identification information of the insertion part.

Specifically, the mail server 10 stores contents in a lump as follows.
(1) Declare the variable k and substitute the received insertion part ID (S2210b).
(2) Declare variable i and substitute 1 (S2215b). The variable i is a control variable indicating the distribution destination group being processed.
(3) Declare variable j and substitute 1 (S2220b). The variable j is a control variable indicating the group being processed.
(4) The content [ijk] is stored (S2225b). The flow of content storage processing will be described later (see the flowchart in FIG. 23).

(5) The variable j is incremented (S2230b), and it is determined whether or not the variable j is larger than the equal number of divisions (S2235b). When the variable j is larger than the equal number of divisions (Yes in S2235b), the process proceeds to (6) below. On the other hand, when the variable j is not larger than the equal number of divisions (No in S2235b), the process returns to (4).
(6) The variable i is incremented (S2240b), and it is determined whether the variable i is larger than the attribute division number (S2245b). When the variable j is larger than the attribute division number (Yes in S2245b), the process ends. On the other hand, when the variable i is not larger than the attribute division number (No in S2245b), the process returns to (3).

The flow of content storage processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 23, the mail server 10 stores the received data as follows.
(1) The corresponding content is acquired (S2305).
(2) The contents are written in the location corresponding to the content ID in the delivery mail file B (refer to FIGS. 24-1 and 24-2 described later for the format) (S2310).

(3) It is determined whether or not the content is set to default (S2315). When the default is set (Yes in S2315), the content ID of the content is stored in “default content” of the plug-in part information (FIG. 6-2 (h)) (S2320), and the process proceeds to (4) below. . On the other hand, when the default is not set (No in S2315), the process proceeds to (4) below.
(4) It is determined whether or not the content is designated to be able to be transmitted (S2325). When it is designated that transmission is possible (Yes in S2325), a “full transmission flag” corresponding to the content in the insertion part information (FIG. 6-2 (h)) is set (S2330), and the process is terminated. . On the other hand, when it is not designated that the transmission is possible (No in S2325), the process is terminated.

(F) Effect of default setting In this embodiment, it is possible to set a default content for each insertion part. In order to set any content as default, a radio button (for example, refer to the default setting field 2144 of the insertion data editing page 2100) is selected on the insertion data editing page.
For example, when there is an empty content in the same insertion part at the time of mail generation, the content set as default is supplemented to the empty content. Thereby, different contents can be prepared only for some patterns, and contents of other patterns can be made common.

For example, it is possible to set different contents only for any one pattern of originals and to make the remaining patterns of originals common.
In this case, it is only necessary to create contents having different patterns and contents common to the remaining patterns, and enter the common contents in any one of the text input fields and set the default contents. The default content is supplemented in the remaining part of the pattern that has the same content.

(G) Effect of Real Transmission Possible In the present embodiment, it is possible to designate whether or not real transmission is possible for each content belonging to the insertion part. In order to designate that any of the contents can be transmitted, a check box (for example, check box column 2145 of insertion data editing page 2100 (FIG. 21)) is selected on the insertion data editing page.
It is assumed that the content designated to be able to be transmitted has been edited. As a result, contents can be prepared only for some patterns, and contents of other patterns can be empty. That is, it is possible to obtain the same effect as when a document having a different structure is created for each pattern.

For example, it is possible to specify that the content is prepared only for one of the originals of the pattern and the remaining originals are not prepared without preparing the content.
In this case, only one pattern of content may be created, and the remaining pattern content may be designated to be able to be transmitted with the input field blank.

When there is content set as default in the same plug-in part, the content set as default is supplemented to empty content as described above. In order to avoid this explicitly, for example, there is the following method.
1) The editing user inputs an HTML comment tag (“<! ---->”) in the text input field of the part to be emptied. Since the comment tag is not displayed on the browser, the same effect as when the content is emptied can be obtained without special processing on the mail server 10 side.
2) The editing user inputs predetermined “data indicating sky” (for example, “#blank”, etc.) in the text input field of the portion to be emptied. In this case, if the mail server 10 is configured to recognize the “data indicating sky” and perform a predetermined process, it is possible to generate an empty mail for the content.

