JP2004151783A - Email control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an email control program capable of applying a variety of restrictions to email in advance. <P>SOLUTION: The email control program causes a computer to function as a means for creating email; a means for adding a control code to email to provide email with control requirements; a means for sending the email with the control requirements to the email address of the receiver; a means for storing the email with the control requirements in a predetermined database when receiving the email from another computer; and a means for executing required processes in accordance with the control code attached to the email with the control requirements. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an e-mail control program, and in particular, restricts an e-mail transmitted from a communication terminal on the transmission side in advance, such as a reply request, an expiration date, and a copy prohibition, and prohibits opening after transmission. The present invention relates to an electronic mail control program capable of performing various controls such as performing e-mail.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the spread of the Internet, e-mail has become increasingly important as a means of daily communication.
When using this e-mail, the sender creates an e-mail using an e-mail dedicated program (hereinafter referred to as "mailer") set up on his / her personal computer or the like, and sends it to an Internet connection provider (ADSL line or the like). (Hereinafter referred to as “ISP”).
The mail server receiving this checks the destination information of the e-mail, and transfers the e-mail to another router on the shortest route to the recipient's mail server.
Thereafter, the e-mail is transferred from router to router on the Internet and reaches the recipient's mail server.
[0003]
The recipient connects to the mail server using a mailer set up on his / her personal computer or the like, and sometimes checks whether a new e-mail exists in the mailbox.
If there is a new mail, the mailer receives it from the mail server and stores it in the hard disk of the personal computer.
The recipient can open the e-mail on the mailer, browse the contents described in the text, and use the attached file.
In addition, a reply e-mail can be transmitted as needed, or can be directly forwarded to a third party.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Unlike a telephone, an e-mail does not bother a recipient directly, and has a feature that can be transmitted more easily and at a lower cost than a letter or a facsimile.
However, e-mail has the serious disadvantage that once sent, it has little control over the sender.
With the spread of e-mail, even confidential information has been easily exchanged via e-mail, but there is no way to do it even if you notice that you have accidentally specified the destination of another person after sending it Was a big problem.
Also, once transmitted mails and attached files can be freely transferred and copied at any time on the receiving side, there is a problem from the viewpoint of confidentiality.
[0005]
Further, from the sender of the electronic mail, it is a matter of concern whether or not the other party has opened the contents and viewed the contents. In many cases, an e-mail for confirming the opening is desired. Depending on the case, you may want to receive a reply email.
However, whether or not to send an opening confirmation mail or a reply mail is left to the recipient's independence, and at present, there is no sufficient mechanism for prompting this.
[0006]
The present invention was devised in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional e-mail system, and added various usage restrictions to e-mail in advance without impairing the original simplicity of e-mail. The purpose of this program is to provide an e-mail control program that allows users to send and receive e-mails, and to add restrictions on opening the e-mails after they have been sent. I have.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an electronic mail control program according to claim 1, comprising: a computer that generates an electronic mail; a unit that adds a control code to the electronic mail to generate an electronic mail with a control condition; Means for transmitting the electronic mail with the control condition to the e-mail address of the receiver, means for storing the electronic mail with the control condition in a predetermined database when the electronic mail with the control condition is received from another computer, It is characterized by functioning as means for executing necessary processing according to the control code added to the mail.
[0008]
The control conditions include, for example, prohibiting copying, printing, citation display, and print screen of the e-mail text. Alternatively, the transfer of the e-mail is prohibited, or the reply destination or the transfer destination is limited to persons within a certain range. Further, copying, saving, and printing of the attached file of the e-mail can be prohibited.
In a sender's personal computer, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), mobile phone, etc., when a code for executing these controls is described in a header portion or an attachment portion of the e-mail, the personal computer or PDA (mobile phone) receiving the code. Necessary processing (e.g., prohibition of copying or forwarding of the e-mail text) is performed in accordance with the control code in the information terminal), the mobile phone, and the like.
