General-purpose electronic mail transmission and reception system

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to any registered user by inserting a predetermined storage medium into an e-mail terminal, and regardless of the format of a file (referred to as an e-mail file in the present specification) recording the contents of an e-mail. A general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system that can send e-mail data stored in a storage medium as e-mail to a specified destination and receive e-mail to that user in the storage medium. Regarding.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

To send and receive traditional e-mail, a computer is used to connect to a server on an open network, and the e-mail is sent to the destination server through that server, and the receiving side is the receiving side's own e-mail. This was achieved by accessing a box (a storage location for incoming e-mails dedicated to you) and receiving the e-mails stored in that e-mail box.

【0003】

Figure 3 shows the configuration of a conventional e-mail transmission / reception system.

【0004】

Here, the open network is a network in which a plurality of different types of computers are connected by exchanging information with a common application interface, and is not limited to the Internet, but in the present specification, a typical and specific Internet is used. It will be explained using.

【0005】

As shown in Fig. 3, a conventional computer-based e-mail transmission / reception system has a large number of servers K, L, M, ... located on the Internet, and these servers K, L, M, ... At least one computer is connected to each of the.

【0006】

In the example of FIG. 3, personal computer A is connected to server K, personal computers B and C are connected to server L, and personal computer D is connected to server M. It goes without saying that the computer is not limited to the personal computer, but the explanation will be made using the personal computer which is connected in a large number in reality and is deeply related to the problem to be solved by the present invention.

【0007】

In order to send and receive e-mail, it is necessary to set up a communication environment for the personal computer to be used in advance so that it can connect to a server on the Internet.

【0008】

As a prerequisite for setting up the communication environment, you must have the right to access a given server. The access right to the server is usually contracted with a business operator called a provider to obtain the access right to the server provided by the provider.

【0009】

Communication environment settings include communication ports, analog-to-digital conversion devices such as modems, server addresses, billing accounts, and user authentication information registration such as passwords and user IDs on the personal computer to be used. It is to create an environment where communication is possible.

【0010】

In addition to the above communication environment settings, it is also necessary to be able to start application software called a predetermined mailer on the personal computer to be used.

【0011】

Application software called mailer also has the function of sending and receiving e-mail and managing it, but the most important function is to send and receive electronic data such as documents as e-mail on the Internet, so data called MIME format It has a function to convert to a format. Using this mailer, users will be able to perform operations such as composing, editing, sending, and receiving e-mails.

【0012】

There are various types of mailers on the market, and users usually purchase mailers and install them on their personal computers.

【0013】

Since the installation and setting of the mailer can be said to be the environment setting for sending and receiving in a broad sense, it may be included in the communication environment setting in this specification.

【0014】

As is clear from the above explanation, the setting of the communication environment is unique to each personal computer depending on the model, user, provider, server, mailer, etc. of each personal computer. In order to express this, FIG. 3 shows the unique communication environment settings A, B, C, and D for the personal computers A, B, C, and D, respectively.

【0015】

With the above preparations, the personal computer, the server, and the Internet are configured as an e-mail sending / receiving system.

【0016】

When a user using the above e-mail sending / receiving system sends an e-mail, the user sends an e-mail from his / her own computer via a set connection server (for example, server K in the case of personal computer A) of the receiving server. Sends e-mail data to a specified e-mail box (the e-mail storage location of the server specified by the address).

【0017】

When the receiving user tries to receive an e-mail, he uses his computer to access the configured connection server (for example, server L for personal computer B) and stores it in his e-mail box. Take out the e-mail and read it on your personal computer.

【0018】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

The present invention attempts to solve the following problems with respect to the above-mentioned conventional e-mail transmission / reception system.

【0019】

(1) To provide an e-mail sending / receiving system for electronic devices that are not connected to the Internet. Despite the fact that the above-mentioned e-mail transmission / reception system has existed in the past, in reality, there are an extremely large number of electronic devices such as computers that cannot send / receive e-mail via the Internet.

【0020】

According to a survey, the number of computers, word processors, and PDA terminals (Personal digital assistants) in the home that are not connected to the Internet etc. exceeds about 20 million units, and about 4 of the number of computers that are actually connected to the Internet. It has doubled. Such a huge number of incommunicable electronic devices is a huge waste of resources for society as a whole.

【0021】

It is said that one of the reasons why there are many computers and the like that are not connected to the Internet is the provider contract for connecting to the Internet. If you sign a provider contract, you have to pay a monthly contract fee continuously, but there are many users who send and receive e-mail sporadically.

【0022】

Another cause is that some computers do not have a modem, or that a new telephone line needs to be connected.

【0023】

In addition, as can be seen from the above explanation, since the communication environment setting itself requires a certain amount of knowledge and complicated procedures, it is also a fact that there are many users who cannot properly set the communication environment. ..

【0024】

Electronic devices such as word processors and PDAs have the function of creating e-mail documents themselves, but many cannot connect to the Internet. On the other hand, there are word processors that provide functions for connecting to the Internet, but many of them require additional investment such as connection kits. Based on the above, the development of a general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system that can easily send and receive e-mails created by users regardless of the type of electronic device such as a computer or word processor and with or without a provider contract is awaited. It was.

【0025】

Therefore, an object to be solved by the present invention is to provide an e-mail transmission / reception system that does not require a provider contract, work for connecting to the Internet, purchase of a device for connecting to the Internet, or the like. (2) To provide a general-purpose e-mail sending / receiving system In conventional e-mail transmission / reception systems, even if the content of an e-mail is recorded on a general-purpose storage medium and an attempt is made to send the e-mail by another computer, it is often impossible to send / receive the e-mail due to a change in the computer. .. This is because the communication environment settings change when the computer changes.

【0026】

As described above, the communication environment settings on the computer include various connection destination servers, registered user IDs (identification information), user addresses, user authentication information (passwords), communication conditions such as communication ports and models, and communication devices. It is to be set. Therefore, the communication environment set for each computer differs depending on the computer model, user, contract provider, startup software, and the like.

