JPH10307792A - Multimedia document transmitting/receiving method, its system and storage medium storing multimedia transmitting/receiving program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to execute the preparation, transmission and reading of a multimedia document between specific users by utilizing WWW servers, WWW browsers, electronic mails, telephone sets, facsimile(FAX) equipments, mails or the like. SOLUTION: A home page is formed in a server (S1), at least one of the address of the prepared home page, a password allowing only a client to read the home page and a file related to the prepared home page is sent to the client through an electronic mail (S2). A multimedia document prepared by the server is sent to through a FAX equipment. On the other hand, a multimedia document is generated by the server having a voice response device and a push signal recognizing device and transmitted to a FAX number indicated by a push signal outputted from the client.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multimedia document transmitting / receiving method and system, and a storage medium storing a multimedia document transmitting / receiving program, and more particularly to a client / server constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network. A multimedia document for transmitting and receiving a multimedia document, which is various types of electronic document data (including still image data, moving image data, and audio data) other than character data in the side system communication method, between specific users. The present invention relates to a transmission / reception method and system, and a storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electronic mail transmits and receives only character data. When it is desired to transmit a multimedia document, the multimedia document can be attached to an electronic mail and transmitted. The receiving side of the multimedia document displays the multimedia document by using display software corresponding to the multimedia document together with the e-mail software.

[0003] A WWW server, a WWW browser, or the like is used for registering and referencing a multimedia document for an unspecified number of people who do not limit viewers.

[0004]

However, conventionally, when an e-mail and a multimedia document are received together, in addition to the e-mail software, a display corresponding to the attached multimedia document is sent. Software is required. In addition, WWW
When a server and a WWW browser are used, it is possible for an unspecified number of people to use a multimedia document, but it is not suitable for use between specific users only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has been widely used for creating, transmitting, and browsing multimedia documents between specific users by using WWW servers, WWW browsers, e-mails, telephones, and faxes. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multimedia document transmission / reception method and system which can be easily performed using a device, mail, or the like, and a storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program.

[0006] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method in which digital data in a server is referred to from a client.
An object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia document transmission / reception method and system which does not leave a copy of the multimedia document on a client and a storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program.

[0007]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention. A first invention is a multimedia document transmitting / receiving method in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a multimedia document (homepage) is created in a server (step 1) and created. The client notifies the client of the designated homepage address by e-mail (step 2).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a data file in a home page is encrypted, and information for decrypting the data file and a management number for referring to the data file are transmitted to the client. The management number is returned to the server, the server confirms the returned management number, sends a decryption key for decrypting the data file to the client, the client decrypts the data file with the decryption key, and the decryption is completed. At this point, the decryption key is deleted.

A third invention is a multimedia document transmitting / receiving method in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a multimedia document (homepage) is created and created in a server. Prepare a common homepage that serves as an entrance for browsing the homepage, and notify the client of the page address of the common homepage and a password for only a specific client to view the created homepage by e-mail to the client. .

A fourth invention is a multimedia document transmitting / receiving method in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a multimedia document (homepage) is created and created in a server. Attach all files related to the homepage to an e-mail and send it to the client.

In a fifth aspect based on the third aspect, the file related to the created homepage is a homepage description file, a still image data file, a moving image data file, or an audio data file. A sixth invention relates to a multimedia document transmission / reception method in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network,
Create a multimedia document in the server, print the created multimedia document, and send it to the client.

A seventh invention relates to a multimedia document transmitting / receiving method in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a multimedia document is created by a server, and the created multimedia document is created. Is converted to the data format of facsimile communication, and the multimedia document is transmitted to the client facsimile device by facsimile.

An eighth invention is a multimedia document transmitting / receiving method in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a multimedia document creation service is provided from a telephone of a client requesting creation. A telephone line is connected to a server having a voice response device and a push signal recognition device to perform, and according to the announcement by the voice response device of the server, the client of the creation request embeds a multimedia document to be embedded in a prescribed format by a push signal from a list, Based on the result of the selection and response by the client, the server creates a data file for facsimile machine output based on the result of the selection and response by the client, and receives the client's client input by a push signal from the client. And transmits it to the facsimile apparatus of the ant.

In the ninth invention, the multimedia document data is character data or still image data. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention. A tenth invention is a multimedia document transmitting / receiving system in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a homepage creating means 11 for creating a multimedia document (homepage), The server 1 includes a client notifying unit 12 that notifies the client 2 of the homepage address created by the creating unit 11 by using an e-mail.

According to an eleventh aspect, in the server, the data file in the home page is encrypted, and information for decrypting the data file and a management number for referring to the data file are transmitted to the client. Encrypted information transmitting means, a decryption key transmitting means for confirming the management number returned from the client and transmitting a decryption key for decrypting the data file to the client, and the client transmits the management information transmitted by the encrypted information transmitting means. Management number return means for returning the number to the server, decryption means for decrypting the decryption key data file obtained from the server,
Decryption key erasing means for erasing the decryption key when the decryption means ends.