[0009]
The electronic mail control program according to claim 2, further comprising: a computer for generating an electronic mail; a means for adding a control code for requesting an open confirmation from a receiver to the electronic mail; and receiving the electronic mail with the open confirmation request. Means for transmitting to the recipient's e-mail address, means for storing the opening confirmation e-mail in a predetermined database when the e-mail for opening confirmation is transmitted from the recipient, and e-mail with the opening confirmation request. A means for generating a list of opening confirmation mails, a means for displaying the opening confirmation list on a display, a means for storing an opening confirmation request e-mail from another computer when it is received in a predetermined database, If you send a read confirmation email for the requested email, the email with the read confirmation Means to add information that has been confirmed to be opened to the email, and to function as a means to display a message to prompt the transmission of an opened confirmation mail for an e-mail with an opened confirmation request to which the confirmed information has not been added. Features.
[0010]
As a result, the recipient of the e-mail with the opening confirmation request continues to receive psychological pressure by the reminder display until the opening confirmation mail is returned to the sender.
Therefore, the sender of the e-mail with the opening confirmation request can receive the opening confirmation mail with high accuracy.
In addition, even when an e-mail with an opening confirmation request is simultaneously delivered to a large number of recipients, a list of opening confirmation e-mails is generated, so that those who have received the opening confirmation e-mail and those who have not received it can be seen at a glance. .
[0011]
The electronic mail control program according to claim 3, further comprising: a computer for generating the electronic mail; a means for adding a control code for requesting a reply from the receiver to the electronic mail; Means for transmitting to the e-mail address, means for storing the reply mail in a predetermined database when the reply e-mail is sent from the recipient, list of reply mails related to the e-mail with reply request Means for generating, means for displaying the reply list on a display, means for storing an e-mail with a reply request from another computer in a predetermined database, reply mail for the e-mail with the reply request Means to add the reply information to the e-mail with reply request, Respect of information is not added reply request with an electronic mail, it is characterized in that to function as a means for performing display to prompt the transmission of the reply confirmation.
[0012]
As a result, the recipient of the reply-requested e-mail is kept under psychological pressure by the reminder display until the reply mail is transmitted to the sender.
For this reason, the sender of the reply-requested electronic mail can receive the reply mail with high accuracy.
Further, even when the e-mail with the reply request is simultaneously delivered to a large number of recipients, a list of the reply mails is generated, so that the persons who have received the reply mail and the persons who have not received the reply mail can be seen at a glance.
[0013]
5. The electronic mail control program according to claim 4, further comprising: a computer for generating the electronic mail; a means for adding a control code for setting an expiration date to the electronic mail; Means for sending to an address, means for receiving an e-mail with an expiration date from another computer when receiving the e-mail with the expiration date, and opening of the e-mail if the expiration date has passed. It is characterized by functioning as a prohibiting means.
As a result, the sender can set an expiration date for the e-mail.
[0014]
An e-mail control program according to claim 5 is based on the e-mail control program according to claim 4, and furthermore, when the expiration date of the e-mail with expiration date has passed, the e-mail with expiration date Means for generating an inquiry mail to which a control code for requesting the opening of the mail is added, means for transmitting the inquiry mail to the sender, and a control code for canceling the expiration date when the inquiry mail is transmitted from another computer. The computer is caused to function as means for generating the added release mail and means for transmitting the release mail to the sender.
As a result, the recipient can individually browse the e-mail with the expiration date even after the expiration date has expired. However, the sender of the e-mail with the expiration date can naturally refuse the transmission of the release e-mail.
[0015]
7. The electronic mail control program according to claim 6, further comprising: a computer for generating an electronic mail; a means for adding a control code for setting a delay time limit to the electronic mail; Means for sending the e-mail to the address, means for storing the e-mail with the delay time limit from another computer when receiving the e-mail, and opening of the e-mail if the delay time limit has not arrived. It is characterized by functioning as a prohibiting means.
As a result, the sender can set a delay time limit (openable date and time) in the electronic mail.
As a method of prohibiting the opening of an e-mail with a delay time limit, for example, even if the recipient clicks on the e-mail listed in the mailer's inbox before the expiration date and requests opening, an appropriate message is displayed. And refuse to open.
Alternatively, the electronic mail can be concealed without being displayed in the inbox of the mailer until the delay time has come.
[0016]
The electronic mail control program according to claim 7, further comprising: a computer for generating an electronic mail; a means for transmitting the electronic mail to an electronic mail address of a recipient; and a control code for canceling the electronic mail. Means for generating the canceled e-mail, means for transmitting the canceled e-mail to the e-mail address of the recipient, means for storing the e-mail from another computer when receiving the e-mail in a predetermined database, When a cancellation e-mail for the above e-mail is received from the user, the e-mail is stored in a predetermined database, and the e-mail is prohibited from being opened.
