JP6759292B2 - Communication systems, server devices, information processing methods, and programs - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, when the content of electronic data is desired to be confirmed by another person, the electronic data is attached to an e-mail and the e-mail is sent to the destination of the other person. Further, by describing the storage location of the electronic data (for example, the file bus including the URL (Uniform Resource Locator)) in the body of the e-mail, it is possible to encourage others 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.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-75890

However, in the conventional method, the sender of the e-mail cannot determine whether or not 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 problems, and an object of the present invention is whether the sender of the e-mail confirms the electronic data without confirming with the other person to whom the e-mail is sent. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a communication system, a server device, an information processing method, and a program capable of determining whether or not the information processing is performed.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a communication system comprises a plurality of functional modules, each of which performs a predetermined server function. The first functional module among the plurality of functional modules receives the uploaded electronic data. The second functional module of the plurality of functional modules is an electronic transmission sent from the email address of the first user's account to the email address of the second user's account and the email address of the account of the second functional module. Receive an email. The e-mail contains a destination and a storage location for electronic data in the first functional module. When the electronic data stored in the first functional module is accessed, the first functional module notifies the third functional module of the plurality of functional modules of the access history. The third functional module determines whether or not the electronic data has been accessed by the second user 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 the 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 receipt of the notification that the update has been made.

Preferably, the second functional module instructs the first functional module to generate a duplicate of the electronic data based on the receipt of the e-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 deadline information representing the deadline for viewing the electronic data. The third functional module determines whether or not the second user has accessed the electronic data within the viewing deadline based on the history. When it is determined that the second user has not accessed the electronic data within the viewing deadline, the third function module notifies the second user of information representing predetermined contents. ..

Preferably, the communication system further comprises a terminal device. When the second user is accessing the electronic data and the terminal device displays the sent e-mail on the display based on the instruction by the first user, the terminal device is the information indicating the storage location of the electronic data. The identification information for identifying the second user is displayed in association with.

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

Preferably, when the user comment on the electronic data is notified to the first user by the second user, the terminal device displays the sent e-mail on the display based on the instruction by the first user. , Displaying the existence of the user comment or displaying the user comment in association with the face image.

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 the third server device.

According to another aspect of the 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-mail. connect. The e-mail was sent 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 second electronic device's account, and was sent to the destination and the first. Includes storage locations for electronic data in electronic devices. In the server device, 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. To judge. The server device notifies the first user of the determination result.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the information processing method is performed in a communication system comprising a plurality of functional modules, each of which performs a predetermined server function. The information processing method includes a step in which the first functional module among the plurality of functional modules accepts the uploaded electronic data, and the second functional module among the plurality of functional modules is the account of the first user. It includes a step of receiving an e-mail sent 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 e-mail includes a destination and a storage location for 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. Access to the electronic data by the second user is performed based on the steps to be performed, the transmission destination acquired from the second functional module by the third functional module, and the history acquired from the first functional module. The third function module further includes a step of determining whether or not the result is obtained, and a step of notifying the first user of the determination result.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the information processing method comprises a terminal device, a first electronic device for storing electronic data uploaded using the terminal device, and a second electronic device for collecting electronic mail. It is executed in the server device that communicates with the device. The e-mail was sent 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 second electronic device's account, and was sent to the destination and the first. Includes storage locations for electronic data in electronic devices. 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. It includes a step of determining whether or not it is present, and a step of notifying the first user of the determination result.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the program comprises a terminal device, a first electronic device for storing electronic data uploaded using the terminal device, and a second electronic device for collecting electronic mail. Controls the server device that communicates. The e-mail was sent 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 second electronic device's account, and was sent to the destination and the first. Includes storage locations for electronic data in electronic devices. 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. The processor of the server device is made to execute the step of determining the above and the step of notifying the first user of the determination result.