【0027】

In other words, it can be said that a computer in which a communication environment is set is a specialized communication terminal in which a specific user communicates by a specific method through a communication route such as a specific server.

【0028】

For this reason, when a person tries to send an e-mail on a computer other than the computer he or she normally uses with a storage medium on which data for e-mail is recorded, the user, server, etc. set on that computer, etc. Because of the difference, access to the server was not permitted as it was, and it was often impossible to send.

【0029】

The same was true for reception.

【0030】

In this case, it was not easy to set the communication environment on the computer one by one.

【0031】

Also, with the consent of the computer owner, even if you tried to send an e-mail under the communication environment of the computer, you had to use a mailer running on the computer as described above. As already explained, there are various types of mailers, and each mailer operates differently, so that it is inevitable that the work efficiency will decrease. The same was true for the reception operation.

【0032】

For this reason, the development of a general-purpose e-mail sending / receiving system that can send and receive e-mail sentences created by familiar devices and application software with simple operations has been awaited.

【0033】

Therefore, another problem to be solved by the present invention is to send and receive e-mails universally via a storage medium regardless of the difference in the computer used or the difference between the device types such as a computer and a word processor. The purpose is to provide a general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system that can be used. (3) To provide a system that effectively provides advertisements and information Yet another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a system for effectively providing advertisements and information.

【0034】

In the past, when advertising on the Internet, it was realized by posting an advertising homepage on the Internet and allowing users to access the homepage and view the advertisement.

【0035】

On the other hand, recently, there has been an increasing demand for businesses to actively send advertisements to consumers, and it is more common to send e-mails directly to each consumer than to post a homepage. ..

【0036】

However, sending the same advertising email to all users uniformly does not mean efficient advertising.

【0037】

For this reason, it has been required to develop a technology for selecting users who are considered to be consumers and sending appropriate advertisement mails.

【0038】

Therefore, the present invention provides a general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system that determines a user's attributes when sending / receiving e-mails and provides appropriate advertisements or information corresponding to the attributes.

【0039】

[Means for solving problems]

The general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system according to claim 1 of the present application is connected to an e-mail terminal capable of transmitting / receiving e-mail stored in the storage medium by inserting a storage medium, and the e-mail terminal, and is electronically connected through an open network. The storage medium consists of a server capable of sending and receiving mail, and the storage medium is a medium capable of storing at least communication-related information including user information and communication destination information, an e-mail file to be transmitted, and user attribute information. The e-mail terminal comprises a storage medium access means that can access the storage medium, an input means that can input a user's command or data, and controls and processes for transmitting and receiving e-mail. It has a transmission / reception control means, a display means for displaying a message, a communication means for communicating with the server, and a storage means for storing data and files generated in the process of transmitting / receiving e-mail. The server sends and receives the e-mail terminal, a communication means for communicating with another server through an open network, an e-mail sent to the user, a registered user database that stores and manages information about the registered user, and a transmission / reception. It controls the entire server and a storage means for storing the data and files generated in connection with the above, receives the e-mail sent to the user, stores it in the storage means, and receives the e-mail. A data processing means that manages and controls access to the data according to the request of the e-mail terminal, an advertisement information database that stores and manages advertisement / information data prepared for each attribute classification of the user, and a predetermined user. When using the e-mail terminal, acquires the attribute information of the user from the user information of the storage medium, acquires the advertisement / information data corresponding to the attributes of the user from the advertisement information database, and obtains the e-mail. It has an advertisement / information distribution means that transmits the advertisement / information data to the terminal and displays the advertisement / information on a part of the screen via the display means or on the screen between transmission / reception operations, and is electronic. In the process of sending mailWhen the storage medium is inserted, the e-mail terminal reads the storage contents of the storage medium by the storage medium access means, and the transmission / reception control means performs a process for user authentication and stores the storage medium in the storage medium. The designated communication destination information and the e-mail file are displayed by the display means, and the user selects or newly inputs the e-mail file and the destination to be sent by the input means, and the specified e-mail and the destination are specified. And user information are processed into a communication data format and uploaded to the server, the server establishes a communication protocol, sends the specified e-mail to the specified destination through the open network, and processes the e-mail reception. In the e-mail terminal, when the storage medium is inserted, the storage medium access means reads the stored contents of the storage medium, the transmission / reception control means performs a process for user authentication, and the server An e-mail addressed to the user is downloaded from the storage means, the downloaded e-mail is output to the storage medium via the storage medium access means, and when the e-mail is transmitted or received, the advertisement / information distribution means is used. It is characterized in that an advertisement or information corresponding to a user's attribute is displayed on a display means of an e-mail terminal.The storage contents of the storage medium are read by the storage medium access means, the transmission / reception control means performs processing for user authentication, downloads an e-mail addressed to the user from the storage means of the server, and downloads the downloaded e-mail. Output to the storage medium via the storage medium access means, and when sending and receiving the e-mail, the advertisement / information distribution means displays an advertisement or information corresponding to the user's attribute on the display means of the e-mail terminal. It is characterized by making it.The storage contents of the storage medium are read by the storage medium access means, the transmission / reception control means performs processing for user authentication, downloads an e-mail addressed to the user from the storage means of the server, and downloads the downloaded e-mail. Output to the storage medium via the storage medium access means, and when sending and receiving the e-mail, the advertisement / information distribution means displays an advertisement or information corresponding to the user's attribute on the display means of the e-mail terminal. It is characterized by making it.

【0040】

The general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system according to claim 2 of the present application is the transmission / reception system according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium includes a first storage medium that stores communication-related information including user information and communication destination information, and an e-mail file. It is characterized by being composed of a general-purpose second storage medium that stores the above.