3) The mail server 10 uses an HTML comment tag (“<! ---->”) as an initial value of each text entry field in the insertion data editing page (for example, the insertion data editing page 2100 (FIG. 21)). ) Is set in advance.
4) The mail server 10 can insert the data insertion page (for example, the data insertion editing page 2100) only when it is configured to recognize “data indicating sky” and perform a predetermined process as in 2) above. The above “data indicating sky” (for example, “#blank”, etc.) is set as an initial value of each text input field.

For example, it is possible to specify that a content is prepared for only one pattern of a document, and that a default content is replenished or empty without preparing a content for the remaining pattern of a document.
In this case, only one pattern content is created, and the remaining pattern content is an HTML comment tag (“<! ---->”) or predetermined “data indicating empty” (for example, “#Blank” etc.) may be specified in the input field so that it can be transmitted, or it may be specified in the blank field so that it can be transmitted.

(H) Insertion data storage format FIGS. 24-1 and 24-2 illustrate an insertion data storage format. FIGS. 24-1 and 24-2 show the contents of the delivery mail file B that stores the insertion data having the structure shown in FIG.
The distribution mail file B stores text corresponding to the data input in the text input field of each insertion part.

In FIGS. 24-1 and 24-2, each content (text data) is sandwiched between character strings corresponding to each content ID. Therefore, the mail server 10 can identify the range of each content. Each content may be a text extending over a plurality of lines (text including a line feed).
In order to reliably determine the range of each content, it is preferable that the character string corresponding to each content ID is a character string including characters that are rarely used in the body of the mail magazine. In the present embodiment, a character string “## sashikomi_i_j_k ##” (where i, j, and k are natural numbers) is used, and a portion sandwiched between two “## sashikomi_i_j_k ##” is a content [ ijk].

(I) Other processing Returning to FIG. 20, on the insertion data editing page (for example, the insertion data editing page 2100 (FIG. 21)), a link displayed as “OFF” (for example, see the default setting field 2144). Is clicked (“default OFF” link in S2015), the user terminal 20A clears the default setting (selection of radio button) (S2040).
Further, when a button (for example, button 2160) displayed as “Close” is clicked on the insertion data editing page (for example, insertion data editing page 2100 (FIG. 21)) (“Close” button in S2015). The user terminal 20A closes the insertion data edit page (S2045). If there is data that is not stored in the mail server 10 (mail DB 12), the editing user may be warned that there is data that is not stored. After closing the insertion data editing page, the editing user can continue to edit the common data on the editing page.

[3-3 (c). Check the original]
Returning to FIG. 7, the mail server 10 requests the editing user to confirm the edited document in response to a request from the user terminal 20A (S740).
In this procedure, the mail server 10 stores the distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)), the plug-in part information (FIG. 6-2 (h)) and the distribution mail files A and B stored in the mail DB 12. Read and generate necessary web pages.

In the present embodiment, for example, the following functions are prepared as functions related to document confirmation.
(A) Preview: Generates and displays an e-mail based on the edited data.
(B) Test transmission: An e-mail is generated based on the edited data, and an e-mail address registered in the test transmission destination list (FIG. 6-1 (c)) and / or an individually designated e-mail address Send as destination.
(C) Character number confirmation: The number of characters (number of bytes) in the entire text or a specific part is calculated and displayed.
(D) URL confirmation: A list of URLs described as link destinations in a document in HTML format is displayed, and the Web page / image etc. of the link destination are confirmed.

Of the above functions, in preview and test transmission, an e-mail having a necessary pattern is generated by a process similar to the e-mail generation process described later (in the case of generating all patterns at once, the flowcharts of FIGS. 25 to 27). In the case of generating each pattern individually, refer to the flowcharts of FIGS.
When the test transmission is performed among the above functions, the mail server 10 updates the “status” of the delivery mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) of the issue to “test transmission completed”.