According to the above invention, the sender of an e-mail can 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.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline structure of the communication system 1 and the outline of processing. It is a figure which showed the schematic structure of the management table 541 stored in the application server 13. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating the processing in communication system 1. It is a flowchart which showed the flow of the process performed in the application server 13. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the functional configuration of each server included in a server network 10. It is a figure which showed the typical example of the hardware composition of the file sharing server 11. It is a figure which showed the typical example of the hardware composition of the terminal apparatus 21. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline structure of the communication system 1A which concerns on this Embodiment, and the outline of processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline structure of the communication system 1B which concerns on this embodiment, and the outline of processing. It is a figure which showed the schematic structure of the management table 541B stored in the application server 13B. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline structure of the communication system 1C which concerns on this Embodiment, and the outline of processing. It is a figure which showed the schematic structure of the management table 541C stored in the application server 13C. It is a figure showing the user interface 2091 displayed on the display 209 of a terminal apparatus 21. It is a figure showing the user interface 2092 displayed on the display 209 of a terminal apparatus 21.

Hereinafter, the communication system according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Further, in the following description, the same members are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, the detailed description of them will not be repeated.

In the following description, "e-mail" will be described as including web mail. Further, in the following description, the "file path" is configured to include the file name. The file name will be described as including the extension of the file. 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 which is a first functional module, a mail collection server 12 which is a second functional module, an application server 13 which is a third functional module, a mail server (not shown), and an account. Includes an authentication server that stores information. The mail server is communicably connected to a plurality of terminal devices 21 to 24 and a 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.) for the server and an e-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 will be 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 the terminal devices 21 to 24. In the following, a mode in which one terminal device is assigned to one user will be described as an example, but 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 uploads electronic data (hereinafter referred to as “file 511”) to be confirmed (viewed) by another person to the file sharing server 11 by using the terminal device 21 (process (i)). The files 512 and 513 have already been uploaded to the file sharing server 11. Next, the user A is an e-mail 521 addressed to the e-mail address of each account of the users B to D and the e-mail address of the account of the mail collection server 12 by using the account of the user A and the terminal device 21, and is a file. An e-mail 521 containing a file path representing the storage location of 511 is sent to a mail server (not shown). Users B to D of the terminal devices 22 to 24 and the mail collection server 12 obtain a file path indicating the storage location of the file 511 by acquiring the mail from the mail server that stores the mail 521 using their respective accounts. Can be known (processing (ii)). The format for designating (description) the file path is predetermined in the communication system 1.

In the following, for convenience of explanation, the access from the user's account to the server side is appropriately described by omitting the "account" such as "access from the user". An example of "access" is uploading and downloading (acquiring) a file. Further, for convenience of explanation, the transmission of the e-mail to the e-mail address of the user's account is appropriately described by omitting the "account" such as "sending the e-mail to the user".

Based on the receipt of the e-mail 521, the mail collection server 12 applies the mail information 536 including at least the destination (destination) of the e-mail 521, the information of the sender of the e-mail, and the file path of the file 511. Notify the server 13. More specifically, the mail collection server 12 associates the destinations (mail addresses) described in the e-mail 521 with respect to the users B to D, excluding the destinations of the mail collection server 12 itself, with the file name, and is an application server. Notify 13.

Users B to D can know the file path by checking the content (specifically, the body of the mail) of the e-mail sent from the user A. For example, suppose 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 the access log 531 indicating that the user B has accessed the file 511 to the application server 13. The access log 531 contains information on the date and time when the access was made.

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

Further, when the application server 13 receives an access requesting confirmation of the viewing status of the file 511 from the user A (terminal device 21), the application server 13 notifies the terminal device 21 of the above determination result (process (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 outputs the above determination result to the terminal device. Notify 21.

When the above processes (i) to (iii) are performed, specifically, the application server 13 determines that the file 511 has been accessed by the user B but not by the users C and D. .. Further, 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 has uploaded the file 511 to the file sharing server 11 can determine whether or not 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.

With reference to FIG. 2, the management table 541 includes read / unread information of the file specified by the mail transmission date / time, the file name, the file path, and the file name. The management table 541 may include an e-mail title and e-mail sender information. E-mail 521 corresponds to, for example, the one sent at 14:30 on August 15th.

Based on the management table 541, the application server 13 receives a request from the terminal device 21 used by the user A, and notifies (responses) the contents according to the request. A specific example of the content of the notification is as follows.

The application server 13 has, for example, a mail list (title list) in which the sender is user A, a file path described in the body of each mail, and a browsing status of each user's file to which the mail is sent ( Display data including the access status) is transmitted to the terminal device 21. Alternatively, when the application server 13 receives the request for which the file name is specified from the terminal device 21, the application server 13 notifies the terminal device 21 of only 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 the processing in the communication system 1. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a situation described with reference to FIG.