【0041】

In the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system according to claim 3 of the present application, in the transmission / reception system of claim 2, the first storage medium also serves as a customer card, and the user purchases when shopping using the customer card. The server is configured to record information, and the server has a purchase information database that stores user identification information, advertisements / information displayed to each user, and purchase information of each user, and the electronic system. When the first storage medium is inserted, the mail terminal has a purchase information collecting means that acquires the purchase information by the storage medium access means, transmits the purchase information to the server, and stores the purchase information in the purchase information database. It is characterized by that.

【0042】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, an embodiment of the "general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system" according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings attached to the application. 1. Outline configuration and operation of the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system according to the present invention. FIG. 1 conceptually shows the configuration of a general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

【0043】

As shown in FIG. 1, the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system 1 according to the present invention includes an e-mail terminal 2, a server 4 connected to an open network (Internet) 3, a first storage medium 5, and a second storage medium 6. It consists of.

【0044】

In addition to this, there are any user-owned personal computer 7 for composing e-mail, the word processor 8, and the receiving server 9 that cooperate with the general-purpose e-mail sending / receiving system 1.

【0045】

Although only one e-mail terminal 2 is displayed in FIG. 1, it is preferable that a large number of e-mail terminals 2 are provided in dispersed places.

【0046】

The first storage medium 5 is a storage medium that records user IDs (identification information), attributes and other user information, and communication-related information such as communication destination information, usage history, and communication settings.

【0047】

The first storage medium 5 may be a card type as shown in the figure, or may be a general-purpose storage medium such as an FD (floppy disk).

【0048】

The second storage medium 6 is a storage medium that mainly records a data file (referred to as an e-mail file in the present specification) to be transmitted as an e-mail. The second storage medium 6 is not limited to the FD, but is a general-purpose storage medium that can be accessed by the personal computer 7 and the word processor 8.

【0049】

In FIG. 1, the first storage medium 5 and the second storage medium 6 are separate and independent, but the first storage medium 5 and the second storage medium 6 are integrated into one general-purpose storage medium. For example, it can be a floppy disk or an IC card.

【0050】

The e-mail terminal 2 mainly authenticates the user by the first storage medium 5, transmits the e-mail data recorded in the second storage medium 6, or sends an e-mail addressed to the user from the server 4. It is a device to download.

【0051】

The e-mail terminal 2 has an interface to an external system. An interface to storage media 5 and 6, an interface to server 4, and a man-machine interface to users.

【0052】

As an interface to the storage media 5 and 6, the e-mail terminal 2 has a storage medium access means.

【0053】

The storage medium access means is a means capable of reading or writing to the first storage medium 5 or the second storage medium 6 (these operations are collectively referred to as access), and the user can easily access the e-mail terminal 2. It is desirable that it is provided on the front.

【0054】

As an interface to the server 4, the e-mail terminal 2 has a means of communication. Here, the communication means refers to a comprehensive conceptual means including a communication port, a modem, a communication line, and a wireless transmitter / receiver.

【0055】

As a man-machine interface, the e-mail terminal 2 has a display / input panel that also serves as a display means and an input means, a voice input means, an image input means, and a transmission / record output means.

【0056】

The display / input panel as an input means is a means capable of inputting a user's command or data. In this case, the display / input panel is preferably a pressure-sensitive touch panel. In addition, the input means can also serve as a part of the function of the editing means for editing the contents when sending the e-mail.

【0057】

The display / input panel as a display means is a means capable of displaying an input request to a user, a processing status, an error message, a message including advertisement / information described later, and the like.

【0058】

The voice input means is a means for adding voice data to an e-mail to be transmitted. Specifically, it is a telephone, a microphone, or the like as shown in the figure.

【0059】

The image input means is a means for adding image data to an e-mail to be transmitted. Specifically, in addition to the camera as shown in the figure, for example, a scanner or the like that captures a photograph or the like as image data.

【0060】

The transmission record output means is a means for outputting a record of transmitted / received e-mail to a piece of paper, or outputting the record to a user's storage medium in the form of electronic data.

【0061】

In FIG. 1, the transmission recording output means is shown as a device that outputs a piece of paper. When the transmission / reception record of the e-mail is output to the user's storage media 5 and 6, this output is performed via the storage medium access means.

【0062】

The above are the means that form an interface with the external system of the e-mail terminal 2, but the e-mail terminal 2 controls the above-mentioned means inside the e-mail terminal 2, and the transmission / reception control means and others that smoothly process the transmission / reception of e-mail as a whole. Has the constituent equipment of. The processing by these transmission / reception control means and the like will be described later.

【0063】

The server 4 is a device that is connected to the e-mail terminal 2 and can send and receive e-mail to and from another server 9 via an open network 3 such as the Internet.

【0064】

The server 4 can perform various processes in response to the request or inquiry of the e-mail terminal 2 and return the result of the process to the e-mail terminal 2.

【0065】

In the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system 1 having the above configuration, e-mail transmission / reception is performed as follows. It should be noted that the various operations of the e-mail terminal 2 at the time of transmission / reception described below are examples for assisting understanding, and even if the operations are mixed up or partially omitted, they do not deviate from the scope of the present invention.

【0066】

When sending, a user authorized to use the system (hereafter referred to as a registered user or simply a user) will first use his or her personal computer 7 or word processor 8 to document the content of the e-mail. To create. The created e-mail document is stored by the user as an e-mail file on the second storage medium 6. The e-mail file is preferably in the text data format, but is not limited to the text data format as long as it is a file format that is widely used to some extent.

【0067】

Next, the user moves to the installation location of the e-mail terminal 2 with the second storage medium 6 and the first storage medium 5, and performs an e-mail transmission operation.

【0068】

In the transmission operation on the e-mail terminal 2, when the user inputs a command for transmitting an e-mail and the first storage medium 5 and the second storage medium 6 are inserted into the storage medium access means of the e-mail terminal 2. , The e-mail terminal 2 reads the user information recorded in the first storage medium 5 by the storage medium access means, and determines whether or not the user is a person who can use the system 1. In making the above determination, the e-mail terminal 2 causes the user to input authentication information such as a password if necessary, sends the input password to the server 4, and requests verification (user authentication) with the registered user. However, when the user authentication information is recorded in the first storage medium 5, the e-mail terminal 2 can independently determine whether or not the user is a registered user.