[3-4. Procedure after editing]
[3-4 (a). Generate email]
Returning to FIG. 7, the mail server 10 then generates an electronic mail based on the stored data (S745).
In this process, the mail server 10 includes the subscribed user information stored in the user DB 11 (FIG. 5B), the mail distribution destination list stored in the mail DB 12, and the distribution (FIG. 6-1B). Mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)), insertion part information (FIG. 6-2 (h)), and delivery mail files A and B are read.

The flow of mail generation processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
The mail generation process starts at any of the following timings.
(A) Start in response to a mail generation request triggered by a specific operation (for example, distribution reservation) by the editing user.
(B) Starting with batch processing (for example, daily batch) for the mail magazine of the issue for which the editing of the manuscript has been completed and distribution has been reserved.
(C) Start immediately before or at a predetermined time before the reserved delivery time (see delivery mail information (see FIG. 6-2 (g))).

As shown in FIG. 25, the mail server 10 generates e-mails of each pattern in a lump as follows.
(1) The distribution mail information, insertion part information, and distribution mail files A and B corresponding to the processing mail magazine are read from the mail DB 12 (S2505).
(2) Declare variable i and substitute 1 (S2510). The variable i is a control variable indicating the distribution destination group being processed.
(3) Declare variable j and substitute 1 (S2515). The variable j is a control variable indicating the group being processed.
(4) An electronic mail having the pattern [ij] is generated (S2520). The flow of the generation process will be described later (see the flowchart in FIG. 26).

(5) The variable j is incremented (S2525), and it is determined whether or not the variable j is larger than the equal number of divisions (S2530). When the variable j is larger than the equal number of divisions (Yes in S2530), the process proceeds to (6) below. On the other hand, when the variable j is not larger than the equal number of divisions (No in S2530), the process returns to the above (4).
(6) The variable i is incremented (S2535), and it is determined whether the variable i is larger than the attribute division number (S2540). When the variable j is larger than the attribute division number (Yes in S2540), the process ends. On the other hand, when the variable i is not larger than the attribute division number (No in S2540), the process returns to the above (3).

As shown in FIG. 26, the mail server 10 generates an electronic mail having a pattern [ij] as follows.
(1) Receive variables i and j as arguments (S2605).
(2) One line of text is extracted from the delivery mail file A (S2610).
(3) It is determined whether or not the extracted text is a code indicating the end of the file (S2615). When the code indicates the end of the file (Yes in S2615), the process proceeds to (9) below. On the other hand, when the code does not indicate the end of the file (No in S2615), the process proceeds to (4) below.

(4) It is determined whether or not the extracted text is a character string indicating an insertion part (S2620). When the character string indicates the insertion part (Yes in S2620), the process proceeds to (5) below. On the other hand, when it is not the character string indicating the insertion part (No in S2620), the process proceeds to (8) below.
(5) Declare the variable k and substitute the insertion part ID (S2625). The insertion part ID corresponds to the end of the character string (extracted text) indicating the insertion part (“#” of “# sashikomi_ ○”).
(6) The content [ijk] is extracted from the delivery mail file B (S2630). The flow of content extraction processing will be described later (see the flowchart in FIG. 27).
(7) The character string indicating the insertion part is replaced with the content [ijk] (S2635).

(8) Store the extracted or replaced text (S2640), and return to (2) above.
(9) Generate e-mail with pattern [ij] based on the stored text (S2645).
(10) The generated electronic mail is stored in a predetermined storage means (S2650).

As shown in FIG. 27, the mail server 10 extracts content [ijk] as follows.
(1) Receive variable i, variable j, and variable k as arguments (S2705).
(2) The text of the content [ijk] is extracted from the delivery mail file B (S2710). In the present embodiment, the text sandwiched between “## sashikomi_i_j_k ##” is the content [ijk].
(3) It is determined whether or not the text of the content [ijk] has been extracted (S2715). When the text has been extracted (Yes in S2715), the process proceeds to (4) below. On the other hand, when no text is extracted (No in S2715), the process proceeds to (5) below.

