JP6395375B2 - application - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, a server device, an information processing method, and a program. In particular, the present invention relates to a communication system including a plurality of terminal devices, a server device configuring the communication system, an information processing method executed in the server device, and a program for controlling the server device.

  Conventionally, when another person wants to check the contents of electronic data, the electronic data is attached to an electronic mail and the electronic mail is transmitted to another person's destination. Also, by describing the storage location of electronic data (for example, a file bus including a URL (Uniform Resource Locator)) in the body of the electronic mail, it is possible to prompt other people to access the electronic data. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which a server receives a document file from a transmission client via a network and stores the received document file in a predetermined format.

JP 2001-75890 A

  However, in the conventional method, the sender of the e-mail cannot determine whether the other person has confirmed the electronic data without making an inquiry to the other person to whom the e-mail is sent.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to confirm whether the other person has confirmed the electronic data without the sender of the e-mail confirming with the other party of the e-mail destination. An object is to provide a communication system, a server device, an information processing method, and a program capable of determining whether or not.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the communication system includes a plurality of function modules that each execute a predetermined server function. A first functional module among the plurality of functional modules receives uploaded electronic data. The second functional module among the plurality of functional modules is an electronic device transmitted from the email address of the first user account to the email address of the second user account and the account email address of the second functional module. Receive email. The electronic mail includes a transmission destination and a storage location of electronic data in the first functional module. When there is an access to the electronic data stored in the first functional module, the first functional module notifies the access history to the third functional module among the plurality of functional modules. The third functional module determines whether or not the second user has accessed the electronic data based on the transmission destination acquired from the second functional module and the history acquired from the first functional module. to decide. The third functional module notifies the first user of the determination result.

  Preferably, when the electronic data is updated based on an instruction from the first user, the first functional module notifies the third functional module that the electronic data has been updated. The third functional module notifies the second user that the electronic data has been updated based on the reception of the updated notification.

  Preferably, the second functional module instructs the first functional module to generate a copy of electronic data based on the reception of the electronic mail. The first functional module notifies the third functional module of the storage location of the generated duplicate. Based on the request from the first user, the third functional module associates the storage location of the electronic data with the storage location of the duplicate and notifies the first user.

  Preferably, the e-mail further includes time limit information indicating a time limit for browsing electronic data. Based on the history, the third functional module determines whether the second user has accessed the electronic data within the viewing time limit. When it is determined that the second user has not accessed the electronic data within the viewing time limit, the third functional module notifies the second user of information representing a predetermined content. .

  Preferably, the communication system further includes a terminal device. When the second user is accessing the electronic data, the terminal device displays information indicating the storage location of the electronic data when the terminal device displays the transmitted email on the display based on the instruction from the first user. The identification information for identifying the second user is displayed in association with.

  Preferably, the terminal device acquires identification information from the third functional module. The identification information is a user's face image.

  Preferably, when the user comment on the electronic data is notified to the first user by the second user, the terminal device displays the transmitted email on the display based on the instruction from the first user. In association with the face image, display indicating the presence of the user comment or display of the user comment is performed.

  Preferably, the communication system includes a first server device, a second server device, and a third server device. The first functional module is realized by the first server device. The second functional module is realized by the second server device. The third functional module is realized by a third server device.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the server device includes a terminal device, a first electronic device for storing electronic data uploaded using the terminal device, and a second electronic device for collecting e-mails. connect. The e-mail is transmitted from the e-mail address of the first user's account to the e-mail address of the second user's account and the e-mail address of the account of the second electronic device. Storage location of electronic data in the electronic device. The server device determines whether or not the second user has accessed the electronic data based on the transmission destination acquired from the second electronic device and the history of access to the electronic data acquired from the first electronic device. Determine whether. The server device notifies the first user of the determination result.

  According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the information processing method is executed in a communication system including a plurality of function modules each executing a predetermined server function. The information processing method includes a step in which a first functional module of a plurality of functional modules receives uploaded electronic data, and a second functional module of the plurality of functional modules is configured to store an account of a first user. Receiving an e-mail transmitted from the e-mail address to the e-mail address of the account of the second user and the e-mail address of the account of the second functional module. The electronic mail includes a transmission destination and a storage location of electronic data in the first functional module. In the information processing method, when the first functional module accesses the electronic data stored in the first functional module, the access history is notified to the third functional module among the plurality of functional modules. The second user accesses the electronic data based on the transmission destination acquired by the third functional module from the second functional module and the history acquired from the first functional module. And a step of the third functional module notifying the first user of the determination result.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an information processing method includes a terminal device, a first electronic device for storing electronic data uploaded using the terminal device, and a second electronic device that collects electronic mail. It is executed in a server device that communicates with the device. The e-mail is transmitted from the e-mail address of the first user's account to the e-mail address of the second user's account and the e-mail address of the account of the second electronic device. Storage location of electronic data in the electronic device. In the information processing method, the second user accesses the electronic data based on the transmission destination acquired from the second electronic device and the history of access to the electronic data acquired from the first electronic device. Determining whether or not, and notifying the determination result to the first user.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a program includes a terminal device, a first electronic device for storing electronic data uploaded using the terminal device, and a second electronic device for collecting e-mails. Control the server device to communicate. The e-mail is transmitted from the e-mail address of the first user's account to the e-mail address of the second user's account and the e-mail address of the account of the second electronic device. Storage location of electronic data in the electronic device. The program determines whether or not the second user has accessed the electronic data based on the transmission destination acquired from the second electronic device and the history of access to the electronic data acquired from the first electronic device. And a step of notifying the first user of the determination result to the processor of the server device.