【0069】

If the user is a registered user, the e-mail terminal 2 displays a list of destinations recorded on the first storage medium 5 and a list of e-mail files recorded on the second storage medium 6 on the display / input panel. Display and let the user select and specify the e-mail file to send and the destination. If the list of destinations does not have the destination intended by the user, the user is asked to enter a new destination.

【0070】

The e-mail terminal 2 preferably automatically recognizes the file format of the e-mail file and, if necessary, converts it into a file format suitable for transmission. Alternatively, the e-mail file can be attached to the e-mail as it is.

【0071】

Also, preferably, the e-mail terminal 2 not only selects the e-mail file, but also opens the e-mail file so that the contents can be finally reviewed and edited. Alternatively, allow additional messages to be entered in the electronic file with the email file attached.

【0072】

At this time, the user can attach a voice or image message to the e-mail by using the voice input means or the image input means provided in the e-mail terminal 2.

【0073】

When the user specifies the e-mail file to be sent and its destination, adds a message, etc., and prepares the form as an e-mail, the e-mail terminal 2 converts the e-mail data into MIME format and the server. Send to 4 and request server 4 to send the email.

【0074】

When the server 4 receives the e-mail data and the transmission request from the e-mail terminal 2, it establishes a communication protocol and transmits the e-mail to the receiving server 9 at the specified address through the open network 3 such as the Internet.

【0075】

When the e-mail is transmitted as described above, the e-mail terminal 2 outputs the e-mail transmitted by the transmission record output means and the record of the destination.

【0076】

The above is the transmission of e-mail. Next, receiving an e-mail will be described. Server 4 normally functions as a receiving server, receives e-mail sent from other servers 9 via an open network 3 such as the Internet, and stores it in the e-mail box of each registered user according to the address. To do.

【0077】

A user who intends to receive an e-mail addressed to himself / herself comes to the installation location of the e-mail terminal 2 with the second storage medium 6 and the first storage medium 5 for recording the e-mail to receive the e-mail. Perform the operation.

【0078】

In the operation of receiving e-mail, when a command for receiving e-mail is input by the user and the first storage medium 5 and the second storage medium 6 are inserted into the storage medium access means of the e-mail terminal 2, the electronic mail is received. The mail terminal 2 reads the user information recorded in the first storage medium 5 by the storage medium access means, and determines whether or not the user is a person who can use the system 1. In making the above determination, the e-mail terminal 2 causes the user to enter a password or the like if necessary, or the e-mail terminal 2 alone performs the user authentication process, which is the same as at the time of transmission.

【0079】

If the user is a registered user, the e-mail terminal 2 causes the server 4 to check whether or not an e-mail addressed to the user has been received. At the above request, the server 4 searches the user's e-mail box, and if it receives an e-mail, it lists those e-mails, and if it does not receive an e-mail, it sends a message to that effect. Return to terminal 2.

【0080】

The e-mail terminal 2 displays a list of e-mails addressed to the above user or a message on the display / input panel, and allows the user to specify the e-mail to be downloaded.

【0081】

When the user specifies a predetermined e-mail, the e-mail terminal 2 requests the server 4 to download the e-mail, and the server 4 sends the e-mail to the e-mail terminal 2.

【0082】

The e-mail terminal 2 records the e-mail downloaded via the storage medium access means on the second storage medium 6 brought by the user.

【0083】

As a result, the user can take back the second storage medium 6 on which the above-mentioned e-mail is recorded and read the e-mail recorded on the second storage medium 6 using his / her personal computer 7 and the word processor 8.

【0084】

The above is the reception of e-mail by the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system 1. 2. Detailed configuration means and various processes of the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system according to the present invention. Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the detailed configuration of this system and the flow of various processes by the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system 1 including the above-mentioned e-mail transmission / reception will be described.

【0085】

FIG. 2 shows the configuration means of the e-mail terminal 2 and the server 4 and the processing flow between the configuration means.

【0086】

2.1. Configuration means As shown in FIG. 2, the e-mail terminal 2 includes a display means 21, an input means 22, a storage medium access means 23, a transmission / recording output means 24, a destination management means 25, an editing means 26, and voice. Input means 27, image input means 28, user registration means 29, file format conversion means 30, storage medium initialization means 31, purchase information collection means 32, transmission / reception control means 33, communication means 34, and so on. It has a storage means 35.

【0087】

On the other hand, the server 4 includes a data processing means 41, a communication means 42, a billing means 43, an advertisement / information distribution means 44, a storage means 45, a registered user DB (database) 46, and an e-mail Box 47 of each user. It has a user account 48, an advertising information DB (database) 49, and a purchasing information DB (database) 50.

【0088】

The display means 21 of the e-mail terminal 2 separately describes the display functions of the display / input panel described above, and includes input requests to the user, processing status, error messages, advertisements / information, etc. (including these). It is a means that can display a "message").

【0089】

The input means 22 is a means in which the display functions of the above-mentioned display / input panel are described separately, and a user's command or data can be input. The input means 22 can be a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like, in addition to the touch panel described above.

【0090】

The storage medium access means 23 is a means that can access the storage media 5 and 6. Specifically, for example, a card reader, an FD drive, a CD drive, an MO drive, and the like.

【0091】

As described above, the transmission record output means 24 is a means for outputting a record of transmitted / received e-mail to a piece of paper or outputting the record to a user's storage medium in the form of electronic data.

【0092】

The transmission record output means 24 is physically composed of a transmission / reception control means 33 that cooperates to output a transmission record, a means for printing a piece of paper, or a storage medium access means 23, but logically. It is a means to control these as a whole.

【0093】

The destination management means 25 is a means for managing the destination information of e-mail, adding the destination information once transmitted to the storage media 5 and 6, and deleting the predetermined destination information according to the user's designation.