(4) It is determined whether or not the extracted text corresponds to predetermined “data indicating sky” (for example, “<! ---->”, “#blank”, etc.) (S2720). When the extracted text does not correspond to the predetermined “data indicating sky” (No in S2720), the extracted text is set as the content [ijk] (S2730a), and the process proceeds to (6) below. On the other hand, when the extracted text corresponds to predetermined “data indicating sky” (Yes in S2720), the content [ijk] is empty (S2730b), and the process proceeds to (6) below. If an HTML mail is generated and it is assumed that a comment tag (“<! ---->”) is used as “empty data”, the condition determination process (S2720) is performed. Even if omitted, the same effect can be obtained.
(5) It is determined whether or not there is a content set as default in the insertion part [k] (S2725). When the default content is set (Yes in S2725), the default content is extracted and set as content [ijk] (S2730c), and the process proceeds to (6) below. On the other hand, when the default content is not set (No in S2725), the content [ijk] is emptied (S2730b), and the process proceeds to (6) below.
(6) The content [ijk] is returned as a return value (S2735).

[3-4 (b). Distribution]
Returning to FIG. 7, finally, the mail server 10 distributes the generated mail magazine to the mail address registered in the distribution destination list corresponding to the mail magazine (S750).
In this process, the mail server 10 includes the subscribed user information stored in the user DB 11 (FIG. 5B), the mail distribution destination list stored in the mail DB 12, and the distribution (FIG. 6-1B). Mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) and insertion part information (FIG. 6-2 (h)) are read.

The mail server 10 distributes a mail magazine as follows, for example.
(1) Divide the distribution destination list according to the set division condition.
(2) A destination is set and transmitted to each pattern of e-mail stored in a predetermined storage means.
(3) Update the “status” of the distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) stored in the mail DB 12 to “distributed”.
It should be noted that the condition for mail delivery is that all contents can be sent and that the “status” of the delivery mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) is “test sent”. It is preferable.

<Other embodiments>
[1. Variations on setting division conditions]
[1-1. Regarding the setting of division conditions]
In the above-described embodiment, every time a new issue is issued, the editing user is allowed to select a pre-registered division condition (attribute division information (any one of FIGS. 6-2 (d) to (f))). (See FIGS. 10A and 10B).
On the other hand, you may comprise so that the setting of the other issue which distribution has already completed can be inherited. Thereby, when the mail magazine of the issue delivered in the past and the dividing condition are the same, the setting work can be omitted and the editing work can be efficiently performed.

[1-2. Regarding splitting conditions]
In the above-described embodiment, the attributes (gender, residential area, date of birth) of the subscribed user are used as conditions for dividing the distribution destination list (each attribute division information (FIG. 6-1 (d) to FIG. 6-1)). (See (f))).
On the other hand, as information for dividing the distribution destination list, other information related to the subscribed user (for example, usage history of electronic commerce service, website visit history, etc.) may be used.

[1-3. Regarding the mode of division (absolute number division)]
In the above-described embodiment, when the distribution destination group is divided into a plurality of groups, the number of mail addresses included in each group is set to be substantially equal (see “equal division” in <Definition of terms>).
On the other hand, it may be divided into a total of n groups of (n−1) groups including a predetermined number of mail addresses and a group including all remaining mail addresses (here, n Is a natural number of 2 or more).

In this case, as an item of the distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)), “absolute number division number” is provided instead of “equal division number” and included in each of the (n−1) groups. It is advisable to provide an “absolute number” indicating the number of email addresses to be sent. The mail server 10 may divide the distribution destination group (the distribution destination list if there is no attribute division) into a plurality of groups based on the distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) read at the time of mail distribution. .
The “absolute number” may be set individually for each group. In this case, “absolute number 1”, “absolute number 2”,... “Absolute number n−1” are set together with “absolute number division number” as items of the distribution mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)). It is good to provide.

