KR102307524B1 - System for hidden mail service and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A hidden mail service providing system is disclosed. A hidden mail service providing system includes a service server and a recipient terminal, wherein the service server detects a hidden identification element including a hidden release condition from an email, and provides a hidden mail reception notification to the recipient terminal, from the recipient terminal If the provided input information satisfies the above hidden release conditions, the hidden information of the email can be released and provided to the recipient terminal, and the security and privacy protection function of information delivery through email can be strengthened. can

Description

Hidden mail service provision system and hidden mail service provision method

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a hidden mail service.

The e-mail service is a service that has a very large proportion among the services that use the Internet. When the sender sends an e-mail using SMTP, the recipient's mail manager receives and stores the e-mail sent by the sender, and the recipient uses the mail manager. You can read mail stored in POP, IMAP, etc.

Recently, the number of devices used by individuals is increasing from two to five according to the trend of higher performance and lighter weight of terminals such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops. The use case is also increasing a lot. In such a situation, e-mails containing confidential or sensitive personal information are frequently exposed to other users who share the device, such as family members or colleagues, and therefore improvement measures are required.

KR 10-2002-0026704 A KR 10-2002-0028357 A

One aspect of the present invention may provide a system for providing a hidden mail service capable of enhancing the security and privacy protection functions of information delivery through e-mail.

One aspect of the present invention may provide a system for providing a hidden mail service that can revitalize daily life by recalling memories or generating interest in information delivery through e-mail.

A system for providing a hidden mail service according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a service server and a receiver terminal, wherein the service server detects a hidden identification element including a hidden release condition from an email, and sends a hidden mail to the receiver terminal A reception notification may be provided, and if the input information provided from the recipient terminal satisfies the hidden release condition, it may be provided by releasing the hidden information of the e-mail to the recipient terminal.

In this case, the service server may include at least one of a password confirmation module, a location information confirmation module, a time information confirmation module, a period information confirmation module, and a sound information confirmation module.

In addition, the service server includes a release condition establishment confirmation unit, wherein the release condition establishment confirmation unit detects the location information of the receiver terminal and compares it with the location information included in the hidden release condition to determine whether the hidden release condition is satisfied can do.

In addition, the unlock condition establishment confirmation unit may detect location information input to the receiver terminal and compare it with location information included in the hidden release condition to determine whether the hidden release condition is satisfied.

In addition, the service server includes a sound information database, and the sound information database stores at least one of a sound file, a song file, a music file, and a sound effect file recorded by a user, and the release condition confirmation unit is the receiver terminal. It is possible to determine whether the hidden release condition is satisfied by detecting the sound information input to , and comparing it with the sound information included in the hidden release condition.

In addition, the service server further includes a user interface unit, wherein the user interface unit provides a GUI for the sender by interworking with the cancellation condition establishment confirmation unit, and the GUI for the sender includes a location information selection unit, a time selection unit, and a period selection unit , at least one of a sound information selection unit, an operation information selection unit, a temperature information selection unit, a brightness information selection unit, and a pressure information selection unit may be included.

In addition, the location information selection unit provides at least one information of a map, coordinates, place name, business name, address, and phone number in association with a geographic location, and when the user selects a specific area, a code matching the location information of the selected area can provide

A method for providing a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a service server and a recipient terminal, and in the method for providing a hidden mail service for managing a hidden mail in which at least a part of e-mail content is hidden, a hidden release condition is included. detecting a hidden identification element from the email; providing a reception notification of the hidden mail in which the hidden release condition is set to the recipient terminal; determining whether the information input from the receiver terminal satisfies the hidden release condition; and providing the entire contents of the hidden mail in which the hidden release condition is satisfied to the recipient terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a useful effect of enhancing the security and privacy protection functions of information delivery through e-mail.

In addition, through the process of finding the hidden release condition using predetermined clues, memories can be recalled or interest can be provoked, and bonds in interpersonal relationships such as romantic relationships, friendship relationships, and family relationships can be improved. When a similar principle is applied to a fan letter between a star and a fan, such as a celebrity, it provides a useful effect that it can improve the bond between the celebrity and the fan and improve the satisfaction of the fans, as well as create a service-level profit.