  According to the above invention, it is possible for the sender of the e-mail to determine whether or not the other person has confirmed the electronic data without confirming with the other person to whom the e-mail is sent.

1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a communication system 1 and an outline of processing. FIG. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the management table 541 which the application server 13 has stored. 3 is a sequence chart for explaining processing in the communication system 1; 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in an application server 13. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of each server included in the server network 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a typical hardware configuration of a file sharing server 11. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device 21. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the schematic structure and the outline | summary of a process of the communication system 1A which concern on this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the schematic structure and the outline | summary of a process of the communication system 1B which concern on this Embodiment. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the management table 541B which the application server 13B has stored. It is a figure for demonstrating the schematic structure of the communication system 1C which concerns on this Embodiment, and the outline | summary of a process. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the management table 541C which the application server 13C has stored. It is a figure showing user interface 2091 displayed on display 209 of terminal unit 21. It is a figure showing the user interface 2092 displayed on the display 209 of the terminal device 21.

  The communication system according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same members. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

In the following description, “e-mail” is described as including web mail. Further, in the following description, it is assumed that “file path” includes a file name. The file name will be described as including the file extension. The description format of the file path is not particularly limited. A URL can be used as an example of a file path. Further, when the communication system is not connected to the Internet, it is described without using the scheme name (http). In this case, the file path is described in a format such as “¥¥ xxxxxxxxxx ¥ yyyy.pdf”.
[Embodiment 1]
<A. Overview of system configuration and processing>
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration and an outline of processing of the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a server network 10 and a plurality of terminal devices 21 to 24. The server network 10 includes a file sharing server 11 as a first functional module, a mail collection server 12 as a second functional module, an application server 13 as a third functional module, a mail server (not shown), an account And an authentication server storing information. The mail server is communicably connected to the plurality of terminal devices 21 to 24 and the mail collection server 12. The authentication server is communicably connected to the file sharing server 11 and the application server 13.

  The “account information” includes access authentication information (login name, password, etc.) to the server and a mail address. The access authentication information is used to determine “who accessed”.

  Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the users of the terminal devices 21 to 24 are referred to as “user A”, “user B”, “user C”, and “user D”, respectively. Each user A to D needs to be authenticated by an authentication server in order to access the server network 10 using each terminal device 21 to 24. In the following description, a mode in which one terminal device is assigned to one user will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of users share one or more terminal devices. It may be a configuration.

  The user A uses the terminal device 21 to upload electronic data (hereinafter referred to as “file 511”) that the other person wants to confirm (browse) to the file sharing server 11 (processing (i)). Note that the files 512 and 513 have already been uploaded to the file sharing server 11. Next, the user A uses the user A's account and the terminal device 21 to send an e-mail 521 whose destination is the mail address of each account of the users B to D and the mail address of the account of the mail collection server 12, An e-mail 521 in which a file path indicating the storage location of 511 is described is transmitted to a mail server (not shown). The users B to D and the mail collection server 12 of the terminal devices 22 to 24 acquire the file path indicating the storage location of the file 511 by acquiring the e-mail from the mail server storing the e-mail 521 using each account. Can be known (process (ii)). A format for designating (description) the file path is determined in advance in the communication system 1.

  In the following, for convenience of explanation, access from the user account to the server side is appropriately described with “account” omitted, such as “access from user”. An example of “access” is file upload and download (acquisition). For convenience of explanation, transmission of an electronic mail to a mail address of a user's account is appropriately described with “account” omitted, such as “transmission of electronic mail to a user”.

  The mail collection server 12 receives the mail information 536 including at least the transmission destination (destination) of the electronic mail 521, the information of the sender of the electronic mail, and the file path of the file 511 based on the reception of the electronic mail 521. The server 13 is notified. More specifically, the mail collection server 12 associates the destinations related to the users B to D, excluding the destination of the mail collection server 12 itself, among the destinations (mail addresses) described in the electronic mail 521 with the file name. 13 is notified.

  The users B to D can know the file path by confirming the content (specifically, the mail text) of the electronic mail sent from the user A. For example, it is assumed that the user B accesses the file 511 stored in the file sharing server 11 based on the file path (process (iii)). In this case, the file sharing server 11 transmits an access log 531 indicating that the user B has accessed the file 511 to the application server 13. Note that the access log 531 includes date and time information on the access.

  The application server 13 is a WEB server that stores a WEB application. Based on the reception of the access log 531 from the file sharing server 11, the application server 13 includes the access log 531, the transmission destination of the email 521 received from the mail collection server 12, and the file name of the file 511 included in the file path. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the user B to D has accessed the file 511. The application server 13 updates the management table by recording the determination result in the management table (see FIG. 2).