[2. Modifications / supplements related to common data editing procedures]
[2-1. Regarding the display of the edit page]
In the above-described embodiment, the common part and the insertion part are displayed so as to be lined up and down (for example, see FIG. 18 and the like). Accordingly, buttons such as “add insertion” are displayed above and below these parts.
On the other hand, the common part and the insertion part may be displayed so as to be arranged side by side. However, since general e-mails are usually written horizontally from top to bottom, the common part and the plug-in part should be lined up and down from the viewpoint of making the user interface intuitive for the editing user. Is preferably displayed. Moreover, it is preferable that an insertion part is added between the common parts arranged up and down.

[2-2. Regarding editing order of common data]
In the above-described embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the procedure for setting the structure is described independently of the other parts (see [3-3 (a). Editing Common Data] (c), (d), etc.).
However, the above-described embodiment is configured such that structure setting and content (text data) input can be performed in parallel. For example, an insertion part can be added by clicking the “add insertion” button when a need arises while inputting text data.

[2-3. Regarding when to activate the link]
The above-described embodiment is configured such that the link of the plug-in part becomes active when the editing user performs a transmission / save operation (click on the “save” button 1322 (FIG. 17)) (S1145 in FIG. 11). To S1150).
On the other hand, the link to the insertion data editing page is displayed immediately upon the setting operation of the structure by the editing user (for example, clicking of the “add insertion” button 1321-1a (FIG. 13)). Also good.

In this case, every time an editing user detects a structure setting operation (for example, a click on the “add insertion” button 1321-1a (FIG. 13)) as an event, the user terminal 20A sends predetermined data ( For example, an “add insertion” button 1321-1a (FIG. 13) is transmitted. The mail server 10 may transmit an edit page in which a link to the insertion data edit page is arranged at a predetermined position adjacent to the button corresponding to the received identifier to the user terminal 20A.
Further, when an editing user detects a structure setting operation (for example, click of the “add insertion” button 1321-1a (FIG. 13)) as an event, the user terminal 20A requests the mail server 10 to save common data. (Similar processing to S1145 in FIG. 11).

[2-4. Regarding the means to activate the link]
The above-described embodiment is configured such that the link of the plug-in part becomes active by transmitting the updated edit page to the user terminal 20A.
On the other hand, update data for updating the link portion of the edit page is transmitted to the user terminal 20A, and the edit page is updated by the user terminal 20A so that the link of the plug-in part becomes active. May be.

[3. Modifications related to editing of plug-in data]
[3-1. Regarding delivery mail files A and B]
In the above-described embodiment, common data and insertion data are stored in two files (delivery mail files A and B) (see FIGS. 19, 24-1, and 24-2).
On the other hand, the common data and the insertion data may be stored in one file. For example, the data stored in the distribution mail file B is written after the data stored in the distribution mail file A and stored as one distribution mail file.

It is necessary to clearly indicate the end of the portion corresponding to the common data in the e-mail generation process (for example, S2615 in FIG. 26). For this reason, when one file is used as described above, a “character string that clearly indicates the end” (for example, “#end”) is automatically inserted at the end of the portion corresponding to the common data. It is preferable to keep it.
At this time, the mail server 10 replaces the process of determining whether or not the “character code indicating the end” of the mail generation process (S2615 in FIG. 26), whether or not it is a “character string that clearly indicates the end”. It suffices to perform a process for determining whether or not.

[3-2. Regarding switching of display]
The above-described embodiment is configured to control switching of the display of the insertion data editing page by a script (for example, JavaScript) operating on the user terminal 20A.
On the other hand, the mail server 10 that has received the update request from the user terminal 20A may be configured to transmit the updated insertion data edit page to the user terminal 20A. In addition, the mail server 10 that has received the update request from the user terminal 20A may transmit update data for updating a part of the insertion data editing page to the user terminal 20A and cause the user terminal 20A to update the update data.

[3-3. Regarding subject editing]
In the above-described embodiment, the text data editing procedure is mainly shown.
On the other hand, the subject may be handled as insertion data so that it can be edited by the same procedure as the insertion data inserted into the text. As a result, it is possible to edit a plurality of patterns of documents that differ not only in the text data but also in part or all of the subject.