A twelfth invention is a multimedia document transmission / reception system in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a homepage creating means for creating a multimedia document (homepage) is provided. E-mail the common homepage that serves as the entrance for browsing the homepage created by the homepage creation means, the page address of the common homepage, and the password that allows only certain clients to view the homepage created by the homepage creation means. And a password notifying means for notifying the client.

A thirteenth invention is a multimedia document transmission / reception system in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, and a homepage creation means for creating a multimedia document (homepage). And a server including a file transmission unit that attaches all files related to the homepage created by the homepage creation unit to an e-mail and transmits the file to a client.

The file transmitting means of the fourteenth invention transmits any one of a homepage description file, a still image data file, a moving image data file, and an audio data file as a file related to the created homepage. A fifteenth invention is a multimedia document transmission / reception system in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein multimedia document creation means for creating a multimedia document, and multimedia document creation means There is a server including printing means for printing the multimedia document created by the creating means, and sending means for sending the multimedia document printed by the printing means to the client.

A sixteenth invention is a multimedia document transmission / reception system in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein multimedia document creation means for creating a multimedia document is provided. Data conversion means for converting the multimedia document created by the multimedia document creation means into a data format for facsimile communication, and facsimile transmission means for transmitting the multimedia document converted by the data conversion means to a facsimile apparatus of a client. Having a server.

A seventeenth invention is a multimedia document transmitting / receiving system in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, and recognizes a push signal received as a selection response result from a client. Push signal recognition means, voice response means for responding by voice, data file generation means for creating a data file for facsimile device output according to the recognition result of the push signal recognition means, and client recognized by the push signal recognition means A server having facsimile transmission means for transmitting a data file via facsimile based on the destination information of the server, and according to the announcement by the voice response means of the server, a multimedia document to be embedded in a predetermined format, The tone signals from the list shown, and a client having a push signal response means for selecting response. Multimedia document transmission and reception system.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the push signal responding means comprises:
Select character data or still image data as multimedia document data. A nineteenth invention is a storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program in a client-server type system configured by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, and is provided with a multimedia document ( Homepage), and a client notification process for notifying the client of the address of the homepage created by the homepage creation process by e-mail.

The twentieth invention is mounted on a server,
An encryption information transmission process for encrypting a data file in the homepage and transmitting information for decrypting the data file and a management number for referring to the data file to the client, and a management returned from the client A decryption key transmission process that checks the number and sends a decryption key for decrypting the data file to the client, and a management number that is mounted on the client and returns the management number sent in the encryption information transmission process to the server It has a return process, a decryption process for decrypting the data file with the decryption key transmitted by the decryption key transmission process, and a decryption key erasure process for erasing the decryption key when the decryption process ends.

A twenty-first invention is a storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein the storage medium is a multi-media document mounted on a server. A homepage creation process for creating a media document (homepage),
Notify the client by e-mail of the page address of the common homepage that serves as the entrance for browsing the homepage created in the homepage creation process, and the password for only specific clients to view the homepage created in the homepage creation process. It has a password notification process to make it work.

A twenty-second invention is a storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein the storage medium is mounted on a server. A homepage creation process for creating a media document (homepage),
There is a file transmission process in which all files related to the homepage created in the homepage creation process are attached to an e-mail and transmitted to the client.

According to a twenty-third aspect, in the file transmission process, any one of a homepage description file, a still image data file, a moving image data file, and an audio data file is transmitted as a file related to the created homepage. A twenty-fourth invention is a storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, and stores a multimedia document mounted on a server. It has a multimedia document creation process to create, a printing process to print the multimedia document created by the multimedia document creation process, and a dispatch process to send the multimedia document printed by the print process to the client.

A twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is a storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program in a client / server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein the storage medium is provided on a server. A multimedia document creation process for creating a media document, a data conversion process for converting the multimedia document created in the multimedia document creation process to a data format for facsimile communication, and a client for the multimedia document converted in the data conversion process. And a facsimile transmission process for causing the facsimile apparatus to transmit.

[0027] A twenty-sixth invention is a multimedia document transmitting / receiving system in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, which is mounted on a server.
A push signal recognition process for recognizing a push signal received as a selection response result from a client, a voice response process for providing a voice response, and a data file for creating a data file for facsimile device output according to the recognition result of the push signal recognition process A generation process, a facsimile transmission process of transmitting a data file via facsimile based on the destination information of the client recognized by the push signal recognition process, and a predetermined process according to an announcement by a voice response process mounted on the client. A push signal response process is provided for selectively responding to the multimedia document to be embedded in the form by a push signal from the displayed list.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect, in the push signal response process, character data or still image data is selected as multimedia document data. As described above, in the present invention, there are the following methods for transmitting and notifying a multimedia document created in a WWW server to a recipient.

In the present invention, the address of the homepage created in the WWW server is notified to the recipient by e-mail. Prepare a common homepage as an entrance for browsing the created homepage, and send the e-mail to the recipient by e-mail with the page address of the common homepage and the password for only the recipient to view the created homepage. Notice. As a result, only a specific person can use it.