  When the application server 13 receives an access requesting confirmation of the browsing status of the file 511 from the user A (terminal device 21), the application server 13 notifies the terminal device 21 of the determination result (processing (iv)). Specifically, when the user A executes a predetermined WEB application provided by the application server 13 on the terminal device 21 using software such as a WEB browser, the application server 13 displays the determination result on the terminal device. 21 is notified.

  When the above processes (i) to (iii) are performed, specifically, the application server 13 determines that the user B has accessed the file 511 but has not been accessed by the users C and D. . Furthermore, the application server 13 notifies the determination result in a predetermined display format in response to a request from the terminal device 21.

  As described above, the user A who uploaded the file 511 to the file sharing server 11 can determine whether another person (users B to D) has accessed the file 511. Hereinafter, a more specific configuration for realizing the above processing will be described.

<B. Data>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the management table 541 stored in the application server 13. The management table 541 is a database generated by the application server 13 based on the access log received from the file sharing server 11 and the mail information 536 received from the mail collection server 12.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the management table 541 includes mail transmission date / time, file name, file path, read or unread information of the file specified by the file name, and the like. The management table 541 may include information on the title of the email and the sender of the email. The e-mail 521 corresponds to the e-mail transmitted at 14:30 on August 15, for example.

  In response to a request from the terminal device 21 used by the user A based on the management table 541, the application server 13 performs notification (response) of the content in accordance with the request. A specific example of the notification content will be described as follows.

  The application server 13 may, for example, send a mail list (title list) whose sender is the user A, a file path described in each mail body, and a browsing status of each user's file that is the destination of the mail ( Display data including the access status is transmitted to the terminal device 21. Alternatively, when the application server 13 receives a request specifying a file name from the terminal device 21, the application server 13 notifies the terminal device 21 only of the browsing status of the file specified by the file name. What kind of information is notified to the terminal device may be determined in advance by the application server 13.

<C. Control structure>
FIG. 3 is a sequence chart for explaining processing in the communication system 1. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the aspect described based on FIG. 1.

  Referring to FIG. 3, in sequence SQ <b> 2, user A uploads a file to file sharing server 11 using terminal device 21. In sequence SQ4, the terminal device 21 transmits the electronic mail 521 to the terminal device 22, the mail collection server 12, and the terminal devices 23 and 24 (not shown) used by the user B via the mail server. . Note that the text of the e-mail 521 includes at least the file path of the uploaded file 511 and the file path of the file 511 in the file sharing server 11 as described above.

  In sequence SQ6, the mail collection server 12 transmits mail information 536 to the application server 13. In sequence SQ8, the user B uses the terminal device 22 to access the file 511 uploaded to the file sharing server 11 by the user A. In this case, in sequence SQ 10, the file sharing server 11 transmits an access log 531 that records the access to the file 511 by the user B to the application server 13.

  In sequence SQ <b> 12, the user A transmits a request signal for requesting confirmation of the browsing status of the file 511 to the application server 13 using the terminal device 21. In sequence SQ14, the application server 13 transmits a response signal corresponding to the request signal to the terminal device 21 that is the transmission source of the request signal. As an example, the application server 13 transmits display data in HTML format to the terminal device 21.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed in the application server 13. Referring to FIG. 4, in step S <b> 2, application server 13 (specifically, the CPU of application server 13) receives mail information from mail collection server 12 based on the fact that mail collection server 12 has received an email. In step S4, the application server 13 receives the access log 531 from the file sharing server based on the fact that the user has accessed the file uploaded to the file sharing server 11.

  In step S6, the application server 13 determines whether or not each file uploaded to the file sharing server 11 has been viewed (read state) based on the mail information 536 (particularly, the transmission destination) and the access log 531. The determination is made for each of the users B to D. In step S8, the application server 13 updates the management table 541 based on the determination result.

  In step S10, the application server 13 is based on having received the confirmation request of the browsing state from the user (the user A in the aspect of FIG. 1) using the terminal devices 21 to 24 (the terminal device 21 in the aspect of FIG. 1). Then, image data for display based on the updated management table 541 is generated, and the generated image data is transmitted to the requesting terminal devices 21 to 24 (terminal device 21 in the aspect of FIG. 1). As described above, the application server 13 ends the series of processes.

<D. Functional configuration>
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of each server (file sharing server 11, mail collection server 12, application server 13) included in the server network 10. Referring to FIG. 5, the file sharing server 11 includes a communication processing unit 111, a control unit 112, and a storage unit 113. The mail collection server 12 includes a communication processing unit 121, a control unit 122, and a storage unit 123. The application server 13 includes a communication processing unit 131, a control unit 132, and a storage unit 133.

  The control unit 112 of the file sharing server 11 controls the operation of the file sharing server 11. The communication processing unit 111 receives a file transmitted from the terminal device. When the communication processing unit 111 receives a file, the control unit 112 stores the file in the storage unit 113. For example, the control unit 112 stores the file 511 transmitted from the user A using the terminal device 21 in the storage unit 113.

  The control unit 112 manages the history of access to the file stored in the storage unit 113 from the terminal device. The control unit 112 transmits the access log 531 to the application server 13 via the communication processing unit 111 when the file is accessed. The access log 531 includes identification information (for example, file name) for identifying the accessed file, date and time of access, and information (for example, user name) for identifying the person who has accessed.