In this case, for example, the “insert part ID” of the subject may be “0”, and “# sashikomi_0” may be added to the head of the delivery mail file A (for example, see FIG. 19). Moreover, it is good to store the insertion data corresponding to a subject in the delivery mail file B (for example, refer to FIGS. 24-1 and 24-2).
Furthermore, it is preferable that insertion part information corresponding to the subject is generated and stored, and the text data of the subject is edited via the corresponding insertion data editing page. The display format, display contents, and the like of the insertion data editing page for subject data may be the same as those of the insertion data editing page for body data (for example, see FIG. 21). If the subject is empty in any of the patterns, the “parent subject” of the delivery mail information (FIG. 6-2 (g)) is supplemented when the mail is generated.

[4. Other variations]
[4-1. Regarding system configuration]
In the above-described embodiment, the mail server 10 and the user terminal 20A are connected via the LAN 30 (see, for example, FIG. 2). As a user (editing user) who edits a mail magazine manuscript, a person (for example, an employee of a specific company) belonging to the same organization is assumed.
On the other hand, the mail server 10 and the user terminal 20A may be configured to be connected via another communication network (for example, the Internet 40) (for example, see FIG. 28). In this case, the user who edits the mail magazine manuscript (editing user) is assumed to be any user who can use the Internet (for example, a person in charge of a store registered to open a virtual shopping mall service). .

[4-2. Regarding event detection]
In the above-described embodiment, buttons or links are displayed on the edit page, and these clicks are detected as events (see FIG. 11 and the like). The same applies to the insertion data editing page (see FIG. 20 and the like).
On the other hand, any element may be displayed as long as an event can be detected. For example, the button may be replaced with a predetermined image and displayed. A specific operation by the editing user may be detected as an event. These are design matters.

[4-3. Regarding the timing of saving]
In the above-described embodiment, the user terminal 20A transmits the data set / input triggered by the saving operation by the editing user to the mail server 10 and requests the saving (for example, S1145 in FIG. 11 and FIG. 20). Of S2030 and S2035).
On the other hand, each time text is entered in the text entry field, the set / input data may be transmitted to the mail server 10 to request storage. Thereby, the efficiency of the editing work by the editing user can be improved. In addition, forgetting to save data can be prevented.

[4-4. Regarding sharing of processing]
The above-described embodiment is configured such that the user terminal 20A performs the edit page update process (part addition / deletion) (see, for example, S1120 to S1135 in FIG. 11).
On the other hand, the user terminal 20A may be configured to perform only reception and display of the web page and the mail server 10 to perform all the substantial processing. However, from the viewpoint of reducing the processing load on the mail server 10, it is preferable to configure the user terminal 20A to perform the edit page update process.

[4-5. Regarding data storage]
In the above-described embodiment, common data and insertion data are stored in the mail DB 12 in a predetermined format (see the distribution mail file A in FIG. 19 and the distribution mail file B in FIGS. 24-1 and 24-2). .
On the other hand, the common data may be stored in another format (for example, an existing markup language format such as XML) as long as the positional relationship between the common part and the insertion part is clear. Similarly, the insertion data is stored in another format (for example, an existing markup language format such as XML) as long as the correspondence between the content range and the content ID of the insertion part is clear. Also good.

[4-6. Regarding timing for refilling default content]
In the above-described embodiment, the mail server 10 performs replenishment processing of default content when generating an email (see S2725 and S2730c in FIG. 27).
On the other hand, when the mail server 10 receives the insertion data storage request from the user terminal 20A, the mail server 10 may be supplemented with the default content and stored.

[4-7. About preview page]
The display format / display contents of the preview page may be configured to be switchable by a display switching link / display switching tab in the same manner as the insertion data editing page.
Thereby, the editing user can compare the edited electronic mail with the electronic mail of other patterns, and can efficiently grasp the entire image of the electronic mail.