All data files (multiple homepage description files, still image files, moving image files, audio files, etc.) that compose the multimedia document are attached to an e-mail, and the e-mail describes a display method by a WWW browser. To the recipient. The multimedia document is printed on a postcard and mailed to the recipient (moving image data is used only as part of still image data, and audio data is discarded).

FAX multimedia documents
The data is converted to data and transmitted to the recipient's facsimile machine (only part of the moving image data is used as still image data, and audio data is discarded). With the above method, a specific user can use it. In addition to the homepage description file,
To avoid the data file being sent to the client and making a duplicate, the data file is encrypted and only the client auxiliary software for decrypting the data file and the control number for referring to the data file are used. Send with homepage description file.

When the client auxiliary software is transmitted to the client, a management number for referring to the data file is transmitted to the server. The server confirms the management number transmitted from the client, and if the client permits the data file, the server transmits the encrypted data file and the decryption key to the client.

The client auxiliary program decrypts the data file from the encrypted data file and decryption key transmitted from the server, and outputs the decrypted data file to a display device of the client (for example, if the data file is a still image file, Display). The decryption and display program saves the decrypted data in the storage device of the client and provides the user with a function of reusing the decrypted data, the encrypted data file, and the decrypted data. Delete the key from the client.

[0034]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the present invention, as a method for creating a multimedia document, there is a method using a WWW browser first. This method prepares a homepage and an auxiliary program for a multimedia document creation service in a WWW server. The functions of the homepage and the auxiliary program are provided by the client user
The home page is displayed on the client with a W browser, and multimedia data (character data, still image data, moving image data, audio data, etc.) which is a component of the multimedia document is input to the input form in the home page, and the character data is input. In the case of, select or input from the list, and in the case of still image data, moving image data, and audio data, select from the list or transfer from the client to the server. It is created automatically. It is assumed that such a method is applied to first to fourth
There is a form. This will be described below in order.

[First Embodiment] The following two operations are performed by the configuration shown in FIG. The first process is to create a multimedia document (homepage) in the server,
This is a method of notifying the recipient of the page address of the created homepage by e-mail.

In the second process, a multimedia document (homepage) is created in the server, a common homepage serving as an entrance for browsing the created homepage is prepared, and the page address of the common homepage and the creation are prepared. The recipient is notified by e-mail of a password for only the recipient to view the designated homepage.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of a client-server type system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The client-server system includes a client 100, a client 200, a wide area computer network 300, a server 400, and a server 500. Client 100 is W
The client 200 comprises a WW browser 110
Is the WWW browser 210 and the e-mail client 22
It consists of 0.

The server 400 includes WWW server software 440, a homepage 410 for providing a multimedia document creation service, an auxiliary program 420 for providing a multimedia document creation service, and an e-mail client 430. The server 500 is an e-mail server 510.

Except for a homepage 410 for providing a multimedia document creation service and an auxiliary program 420 for providing a multimedia document creation service, all are existing products. In the above configuration, the method of using the WWW browser 110 for creating a multimedia document is as follows.
0 and the auxiliary program 420 are prepared, and the homepage 410 and the auxiliary program 420
00 displays the home page on the client with the WWW browser 210, and the input form in the home page includes a multimedia document (character data, still image data, moving image data, audio data, etc.) which is a component of the multimedia document. ) For text data, select or enter from the list,
In the case of moving image data and audio data, if the data is selected from the list and transferred from the client 100 to the server 400, W
A multimedia document is automatically created as a home page in the WW server 110.

[Second Embodiment] In a second embodiment, a multimedia document (homepage) is created in a server, and the page address of the created homepage is notified to the recipient by e-mail. FIG. 4 shows the configuration of a client-server type system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The client-server type system shown in FIG.
It comprises a client 100, a client 200, a wide area computer network 300, a server 400, and a server 500.

The client 100 is a WWW browser 1
10 is a client on the creating side. The client 200 includes a WWW browser 210 and an e-mail client 220, and is a client on the receiving side. The server 400 includes WWW server software 440, a homepage 410 for providing a multimedia document creation service, an auxiliary program 420 for providing a multimedia document creation service, and an e-mail client 430.

The server 500 is an e-mail server 510
Consists of Homepage description file 41 for providing multimedia document creation service
0, except for an auxiliary program 420 for providing a multimedia document creation service. With this configuration, a multimedia document (homepage) is created in the server 400 at the request of the client 100, and the page address of the created homepage is transmitted to the client 200 by e-mail via the e-mail server 510 of the server 500. In the client 200, the information is displayed on the WWW browser 210.

[Third Embodiment] Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, a multimedia document is created in a server, and the created multimedia document is printed by a printing device connected to the server. To ship to recipient. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a client-server type system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The client-server type system shown in FIG.
0, a server 400, and a printing device 600. The client 100 is a creator and the WWW browser 11
It consists of 0. The server 400 includes WWW server software 440, a homepage 410 for providing a multimedia document creation service, and an auxiliary program 420 for providing a multimedia document creation service.

It is an existing product except for a homepage 410 for providing a multimedia document creation service and an auxiliary program 420 for providing a multimedia document creation service. In the above configuration, a multimedia document is created in the server 400, the created multimedia document is printed by the printing device 600 connected to the server 400, and sent to the recipient by mail.