As a result, even if the sender has sent an incorrect e-mail, it is possible to prohibit browsing after the fact by transmitting the cancellation e-mail.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an electronic mail control system 10 according to the present invention. The electronic personal computer 12 managed by the electronic mail sender α and the mail server 14 of the ISP to which the sender α is subscribed. , A receiving personal computer 16 managed by an e-mail recipient β, and an ISP mail server 18 to which the recipient β subscribes.
The transmission side personal computer 12 and the transmission side mail server 14 are connected via a telephone line, an ADSL line 20, and the like. Similarly, the receiving side personal computer 16 and the receiving side mail server 18 are also connected via a telephone line, an ADSL line 20, and the like.
A network connection is established between the sending mail server 14 and the receiving mail server 18 via the Internet 22.
Note that the above system configuration is an example, and when the sender α and the receiver β are employees of the same company, the transmitting personal computer 12, the receiving personal computer 16, and the internal mail server are connected via the in-house LAN. The configuration is a network connection between the two.
[0018]
In addition to an OS such as Windows (registered trademark) XP, a dedicated e-mail control program (hereinafter referred to as “dedicated mailer”) and general application programs (word processing software and spreadsheet software) Etc.) have been set up.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the system 10. The transmitting-side personal computer 12 includes a mail control unit 30a, a mail generation unit 32a, a control condition setting unit 34a, a display screen generation unit 36a, a mail It includes a transmitting unit 38a, a mail receiving unit 40a, and a mail database 42a.
The e-mail control unit 30a, the e-mail generation unit 32a, the control condition setting unit 34a, the display screen generation unit 36a, the e-mail transmission unit 38a, and the e-mail reception unit 40a require the CPU of the transmission-side personal computer 12 according to the OS and the dedicated mailer. It is realized by executing a process. Further, the mail database 42a is stored in the hard disk of the transmitting personal computer 12.
Similarly, when the CPU of the receiving side personal computer 16 operates according to the OS and the dedicated mailer, the mail control unit 30b, the mail generation unit 32b, the control condition setting unit 34b, the display screen generation unit 36b, and the mail transmission unit 38b, a mail receiving unit 40b, and a function as a mail database 42b.
[0020]
In the case of the system 10, the sender can create and send a new mail by the same procedure as a general electronic mail system, and the receiver can receive and view the contents.
First, when the sender activates the dedicated mailer on his / her personal computer 12, the display screen generator 36a displays a basic screen similar to a general-purpose mailer on a display (not shown).
Here, when the sender clicks the "new mail" button, a new mail creation window 44 is displayed as shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when the e-mail address, subject, and text of the recipient are described, or the attached file is specified, and the "send" button is clicked, a new e-mail is generated by the mail generation unit 32a, and a unique e-mail is generated. Is stored in the mail database 42a in association with the mail ID of the mail.
At the same time, the e-mail waiting for transmission in the mail database 42a is transmitted by the mail transmitting unit 38a. This e-mail is transferred from router to router on the Internet 22 according to the mail address of the recipient, and stored in a mailbox provided in the mail server 18 on the receiving side.
After sending the e-mail, the copy is moved to the sent folder of the dedicated mailer.
[0021]
On the other hand, when the recipient clicks the “Receive” button on the basic screen of the dedicated mailer, the mail receiving unit 40b accesses the receiving mail server 18 and requests distribution of an e-mail addressed to itself.
The receiving mail server 18 that has received this transmits the electronic mail addressed to the recipient to the receiving personal computer 16.
As a result, the e-mail is added to the “inbox” folder on the recipient's basic screen. At this time, in order to appeal that the received e-mail is unopened, the received e-mail is displayed in bold compared to the e-mail that has been opened, and an envelope-shaped icon that images the unopened is added.
When the recipient clicks on the unopened mail in the inbox, an e-mail browsing window is activated, and the display screen generator 36b displays the entire contents of the e-mail on a display (not shown).
If an attached file exists in the e-mail, the fact is displayed in the attached file column. When the recipient clicks on this file, a dedicated application program corresponding to the file format is started, and the contents of the attached file are displayed on the display.