  The control unit 121 of the mail collection server 12 controls the operation of the mail collection server 12. The communication processing unit 121 receives an electronic mail transmitted from a user using a terminal device. When the communication processing unit 121 receives an email, the control unit 122 stores the email in the storage unit 123. For example, the control unit 122 stores the e-mail 521 transmitted from the user A using the terminal device 21 in the storage unit 123. Further, the control unit 122 transmits the above-described mail information 536 to the application server 13 via the communication processing unit 121 based on the reception of the electronic mail.

  The control unit 132 of the application server 13 controls the operation of the application server 13. The storage unit 133 stores a management table 541 (FIG. 2). The control unit 132 updates the management table 541 using the access log 531 received from the file sharing server and the mail information 536 received from the mail collection server 12. The control unit 132 generates display data based on the management table 541. The control unit 132 transmits the generated display data to the terminal device that has transmitted the browsing status confirmation request to the application server 13. For example, when the communication processing unit 131 receives a confirmation request for the browsing status transmitted from the user A using the terminal device 21 (shown in FIG. 1), the control unit 132 transmits the confirmation request. As a response to the terminal device 21, the display data is transmitted to the terminal device 21 via the communication processing unit 131.

  As described above, the user who uploaded the file 511 to the file sharing server 11 (for example, the user A of the terminal device 21) accesses the file (for example, the file 511) by another person (for example, the users B to D). It becomes possible to determine whether or not.

<E. Hardware configuration>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of the hardware configuration of the file sharing server 11. Referring to FIG. 6, the file sharing server 11 includes, as main components, a CPU 101 that executes a program, a ROM 102 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, data generated by execution of the program by the CPU 101, or an input device ( A RAM 103 that stores data input via a non-volatile memory, a HDD 104 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, an LED 105, a switch 106, a communication IF (Interface) 107, a power supply circuit 108, A display 109 and operation keys 110 are included. Each component is connected to each other by a data bus.

  The power supply circuit 108 is a circuit that steps down the voltage of the commercial power received via the outlet and supplies power to each part of the file sharing server 11. The switch 106 is a main power switch for switching whether or not to supply power to the power circuit 108 and other various push button switches. The display 109 is a device for displaying various data.

  The communication IF 107 performs processing for transmitting data to other electronic devices (for example, the application server 13 and the terminal devices 21 to 23) and processing for receiving data transmitted from the other electronic devices.

  The LED 105 is various display lamps that indicate the operating state of the file sharing server 11. For example, the LED 105 represents an on / off state of the main power source of the file sharing server 11 and a read / write state of the HDD 104. The operation key 110 is a key (keyboard) used for the user of the file sharing server 11 to input data to the file sharing server 11.

  The processing in the file sharing server 11 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 101. Such software may be stored in advance in the HDD 104. The software may be stored in other storage media and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the storage medium by the reading device or downloaded via the communication IF 107 or the like and then temporarily stored in the HDD 104. The software is read from the HDD 104 by the CPU 101 and stored in the RAM 103 in the form of an executable program. The CPU 101 executes the program.

  Each component constituting the file sharing server 11 shown in FIG. Therefore, it can be said that the essential part of the present invention is the RAM 103, the HDD 104, software stored in a storage medium, or software that can be downloaded via a network. Since the operation of each hardware of file sharing server 11 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

Note that the recording medium is not limited to DVD-RAM, but is DVD-ROM, CD-ROM.
, FD, hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk, EEPROM, flash ROM, and other media such as semiconductor memories that carry a fixed program. The recording medium is a non-temporary medium that can be read by the computer. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  Since the mail collection server 12 and the application server 13 have the same hardware configuration as that of the file sharing server 11, the hardware configuration of the mail collection server 12 and the application server 13 will not be repeatedly described here.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 21. Referring to FIG. 7, terminal device 21 includes, as main components, CPU 201 that executes a program, ROM 202 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, data generated by execution of the program by CPU 201, or an input device (see FIG. 7). RAM 203 for volatile storage of data input via the storage device, HDD 204 for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, LED 205, switch 206, communication IF (Interface) 207, power supply circuit 208, display 209 and operation keys 210. Each component is connected to each other by a data bus.

  The power circuit 208 is a circuit that steps down the voltage of the commercial power received via the outlet and supplies power to each part of the terminal device 21. The switch 206 is a main power switch for switching whether or not to supply power to the power circuit 208, and other various push button switches. The display 209 is a device for displaying various data.

  The communication IF 207 performs processing for transmitting data to other electronic devices (for example, the application server 13 and the file sharing server 11) and processing for receiving data transmitted from the other electronic devices.

  The LED 205 is various display lamps that indicate the operating state of the terminal device 21. For example, the LED 205 indicates an on or off state of the main power supply of the terminal device 21 and a read or write state to the HDD 204. The operation key 210 is a key (keyboard) used for the user of the terminal device 21 to input data to the terminal device 21.

  The processing in the terminal device 21 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 201. Such software may be stored in advance in the HDD 204. The software may be stored in other storage media and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the storage medium by the reading device or downloaded via the communication IF 207 and the like, and then temporarily stored in the HDD 204. The software is read from the HDD 204 by the CPU 201 and stored in the RAM 203 in an executable program format. The CPU 201 executes the program.