[Fourth Embodiment] In a fourth embodiment, a multimedia document is created by a server, the created multimedia document is converted into a communication data format of a facsimile machine, and then transmitted to the recipient by the facsimile machine. I do. FIG. 6 is a client-server type system configuration diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The client-server type system shown in FIG. 1 includes a client 100, a facsimile machine 800,
Wide area computer network 300, telephone network 700, server 65
It consists of 0. The client 100 includes a WWW browser 100. The server 650 includes a WWW server 670, a homepage 680 for providing a multimedia document creation service, an auxiliary program 690 for providing a multimedia document creation service, facsimile communication hardware 610,
It is composed of facsimile communication software 620.

It is an existing product except for a homepage 680 for providing a multimedia document creation service and an auxiliary program 690 for providing a multimedia document creation service. With the above configuration, a multimedia document is created in the server 650, the created multimedia document is converted into the data format of the communication of the facsimile machine by the facsimile communication software 620 of the server 650, and is converted via the telephone network 700. The data is transmitted to the recipient's facsimile machine 800 by the facsimile machine.

[Fifth Embodiment] In the present invention, as a method of creating a multimedia document, there is a method of using a telephone capable of outputting a push signal. This method calls a device having a voice response device and a push signal recognition device that provide a multimedia document creation service, and, according to the announcement of the voice response device, multimedia data (character data, static data, etc.) that is a component of the multimedia document. Image data) based on a push signal selected by a push signal from among those enumerated in the voice guidance explanation, or by inputting character data by a combination of push signals, a multimedia document as a home page in the WWW server. Is created automatically. This embodiment applies such a method.

In the fifth embodiment, a telephone call is made to a device having a voice response device and a push signal recognition device for providing a multimedia document creation service. In accordance with the announcement of the voice response device, multimedia data (character data, still image data) to be embedded in a prescribed format is selected by a push signal from among those listed in the voice guidance explanation. The server creates a file of facsimile machine output data based on the selected push signal and transmits the file to (the telephone number of) the recipient's facsimile machine input by the push signal.

In the present invention, it is assumed that the position where the multimedia data is embedded in the multimedia document is fixed, but the position where the multimedia data is embedded may be specified by a push signal. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a client-server type system configuration according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The client-server system shown in FIG. 1 includes a client 100, a facsimile machine 800,
It comprises a telephone network 700 and a server 900. Server 9
00 is a push signal recognition and voice response hardware 950, a push signal recognition and voice response software 940, an auxiliary program 930 for providing a multimedia document creation service, a facsimile communication method software 920, and a facsimile communication hardware 910. Consists of

Except for an auxiliary program 930 for providing a multimedia document creation service, all are existing products. The telephone 10 makes a call to the server 400 having the push signal recognition and voice response hardware 950 for performing the multimedia document creation service and the push signal recognition and voice response software 940. According to the announcement, multimedia data (character data, still image data) to be embedded in a prescribed format is selected from a list by a push signal. Thereby, the server 400 creates a file of facsimile machine output data and sends the telephone network 700 to (the telephone number of) the recipient's facsimile machine 800 input by the push signal.
To send over.

[0054]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] The operation in the configuration of FIG. 3 will be described. The processing of this embodiment includes the following two methods.

The first process is a method of creating a multimedia document (homepage) in the server and notifying the recipient of the page address of the created homepage by e-mail. In the second process, a multimedia document (homepage) is created in the server, a common homepage serving as an entrance for viewing the created homepage is prepared, and the page address of the common homepage and the created homepage are prepared. Notify the recipient by e-mail of a password that only the recipient can view.

First, the first process will be described. FIG.
5 is a sequence chart of a first process of the present invention. Step 101) A connection is made from the WWW browser 110 of the client 100 to the WWW server software 440 via the wide area computer network 300.

Step 102) The WWW browser 110 of the client 100 reads a home page 410 for providing a multimedia document creation service from the WWW server software 440 of the server 400, and displays the home page 410 on the WWW browser 110. Step 103) At this time, W of client 100
Homepage 41 for providing multimedia document creation service displayed on WW browser 110
0 is composed of the following. An area for inputting character data (a sentence to be sent to the recipient, an e-mail address of the recipient, etc.); an area for selecting still image data, or a client side for transferring still image data from the client to the server. A format for specifying a file name or the like; an area for selecting moving image data, or a format for specifying a file name on the client side for transferring the moving image data from the client to the server; an area for selecting audio data, or A format for designating a file name on the client side for transferring audio data from the client to the server; input these or
A selection is made (if there is a data transfer from the client to the server, the transfer is performed), and the result is transmitted to the auxiliary program 420 of the server 400 for providing a multimedia document creation service.

Step 104) Auxiliary program 4 for providing a multimedia document creation service
20, a home page in which the input or selected data is arranged is created in the server 400 in the above step 103. At this time, the page address of the created home page is created by including a random number in a part of the name, thereby making it impossible to browse by unauthorized access.