【0094】

The editing means 26 is a means that can add a message desired by the user to the e-mail to be transmitted, or can edit the already created e-mail on the e-mail terminal 2.

【0095】

The editing means 26 is physically the input means 22, the display means 21, etc. that cooperate under the control of the transmission / reception control means 33, but logically, these means are used as a whole for the editing work. It is a means of control.

【0096】

The voice input means 27 is a means for adding voice data to an e-mail, as described above.

【0097】

The image input means 28 is a means for adding e-mail voice data and image data, as described above.

【0098】

The user registration means 29 requests the user to input predetermined data, performs user registration for the user to send and receive, and uses the first storage medium 5 or the first storage medium that stores communication-related information including user information. It is a means for issuing a storage medium (when the first storage medium 5 and the second storage medium 6 are the same storage medium) in which items to be stored are stored. The user registration means 29 is a means in consideration of a user who intends to register a new user.

【0099】

The file format conversion means 30 is a means for recognizing the file format of the e-mail file stored in the second storage medium 6 and performing a process of converting the file format into a file format desired by the user. The file format conversion means 30 considers the case where the software that can be operated by the receiving computer is different from that of the transmitting computer.

【0100】

When the storage medium initialization means 31 initializes a general-purpose external storage medium including a floppy disk, an IC card, etc. and uses either the first storage medium 5 or the second storage medium 6 or the same storage medium. It is a means of converting to the storage medium. The storage medium initialization means 31 considers the convenience of the user when a general-purpose storage medium is used as the storage medium of the system.

【0101】

When the first storage medium 5 is inserted, the purchase information collecting means 32 is a means for acquiring the purchase information recorded in the first storage medium 5 by the storage medium access means 23 and transmitting the purchase information to the server. The purchase information collection means 32 is for collecting and evaluating the effectiveness of advertisements when this system is used as an advertisement / information distribution system.

【0102】

In this case, the first storage medium 5 preferably also serves as a customer card, so that when a user purchases some product, the purchase information is recorded on the customer card, that is, the first storage medium 5.

【0103】

The transmission / reception control means 33 is physically a control calculation unit of the e-mail terminal 2, and is a means for performing control and processing for transmitting / receiving e-mail.

【0104】

The transmission / reception control means 33 controls other physical means under the control of the software program according to the type of processing requested, and functions so as to smoothly perform the processing as a whole system.

【0105】

The communication means 34 is a communication means for communicating with the server 4. As described above, the communication means 34 is a comprehensive conceptual means including a communication port, a modem, a communication line, and a wireless transmitter / receiver.

【0106】

The storage means 35 is a means for storing data and files generated in the process of sending and receiving e-mails.

【0107】

On the other hand, the data processing means 41 of the server 4 controls the entire server, receives the e-mail sent to the user and stores it in the storage means 45, and manages and controls the access of the received e-mail. , Is a means of performing processing according to the request of the e-mail terminal 2.

【0108】

The communication means 42 of the server 4 is a means of communicating with the e-mail terminal 2 or an open network 3 such as the Internet. Similar to the communication means 34 of the e-mail terminal 2, the communication means 42 is a comprehensive conceptual means including a communication port, a modem, a communication line, and a wireless transmitter / receiver.

【0109】

The billing means 43 is a means for counting the communication time or data amount of the transmitted / received e-mail and charging the user according to the communication time or data amount. In FIG. 2, the billing means 43 is displayed as one means of the server 4, but this is a case where the server 4 has a user account 48 and charges the user account 48. .. However, when the amount of money spent on the e-mail is collected by coins or the like at the e-mail terminal 2, the billing means 43 becomes a part of the constituent means of the e-mail terminal 2.

【0110】

When a predetermined user uses the e-mail terminal 2, the advertisement / information distribution means 44 acquires the attribute information of the user from the e-mail terminal 2, and the advertisement / information according to the attribute of the user from the advertisement information DB 49. It is a means for acquiring data, transmitting the advertisement / information data to the e-mail terminal 2, and displaying the advertisement / information on a part of the screen via the display means 21 or on a screen between transmission / reception operations. ..

【0111】

This advertisement / information distribution means 44 considers a case where this system is to be used as an advertisement / information distribution system.

【0112】

The storage means 45 is a means for accessing the registered user DB 46, each user's e-mail Box 47, the user account 48, the advertisement information DB 49, and the purchase information DB 50, and managing these data.

【0113】

The registered user DB46 is a database that stores and manages information about registered users. The user information managed by the registered user DB46 may include attribute information such as the user's age, occupation, and family structure.

【0114】

Each user's e-mail Box 47 is a storage place for storing and managing e-mails sent to each user according to each user's address. Strict security controls are in place to prevent access to other users' email Box 47.

【0115】

The user account 48 is an account for charging the user. In addition to the account that deducts the communication charges described later, it can be a comprehensive account that deducts the charges for ordinary shopping and the like.

【0116】

The advertisement information DB49 is a database that stores and manages the prepared advertisement / information data classified according to the attribute classification of the user. The advertisement information DB 49 cooperates with the advertisement / information distribution means 44, and is managed so that the advertisement / information data can be registered, deleted, and searched by the advertisement / information distribution means 44.

【0117】

The purchase information DB50 is a database that stores and manages user identification information, advertisements / information displayed to each user, and purchase information of each user in association with each other.

【0118】

The purchase information DB50 considers the case where this system is used as a data collection system for evaluation of advertisements and information, and the data is used as data for evaluation and analysis of the effects of commercial advertisements and information. To.

【0119】

2.2. Various processes of the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system according to the present invention With the above configuration, the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system according to the present invention can perform the following various processes.

【0120】

Next, various processes of the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

【0121】

2.2.1. E-mail sending and receiving processing When transmitting, the user requests a transmission process by the input means 22, and inserts the storage media 5 and 6 into the storage medium access means 23.