It is a figure for demonstrating the subject which this invention tends to solve. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a system. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a document editing procedure. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a document editing procedure. It is a figure which shows the main items of (a) edit user information memorize | stored in user DB, and (b) subscription user information. (A) mail delivery information, (b) mail delivery destination list, (c) test destination list, (d) gender attribute division information, (e) region attribute division information, (f) generation attribute division stored in the mail DB It is a figure which shows the main items of information. It is a figure which shows the main items of (g) delivery mail information and (h) insertion part information memorize | stored in mail DB. It is a sequence chart which shows the delivery procedure of a mail magazine. It is an example of a list page of issue. It is an example of the setting page of number. It is an example of the setting page of division conditions. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an edit page update process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an insertion part addition process. It is an example of an edit page. It is an example of a display after updating an edit page. It is an example of a display after updating an edit page. It is an example of a display after updating an edit page. It is an example of a display after updating an edit page. It is an example of a display after updating an edit page. It is an example of the preservation | save format of the common data memorize | stored in the delivery mail file A. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an insertion data edit page update process. It is an example of an insertion data edit page. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an insertion data preservation | save process in the case of (a) preserve | saving the content of an insertion part separately, (b) preserve | saving the contents of an insertion part collectively. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an insertion data preservation | save process. It is an example of the storage format of the insertion data memorize | stored in the delivery mail file B. It is an example of the storage format of the insertion data memorize | stored in the delivery mail file B. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a mail production | generation process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a mail production | generation process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a mail production | generation process. It is a figure which shows the modification of a structure of a system.

Explanation of symbols

10 Mail server 11 User DB
12 Mail DB
20A User terminal 20B User terminal 30 LAN
40 Internet 50 Firewall

Claims (13)