[0022]
After browsing the contents and determining that a reply is required, a "Reply" button is clicked to display a reply mail creation window on the screen. At this time, the contents of the outgoing mail are displayed in a quotation format in the body creation column.
Here, when necessary items are described and a "send" button is clicked, a reply mail is generated by the mail generation unit 32b and stored in the mail database 42b.
At the same time, the data is transmitted to the receiving mail server 18 by the mail transmitting unit 38b, and is distributed to the transmitting personal computer 12 via the Internet 22 and the transmitting mail server 14.
[0023]
If the recipient determines that the received e-mail needs to be viewed by a third party, the "forward" button is clicked to display a forwarded mail creation window on the screen.
Here, the necessary items are added in the body text box, the mail address of the transfer destination is described in the destination box, and when the "Send" button is clicked, a transfer mail is generated by the mail generation unit 32b and stored in the mail database 42b. You.
At the same time, the data is transmitted to the receiving mail server 18 by the mail transmitting unit 38b, and distributed to the transferring personal computer via the Internet 22 and the transfer destination mail server.
[0024]
The recipient of the e-mail can copy the contents of the received e-mail and paste it into a word processing document or print the contents as necessary.
Also, the attached file of the e-mail can be freely printed and stored in principle.
[0025]
In the above, the procedure for normally exchanging e-mail using this system has been described. In this system, it is possible for the sender to perform various controls when transmitting e-mail.
Hereinafter, functions unique to this system will be described.
[0026]
[Open Confirmation Request Function]
After sending an important e-mail, there is a case where the sender wants to know whether or not the receiver has opened the e-mail and checked the contents. For this reason, some conventional mailers have an opening confirmation mail reply function.
In other words, if the sender sets "Request for Opening Confirmation" on the mailer at the time of creating the mail, and when the recipient opens the e-mail on the corresponding mailer, A dialog box appears with a message such as "Do you want to send it?", And when you click the "Send" button, a reply mail is automatically generated with a message indicating that the package has been opened. Reply to the sender.
The sender who receives the opening confirmation mail can recognize that the receiver has surely confirmed the content, and can feel relieved.
[0027]
However, in the case of the conventional reply function of the receipt confirmation mail, if the recipient once selects not to send the receipt confirmation, it is left as it is, and unless the recipient voluntarily sends the reply mail, the sender side does not send it. There was a problem that it was not possible to recognize the presence or absence of opening.
Also, if an e-mail with the same content is sent to a large number of recipients at the same time, each recipient will receive a separate opening confirmation e-mail and store it in the inbox. It was difficult to distinguish between people.
On the other hand, in this system, transmission of the opening confirmation mail is urged until the recipient transmits the opening confirmation mail, and the system has a function to summarize the opening confirmation mail returned from the plurality of recipients in a list.
[0028]
Hereinafter, the opening confirmation request function according to this system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the sender creates a new e-mail on the dedicated mailer (S10). At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the "control information" button is clicked to open the control information setting box 46, and the "opening confirmation request" item 47 is checked (S11).
As a result, the control condition setting unit 34a and the mail generation unit 32a generate an e-mail A with an open confirmation request, and the e-mail A is transmitted to the e-mail address of the recipient by the e-mail transmission unit 38a (S12).
This opening confirmation request is specifically added by describing a control code in a header portion or an attachment portion of the electronic mail A.
[0029]
When the recipient receives the e-mail A with the opening confirmation request using the special mailer (S13), and clicks on the e-mail A to open the e-mail A (S14), a display window is activated by the display screen generation unit 36b, and the body of the e-mail is displayed. And attachments can be browsed.
At the same time, the mail control unit 30b reads the control code described in the header portion or the attachment portion of the electronic mail A, and asks, for example, "The sender is requesting an open confirmation. The message is displayed through the display screen generator 36b.
On the other hand, when the recipient clicks "Yes", the mail control unit 30b generates an opening confirmation mail B through the mail generation unit 32b, and returns it to the sender via the mail transmission unit 38b (S15).
This opening confirmation mail B has the sender's e-mail address in the destination field, the word "opening confirmation" in the subject field, and "... (the name of the recipient registered in the address book)" in the body field. I opened the email and browsed the contents. " The ID of the outgoing mail A is described in the header and the attachment.