【0122】

After recognizing that the transmission / reception control means 33 is the transmission process and performing user authentication, the transmission / reception control means 33 reads the destination information and the e-mail file by the storage medium access means 23, displays them on the display means 21, and sends the file to be sent. Let the user specify the destination to be sent.

【0123】

If the destination is not in the destination list, the transmission / reception control means 33 causes the user to input a new destination. At this time, the destination management means 25 also cooperates, and if there is a new destination, the destination is preferably automatically added to the destination information, and the predetermined destination information is added at the request of the user. Let me delete it.

【0124】

When the destination and the e-mail file to be sent are specified, the transmission / reception control means 33 converts these e-mail data into MIME format data suitable for communication of the open network 3 such as the Internet, and the communication means 34. Upload to server 4 via, 42.

【0125】

When the server 4 receives the data for e-mail and the transmission request, it establishes a communication protocol and transmits the e-mail to the specified destination server via the open network 3 such as the Internet.

【0126】

When the above transmission is performed, the e-mail terminal 2 (transmission / reception control means 33) outputs the transmission record by the transmission record output means 24. As described above, the transmission record is output in the form of a piece of paper or electronic data.

【0127】

On the other hand, when receiving, it is processed as follows.

【0128】

In order for the user to be able to receive, the server 4 receives the e-mail addressed to each user, which is usually sent through an open network 3 such as the Internet, and each user's e-mail according to the address. Store those emails in Box 47.

【0129】

When the user intends to receive an e-mail addressed to himself / herself, he / she requests the e-mail terminal 2 to receive the e-mail by the input means 22, and inserts the storage media 5 and 6 into the storage medium access means 23. The second storage medium 6 in this case functions as a medium for storing and storing the received e-mail.

【0130】

The transmission / reception control means 33 recognizes that it is a reception process, reads the user information by the storage medium access means 23, authenticates the user, and then inquires the server 4 of the e-mail addressed to the user.

【0131】

In response to the inquiry of the above e-mail terminal 2, the server 4 searches the e-mail Box 47 of the user via the storage means 45, and if the e-mail is received, the list is displayed, and if the e-mail is not received. Returns a message to that effect to the e-mail terminal 2.

【0132】

The e-mail terminal 2 (transmission / reception control means 33) displays a list of received e-mails or messages from the server 4 by the display means 21, and causes the user to specify an e-mail to be downloaded.

【0133】

When the user specifies an e-mail to be downloaded, the e-mail terminal 2 (transmission / reception control means 33) requests the server 4 to download the e-mail.

【0134】

At the request of the e-mail terminal 2, the server 4 (data processing means 41) reads the received e-mail specified from each user's e-mail Box 47 via the storage means 45 and returns it to the e-mail terminal 2.

【0135】

The e-mail terminal 2 (transmission / reception control means 33) records the e-mail downloaded from the server 4 on the second storage medium 6 brought by the user by the storage medium access means 23.

【0136】

As a result, the e-mails addressed to the user are recorded on the second storage medium 6 brought by the user, so that the user can read the e-mails from the second storage medium 6 using his / her own electronic device. ..

【0137】

The above is the flow of e-mail transmission / reception processing by the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system of the present invention. According to this e-mail transmission / reception processing, a registered user can determine whether or not his / her computer is connected to the Internet or the like. Regardless, you can send and receive e-mail. In addition, even users of word processors, PDAs, etc. who cannot connect to the Internet or the like can send and receive e-mails via the Internet or the like. Further, even when the computer normally used cannot be used due to communication failure or going out, the system of the present invention can be used to send and receive e-mails.

【0138】

That is, according to the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system of the present invention, the communication-related information stored in the first storage medium 5, the general-purpose settings of the system, and the MIME format conversion function of the e-mail terminal 2 are used. Any registered user can freely send and receive the e-mail file recorded on the second storage medium 6. This can eliminate the inconvenience that in the conventional transmission / reception of e-mail, the communication environment is set for each computer and the transmission / reception can be performed only under the communication environment of a specific computer.

【0139】

Further, in the above-mentioned e-mail transmission / reception processing, the communication between the e-mail terminal 2 and the server 4 can be a packet communication method. In this case, the e-mail between the e-mail terminal 2 and the server 4 is transmitted and received as a packet, and the server 4 exchanges the packet.

【0140】

According to the packet communication method, the e-mail terminal 2 and the server 4 can be connected at all times. This saves the time and effort of connecting to the server 4 each time an e-mail is sent or received, and the e-mail can be sent and received quickly at all times. In addition, a plurality of e-mail terminals 2 can send and receive e-mails to and from the server 4 at the same time. Further, from the user's point of view, in the case of the billing process described later, the billing is performed according to the amount of data communicated, which is economically advantageous.

【0141】

The communication is not limited to the wired case, and may be wireless communication.

【0142】

2.2.2. E-mail editing process The e-mail editing process is performed as part of the e-mail transmission process described above. Since the e-mail editing process is additionally performed as a part of the system of the present invention, the general-purpose e-mail sending / receiving system according to the present invention may omit the e-mail editing process and various means related thereto. To establish.

【0143】

When an attempt is made to send an e-mail, an e-mail editing process is required when the e-mail terminal 2 finally corrects the contents of the e-mail.

【0144】

When editing an e-mail, the user requests the editing process by the input means 22. The transmission / reception control means 33 recognizes that the user is requesting the editing process, and causes the user to edit the e-mail.

【0145】

The editing means 26 allows the user to input new characters, and preferably provides various editing tools such as copying and deleting characters.

【0146】

Also, when editing, voice messages or image messages can be added to the email. The voice input means 27 and the image input means 28 are used when adding voice and image data, respectively.

【0147】

Since the transmission of the edited e-mail is the same as the transmission process already described, the duplicate description here will be omitted.

【0148】

According to this general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system that edits e-mails, when sending and receiving e-mails, final editing work and voice and image messages that are not possible with some computers and word processors are added. can do.