With reference to FIG. 3, in sequence SQ2, user A uploads a file to the file sharing server 11 using the terminal device 21. In the sequence SQ4, the terminal device 21 transmits the e-mail 521 to the terminal device 22, the mail collection server 12, and the terminal devices 23, 24 (not shown) used by the user B via the mail server. .. As described above, 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.

In the sequence SQ6, the mail collection server 12 transmits the mail information 536 to the application server 13. In the 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 the sequence SQ10, the file sharing server 11 transmits the access log 531 recording the access to the file 511 by the user B to the application server 13.

In the sequence SQ12, the user A uses the terminal device 21 to transmit a request signal requesting confirmation of the viewing status of the file 511 to the application server 13. In the sequence SQ14, the application server 13 transmits a response signal corresponding to the request signal to the terminal device 21 which is the source of the request signal. As an example, the application server 13 transmits HTML format display data to the terminal device 21.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the application server 13. With reference to FIG. 4, in step S2, the application server 13 (specifically, the CPU of the application server 13) receives the mail information from the mail collection server 12 based on the mail collection server 12 receiving the e-mail. In step S4, the application server 13 receives the access log 531 from the file sharing server based on the user's access to 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. , Judgment is made for each user B to D. In step S8, the application server 13 updates the management table 541 based on the above determination result.

In step S10, the application server 13 receives a viewing status confirmation request from a user (user A in the aspect of FIG. 1) using the terminal devices 21 to 24 (terminal device 21 in the aspect of FIG. 1). , 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 a series of processes.

<D. Functional configuration>
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of each server (file sharing server 11, mail collection server 12, application server 13) included in the server network 10. With reference 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 the file transmitted from the terminal device. When the control unit 112 receives the file by the communication processing unit 111, 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 by 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. When the file is accessed, the control unit 112 transmits the access log 531 to the application server 13 via the communication processing unit 111. The access log 531 includes identification information (for example, a file name) for identifying the accessed file, a date and time when the access was performed, and information for identifying the person who accessed (for example, a user name).

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 the e-mail transmitted from the user by using the terminal device. When the e-mail is received by the communication processing unit 121, the control unit 122 stores the e-mail in the storage unit 123. For example, the control unit 122 stores the e-mail 521 transmitted from the user A by using the terminal device 21 in the storage unit 123. Further, the control unit 122 transmits the above-mentioned mail information 536 to the application server 13 via the communication processing unit 121 based on the receipt of the e-mail.

The control unit 132 of the application server 13 controls the operation of the application server 13. The storage unit 133 stores the management table 541 (FIG. 2). The control unit 132 updates the management table 541 by 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 sent the viewing status confirmation request to the application server 13. As an example, when the communication processing unit 131 receives the viewing status confirmation request transmitted from the user A using the terminal device 21 (when 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.

By the above processing, as described above, the user who uploaded the file 511 to the file sharing server 11 (for example, user A of the terminal device 21) has another person (for example, users B to D) accessing the file (for example, file 511). It becomes possible to judge whether or not it has been done.

<E. Hardware configuration>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a typical example of the hardware configuration of the file sharing server 11. With reference to FIG. 6, the file sharing server 11 has, as main components, a CPU 101 that executes a program, a ROM 102 that stores data non-volatilely, and data or an input device (data generated by executing the program by the CPU 101). A RAM 103 that volatilely stores data input via (not shown), an HDD 104 that stores data non-volatilely, an LED 105, a switch 106, a communication IF (Interface) 107, and a power supply circuit 108.
The display 109 and the operation key 110 are included. The components are 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 supply received via the outlet and supplies power to each part of the file sharing server 11. The switch 106 is a main power supply switch for switching whether or not to supply power to the power supply circuit 108, and various other push button switches. The display 109 is a device for displaying various data.