A mail server that supports an editing operation of an e-mail composed of an editing user terminal that edits e-mails of a plurality of predetermined patterns, and a common part and at least one insertion part corresponding to one of the patterns Is a mail server of a mail editing support system connected via a communication network,
Having mail data storage means for storing mail data related to mail;
In response to a request from the terminal, a common part text input field, an insertion part addition button for adding at least one insertion field indicating the insertion part at a predetermined position adjacent to the text input field, and data storage An edit page transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal an edit page at least including a button;
When the data save button is clicked on the terminal, the text data of each common part input to the text input field of each common part in the edit page, and the insertion field corresponding to each insertion field in the edit page When the identification data of each plug-in part is received from the terminal, the received text data and identification data are stored in the mail data storage means in a predetermined format, and each plug-in is inserted in each plug-in column. A data storage / page update means for transmitting to the terminal the edit page to which at least a link including column identification information is added;
When the link is clicked on the terminal and the identification information included in the link is received from the terminal, at least one of the text input fields of the insertion part corresponding to the received identification information, and insertion data storage An insertion data editing page transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal an insertion data editing page in which at least a button is arranged;
The insertion data save button is clicked on the terminal, and the text data of the insertion part input in the text input field of the insertion part in the insertion data editing page is received individually or collectively from the terminal. A plug-in data storage means for storing the received text data in the mail data storage means in a predetermined format;
Based on the text data of each common part stored in the mail data storage means in a predetermined format, each identification data, and text data corresponding to each pattern of each insertion part, A mail server comprising: mail generation means for generating electronic mail. In the mail server according to claim 1,
The insertion data editing page transmission means includes the insertion data editing page further including a radio button for setting any text data input in the text input field of the insertion portion as a default of the insertion portion. Send it to your device,
The plug-in data storage means further receives default setting data indicating text data set as default from the terminal and stores it in the mail data storage means,
When any text data is empty, the mail generation means, if there is text data set as a default of the insertion part to which the empty text data belongs, the text data set as the default An e-mail server characterized by supplementing empty text data to generate an e-mail of each pattern. In the mail server according to claim 1 or 2,
The mail server, when any of the text data corresponds to data indicating a predetermined sky, generates the e-mail of each pattern with the text data being empty. In the mail server according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The mail data editing page transmission means sets a comment tag as an initial value in each text input field of the insertion data editing page transmitted to the terminal. In the mail server according to claim 3,
The mail server, wherein the insertion data edit page transmission means sets data indicating the empty as an initial value in each text input field of the insertion data edit page to be transmitted to the terminal. In the mail server according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The edit page transmitting means, when the insert part addition button is clicked, a program for causing the terminal to execute a process of adding the insertion field at a predetermined position close to the text input field. A mail server, wherein the mail server is incorporated in and sent to the terminal. In the mail server according to claim 6,
The program transmitted to the terminal includes a common part addition button for adding a common part text input field, an insertion part addition button, an insertion part deletion button for deleting the added insertion field, and a text input for the common part. It is for causing the terminal to execute a process of further adding at least one of the columns to a predetermined position close to the insertion column to be added in the edit page based on a predetermined condition. Mail server. In the mail server in any one of Claims 1-7,
The insertion data edit page transmission means includes:
The insertion data editing page further arranged with a display switching link and / or a display switching tab is transmitted to the terminal,
When the display switching link or the display switching tab is clicked, a program for causing the terminal to execute processing for switching the display format or display target of the text input field is incorporated into the insertion data editing page and transmitted to the terminal. A mail server characterized by that. In the mail server in any one of Claims 1-7,
The insertion data editing page transmission means transmits the insertion data editing page further arranged with a display switching link and / or a display switching tab to the terminal,
When the display switching link or the display switching tab is clicked on the terminal and the identifier of the clicked display switching link or the display switching tab is received from the terminal, the display of the text input field is displayed according to the received identifier. A mail server, further comprising: an insertion data editing page update means for transmitting the insertion data editing page whose format or display target is switched to the terminal. In the mail server according to claim 9,
Instead of the insertion data edit page update means,
When the display switching link or the display switching tab is clicked on the terminal and the identifier of the clicked display switching link or the display switching tab is received from the terminal, the plug-in data editing is performed according to the received identifier. A mail server comprising: an insertion data editing page partial update means for transmitting insertion data editing page update data for switching display of pages to the terminal. In the mail server according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
Instead of the data storage / page update means,
When the data save button is clicked on the terminal, the text data of each common part input to the text input field of each common part in the edit page, and the insertion field corresponding to each insertion field in the edit page When the identification data of each plug-in part is received from the terminal, the received text data and identification data are stored in the mail data storage means in a predetermined format, and each plug-in is inserted in each plug-in column. A mail server, comprising: data storage / edit page partial update means for transmitting edit page update data for adding at least a link including column identification information to the terminal. A mail server that supports an editing operation of an e-mail composed of an editing user terminal that edits e-mails of a plurality of predetermined patterns, and a common part and at least one insertion part corresponding to one of the patterns Is a mail editing support method by a mail server of a mail editing support system connected via a communication network,
The mail server has mail data storage means for storing mail data related to mail,
In response to a request from the terminal, a common part text input field, an insertion part addition button for adding at least one insertion field indicating the insertion part at a predetermined position adjacent to the text input field, and data storage An edit page transmission step of transmitting an edit page at least including a button to the terminal;
When the data save button is clicked on the terminal, the text data of each common part input to the text input field of each common part in the edit page, and the insertion field corresponding to each insertion field in the edit page When the identification data of each plug-in part is received from the terminal, the received text data and identification data are stored in the mail data storage means in a predetermined format, and each plug-in is inserted in each plug-in column. A data storage / page update step for transmitting to the terminal the edit page to which at least a link including column identification information is added;
When the link is clicked on the terminal and the identification information included in the link is received from the terminal, at least one of the text input fields of the insertion part corresponding to the received identification information, and insertion data storage An insertion data editing page transmission step of transmitting to the terminal an insertion data editing page in which at least a button is arranged;
The insertion data save button is clicked on the terminal, and the text data of the insertion part input in the text input field of the insertion part in the insertion data editing page is received individually or collectively from the terminal. A stored data storing step for storing the received text data in the mail data storage means in a predetermined format;
Based on the text data of each common part stored in the mail data storage means in a predetermined format, each identification data, and text data corresponding to each pattern of each insertion part, A mail editing support method comprising: a mail generation step for generating an electronic mail.   The program for making a computer implement | achieve each means with which the mail server in any one of Claims 1-11 is provided as a function.