1 is a diagram for explaining a system for providing a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a system for providing a hidden mail service according to another embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a service server according to an embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a sender terminal in a system for providing a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention;
5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a recipient terminal in a system for providing a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a recipient terminal in a system for providing a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention;
7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a recipient terminal in a system for providing a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention;
8 is a diagram for explaining a method of providing a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and a method of achieving them, will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. The present embodiments may be provided so that the disclosure of the present invention is complete, and to fully inform those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains to the scope of the invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular also includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase. As used herein, 'comprise' and/or 'comprising' means that a referenced component, step, operation and/or element is the presence of one or more other components, steps, operations and/or elements. or addition is not excluded.

Further, the embodiments described herein will be described with reference to cross-sectional and/or plan views, which are ideal illustrative views of the present invention. In the drawings, the detailed size, shape, thickness, curvature, etc. of each component are exaggerated or schematically exaggerated for effective description of technical content, and the shape may be deformed by tolerance.

Hereinafter, the configuration and effect of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram for explaining a system for providing a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a system for providing a hidden mail service according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is It is a block diagram schematically illustrating a service server according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a sender terminal in a system for providing a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention 5 is a view for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a recipient terminal in a system for providing a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a recipient terminal in the system, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a recipient terminal in the system for providing a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention. , FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method of providing a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, when a hidden mail including a hidden identification element is received, the recipient can receive a notification about the basic fact that the hidden mail has been received, and the hidden mail must satisfy the hidden release condition set in the hidden mail. You can view the full contents of

The hidden mail service providing system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a sender terminal 100 , a sender side mail server 300 , a receiver terminal 200 , and a service server 400 .

In one embodiment, the service server 400 provides a communication interface unit 420 for transmitting and receiving with the sender's mail server 300 , a database unit 440 for storing data, and a graphic user interface (GUI) to the sender or recipient. It may include a user interface unit 430 that In addition, the service server 400 may include a control unit 410 , the control unit 410 may include a hidden identification element detection unit 411 and a release condition establishment confirmation unit 415 .

In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 2 , a hidden mail service providing system 2000 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a sender terminal 100 , a sender side mail server 300 , a receiver terminal 200 , and a receiver side It may include a mail server 400 and a service server 400 . In this case, the service server 400 may be connected between the recipient-side mail server 500 and the recipient terminal 200 through a wired/wireless communication network.

In an embodiment, the hidden identification element detection unit 411 performs a function of detecting a hidden identification element included in the mail, and the release condition establishment confirmation unit 415 determines whether the hidden release condition included in the mail is established. function can be performed.

In one embodiment, the hidden release condition confirmation unit (415) password confirmation module (415a), location information confirmation module (415b), time information confirmation module (415c), period information confirmation module (415d), sound information confirmation module (415e) ) and the like.

In one embodiment, when a predetermined name is included in the e-mail address, the service server 400 may operate as a receiving mail server.

For example, when the e-mail address is ID@hiddenmail.com, the hiddenmail.com part corresponds to the predetermined name mentioned above.

On the other hand, when the e-mail address is ID@hidden.domain1.com, the hidden part corresponds to the predetermined name mentioned above.

In an embodiment, the receiver may access a service web page provided by the service server 400 by executing a web browser installed in the receiver terminal 200 . In an embodiment, the receiver may access the service server by executing a separate application program installed in the receiver terminal 200 . Here, a separate application program can be connected to the service server 400 with an interface that can receive an input of the hidden release condition, and display the hidden mail contents only when the hidden release condition is established, and the hidden release condition is not established. It can be operated to make it impossible to check the mail contents. In addition, a separate application program is installed locally in the receiver terminal 200 so that the notification function of the receiver terminal 200 can be efficiently operated. On the other hand, in the case of a basic mail app included in the operating system of a computer or mobile device, or a conventional mail app, an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented unless modified to support a hidden function according to an embodiment of the present invention. It cannot be used as a separate application program.