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

The LED 105 is various indicator lamps indicating the operating state of the file sharing server 11. For example, the LED 105 represents an on or off state of the main power supply of the file sharing server 11, a read or write state to the HDD 104, and the like. The operation key 110 is a key (keyboard) used by 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 the HDD 104 in advance. In addition, 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 temporarily stored in the HDD 104 after being read from the storage medium by the reading device or downloaded via the communication IF 107 or the like. 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 the figure is a general one. Therefore, it can be said that the essential part of the present invention is the software stored in the RAM 103, the HDD 104, the storage medium, or the software that can be downloaded via the network. Since the operation of each hardware of the file sharing server 11 is well known, the detailed description will not be repeated.

The recording medium is not limited to DVD-RAM, but DVD-ROM and CD-ROM.
, FD, hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk, EEPROM, flash ROM, or other semiconductor memory, or the like, which may be a medium that stably carries a program. The recording medium is a non-temporary medium in which the program or the like can be read by a computer. Further, the program referred to here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU, but also a source program format program, 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 the file sharing server 11, the hardware configurations of the mail collection server 12 and the application server 13 will not be repeatedly described here.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a typical example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 21. With reference to FIG. 7, the terminal device 21 has, as main components, a CPU 201 that executes a program, a ROM 202 that stores data non-volatilely, and data or an input device (FIG. 7) generated by executing the program by the CPU 201. RAM 203 for volatile storage of data input via (not shown), HDD 204 for non-volatile data storage, LED 205, switch 206, communication IF (Interface) 207, power supply circuit 208, and display. 20
9 and an operation key 210 are included. The components are connected to each other by a data bus.

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

The communication IF 207 performs a data transmission process to another electronic device (for example, an application server 13 and a file sharing server 11) and a data reception process of the data transmitted from the other electronic device.

The LED 205 is various indicator lamps indicating the operating state of the terminal device 21. For example, the LED 205 represents an on or off state of the main power supply of the terminal device 21, a read or write state to the HDD 204, and the like. The operation key 210 is a key (keyboard) used by 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 HDD 204 in advance. In addition, 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 temporarily stored in the HDD 204 after being read from the storage medium by the reading device or downloaded via the communication IF207 or the like. The software is read from HDD 204 by CPU 201 and stored in RAM 203 in the form of an executable program. The CPU 201 executes the program.

Each component constituting the terminal device 21 shown in the figure is a general one. 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. Since the operation of each hardware of the terminal device 21 is well known, the detailed description will not be repeated.

The recording medium is not limited to DVD-RAM, but DVD-ROM and CD-ROM.
, FD, hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk, EEPROM, flash ROM, or other semiconductor memory, or the like, which may be a medium that stably carries a program. The recording medium is a non-temporary medium in which the program or the like can be read by a computer. Further, the program referred to here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU, but also a source program format program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

Since the terminal devices 22 and 23 have the same hardware configuration as 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, the process performed when the uploading user updates the 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. With reference 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. Further, the file sharing server 11A executes the function of the file sharing server 11 and the notification function described later. The file sharing server 11A has the same configuration as the file sharing server 11 except that it has the notification function.

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

Each process (processes (i) to (iv) and each process in the server network 10 and the like) described based on FIG. 1 of the first embodiment is similarly performed in the communication system 1A according to the present embodiment. Therefore, in the following, the process described with reference to FIG. 1 will not be repeated, but will be described focusing on the process specific to the present embodiment. Specifically, the processing after the processing (iv) is performed will be described.

It is assumed that the user A of the terminal device 21 updates the uploaded file 511 after the process (iv) (process (v)). The file sharing server 11A may be configured to update the uploaded file by receiving the correction instruction from the user A, or the file corrected by the user A in the terminal device 21 may be updated. The user A may use the terminal device 21 to upload the file to the file sharing server 11A again.

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 the 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 updates the file 511 to the viewing target person (users B to D in the present embodiment) of the file 511. (Process (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 has uploaded the file 511 does not need to notify the users B to D who are the 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 the 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. With reference 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. Further, the file sharing server 11B executes the function of the file sharing server 11A according to the second embodiment and the notification function described later. The file sharing server 11B has the same configuration as the file sharing server 11A except that it 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 the function of the mail collection server 12 and the 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 the application server 13 according to the first embodiment. Further, the application server 13B has a function of the application server 13A according to the second embodiment.