[0030]
When the transmission-side personal computer 12 receives the opening confirmation mail B (S16), it is stored in the receiving tray of the dedicated mailer.
When the sender clicks the opening confirmation mail B, the above message is displayed on the display, and it is possible to recognize that the receiver has surely viewed the contents.
Further, when the sender selects the mail A with the opening confirmation request stored in the “sent mail” folder of the dedicated mailer and clicks “Display opening confirmation list” from the right-click menu, the mail control unit 30a is activated. From the received mail stored in the mail database 42a, a mail in which the ID of the mail A with the opening confirmation request is described is extracted and displayed on the display through the display screen generation unit 36a.
FIG. 5 shows an example of the opening confirmation list, in which a list of recipients and the opening date and time are displayed (S17).
For this reason, when the sender sends an e-mail A with an opening confirmation request to a large number of destinations, it is obvious at what time and from whom the opening confirmation mail B was returned or who has not yet opened the opening confirmation mail. It becomes.
[0031]
If the recipient selects "No" to the above message "Sender is requesting confirmation of opening, but do you want to return opening confirmation mail?" (S15), transmission of the opening confirmation mail is Instead, the title of the received e-mail is displayed in bold in the same manner as other unopened e-mails (S18), and a reminder is issued until an open confirmation mail is returned.
Alternatively, by displaying the received mail A in a more prominent manner, such as displaying the title in red or blinking, or by frequently activating a pop-up window in which a message prompting the reply of the open confirmation mail is displayed, the receiver's Attention can also be raised.
It is also effective to increase the pressure on the recipient by changing the content of the reminder display to a more extreme one over time.
[0032]
When the recipient sends the opening confirmation mail B in accordance with the reminder, the mail control unit 30b sets a flag indicating that the opening confirmation mail has been transmitted for the electronic mail A, and thereafter, the mail is displayed as the opened mail (S19). .
Also, the message of the reminder is not displayed.
[0033]
[Reply mail request function]
In some cases, such as when scheduling a large number of people using e-mail, the sender wants to receive a quick reply from each recipient.
For this reason, this system is provided with a function to advance the securing of the opening confirmation mail from the recipient as described above, and to prompt each person to transmit a reply mail.
[0034]
Hereinafter, the reply request function according to this system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the sender creates a new e-mail on the dedicated mailer (S20). At this time, in the control information setting box 46 of FIG. 3, a check is put on the "reply request" item 48 (S21).
As a result, an e-mail C with a reply request is generated by the control condition setting unit 34a and the e-mail generation unit 32a, and transmitted to the e-mail address of the recipient by the e-mail transmission unit 38a (S22).
This reply request is added by describing the control code in the header or the attachment of the e-mail C, as described above.
[0035]
The recipient receives the mail C with the reply request using the special mailer (S23), clicks it and opens it (S24), and the display window is activated by the display screen generation unit 36b, and the body of the mail and the attached file are opened. Can be browsed.
At the same time, the mail control unit 30b reads the control code described in the header portion and the attachment portion of the e-mail C and displays a message such as "The sender wants a reply, do you want to reply now?" It is displayed through the screen generation unit 36b.
On the other hand, when the recipient clicks "Yes" (S25), the mail control unit 30b activates a reply mail creation window through the display screen generation unit 36b.
When the recipient creates a reply mail D through this window and clicks the "send" button, the reply is sent to the sender via the mail sending unit 38b.
The ID of the reply request mail C is described in the header portion and the attachment portion of the reply mail D.
[0036]
When the sending personal computer 12 receives this reply mail D (S26), it is stored in the receiving tray of the dedicated mailer. When the sender clicks the reply mail D, the reply sentence from the receiver described in the text box can be viewed.
When the sender selects the mail C with reply request stored in the “sent mail” folder of the dedicated mailer and clicks “display reply list” from the right-click menu, the mail control unit 30a sets the mail database. From among the received mails stored in 42a, a mail in which the ID of the mail C with the reply request is described is extracted and displayed on the display through the display screen generation unit 36a.
FIG. 7 shows an example of this, and a list of recipients and reply dates and times is displayed (S27).
For this reason, when a sender sends an e-mail with a reply request to a number of recipients, it is clear at what time and from whom the reply mail was sent, or who has not yet sent a reply. Become.