Step 105) The auxiliary program 420 for providing the multimedia document creation service at the same time as the creation of the homepage notifies the other party of the page address of the homepage using electronic mail. The e-mail is sent from the e-mail client software 430 of the server 400 via the e-mail server software 510 of the server 500 to the client 2.
00 arrive at the email client software 220.

Step 106) The user of the client 200 reads the arriving e-mail using the e-mail client software 220, and specifies the page address of the described home page in the WWW browser 210, thereby creating the multimedia. Document (home page created on server 400)
Request.

Step 107) The home page and the related data file created on the server 400 are transmitted to the client 200. Thereby, the client 20
At 0, the home page created on the server 400 is browsed. Next, the second process will be described. FIG.
Since the processing up to step 105 in is the same as the first processing, the description is omitted, and the second processing (not shown) will be described from step 204 corresponding to step 104.

Step 204) Auxiliary program 1 for providing a multimedia document creation service
According to 1, in step 104, a home page in which the input or selected data is arranged is created on the server 400. At this time, it is not particularly necessary to prevent unauthorized access such as including a random number as part of the name of the page address of the created home page.

Step 205) Simultaneously with the creation of the homepage, the auxiliary program 420 for providing the multimedia document creation service of the server 400 transmits the page address and password of the common homepage serving as an entrance for browsing the created homepage. Notify recipients via email. The email arrives at the email client software 220 of the client 200 via the email server software 510 of the server 500.

Step 206) The user of the client 200 reads the arrived e-mail using the e-mail client software 220, designates the address of the described home page in the WWW browser 210, and displays the home page displayed on the WWW browser. When the password notified by e-mail is input to the server, the multimedia document (the homepage created on the server 400) created for the recipient is sent to the recipient by the auxiliary program for providing the multimedia document creating service of the server 400. Request.

Step 207) In the server 400, the home page and the related data file created in the server 400 are transmitted to the client 200.
It is displayed on the WWW browser 210 of the client 200. Further, here, a method of displaying a data file that does not create a copy of the server data file on the client will be described.

FIG. 9 is a sequence chart of a method of displaying a data file in the client according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which a copy of the data file of the server is not created. Step 301) The client 200 transmits to the server 40
Request the homepage created at 0. Step 302) The client 200 is sent to the client 200 the home page created on the server 400, a data file that does not prevent duplication, a client auxiliary program for outputting the data file that prevents duplication, and a management number that refers to the data file.

Step 303) In the client 200, the client auxiliary program is
Sends the management number and requests the encrypted data file and decryption key. Step 304) The server 400 checks the management number transmitted from the client 200 by the server start program, and if the server 200 allows the client 200 to refer to the data file, the encrypted data file
The decryption key is transmitted to the client 200.

Step 305) Accordingly, the client 200 uses the decryption key to decrypt the encrypted data file transmitted from the server 400 by the client auxiliary program, and outputs the decrypted data file to the client display device or the like. (For example, if the data file is a still image file, display is performed.) Further, the program for decryption and display provides the user with a function of storing the decrypted data in the storage device of the client and reusing it. Decrypted data without providing,
Delete the encrypted data file and decryption key from the client.

Also, the WWW server software 440 and the auxiliary program 420 for providing the multimedia document creation service included in the configuration of the server 400 shown in FIG. The present invention can be easily realized by storing the program stored in a portable storage medium such as a disk or a CD-ROM and installing the stored program when the server 400 is added.

The operation of this program is similar to that of the server 400 in FIGS. 8 and 9. [Second Embodiment] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence chart of a process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Step 401) From the WWW browser 110 of the client 100 to the WWW server software 440 of the server 400, the wide area computer network 3
Connect via 00. Step 402) The client 100 reads a homepage 410 for providing a multimedia document creation service from the server 400 and displays the homepage 410 on the WWW browser 110.

The WWW browser 11 of the client 100
The home page 410 for providing the multimedia document creation service indicated by the reference numeral 0 is configured as follows. An area for inputting character data (a sentence to be sent to the recipient, an e-mail address of the recipient, etc.); an area for selecting still image data, or a client side for transferring still image data from the client to the server. A format for specifying a file name or the like; an area for selecting moving image data, or a format for specifying a file name on the client side for transferring the moving image data from the client to the server; an area for selecting audio data, or A format for designating a file name or the like on the client side for transferring voice data from the client to the server: Step 403) Input or select the above format (if there is data transfer from the client to the server, perform the transfer); The result is used to provide a multimedia document creation service of the server 400. And transmits it to the auxiliary program 420.

Step 404) Auxiliary program 4 for providing a multimedia document creation service
20, the client 200 inputs or
The home page on which the selected data is arranged is stored in the server 40.
Create 0. Step 405) The server 400 attaches all the files related to the created homepage (homepage description file, still image data file, still image data file, moving image data file, audio data file, etc.) to the e-mail and sends the recipient (Client 20
0).

Step 406) The server 400 notifies the client 100 of the completion of the process. Step 407) The user of the client 200 reads the arriving e-mail using the e-mail client software 220, and specifies the file related to the homepage transmitted to the client according to the described procedure in the WWW browser 210. ,
View the sent multimedia document (a copy of the home page sent to the client).