In the communication system 1B, FIG. 1 and the embodiment of the first embodiment are described, 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 the first and second embodiments. Each process (processes (i) to (vi) described with reference to FIG. 8 of the second embodiment.
) And each process in the server networks 10 and 10A) are similarly performed in the communication system 1B according to the present embodiment. In the following, the processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 8 will not be repeated, and will be described focusing on the processes specific to the present embodiment.

The mail collection server 12B instructs the file sharing server 11B to generate a duplicate 511B of the file 511 based on the receipt of the e-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 duplicate 511B (the storage location of the duplicate 511B in the storage unit 113).

In the process (iv), the application server 13B has 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 based on the request from the user A using the terminal device 21. The terminal device 21 is notified of both file paths in association with the path. Specifically, the application server 13B updates the management table 541B (FIG. 10), which will be described later, based on the acquisition of each file path. The application server 13B refers to the updated management table 541B, and transmits the display data in response to the 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 file paths of the access log 531 and the duplicate 511B received from the file sharing server 11B and the mail information 536 received from the mail collection server 12B.

With reference to FIG. 10, the management table 541B shows the mail transmission date and time, the file name, the file path of the duplicate (file at the time of sending the e-mail), the file path of the current file, and the file specified by the file name. Includes read or unread information, etc. The management table 541B may include an e-mail title and e-mail sender information.

The "current file" refers to a file that is the source of the duplicate or a file that has been updated. More specifically, the "current file" refers to the file 511 uploaded by the user A and the file 511 after the user A updates the file 511.

Based on the management table 541B, the application server 13B responds to a request from the user A of the terminal device 21 and notifies (responses) the contents according to the request. For example, the application server 13B has a mail list (title list) in which the sender is user A, a file path described in the body of each mail, and a browsing status of each user's file to which the mail is sent. The display data including the access status), the file path of the duplicate, and the file path of the current file is transmitted to the terminal device 21.

According to the above configuration, the user who uploaded the file (in the case of FIG. 9, user A of the terminal device 21) confirms not only the contents of the current file but also the contents of the original file in which the e-mail was sent. It becomes possible to do. In addition, since the current file and the original file from which the e-mail was sent remain, the communication system 1B can perform simple management such as managing files of two revisions.

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 where a viewing deadline is set for the file uploaded to the file sharing server 11A will be described.

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. With reference to FIG. 11, the communication system 1C includes a server network 10C 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 the application server 13 according to the first embodiment. Further, the application server 13C executes the function of the application server 13 and the notification function described later. The application server 13C has the same configuration as the application server 13 except that it has the notification function.

Each process (processes (i) to (iv) and each process in the server network 10 and the like) described with reference to FIG. 1 of the first embodiment is similarly performed in the communication system 1C according to the present embodiment. Therefore, in the following, the process described with reference to FIG. 1 will not be repeated, but will be described focusing on the process specific to 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 the deadline information indicating the viewing deadline of the file 511. I'm out. The format for describing the deadline information is predetermined in the communication system 1.

The application server 13C determines whether or not each of the users B to D of the terminal devices 22 to 24 has accessed the file 511 within the viewing deadline based on the access log 531. Further, the application server 13C is predetermined for the terminal device (for example, the terminal devices 23 and 24 of the users C and D) used by the user who is determined not to access the file 511 within the viewing deadline. Notify the information that represents the contents. The "predetermined content" is not particularly limited as long as it promotes 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.

With reference to FIG. 12, the management table 541C includes read / unread information of the file specified by the mail transmission date / time, the file name, the file path, and the file name, information on the file viewing deadline, 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 terminal device of the user who has not browsed the file even after the viewing deadline has passed the information indicating the content prompting the confirmation of the file.

According to the above configuration, even if there is no operation by the user who uploaded the file (such as sending an e-mail urging the person who has not read the file to confirm the file), the person who has not read the file within the file viewing deadline On the other hand, it is possible to encourage the viewing of the file.
[Embodiment 5]
This embodiment describes one aspect of the screen displayed by the terminal device based on the management table 541 and the like described above. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the case where the file browsing status is displayed on the mailer display screen will be described. Further, the processing in the present embodiment can be applied to the communication systems 1, 1A, 1B, 1C according to the first to fourth embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface (UI: User Interface) 2091 displayed on the display 209 of the terminal device 21. With reference to FIG. 13, when the user A displays the transmitted e-mail on the display 209 of the terminal device 21, the terminal device 21 browses the file in association with the information indicating the storage location of the electronic data. Display identification information to identify the person who did. Specifically, the terminal device 21 displays facial 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, the object 250 including the 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 (e-mail quoting the text of the e-mail 521) after the e-mail 521 is sent. It is not limited. If the screen displays the same file path as the file path 240, it is preferable to configure the terminal device so that the object 250 is displayed in the vicinity of the file path.