[0037]
If the recipient selects "No" to the above message "Sender wants a reply, do you want to reply now?" (S25), a reply mail is not sent. In the same manner as described above, the title of the received mail is prominently displayed in bold or red, or a message prompting the transmission of a reply mail is frequently displayed, and psychological pressure is applied to the recipient (S28). .
When the recipient sends the reply mail D in accordance with this, the mail control unit 30b sets a flag indicating that the reply mail has been sent for the e-mail C, and thereafter, the mail is displayed as an opened mail (S29). Will no longer be displayed.
[0038]
[Expiration date setting function]
Depending on the content of the e-mail, it is meaningful if it is viewed within a certain period of time, and browsing beyond it may be meaningless or even harmful.
For this reason, this system has a function that allows the sender to set an expiration date in advance for the e-mail.
[0039]
Hereinafter, the expiration date setting function in this system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the sender creates a new e-mail on the dedicated mailer (S30). At this time, the user checks the "expiration date" item 49 of the control information setting box 46 in FIG. 3 and selects a date and time (S31).
As a result, an e-mail E with an expiration date is generated by the control condition setting unit 34a and the e-mail generation unit 32a, and transmitted to the e-mail address of the recipient by the e-mail transmission unit 38a (S32).
This expiration date is added by writing a control code in the header or the attachment of the e-mail E, as described above.
[0040]
When the receiving-side personal computer 16 receives the e-mail E with the expiration date using the special mailer (S33), the e-mail E with the expiration date is listed in the list of the inbox.
When the recipient clicks on the e-mail E with expiration date to request opening, the e-mail control unit 30b reads the control code (expiration date information) described in the header portion and the attachment portion of the e-mail E, and transmits the e-mail E to the personal computer 16. Then, it is determined whether or not the current time is within the expiration date (S34).
Then, if it is within the validity period, opening of the e-mail E is permitted (S35), and the text is displayed on the display through the display screen generation unit 36b. In addition, attachment files can be used.
[0041]
On the other hand, if the expiration date has passed, the opening of the e-mail E is rejected (S36), and a message such as "Cannot open because the expiration date has passed. Do you want to contact the sender for permission?" Is displayed.
Here, when the recipient clicks "Yes", the mail control unit 30b generates the inquiry mail F via the mail generation unit 32b, and returns it to the sender via the mail transmission unit 38b (S37).
In the inquiry mail F, the sender's e-mail address is displayed in the destination field, the text of "Request for extension of the expiration date" is displayed in the subject field, and "... (recipient display) is valid before opening" in the body field. The expiration date has expired, so please give me permission to open it again. " In the header and the attachment, the ID of the e-mail E and a control code for instructing an inquiry process are described.
[0042]
When the sending mail PC 12 receives the inquiry mail F, it is stored in the receiving tray of the special mailer (S38). When the sender clicks and opens this inquiry mail F, the above message is displayed on the display.
Further, the mail control unit 30a recognizes the control code and executes necessary processing. First, a message such as "... (Receiver's display) has expired before opening, will you give permission to open again?" Is written on the display of the sending personal computer 12. A dialog box starts.
[0043]
On the other hand, when the sender clicks the "Yes" button (S39), the mail control unit 30a generates the opening permission mail G through the mail generation unit 32a, and transmits it to the recipient via the mail transmission unit 38a (step S39). S40).
A release code for permitting the opening of the expired e-mail E is described in the header portion and the attachment portion of the opening permission mail G.
In the title field, the words "opening permission" are displayed, and in the body field, "... (display of sender) gave permission to open the expired mail. Please open it." Is described.
[0044]
When the receiving-side personal computer 16 receives the opening permission mail G (S41), it is stored in the receiving tray of the dedicated mailer. When the recipient clicks and opens this opening permission mail G, the above message is displayed on the personal computer screen.
Further, the mail control unit 30b reads the release code and permits opening of the expired e-mail E (S35).
As a result, when the recipient clicks the expired e-mail E on the inbox, the contents of the e-mail are displayed on the display of the personal computer 16. If an attached file exists, it can be used.
[0045]
[Delay term setting function]
Depending on the content of the e-mail, the sender may want to control it so that it can be viewed only after a certain date has passed.
For example, when announcing a new product of the company to a large number of media or users via e-mail, it is desirable that the product can be opened simultaneously after a predetermined date and time.