Meanwhile, in another embodiment, a service server may be provided separately from the recipient's mail server. In this case, the recipient's email address can be registered in the service server, and when the recipient's terminal accesses the service server and logs in, the recipient's mail stored in the recipient's mail server can be checked through the service server. In this embodiment, if there is no hidden identification element in the received mail, it operates in the same way as a general mail service, and if there is a hidden identification element in the received mail, the hidden mail service method may be operated.

Hereinafter, the hidden identification element and the hidden mail service method will be described in detail.

In an embodiment, the hidden identification element may serve as a kind of trigger for operating as a hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention. That is, when the e-mail includes a hidden identification element, the service server can recognize the hidden identification element of the corresponding e-mail so that the hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed.

In an embodiment, a hidden mail reception notification corresponding to the detected hidden identification element may be output. And, only when the establishment of the hidden release condition corresponding to the detected hidden identification element is confirmed, the content of the mail (title, body) can be output to the recipient.

Here, the hidden release condition may be at least one selected from password, location information, time information, period information, sound information, operation information, temperature information, brightness information, and pressure information.

In one embodiment, the hidden identification element may be displayed in the subject part of the email or the body part of the email.

In one embodiment, when the hidden identification element is displayed in the body of the email, the hidden function may be operated for all or part of the body. For example, as in the outgoing mail 1 illustrated in FIG. 4 , the body content of the email is [Text Content 1 (11) - ### ~ (21) 12345(31) - Text Content 2 (12) - ~ ### (22) - Main content 3(13)] In the case of the structure, main content 1 and main content 3 operate similarly to the conventional general e-mail operation method, and only main content 2 can be performed by the hidden mail service method. that there is (refer to reference numerals 2-2 and 10 in FIG. 5).

Referring to FIG. 4 , the hidden identification element may be formed in the form of "###~(21) CODE(31)~###(22)". Here, instead of "###~ CODE ~###", other special symbols (eg $$$~ CDOE ~$$$, %%%~ CODE ~%%%, !!!~ CODE ~!!! etc. shown) may also be used.

In an embodiment, a part corresponding to "CODE" among the hidden identification elements "###~ CODE ~###" may perform a function of defining a hidden release condition. For example, when "CODE" is displayed in the form "12345", the corresponding part can be recognized as a password, and only when the receiver enters the same password entered by the sender, the condition for unlocking the hidden is established and the entire hidden mail is displayed. be able to Here, the password confirmation module 415a may perform a function of confirming whether the password input through the receiver terminal 200 matches a preset hidden release condition. To this end, a storage means for storing the password input through the sender terminal 100 may be included in the password confirmation module 415a.

In addition, when the CODE is displayed in the form of "37.12345, 128.12345", the corresponding part can be recognized as GPS location information, and the hidden release condition is established only when the receiver terminal 200 is located at a predetermined location designated by the sender. so that the entire hidden mail can be displayed. In another embodiment, when the location information input through the receiver terminal 200, not the location of the receiver terminal 200 itself, matches the location information of the hidden release condition, it may be recognized that the hidden release condition is established. In an embodiment, the location information checking module 415b may perform a function of checking whether location information input through the receiver terminal 200 matches a preset hidden release condition. To this end, means for allowing the caller terminal 100 to input location information and means for storing the input location information may be included in the location information checking module 415b. Also, the location information checking module 415b may include means for receiving location information through the receiver terminal 200 and determining whether the input location information matches the stored location information.

In addition, when the CODE is displayed in the form of "YYYY.DD.MM HH:MM", the corresponding part can be recognized as time information, and when the predetermined time specified by the sender is reached, the hidden release condition is established and the entire hidden mail is can be displayed. Here, the time information confirmation module 415c may perform a function of confirming whether the time information input through the receiver terminal 200 matches a preset hidden release condition. To this end, a means for allowing the caller terminal 100 to input time information and a means for storing the input time information may be included in the time information checking module 415c. In addition, the time information confirmation module 415c may include means for receiving time information through the receiver terminal 200 and determining whether the input time information matches the stored time information.