【0149】

2.2.3. User registration process For a user who wants to newly register as a user, the following user registration process is performed. Since the user registration process can be realized by a method separate from the present system, the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system according to the present invention can also be a system in which the user registration process and various means related thereto are omitted. ..

【0150】

A user who uses the user registration process inputs a request for the user registration process by the input means 22.

【0151】

The user registration means 29 requires the user to input various data, passwords, etc. necessary for registration, sends the data for registration to the server 4 via the transmission / reception control means 33 and the communication means 34, and performs the user registration process. To request.

【0152】

In the server 4, the data processing means 41 newly registers the data in the registered user DB 46 via the storage means 45, and returns the assigned ID (user identification information) and address of the user to the e-mail terminal 2.

【0153】

In the e-mail terminal 2, the user registration means 29 displays that the registration has been performed via the transmission / reception control means 33 and the display means 21, and the user information is recorded via the storage medium access means 23. Or, if the first storage medium 5 and the second storage medium 6 are the same storage medium, the storage medium is issued.

【0154】

After that, this user is recognized as a registered user by inserting the storage medium into the storage medium access means 23 of the e-mail terminal 2.

【0155】

According to the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system that performs this user registration process, a person who newly uses this system can perform user registration at any time by using the e-mail terminal 2. As a result, this system can be used by more users.

【0156】

2.2.4. File format conversion process The file format conversion process converts an e-mail file created by a user on his / her own computer or the like into a desired file format, or converts a received e-mail file into a desired file format.

【0157】

In the file format conversion process, the e-mail file that can be handled by the user's computer etc. is a special file format, so if you send it, the recipient cannot read the e-mail, and if you receive it, you cannot read the e-mail. The case is taken into consideration.

【0158】

Since the file format conversion process can be realized by a method separate from the present system, the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system according to the present invention may omit the file format conversion process and various means related thereto. To establish.

【0159】

When sending or receiving an e-mail, if the user wants to convert the file format of an existing e-mail file, the user inputs the file conversion process by the input means 22.

【0160】

The file format conversion means 30 automatically reads the current e-mail file formats by the storage medium access means 23 at the input of the above user, and displays a list of those file formats and a list of the file formats to be converted. indicate. The file format to be converted is preferably a widely accepted format, for example, a text format, a word format, an Ichitaro format, ...

【0161】

The file format conversion means 30 causes the user to specify the e-mail file to be converted and the file format to be converted.

【0162】

When the user specifies the conversion source file and the conversion destination file format, the file format conversion means 30 reads the specified e-mail file by the storage medium access means 23 under the control of the transmission / reception control means 33. Is converted to the specified file format and transmitted, or the e-mail file converted to the storage media 5 and 6 again via the storage medium access means 23 is recorded.

【0163】

As a result, even a user who creates a document (e-mail) by special software can send and receive as an e-mail file in a file format that can be handled by the receiving side by this file format conversion process.

【0164】

2.2.5. Storage medium initialization process The storage medium initialization process is a process for the user to bring a general-purpose storage medium including a floppy disk (FD) to the e-mail terminal 2 and initialize it to a storage medium that can be used in this system.

【0165】

The storage medium initialization process enables a general-purpose storage medium to be used as the second storage medium 6 of the system, and also uses the first storage medium 5 and the second storage medium 6 in the same storage medium. In this case, communication-related information can be recorded and the storage medium can be the same storage medium as described above.

【0166】

Further, the storage medium initialization process can store a program that provides a certain e-mail template in advance so as to be convenient for sending and receiving e-mail. This program displays an e-mail input screen on a normal computer, and when you enter the sender, destination, e-mail text, etc. on the e-mail input screen, it is stored as an e-mail file in a predetermined location. It is a thing. This is for the case where it is used like a common mailer.

【0167】

The storage medium initialization process can be omitted together with various means related thereto.

【0168】

When performing the storage medium initialization process, the user inserts the FD or the like brought into the storage medium access means 23, and inputs the request for the storage medium initialization process by the input means 22. The storage medium initialization means 31 recognizes the user's request for initialization processing, and under the control of the transmission / reception control means 33, the storage medium access means 23 initializes the inserted FD or the like into a predetermined format.

【0169】

According to the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system having this storage medium initialization process, any floppy disk or the like can be used as the storage medium of this system. Further, according to the storage medium initialization process that provides a common e-mail template, the widespread use of this e-mail makes it possible to send and receive e-mails in a common format.

【0170】

2.2.6. Billing process The billing process is a process of counting the communication time or the amount of data of sent / received e-mails and charging the user.

【0171】

A general-purpose e-mail sending / receiving system that does not charge the user is also conceivable. In this case, the charging process and various means related thereto can be omitted.

【0172】

When the billing process is performed, it is automatically performed without requiring the user's request.

【0173】

When the user sends and receives an e-mail, the billing means 43 counts the communication time or the amount of data sent and received, and calculates the amount of billing. The billing means 43 accesses the user account 48 via the storage means 45 and withdraws the billing amount.

【0174】

When the billing means 43 collects charges directly from the user on the e-mail terminal 2, the e-mail terminal 2 is provided with a slot for inserting coins, etc., and the amount is displayed via the display means 21 and the input amount is displayed. Means for detecting and issuing change are provided. The means for performing various operations such as inputting, detecting, and changing money is included in "billing means 43".

【0175】

In the case of the process of deducting the charge from the user account 48, cashless use can be realized. In addition, when the user account 48 is also used as a debit account for other charges, it is possible to construct a convenient payment system that includes not only sending and receiving e-mails but also general purchasing activities of the user.

【0176】

2.2.7. Advertising information distribution processing In the advertisement information distribution process, when a predetermined user uses the e-mail terminal 2, the attribute information of the user is acquired from the user information of the storage medium, and the advertisement for the user of that attribute is obtained from the advertisement information DB49 of the server 4. This is a process of searching for information and displaying the advertisement or information on the display means 21 on the e-mail terminal 2.