For this reason, this system has a function for the sender to set a delay time limit (date and time of opening) in the e-mail in advance.
[0046]
Hereinafter, the delay time setting function in this system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the sender creates a new e-mail on the dedicated mailer (S50). At this time, the user checks a “delay time limit setting” item 58 in the control information setting box 46 in FIG. 3 and selects a date and time (S51).
As a result, the control condition setting unit 34a and the mail generation unit 32a generate an e-mail H with a delay time limit, and the e-mail transmission unit 38a transmits the e-mail H to the e-mail address of the recipient (S52).
This delay time limit information is added by describing a control code in the header portion or the attachment portion of the electronic mail H in the same manner as described above.
[0047]
When the special mailer of the receiving side personal computer 16 receives the mail H with delay time limit (S53), it is listed in the list of the inbox.
When the recipient clicks on the e-mail H with delay time and requests opening, the e-mail control unit 30b reads the control code (opening date and time designation information) described in the header and the attachment of the e-mail H, The data is compared with the data of the 16 built-in clocks, and it is determined whether the present time has passed the designated date and time (S54).
Then, if the designated date and time has elapsed, the reading of the e-mail H is permitted (S55), and the contents are displayed on the display through the display screen generation unit 36b. In addition, attachment files can be used.
On the other hand, if it is before the specified date and time, a message such as "Can not be opened because it is before the specified opening date and time. Please give me after xx year xx month xx day xx hour xx minute", The opening of the electronic mail H and the use of the attached file are rejected (S56).
[0048]
Alternatively, instead of rejecting the opening before the expiration as described above, the mail control unit 30b does not list the e-mail H with the delay until the expiration according to the control code, and does not list the e-mail H with the delay until the expiration. You can also.
If the e-mail H with a time limit is not displayed in the inbox, the recipient cannot recognize the existence of the e-mail and cannot open the mail before the expiration date. Opening can be prohibited.
In this case, after the delay time expires, the hidden delay time is added when the recipient activates a special mailer or sends / receives mail, or when a folder is moved or a timer-based refresh operation is started. The mail H is displayed on the inbox by the mail control unit 30b, and the recipient is allowed to open the mail.
[0049]
[Sent mail cancel function]
This system has a function for canceling the transmitted e-mail in case the user notices an error in the destination or the contents after the e-mail is transmitted.
Hereinafter, the mail cancel function in this system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the sender creates a new e-mail I on the dedicated mailer (S60) and sends it to the recipient via the mail transmission unit 38a (S61).
The mail receiving unit 40b of the receiving side personal computer 16 receiving this stores the electronic mail I in the mail database 42b (S62).
[0050]
Thereafter, the sender who notices that it should have been sent to other recipients immediately specifies the e-mail I (hereinafter referred to as “erroneous mail I”) listed in the sent folder of the dedicated mailer. And select "Cancel this email" from the right-click menu.
Upon receiving this, the control condition setting unit 34a automatically generates a cancellation instruction mail J through the mail generation unit 32a (S63), and transmits the cancellation instruction mail J to the recipient via the mail transmission unit 38a (S64).
In the header or the attachment of the cancellation command mail J, the ID of the erroneous mail I to be canceled and the control code for instructing cancellation are described.
[0051]
The mail receiving unit 40b of the receiving personal computer 16 that has received the cancellation instruction mail J (S65) stores this in the database 42b. The cancellation command mail J itself is not stored in the inbox, and therefore, the recipient cannot recognize its existence.
At the same time as receiving the cancellation command mail J, the mail control unit 30b is activated, and sets a flag to prohibit opening the erroneous mail I in accordance with the control code.
As a result, even if the recipient clicks the erroneous mail I listed in the inbox, the content is not displayed and the attached file cannot be used (S66).
[0052]
However, since information such as the title of the erroneous mail I, the mail address and display of the sender, and the reception date and time is displayed, it is possible to make an inquiry or check by telephone, FAX, or the like.
In addition, if the erroneous mail I is specified and the “Reply” button is clicked, a reply mail creation window addressed to the sender is activated. Therefore, an inquiry e-mail can be created and transmitted to the sender's personal computer 12 via the e-mail transmission unit 38b. At this time, the content of the erroneous mail I is not displayed in the body of the reply mail in the quote format.