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

According to the above configuration, the sender of the e-mail can identify the person who browsed the e-mail or the e-mail related to the e-mail on the screen 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 modified embodiment of the fifth embodiment will be described.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a user interface 2092 displayed on the display 209 of the terminal device 21. With reference to FIG. 14, the terminal device 21 displays 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 body of the e-mail 521, as in the fifth embodiment. Display the contained object 250.

Specifically, when the transmitted e-mail 521 is displayed on the display, the terminal device 21 displays the identification information 260 indicating the existence of the user comment in association with the face images 251 to 254. More specifically, the figure shows a state in which users B and E associated with the face images 251,254 have notified the comment 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 pointer 280 of the mouse or the like, the terminal device 21 pops up, for example, the content of the user comment of the user E associated with the face image 254. Display on the screen in format.

According to the above configuration, the sender of the e-mail can identify the person who viewed the e-mail or the e-mail related to the e-mail on the screen displaying the e-mail, and in addition, the user comment. You can check the existence and contents.

In the above description, a configuration in which a comment is displayed by accepting a user operation for selecting a face image has been described as an example, but 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 viewed the e-mail or the e-mail related to the e-mail on the screen displaying the e-mail, and the presence or absence of user comments. You can check the contents immediately. In this case, the terminal device does not particularly need to display the identification information 260 indicating the existence of the user comment.
[Embodiment 7]
In each of the above embodiments 1 to 4, each server network 10, 10A, 10B, 10C has three server devices (file sharing server, mail collection server, application server) shown in the figure and a server device not shown in the figure. Although the configuration having (mail server, authentication server) has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one server device may execute the function of the file sharing server, the function of the mail collection server, and the function of the application server. In this case, the one server device has a function module that executes a process performed by the file sharing server, a function module that executes a process performed by the mail collection server, and a function module that executes a process performed by the application server. I can say. Note that the two server devices may execute the function of the file sharing server, the function of the mail collection server, and the function of the application server. Alternatively, one server device may execute 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.
[Embodiment 8]
An SMTP server may be used for sending and receiving e-mails in the communication systems 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C of the above-described first to fourth embodiments. The method of exchanging e-mail is not particularly limited.
[Embodiment 9]
In the communication systems 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C of the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the file path has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It may be a folder path instead of a file path. In any case, in the communication system, the storage location of the electronic data may be notified to the terminal device or the like.

<Summary>
In the following, in order to simplify the explanation, the description will be focused 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, each of which performs a predetermined server function. The first functional module (file sharing servers 11, 11A, 11B) of the plurality of functional modules receives the uploaded electronic data (file 511). The second functional module (mail collection servers 12, 12B) among the plurality of functional modules has the email address of the account of the first user (user A) to the email address of the account of the second user (user B) and Receive the e-mail (521) sent to the e-mail address of the account of the second function module. The e-mail contains a destination and a storage location for electronic data in the first functional module. When the electronic data stored in the first functional module is accessed, the first functional module is the third functional module among the plurality of functional modules (application servers 13, 13A, 13B, 13C). Notify the access history to. The third functional module determines whether or not the electronic data has been accessed by the second user based on the transmission destination acquired from the second functional module and the history acquired from the first functional module. The judgment is made and the judgment result is notified to the first user.

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

[2] Focusing on the communication systems 1A and 1B according to the second and third embodiments, the electronic data of the first functional module (file sharing servers 11A and 11B) is updated based on the instruction from the first user. In this case, 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 receipt of the notification that the update has been made.

According to the above configuration, the first user who uploaded the electronic data (file 511) tells the second user who is the destination of the e-mail (521) that the electronic data has been updated. There is no need to notify using the device 21. Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of the first user who uploaded the electronic data.