【0177】

If there is no request to appropriately change and deliver the advertisement / information according to the user's attribute, the advertisement information delivery process and various means related thereto can be omitted.

【0178】

When a predetermined user sends and receives e-mail, the storage media 5 and 6 are inserted into the storage medium access means 23 of the e-mail terminal 2, so that the storage medium access means 23 reads the user information and of the transmission / reception control means 33. Under control, the user information is transmitted to the server 4 via the communication means 34.

【0179】

On the server 4, the data processing means 41 searches the registered user DB46 for the user information and acquires the attribute information of the user.

【0180】

Next, the advertisement / information distribution means 44 searches the advertisement information DB 49 for the advertisement or information directed to the user of the attribute via the storage means 45.

【0181】

After searching for the corresponding advertisement / information, the advertisement / information distribution means 44 transmits the acquired advertisement / information to the e-mail terminal 2 by the communication means 42 under the control of the data processing means 41.

【0182】

In the e-mail terminal 2, the transmission / reception control means 33 displays the advertisement / information received by the transmission / reception by the display means 21. The advertisement / information is preferably displayed on a part of the screen of the display means 21 or between transmission / reception operations.

【0183】

In the explanation of the above processing, the user attribute information is obtained by searching the registered user DB46, but the user attribute information is stored in the first storage medium 5 itself. In this case, the attribute information can be immediately acquired from the first storage medium 5 and transmitted to the server 4.

【0184】

In the past, when posting an advertising homepage on the Internet, it was necessary to wait for the user's access, and only passive advertising could be performed. On the other hand, when actively sending an advertisement e-mail to a user, it is difficult to change the advertisement or the like according to the attributes of the user and send the e-mail. Even on the user side, it was inconvenient because a large amount of unnecessary advertising e-mails were sent.

【0185】

On the other hand, according to the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system having the above-mentioned advertisement information distribution processing, it is possible to provide appropriate advertisements and information according to the user's attributes, so that it is appropriate for the target consumer group according to the attributes. You will be able to provide various advertisements or information. In addition, users will be able to obtain advertisements and information that they are interested in.

【0186】

2.2.8. Purchasing information collection process The purchase information collection process corresponds to the above-mentioned advertisement information distribution process. That is, the purchasing information collection process is mainly a process for investigating and evaluating the influence on the purchasing behavior of the user who received the advertisement or information.

【0187】

The purchase information collection process and various means related thereto can be omitted in the same way as the above-mentioned advertisement information distribution process can be omitted.

【0188】

In the purchase information collection process, it is desirable that the first storage medium 5 also serves as a customer card when the user uses it for shopping. The first storage medium 5, which also serves as the customer card, enables the user to record purchase information such as an identification signal of the purchased item, a purchase date and time, and a purchase place each time the user makes a purchase.

【0189】

On the other hand, the purchase information DB50 is provided on the server 4. The purchase information DB50 correspondingly stores the user's identification information, the advertisement / information when the predetermined advertisement / information is presented to the user by the above-mentioned advertisement information distribution process, and the purchase information of each of the above-mentioned users. To do so.

【0190】

In the purchase information collection process, when a predetermined user inserts the first storage medium 5 into the e-mail terminal 2 for sending and receiving e-mail, the storage medium access means 23 is accumulated from the first storage medium 5 up to that point. Read the purchased purchase information and send the information to the server 4. In the server 4, the data processing means 41 records the purchase information in the purchase information DB 50 via the storage means 45.

【0191】

By the above processing, the purchase information DB50 accumulates information such as when, what advertisement, the user who saw what advertisement purchased what kind of product and how much in what period after that. Will be done.

【0192】

This information is used for commercial purposes after statistical evaluation and analysis processing.

【0193】

[Effect of the invention]

As is clear from the above description, according to the "general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system" according to the present invention, a user using a computer not connected to an open network such as the Internet sends / receives e-mail via the Internet or the like. be able to. Furthermore, not only computers but also electronic devices such as word processors and PDAs can send and receive e-mails to and from other people via the Internet, etc., if the created documents can be recorded as e-mail files on a general-purpose storage medium. .. As a result, it is possible to make use of a huge number of electronic devices that cannot communicate in reality.

【0194】

Further, according to the "general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system" according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system.

【0195】

As a result, even if the computer normally used can be used due to communication troubles or going out, the e-mail terminal 2 of this system can send and receive e-mails.

【0196】

By installing the e-mail terminal 2 widely nationwide, it is possible to provide a new means of communication.

【0197】

Further, according to the "general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system" according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system that effectively provides advertisements / information.

【0198】

Conventionally, when posting an advertising homepage on the Internet, it was ineffective unless the user tried to access it, but according to the system of the present invention, it is possible to actively advertise to the user. .. In addition, compared to the conventional case where the same advertising e-mail is uniformly provided to all users, it is possible to select advertisements / information according to the user's attributes and provide appropriate ones, which is effective. It is possible to provide advertisements and information in a targeted manner.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

An explanatory diagram conceptually showing the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system of the present invention.

[Figure 2]

The block diagram which showed the constituent means of the general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception system of this invention, and the flow of processing between those constituent means.

[Fig. 3]

A block diagram showing a conventional system for sending and receiving e-mail.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 General-purpose e-mail sending and receiving system 2 E-mail terminal 3 open network 4 server 5 1st storage medium 6 Second storage medium 7 personal computer 8 word processor 9 Recipient server 21 Display means 22 Input means 23 Storage media access means 24 Transmission record output means 25 Destination management means 26 Editing means 27 Voice input means 28 Image input means 29 User registration method 30 File format conversion method 31 Storage medium initialization means 32 Purchasing information collection method 33 Transmission / reception control means 34 Communication means 35 Memories 41 Data processing means 42 means of communication 43 Billing method 44 Advertising / information distribution means 45 Memories 46 Registered user DB 47 Email Box for each user 48 user account 49 Advertising Information DB 50 Purchasing Information DB