  Each component which comprises the terminal device 21 shown by the figure is general. Therefore, it can be said that the essential part of the present invention is RAM 203, HDD 204, software stored in a storage medium, or software that can be downloaded via a network. In addition, since the operation | movement of each hardware of the terminal device 21 is known, detailed description is not repeated.

  The recording medium is not limited to a DVD-RAM, and a fixed program such as a semiconductor memory such as a DVD-ROM, a CD-ROM, an FD, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a cassette tape, an optical disk, an EEPROM, and a flash ROM is supported. It may be a medium to be used. The recording medium is a non-temporary medium that can be read by the computer. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

Since the terminal devices 22 and 23 have the same hardware configuration as that of the terminal device 21, the hardware configuration of the terminal devices 22 and 23 will not be repeatedly described here.
[Embodiment 2]
In the present embodiment, a process performed when the uploaded user updates a file uploaded to the file sharing server 11A described later will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration and an outline of processing of the communication system 1A according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, the communication system 1A includes a server network 10A and a plurality of terminal devices 21 to 24. The server network 10A includes a file sharing server 11A, a mail collection server 12, an application server 13A, a mail server (not shown), and an authentication server that stores account information.

  The file sharing server 11A has the same hardware configuration as the file sharing server 11 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the file sharing server 11A executes a function of the file sharing server 11 and a notification function described later. The file sharing server 11A has the same configuration as the file sharing server 11 except that the file sharing server 11A has the notification function.

  The application server 13A has a hardware configuration similar to that of the application server 13 according to the first embodiment. Further, the application server 13A executes a function of the application server 13 and a notification function described later. The application server 13A has the same configuration as the application server 13 except that the application server 13A has the notification function.

  Each process (process (i)-(iv) and each process in the server network 10 etc.) demonstrated based on FIG. 1 of Embodiment 1 is performed similarly also in the communication system 1A which concerns on this Embodiment. Therefore, in the following, the processing described based on FIG. 1 will not be repeated and will be described by focusing on the specific processing in the present embodiment. Specifically, the process after the process (iv) is performed will be described.

  After the process (iv), it is assumed that the user A of the terminal device 21 updates the uploaded file 511 (process (v)). Note that the file sharing server 11A may accept a modification instruction from the user A so that the file sharing server 11A updates the uploaded file, or the file modified by the user A in the terminal device 21 may be used. The user A may use the terminal device 21 to upload again to the file sharing server 11A.

  When the file 511 is updated, the file sharing server 11A notifies the application server 13A that the file 511 has been updated. That is, the file sharing server 11A executes a notification function that the file sharing server 11 according to the first embodiment does not have. Based on the reception of the notification, the application server 13A refers to the management table 541 and the file 511 has been updated for the person to be browsed of the file 511 (users B to D in the present embodiment). Is notified (processing (vi)). That is, the application server 13A executes a notification function that the application server 13 according to the first embodiment does not have.

According to the above configuration, the user A who uploaded the file 511 does not need to notify the users B to D that are the transmission destinations of the e-mail 521 that the file has been updated. Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of the user A.
[Embodiment 3]
In the present embodiment, a configuration for generating a duplicate (copy) of a file uploaded to the file sharing server 11A will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration and an outline of processing of the communication system 1B according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the communication system 1B includes a server network 10B and a plurality of terminal devices 21 to 24. The server network 10B includes a file sharing server 11B, a mail collection server 12B, an application server 13B, a mail server (not shown), and an authentication server that stores account information.

  The file sharing server 11B has the same hardware configuration as the file sharing server 11 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the file sharing server 11B executes a function of the file sharing server 11A according to the second embodiment and a notification function described later. The file sharing server 11B has the same configuration as the file sharing server 11A except that the file sharing server 11B has the notification function.

  The mail collection server 12B has the same hardware configuration as the mail collection server 12 according to the first embodiment. Further, the mail collection server 12B executes a function of the mail collection server 12 and an instruction function described later. The mail collection server 12B has the same configuration as the mail collection server 12 except that it has the instruction function.

  The application server 13B has the same hardware configuration as that of the application server 13 according to the first embodiment. Further, the application server 13B has a function that the application server 13A according to the second embodiment has.

  In the communication system 1B, except that the information transmitted from the application server 13B to the user A of the terminal device 21 in the process (iv) is different from those in the first and second embodiments, FIG. Each process (process (i)-(vi) and each process in server network 10 and 10A etc.) demonstrated based on FIG. 8 of the form 2 is performed similarly also in the communication system 1B which concerns on this Embodiment. In the following, the processing described based on FIG. 1 and FIG. 8 will not be repeated and will be described by focusing on the specific processing in the present embodiment.

  The mail collection server 12B instructs the file sharing server 11B to generate a copy 511B of the file 511 based on the reception of the electronic mail 521 in the process (ii). That is, the mail collection server 12B executes an instruction function that the mail collection server 12A according to the second embodiment does not have.

  The file sharing server 11B notifies the application server 13B of the file path of the generated replica 511B (storage location of the replica 511B in the storage unit 113).