Also, the WWW server software 440 and the auxiliary program 420 for providing the multimedia document creation service included in the configuration of the server 400 in FIG. The present invention can be easily realized by storing the program stored in a portable storage medium such as a disk or a CD-ROM and installing the stored program when the server 400 is added.

[Third Embodiment] The processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Step 501)
From WWW browser 110 of client 100 to WWW
It connects to server software 440 via wide area computer network 300 and issues a request for home page 410.

Step 502) WW from server 400
Homepage 41 for providing multimedia document creation service from W server software 440
0, and the client 100 displays it on the WWW browser 110. Step 503) The home page 410 for providing the multimedia document creation service displayed on the WWW browser 110 by the client 100 is configured as follows. An area for inputting character data (a sentence to be sent to the recipient, an address of the recipient, etc.); an area for selecting still image data, or a file on the client 100 side for transferring still image data from the client to the server. An area for specifying a name or the like: input or select these, and (from the client 100 to the server 4
If there is a data transfer to 00, the transfer is performed) and the result is transmitted to the auxiliary program 420 for providing the multimedia document creation service of the server 400.

Step 504) Auxiliary program 4 for providing a multimedia document creation service
According to 20, a home page or a still image data file in which the data input or selected in step 503 described above is arranged is created in the server 400, transmitted to the printing device 600, and printed on a postcard or the like. Step 505) The server 400 notifies the client 100 of a processing completion notification.

Step 506) The postcard or the like printed by the server 400 is mailed to the address of the recipient input in step 504. Also, the WWW server software 440 and the auxiliary program 420 for providing a multimedia document creation service included in the configuration of the server 400 in FIG. 5 are stored in a disk device connected to the server 400, a floppy disk or a CD. The present invention can be easily realized by storing the program in a portable storage medium such as a ROM or the like and installing the stored program when the server 400 is added.

These programs perform the same operation as the processing of the server 400 shown in FIG. Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment will be described based on the configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a sequence chart of a process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Step 601) The WWW browser 110 of the client 100 connects to the WWW server 670 of the server 650 via the wide area computer network 300,
Request home page 680. Step 602) The client 100 sends the server 65
From 0, a home page 680 for providing a multimedia document creation service is read and displayed on the WWW browser 110.

Step 603) WWW browser 110
The homepage 680 for providing the multimedia document creation service displayed in the following is configured as follows. An area for inputting character data (a sentence to be sent to the recipient, a recipient's FAX number, etc.); an area for selecting still image data, or a file on the client side for transferring still image data from the client to the server A predetermined format such as a name; input or select these (if there is data transfer from the client 100 to the server 650, perform the transfer), and output the result to the auxiliary program 690 for providing the multimedia document creation service of the server 650. Send to

Step 604) The server 650 creates a homepage or still image data in which the data input or selected in step 603 is arranged in the server 650 by the auxiliary program 690 for providing a multimedia document creation service. You. This home page is converted into facsimile data by an auxiliary program 690 for providing a multimedia document creation service.

Step 605) The converted facsimile data is transmitted from the facsimile communication software 620 via the telephone network 700 to the facsimile apparatus 800 of the client having the recipient's facsimile number input in step 603. Step 606) The processing completion is notified to the WWW server 650. WWW server software 670 included in the configuration of the server 650 in FIG. 6, an auxiliary program 690 for providing a multimedia document creation service, and facsimile communication software 620
Is stored in a disk device connected to the server 600 or a portable storage medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM, and the stored program is installed when the server 650 is added. Thereby, the present invention can be easily realized.

In addition, it is assumed that these flows can perform the same operation as the server 650 itself shown in FIG. [Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a sequence chart of a process according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Step 701) The telephone 10 makes a call to the server 900 via the telephone network 700. Step 702) The push signal recognition and voice response hardware 950 of the server 900 and the push signal recognition and voice response software 940 automatically respond,
An announcement is sent to the user to urge the user to select the following contents in order by a push signal. -An area for selecting still image data, or a format for designating a file name on the client side for transferring still image data from the client to the server;-An area for selecting or inputting character data;-A facsimile destination telephone Step 703) Select or enter the above contents (if there is data transfer from client 10 to server 900, transfer them) and use the result to provide multimedia document creation service of server 900 Send to program 930.

Step 704) Auxiliary program 9 for providing multimedia document creation service
In step 703, the facsimile communication software 9 combines the still image data and character data selected or input in step 703 into facsimile data.
20 and the facsimile communication hardware 910
Facsimile machine 8 having the facsimile number of the recipient inputted in step 703 from the telephone network 700
Send to 00.

Step 705) The server 900 notifies the telephone 10 of the completion of the process by voice. A push signal and voice response software 940 included in the configuration of the server 990 of FIG. 7 and an auxiliary program 930 for providing a multimedia document creation service
The facsimile communication software 920 is stored in a disk device connected to the server 900 or a portable storage medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM, and is stored when the server 900 is added. By installing the program
The present invention can be easily realized. The flow of these programs is assumed to be capable of performing the same operation as the server 900 itself shown in FIG.