In addition, if the CODE is displayed in the form of "1 year later (or 1 hour later)", the corresponding part can be recognized as period information, and when the predetermined period specified by the sender elapses, the hidden release condition is established and the hidden mail The whole can be displayed. Here, the period information may be used as an effective period for deleting mail or making it impossible to cancel the hidden state anymore. For example, if the hidden release condition is not established within the period specified by the sender, the hidden mail can be deleted. Here, the period information confirmation module 415d may perform a function of confirming whether period information input through the receiver terminal 200 matches a preset hidden release condition. On the other hand, period information can also be used as a condition for the disappearance of hidden mail. For example, when the period information is set to one month, the hidden mail may be made available for viewing after one month, and the hidden mail may be deleted after one month. applicable.

In addition, the CODE may be defined as various information such as sound information defined by a predetermined music or voice signal, motion information such as a gesture or moving distance, temperature information, brightness information such as illuminance, and pressure information such as air pressure. Here, the sound information confirmation module 415e may include means for storing sound information set by the caller. In addition, the sound information confirmation module 415e may perform a function of determining whether or not a match is made by comparing the sound information input by the receiver with the stored sound information.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface unit 430 may provide a GUI for the sender. In this case, the caller terminal 100 may be connected to the service server 400 through the caller GUI. In an embodiment, the user interface unit 430 may be linked with the release condition establishment confirmation unit 415 .

In one embodiment, the sender GUI includes at least one of a location information selection unit, a time selection unit, a period selection unit, a sound information selection unit, an operation information selection unit, a temperature information selection unit, a brightness information selection unit, and a pressure information selection unit. may be included.

In an embodiment, the location information selection unit provides information such as a map, coordinates, place name, business name, address, phone number, etc. in association with a geographic location, and when a user such as a caller selects a specific area, location information of the selected area You can provide a code that matches with . And, the sender may set the hidden release condition in such a way that the provided code is included in the hidden identification element. Here, the hidden identification element can be input by copying the code output to the sender GUI and pasting it in the "CODE" part of "###~ CODE ~###". Also, the caller can directly type and enter the code.

In an embodiment, the time selection unit or the period selection unit may perform a function that allows the sender to conveniently perform a time or period setting process. For example, by including an interface in which a calendar or a clock is displayed, it is possible to alleviate inconvenience or a problem of miss typing that may occur in the process of a caller directly typing time information or period information.

In an embodiment, the sound information selection unit may output a list of selectable sound information and provide a code matching the sound information selected by the caller. Here, the sound information database may be included in the service server 400 . In addition, the release condition establishment confirmation unit 415 may be linked with the sound information database. Meanwhile, in the sound information database, sound files recorded by the sender or receiver, various songs, various music, various sound effects, and the like may be stored. In one embodiment, the file itself including the sound information may be stored in the sound information database. In another embodiment, links for streaming various songs or music files stored in a separate server may be stored in the sound information database.

In one embodiment, each of the operation information selection unit, the temperature information selection unit, the brightness information selection unit, and the pressure information selection unit may provide a code matched with the information selected by the sender. Here, a database in which each piece of information is stored may be included in the service server 400 . In addition, the release condition establishment confirmation unit 415 may be linked with the database.

On the other hand, a plurality of hidden release conditions may be combined and utilized as an AND condition or an OR condition.

In one embodiment, when outputting the main reception notification, information on the type of condition may be provided together. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , a notification screen 2-1 saying “one hidden mail has arrived” may be output. In one embodiment, the notification screen 2-1 may include a first confirmation method notification 41, which is a guide on how to check the hidden mail, as an example, "To confirm, achieve the hidden release condition. " may correspond to the first confirmation method notification 41 . In another embodiment, the notification screen 2-3 may include a second confirmation method notification 42 that is a guide on how to check the hidden mail, and as an example, "Enter your password to confirm" The sentence may correspond to the second confirmation method notification 42 . In this case, it is different from the notification screen indicated by 2-1 in that the receiver can know as a hint that the hidden release condition is a password.