  In the process (iv), the application server 13B, based on the request from the user A using the terminal device 21, the file path of the file 511 acquired from the mail collection server 12B and the file of the duplicate 511B acquired from the file sharing server 11B The terminal device 21 is notified of both file paths in association with the path. Specifically, the application server 13B updates a management table 541B (FIG. 10) described later based on the acquisition of each file path. The application server 13B refers to the updated management table 541B and transmits display data in response to a request from the user A of the terminal device 21 to the terminal device 21.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the management table 541B stored in the application server 13B. The management table 541B is a database generated by the application server 13B based on the access log 531 and the file path of the duplicate 511B received from the file sharing server 11B and the mail information 536 received from the mail collection server 12B.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the management table 541B includes a mail transmission date and time, a file name, a file path of a duplicate (file at the time of e-mail transmission), a file path of the current file, and a file specified by the file name. Includes read or unread information. The management table 541B may include information on the title of the email and the sender of the email.

  The “current file” refers to a file that is a copy generation source or a file that has been updated from a file that is a copy generation source. More specifically, the “current file” refers to the file 511 uploaded by the user A and the file 511 after the user A has updated the file 511.

  Based on the management table 541B, the application server 13B performs notification (response) of the content in accordance with the request in response to a request from the user A of the terminal device 21. For example, the application server 13B has a mail list (title list) in which the sender is the user A, a file path described in each mail body, and a browsing status of each user who is the transmission destination of the mail ( Display data including the access status), the file path of the duplicate, and the file path of the current file are transmitted to the terminal device 21.

  According to the above configuration, the user who uploaded the file (in the case of FIG. 9, the user A of the terminal device 21) checks not only the content of the current file but also the content of the original file that sent the e-mail. It becomes possible to do. Further, since the current file and the original file from which the e-mail is transmitted remain, the communication system 1B can perform simple management such as management of two revision files.

The file path of the duplicate 511B may be determined by the file sharing server 11B or may be determined by the mail collection server 12B.
[Embodiment 4]
In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a viewing time limit is set for a file uploaded to the file sharing server 11A.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration and an outline of processing of the communication system 1C according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, the communication system 1 </ b> C includes a server network 10 </ b> C and a plurality of terminal devices 21 to 24. The server network 10C includes a file sharing server 11, a mail collection server 12, an application server 13C, a mail server (not shown), and an authentication server that stores account information.

  The application server 13C has the same hardware configuration as that of the application server 13 according to the first embodiment. Further, the application server 13C executes a function of the application server 13 and a notification function described later. The application server 13C has the same configuration as the application server 13 except that the application server 13C has the notification function.

  Each process (process (i)-(iv), each process in the server network 10, etc.) demonstrated based on FIG. 1 of Embodiment 1 is performed similarly also in the communication system 1C which concerns on this Embodiment. Therefore, in the following, the processing described based on FIG. 1 will not be repeated and will be described by focusing on the specific processing in the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the e-mail 521 transmitted from the user A of the terminal device 21 to the users B to D of the terminal devices 22 to 24 and the mail collection server 12 includes time limit information indicating the time limit for browsing the file 511. It is out. The format for describing the time limit information is determined in advance in the communication system 1.

  Based on the access log 531, the application server 13 </ b> C determines whether each of the users B to D of the terminal devices 22 to 24 has accessed the file 511 within the browsing time limit. Further, the application server 13C is predetermined for a terminal device (for example, the terminal devices 23 and 24 of the users C and D) used by a user who is determined not to access the file 511 within the browsing time limit. Notify the information that represents the contents. The “predetermined content” is not particularly limited as long as it prompts access to the file 511, for example.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the management table 541C stored in the application server 13C. The management table 541C is a database generated by the application server 13 based on the access log received from the file sharing server 11 and the mail information 536 received from the mail collection server 12.

  Referring to FIG. 12, management table 541C includes mail transmission date / time, file name, file path, read or unread information of the file specified by the file name, information on the file browsing time limit, and the like. The management table 541C may include an e-mail title and e-mail sender information.

  Based on the management table 541C, the application server 13C notifies the user terminal device that has not browsed the file even after the browsing deadline has passed, with information representing the content prompting the user to confirm the file.

According to the above configuration, even if there is no operation by the user who uploaded the file (e.g. sending an email prompting the user who has not read the file to check the file) On the other hand, browsing of the file can be prompted.
[Embodiment 5]
In the present embodiment, one aspect of the screen displayed by the terminal device based on the management table 541 and the like described above will be described. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a case where a file browsing status is displayed on a mailer display screen will be described. Moreover, the process in this Embodiment is applicable to the communication systems 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C which concern on Embodiment 1-4.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface (UI) 2091 displayed on the display 209 of the terminal device 21. Referring to FIG. 13, when user A displays a transmitted electronic mail on display 209 of terminal device 21, terminal device 21 browses a file in association with information indicating a storage location of electronic data. The identification information for identifying the person who has performed is displayed. Specifically, the terminal device 21 displays the face images 251 to 254 of the person who viewed the file in the vicinity of the file path 240 of the file 511 included in the text of the e-mail 521. More specifically, an object 250 including a face image is displayed below the file path 240.

  In FIG. 13, the object 250 is displayed below the file path 240 in the second e-mail (the e-mail that quotes the body of the e-mail 521) after the e-mail 521 is transmitted. It is not limited. If the screen displays the same file path as the file path 240, the terminal device is preferably configured to display the object 250 in the vicinity of the file path.