The present invention can be variously modified and applied within the scope of the claims without being limited to the above embodiments.

[0090]

As described above, conventionally, an electronic mail has only transmitted character data. However, when a multimedia document is to be transmitted, the multimedia document is attached to the electronic mail and transmitted. Although it is possible, in order to display and view it, display software corresponding to the multimedia document is required in addition to the e-mail software. To register and refer to a multimedia document, a WWW server, W
When a WW browser is used, it is suitable for use for an unspecified majority without limiting the number of viewers, but is not suitable for use exclusively for specific users.

On the other hand, the present invention utilizes a WWW server, a WWW browser, an e-mail, a telephone, a facsimile machine, a mail, etc., which are widely used for creating, transmitting, and browsing multimedia documents between specific users. And can be easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a principle configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a client-server type system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a client-server type system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a client-server type system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a client-server type system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a client-server type system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sequence chart of a process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sequence chart of a method of displaying a data file in the client according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which does not create a copy of the data file of the server.

FIG. 10 is a sequence chart of a process according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sequence chart of a process according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sequence chart of a process according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sequence chart of a process according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 server 2 client 10 telephone 11 homepage creating means 12 client notifying means 100 client (creating side) 110 WWW browser 200 client (receiving side) 210 WWW browser 220 e-mail client 300 wide area computer network 400 server 410 providing multimedia document creating service Homepage 420 for providing a multimedia document creation service 430 e-mail client 440 WWW server software 500 server 510 e-mail server 600 printing device 610 facsimile communication hardware 620 facsimile communication software 650 server 670 WWW server Software 680 Multimedia Document Homepage for providing a document creation service 690 Auxiliary program for providing a multimedia document creation service 700 telephone network 800 facsimile apparatus 900 server 910 facsimile communication hardware 920 facsimile communication software 930 providing multimedia document creation service Signal for Push Signal Recognition and Voice Response 950 Hardware for Push Signal Recognition and Voice Response