[3] Focusing on the communication system 1B according to the third embodiment, the second functional module (mail collection server 12B) refers to the first functional module based on the reception of the e-mail (521). , Instruct the generation of a duplicate of electronic data (511B). The first functional module notifies the third functional module (application server 13B) of the storage location of the generated duplicate. Based on the 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 the above configuration, the first user who uploaded the file can check not only the contents of the current file but also the contents of the original electronic data at which the e-mail is sent.

[4] Focusing on the communication system 1C according to the fourth embodiment, the e-mail further includes the deadline information indicating the viewing deadline of the electronic data. The third function module (application server 13C) determines whether or not the second user (user B) has accessed the electronic data within the viewing deadline based on the history, and the second terminal device is within the viewing deadline. If it is determined that the electronic data is not being accessed, the second user is notified of the information representing the 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) (such as sending an e-mail urging a person who has not read the electronic data to confirm the electronic data). It is possible to encourage a person who has not read the electronic data within the viewing deadline of the electronic data to view 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, and the terminal device displays the sent e-mail on the display based on the instruction by the first user, it is associated with the information indicating the storage location of the electronic data. Display identification information for identifying the second user.

According to the above configuration, the sender (first user) of the e-mail can identify the person who browsed the e-mail or the e-mail related to the e-mail on the screen displayed.

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

According to the above configuration, by displaying the face image of the person who browsed, the sender of the e-mail (first user) can more easily identify the person who browsed.

[7] Focusing on the sixth embodiment, when the 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 the instruction by the first user. When the device (21) displays the transmitted e-mail on the display (209), the terminal device (21) is associated with the face image to indicate the existence of the user comment (identification information 260) or the content of the user comment. Display (274) is performed.

According to the above section, the sender of the e-mail (first user) can identify the person who viewed the e-mail or the e-mail related to the e-mail on the screen displayed. In addition to being able to do it, you can check 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 server 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 the third server device.

According to the above configuration, the communication system can be configured by using three separate server devices.

[9] According to still another aspect of the present invention, the server device (application servers 13, 13A, 13B, 13C) is for storing the terminal device (21) and the electronic data uploaded using the terminal device. It communicates with the first electronic device (file sharing servers 11, 11A, 11B) and the second electronic device (mail collection server 12, 12B) that collects e-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. It includes a transmission destination and a storage location for electronic data in the first electronic device. In the server device, 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. Is determined, and the determination result is notified to the first user.

The embodiments disclosed this time are examples, and are not limited to the above contents. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims are included.

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- 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 objects, 251 to 251 254 face images, 260 identification information, 511,512,513 files, 511B duplicates, 521 emails, 513 access logs, 536 email information, 541,541B, 541C management tables.

Claims (6)

The sender sends an e-mail to the recipient, including the storage location of the electronic data,
When the recipient accesses the electronic data, the accessed information is notified together with the body of the transmitted e-mail .
An application program that acquires identification information for identifying the recipient, the accessed information includes the identification information, and the identification information is an image including a face image of the recipient . When a user comment on the electronic data is notified to the sender by the recipient, and when the e-mail transmitted based on the instruction by the sender is displayed on the display unit, the user comment is associated with the identification information. The application program according to claim 1 , which displays the existence or the user comment. The invention according to any one of claims 1 or 2 , wherein when the electronic data is updated based on the instruction from the sender, the recipient is notified that the electronic data has been updated. Application program. The e-mail further includes deadline information indicating the deadline for viewing the electronic data.
Any one of claims 1 to 3 , which notifies the recipient of information representing predetermined contents when the recipient does not access the electronic data within the viewing deadline. The application program described in. The sender sends an e-mail to the recipient, including the storage location of the electronic data,
When the recipient accesses the electronic data, the content of the body of the transmitted e-mail is displayed including the accessed information, and the identification information for identifying the recipient is acquired and described. The accessed information includes the identification information, and the identification information is an application program which is a face image of the recipient. The sender sends an e-mail to the recipient, including the storage location of the electronic data,
When the recipient accesses the electronic data, the content of the body of the transmitted e-mail is displayed including the accessed information, and the identification information for identifying the recipient is acquired and described. When a user comment on electronic data is notified to the sender by the recipient, and when the e-mail sent based on the instruction by the sender is displayed on the display unit, the presence of the user comment is associated with the identification information. An application program that displays the user comment or the user comment.

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