  Moreover, the image data for displaying the face image may be stored in advance in a server network (for example, an application server) or may be stored in advance in the terminal device itself. The image data is associated in advance with identification information (for example, a user name) for identifying the user.

According to said structure, the sender of an email can identify the person who browsed on the screen on which the said email or the email relevant to the said email was displayed. In particular, by displaying the face image of the person who browsed, the sender of the e-mail can more easily identify the person who browsed.
[Embodiment 6]
In the present embodiment, a mode in which the fifth embodiment is modified will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a user interface 2092 displayed on the display 209 of the terminal device 21. Referring to FIG. 14, terminal device 21 displays face images 251 to 254 of a person who viewed a file in the vicinity of file path 240 of file 511 included in the body of e-mail 521, as in the fifth embodiment. The contained object 250 is displayed.

  Specifically, when the terminal device 21 displays the transmitted electronic mail 521 on the display, the terminal device 21 displays the identification information 260 indicating the presence of the user comment in association with the face images 251 to 254. More specifically, this figure shows a state in which users B and E associated with the face images 251 and 254 are notifying comments by e-mail or the like.

  When the user A of the terminal device 21 performs an operation of selecting the face image 254 with the mouse pointer 280 or the like, the terminal device 21 displays the content of the user comment of the user E associated with the face image 254, for example, as a pop-up. Display on the screen in format.

  According to the above configuration, the sender of the email can identify the person who viewed the email on the screen on which the email or the email related to the email is displayed. Existence and content can be confirmed.

In the above description, the configuration in which a comment is displayed by receiving a user operation for selecting a face image has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The terminal device 21 may display the content of the user comment in the object 250 in a state of being associated with the face image without accepting the pointer operation. In this case, the sender of the e-mail can identify the person who browsed on the screen on which the e-mail or the e-mail related to the e-mail is displayed, and whether there is a user comment. The contents can be confirmed immediately. In this case, the terminal device does not need to display the identification information 260 indicating the presence of the user comment.
[Embodiment 7]
In each of the above first to fourth embodiments, each of the server networks 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C includes the three server devices illustrated (file sharing server, mail collection server, application server) and a server device not illustrated. The configuration having (mail server, authentication server) has been described as an example, but is not limited thereto. For example, the function of the file sharing server, the function of the mail collection server, and the function of the application server may be executed by one server device. In this case, the one server device includes a functional module that executes processing performed by the file sharing server, a functional module that executes processing performed by the mail collection server, and a functional module that executes processing performed by the application server. I can say that. Note that the function of the file sharing server, the function of the mail collection server, and the function of the application server may be executed by the two server devices. Alternatively, the function of the file sharing server, the function of the mail collection server, the function of the application server, and the function of the authentication server may be executed by one server device.
[Embodiment 8]
An SMTP server may be used for transmission / reception of electronic mail in the communication systems 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C of the above-described first to fourth embodiments. The method for exchanging electronic mail is not particularly limited.
[Embodiment 9]
In the communication systems 1, 1 </ b> A, 1 </ b> B, and 1 </ b> C of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the file path has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. A folder path may be used instead of the file path. In any case, the communication system may be configured so that the storage location of electronic data is notified to the terminal device or the like.

<Summary>
In the following, in order to simplify the description, description will be given focusing on the user A (first user) and the user B (second user) among the users A to D.

  [1] Based on the first to tenth embodiments, the communication system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) communicates with the terminal device (21). The communication system includes a plurality of functional modules that each execute a predetermined server function. A first functional module (file sharing servers 11, 11A, 11B) among the plurality of functional modules receives uploaded electronic data (file 511). The second functional module (the mail collection server 12, 12B) of the plurality of functional modules is configured such that the mail address of the account of the second user (user B) is changed from the mail address of the account of the first user (user A) The electronic mail (521) transmitted to the mail address of the account of the second functional module is received. The electronic mail includes a transmission destination and a storage location of electronic data in the first functional module. When there is access to the electronic data stored in the first functional module, the first functional module is a third functional module (application servers 13, 13A, 13B, 13C) of the plurality of functional modules. Is notified of the access history. The third functional module determines whether or not the second user has accessed the electronic data based on the transmission destination acquired from the second functional module and the history acquired from the first functional module. The determination is made and the determination result is notified to the first user.

  According to the above configuration, whether or not the first user who uploaded the electronic data (file 511) to the first functional module (file sharing server 11, 11A, 11B) has accessed the electronic data. It becomes possible to judge whether.

  [2] Focusing on the communication systems 1A and 1B according to the second and third embodiments, the first functional module (file sharing servers 11A and 11B) updates the electronic data based on an instruction from the first user. In the case where the electronic data has been updated, the third functional module (application server 13A, 13B) is notified that the electronic data has been updated. The third functional module notifies the second user that the electronic data has been updated based on the reception of the updated notification.

  According to said structure, the 1st user who uploaded electronic data (file 511) is that the said electronic data was updated with respect to the 2nd user who is a transmission destination of an email (521). There is no need to notify using the device 21. Therefore, the trouble of the first user who uploaded the electronic data can be saved.