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Akihiko Yoshiura 3-19-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Inside Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving method in a client / server type system including a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a multimedia document (homepage) is created in a server, and an address of the created homepage. The client is notified to the client using an electronic mail. 2. A method for encrypting a data file in the home page, transmitting information for decrypting the data file and a management number for referring to the data file to the client, wherein the client A management number is returned to the server, the server confirms the returned management number, and transmits a decryption key for decrypting the data file to the client; 2. The multimedia document transmitting / receiving method according to claim 1, wherein the decryption key is deleted when the decryption is completed. 3. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving method in a client / server type system including a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a multimedia document (homepage) is created in a server, and the created home-page is created. Prepare a common homepage as an entrance for browsing, and notify the client by e-mail of the page address of the common homepage and a password for only a specific client to view the created homepage. A method for transmitting and receiving a multimedia document. 4. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving method in a client / server type system including a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a multimedia document (homepage) is created in a server, and a multimedia document (homepage) is associated with the created homepage. A multimedia document sending and receiving method, wherein all files are attached to an e-mail and transmitted to a client. 5. The multimedia document transmitting / receiving method according to claim 4, wherein the file related to the created homepage is a homepage description file, a still image data file, a moving image data file, or an audio data file. 6. A method for transmitting and receiving a multimedia document in a client-server type system comprising a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a multimedia document is created in a server, and the created multimedia document is printed. And
A multimedia document transmission / reception method characterized by sending to a client. 7. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving method in a client / server type system including a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a multimedia document is created by a server, and the created multimedia document is transmitted by facsimile communication. And transmitting the multimedia document to a client facsimile machine by facsimile. 8. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving method in a client / server type system comprising a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a voice response apparatus for performing a multimedia document creation service from a telephone of a client requesting creation. And connecting a telephone line to a server having a push signal recognizing device, and selecting a multimedia document to be embedded by the client on the creation request side in a prescribed format by a push signal from a list according to an announcement by the voice response device of the server. In response, the server creates a data file for facsimile machine output based on the result of the selection and response by the client, and receives the result by a push signal from the client. Multimedia documents reception method and transmits to the facsimile machine of the receiving client. 9. The multimedia document transmission / reception method according to claim 8, wherein the multimedia document data is character data or still image data. 10. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving system in a client / server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a homepage creating means for creating a multimedia document (homepage); A multimedia document transmission / reception system, comprising: a server including client notification means for notifying a client of an address of a homepage created by the means using electronic mail. 11. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server encrypts a data file in the home page, and transmits information for decrypting the data file and a management number for referring to the data file to the client. An information transmitting unit, a decryption key transmitting unit that confirms a management number returned from the client, and transmits a decryption key for decrypting the data file to the client, wherein the client is the encryption information transmitting unit. Management number return means for returning the transmitted management number to the server; decryption key obtained from the server; decryption means for decrypting the data file; and decryption key when the decryption means ends. 11. The multimedia document transmission / reception system according to claim 10, further comprising: a decryption key erasing unit for erasing a document. 12. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving system in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a homepage creating means for creating a multimedia document (homepage); An e-mail includes a common homepage serving as an entrance for browsing the homepage created by the means, a page address of the common homepage, and a password for only a specific client to view the homepage created by the homepage creation means. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving system comprising a server including a password notifying unit for notifying the client of the above. 13. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving system in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a homepage creating means for creating a multimedia document (homepage); A multimedia document transmission / reception system, comprising: a server including a file transmission unit that attaches all files related to a homepage created by the unit to an e-mail and transmits the file to a client. 14. The multi-function device according to claim 12, wherein the file transmitting unit transmits any one of a homepage description file, a still image data file, a moving image data file, and an audio data file as a file related to the created homepage. Media document sending and receiving system. 15. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving system in a client-server type system comprising a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein said multimedia document creating means creates a multimedia document; A multimedia document transmission / reception system, comprising: a printing unit that prints a multimedia document created by a creation unit; and a server that includes a sending unit that sends the multimedia document printed by the printing unit to a client. 16. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving system in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein said multimedia document creating means creates a multimedia document; A server including: a data conversion unit configured to convert the multimedia document created by the creation unit into a data format of facsimile communication; and a facsimile transmission unit configured to transmit the multimedia document converted by the data conversion unit to a facsimile device of a client. A multimedia document transmission / reception system, comprising: 17. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving system in a client-server type system comprising a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein a push signal recognizing means for recognizing a push signal received as a selection response result from a client. Voice response means for responding by voice; data file generation means for creating a data file for facsimile apparatus output in accordance with the recognition result of the push signal recognition means; and transmission of a client recognized by the push signal recognition means. A server having facsimile transmission means for transmitting the data file via facsimile based on the destination information, and according to an announcement by voice response means of the server,
Multimedia documents to be embedded in a predetermined format,
A multimedia document transmitting / receiving system, comprising: a client having a push signal responding means for selectively responding to a push signal from a displayed list. 18. The multimedia document transmission / reception system according to claim 17, wherein said push signal response means selects character data or still image data as said multimedia document data. 19. A storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein the multimedia document (homepage) is mounted on a server. And a client notification process for notifying a client of an address of the homepage created by the homepage creation process by e-mail to a client. Medium. 20. A method for encrypting a data file in the home page, which is mounted on the server, decrypting the data file, and a management number for referring to the data file to the client. An encryption information transmission process for transmitting, a decryption key transmission process for confirming a management number returned from the client, and transmitting a decryption key for decrypting the data file to the client; and a decryption key transmission process mounted on the client. A management number return process of returning the management number transmitted in the encryption information transmission process to the server, a decryption process of decrypting the data file with the decryption key transmitted by the decryption key transmission process, Erasing the decryption key when the decryption process is completed Multimedia documents receiving program storage medium storing of claim 19 and a process. 21. A storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein the multimedia document (homepage) is mounted on a server. ), A page address of a common homepage serving as an entrance for browsing the homepage created in the homepage creation process, and only a specific client viewing the homepage created in the homepage creation process. A storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program, characterized by having a password notification process for notifying the client of the password for use by an electronic mail. 22. A storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program in a client / server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein the multimedia document (homepage) is mounted on a server. A) a multimedia document sending / receiving program, comprising: a homepage creation process for creating a homepage; and a file transmission process for sending all files related to the homepage created in the homepage creation process to an e-mail and sending the file to a client. Storage medium storing. 23. The multi-function device according to claim 23, wherein the file transmission process transmits any one of a homepage description file, a still image data file, a moving image data file, and an audio data file as a file related to the created homepage. A storage medium that stores a media document transmission / reception program. 24. A storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program in a client-server type system constituted by a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein the storage medium is adapted to create a multimedia document mounted on a server. Multimedia document creation process, a multimedia document created by the multimedia document creation process, a printing process for printing the multimedia document, and a delivery process for sending the multimedia document printed by the printing process to a client. Storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program. 25. A storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program in a client / server type system including a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein the storage medium is used to create a multimedia document mounted on a server. A multimedia document creation process, a data conversion process for converting the multimedia document created in the multimedia document creation process into a data format for facsimile communication, and a client facsimile converting the multimedia document converted in the data conversion process. A storage medium storing a multimedia document transmission / reception program, comprising: a facsimile transmission process for causing the apparatus to transmit. 26. A multimedia document transmitting / receiving system in a client / server type system including a plurality of computers connected to a communication network, wherein the push signal is received as a selection response result from a client mounted on a server. A push signal recognition process for recognizing a voice signal; a voice response process for responding by voice; a data file generation process for creating a data file for facsimile device output in accordance with a recognition result of the push signal recognition process; and the push signal recognition process. A facsimile transmission process for transmitting the data file via facsimile based on the transmission destination information of the client recognized by the client; Scan accordingly the multimedia document to be embedded in a predetermined manner, the tone signals from the list displayed, a storage medium storing multimedia document reception program, characterized in that it comprises a push signal response process of selection response. 27. The storage medium storing the multimedia document transmission / reception program according to claim 26, wherein the push signal response process causes character data or still image data to be selected as the multimedia document data.