In another embodiment, the notification screen 2-4 may include a third confirmation method notification 43 that is a guide on how to check the hidden mail, and as an example, "Move to the memory location to check" Please do it" may correspond to the third confirmation method notification 43 . In this case, it is different from the notification screens indicated by 2-1 and 2-3 in that the receiver can know as a hint that the hidden release condition is location information.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the mail 1 written in the sender terminal 100 is stored in the service server 400 , various meta information is analyzed ( S110 ), and the hidden identification element detection unit 411 is hidden from the received mail. The presence or absence of the identification element is checked (S120). When the hidden identification element is detected, a hidden mail reception notification 2 is output to the receiver terminal 200 (S130). Here, various examples of the hidden mail reception notification 2 are introduced in FIG. 5 .

On the other hand, when the hidden identification element is not detected, an error message may be output to the sender's e-mail address (S132). Here, an example of an error message is illustrated in FIG. 7 .

Next, the unlock condition establishment confirmation unit 415 monitors whether the hidden release condition is established (S140), and only when the hidden release condition is satisfied, the entire content of the mail is displayed on the recipient terminal 200 (S150). Here, an example of the mail contents 3 from which the hidden is released is illustrated in FIG. 5 .

On the other hand, a sender who wants to send an email using the hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention knows a hidden identification element display method, or uses a graphic user interface (GUI) that guides the hidden identification element display method to send an email. can write Here, an example 110 of a graphic user interface guiding a method of displaying a hidden identification element is illustrated in FIG. 4 . The sender sees the example and inputs the hidden identification element, but for the CODE part, the sender can select and input what he wants. In one embodiment, the sender may create the hidden mail 1 by copying the example and pasting it on the email he is writing.

In an embodiment, the user interface unit 430 may perform a function of providing a graphic user interface (GUI) guiding a method of displaying a hidden identification element to the caller terminal 100 . In addition, the user interface unit 430 is at least among the various reception notifications (2) illustrated in FIG. A function of providing one to the receiver terminal 200 may be performed. Here, as described above, a hidden release condition may be set with various items according to the CODE format of the hidden identification element. In addition, a condition may be set by combining a plurality of items, and one of several conditions may be set as an extinction condition. If the extinction condition is set in this way, if the state in which the hidden release condition is not established continues, it is checked whether the extinction condition is established (S160), and if the extinction condition is established, the hidden mail is deleted (S170) or further You can also make it impossible to read more. Although not shown, processing according to the establishment of the extinction condition may be performed regardless of the establishment of the hidden release condition.

As described above, the hidden mail service according to an embodiment of the present invention may enhance privacy in the information delivery process through e-mail, and may cause fun or curiosity. In particular, from the receiver's point of view, the sender must be guessed based on limited information, such as a hidden mail reception notification, and the correct answer of the hidden release condition set by the sender must be guessed. Therefore, simply because a game element is added to the communication tool for sending and receiving information, it can be used as a means of emotional information delivery that could not be covered with the existing communication tools or as a means of delivering information with improved sense of play.

In addition, it is possible to generate profits while providing a communication method that can strengthen the bond between celebrities or sports stars and fans.

Although representative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention with respect to the above-described embodiments. . Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments and should be defined by the claims described below as well as the claims and equivalents.

1000: Hidden mail service providing system
100: caller terminal
200: receiver terminal
300: sender's mail server
400: service server
500: Recipient's mail server

Claims (8)

including a service server and a receiver terminal,
The service server detects a hidden identification element including a hidden release condition from the email, and provides a hidden mail reception notification to the recipient terminal,
The e-mail consists of a non-hidden matter and a hidden matter, and the non-hidden matter is displayed on the recipient terminal regardless of whether the hidden release condition is satisfied,
If the input information provided from the recipient terminal satisfies the hidden release condition, the hidden information of the email is released and provided to the recipient terminal,
The hidden identification element is displayed in the body part of the email,
The hidden mail service providing system, characterized in that the hidden item is located between the beginning of the hidden identification element and the end of the hidden identification element.
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