  [3] Focusing on the communication system 1B according to the third embodiment, the second functional module (the mail collection server 12B) receives the electronic mail (521), and Instructing the generation of a replica (511B) of the electronic data. The first functional module notifies the third functional module (application server 13B) of the storage location of the generated duplicate. Based on a request from the first user (user A), the third functional module associates the storage location of the electronic data with the storage location of the duplicate and notifies the first user.

  According to said structure, the 1st user who uploaded the file can confirm not only the content of the present file but the content of the original electronic data which transmitted electronic mail.

  [4] Focusing on the communication system 1C according to the fourth embodiment, the e-mail further includes time limit information indicating the time limit for browsing electronic data. Based on the history, the third functional module (application server 13C) determines whether the second user (user B) has accessed the electronic data within the viewing deadline, and the second terminal device is within the viewing deadline. If it is determined that the electronic data has not been accessed, the second user is notified of information representing predetermined contents.

  According to the above configuration, even if there is no operation by the first user (user A) who uploaded the electronic data (511) (e.g., sending an email prompting the person who has not read the electronic data to check the electronic data). It becomes possible to prompt the person who has not read the electronic data within the electronic data browsing deadline to browse the electronic data.

  [5] Focusing on the fifth and sixth embodiments, the communication system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) further includes a terminal device (21). When the second user is accessing the electronic data, when the terminal device displays the transmitted e-mail on the display based on the instruction from the first user, it is associated with the information representing the storage location of the electronic data, Identification information for identifying the second user is displayed.

  According to said structure, the sender (1st user) of an email can identify the person who browsed on the screen on which the said email or the email relevant to the said email was displayed.

  [6] Further paying attention to Embodiments 5 and 6, the terminal device (21) acquires identification information from the third functional module (application servers 13, 13A, 13B, 13C). The identification information is the user's face image (251 to 254).

  According to said structure, the browsing person's face image is displayed, Therefore The sender (1st user) of an email becomes easier to identify the browsing person.

  [7] Focusing on the sixth embodiment, when a user comment on the electronic data is notified to the first user (user A) by the second user (user B), the terminal is based on an instruction from the first user. When the device (21) displays the transmitted e-mail on the display (209), the terminal device (21) associates the face image with the display indicating the presence of the user comment (identification information 260) or the content of the user comment. Display (274) is performed.

  According to the above description, the sender (first user) of the email can identify the person who viewed the email on the screen on which the email or the email related to the email is displayed. In addition to being able to check, it is possible to confirm the presence and content of user comments.

  [8] Preferably, the communication system includes a first server device (file sharing servers 11, 11A, 11B), a second server device (mail collection servers 12, 12B), and a third server device (application server). 13, 13A, 13B, 13C). The first functional module is realized by the first server device. The second functional module is realized by the second server device. The third functional module is realized by a third server device.

  According to said structure, a communication system can be comprised using three separate server apparatuses, respectively.

  [9] According to still another aspect of the present invention, the server device (application servers 13, 13A, 13B, 13C) stores the terminal device (21) and electronic data uploaded using the terminal device. The first electronic device (file sharing servers 11, 11A, 11B) communicates with the second electronic device (mail collection servers 12, 12B) that collects electronic mail. The e-mail was sent from the e-mail address of the account of the first user (user A) to the e-mail address of the account of the second user (user B) and the e-mail address of the account of the second electronic device. The transmission destination and the storage location of the electronic data in the first electronic device. The server device determines whether or not the second user has accessed the electronic data based on the transmission destination acquired from the second electronic device and the history of access to the electronic data acquired from the first electronic device. And the first user is notified of the determination result.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the above contents. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1, 1A, 1B, 1C communication system 10, 10A, 10B, 10C server network, 11, 11A, 11B file sharing server, 12, 12A, 12B mail collection server, 13, 13A, 13B, 13C application server, 21 to 21 24 terminal device, 101, 201 CPU, 109, 209 display, 111, 121, 131 communication processing unit, 112, 121, 122, 132 control unit, 113, 123, 133 storage unit, 240 file path, 250 object, 251- 254 face image, 260 identification information, 511, 512, 513 file, 511B duplicate, 521 e-mail, 531 access log, 536 mail information, 541, 541B, 541C management table.

Claims (5)

The sender sends an email containing the storage location of the electronic data to the recipient,
When the recipient is accessing the electronic data, identification information for identifying the recipient is stored in the electronic data when the sent email is displayed on the display based on an instruction from the sender. An application that is associated with information representing a location and includes the identification information and the information representing the storage location in the body of the e-mail and further displays on the display. Obtaining the identification information;
The application according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is a face image of the recipient.   When the user's comment on the electronic data is notified to the sender by the recipient, when the sent email is displayed on the display based on an instruction from the sender, the recipient comment is associated with the identification information. The application according to claim 2, wherein a display indicating the presence of the recipient or the recipient comment is displayed. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein when the electronic data is updated based on an instruction from the sender, the electronic data is notified to the recipient. application. The e-mail further includes time limit information indicating a time limit for browsing the electronic data,
If the recipient is not accessing the electronic data in the access limit notifies the information representing the predetermined content to the recipient, any one of claims 1-4 Application described in.

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