[0053]
[E-mail and attached file use restriction function]
As described above, the recipient can freely use the e-mail and the attached file sent from the sender in principle.
For example, the recipient can forward the e-mail with the attached file to a third party. It is also possible to paste the description content of the mail body into another application program such as a word processor by cut-and-paste, or to print the entire text. Furthermore, the attached file can be saved on the hard disk of the personal computer or printed.
However, for example, when a highly confidential document or file is transmitted by e-mail, even if browsing per se by the recipient is permissible, free use of the description contents and attached files is often not permitted.
Therefore, in this system, it is possible for the sender to set various usage restrictions on e-mail in advance.
[0054]
That is, if the sender sets various usage restrictions on the control information setting screen of FIG. 3 before sending a new mail, the corresponding control code is set by the control condition setting section 34a to the header section or the attachment section of the electronic mail. And an e-mail with usage restrictions is generated.
The mail control unit 30b of the dedicated mailer that has received the e-mail executes a required process according to the control code.
[0055]
For example, if the sender checks "Reply only to sender" in the "Reply recipient setting" item 50 in advance, and the recipient describes an e-mail address other than the sender in the destination field when creating a reply mail Then, a message such as "reply to anyone other than the sender is prohibited" is displayed by the mail control unit 30b on the receiving side, and the reply to the third party is rejected.
If the sender checks "Reply to specified domain only" and clicks the "Specify domain" button and enters a specific domain, the recipient belongs to a different domain when creating the reply mail If the address is described, the transmission is rejected by the mail control unit 30b as described above. As a result, it is restricted that the recipient sends a reply mail to a person outside the company having a different domain.
[0056]
Similarly, when the sender checks “Forward only to specified domain” in the “Forward recipient setting” item 51 and clicks the “Specify domain” button to enter a specific domain, When a user attempts to transfer an e-mail to an address belonging to a different domain, transmission is rejected by the mail control unit 30b.
[0057]
If the sender checks the “body copy prohibited” item 52, even if the recipient selects the copy command by specifying the range of the body of the e-mail on the dedicated mailer, the processing is performed by the mail control unit 30b. Will be rejected.
In this case, even if the recipient selects a print screen command for capturing the entire display, the processing is rejected by the mail control unit 30b.
[0058]
If the sender checks the “prohibit attachment file copy” item 53, the mail control unit 30 b denies the recipient from saving the attached file of the e-mail on the hard disk of the personal computer 16 or another storage medium. You.
In this case, when the recipient clicks on the attached file, a dedicated viewer is activated, so that it is permissible to browse the contents of the attached file.
However, the description content of the attached file cannot be copied and pasted into another application program in the viewer.
As described above, even if the recipient selects the print screen command, the processing is rejected by the mail control unit 30b.
[0059]
If the sender checks the "No quotation when replying" item 54, the e-mail content that is sent will be displayed in the body text when the recipient generates a reply mail. Rejected by the control unit 30b.
[0060]
If the sender checks the “transfer prohibited” item 55, the mail control unit 30b denies the transfer of the electronic mail to a third party by the receiver.
On the other hand, if the sender checks the “Prohibit quoting at transfer” item 56, the content of the transmitted e-mail is displayed in the body field in citation format when the recipient generates the forwarded mail. Is rejected by the mail control unit 30b.
In addition, if the sender checks the “prohibit transfer of attached files” item 57, the recipient itself is allowed to send the forwarded mail, but the file attached to the e-mail is forwarded to the third party. Is rejected by the mail control unit 30b.
[0061]
The above control conditions in this system can be made to function by combining a plurality of them.
For example, if the sender checks "Reply request" and "Open confirmation request", the recipient will send an open confirmation mail for the sent e-mail, and the reminder display will continue until the reply e-mail is sent. Will be done.
In addition, if the sender sets the "expiration date" and "delay time limit", opening of the e-mail is prohibited until a certain date and time, and after a certain period of time after browsing is banned, opening of the e-mail is prohibited due to expiration date. The Rukoto.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
By causing the electronic mail control program according to the present invention to function on both the transmitting and receiving computers, the transmitting computer adds various control codes to the electronic mail in advance and transmits the electronic mail, and transmits the electronic mail to the receiving computer. The user can control the e-mail as intended by the user, and the usability of the e-mail system can be greatly improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an electronic mail control system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the electronic mail control system.
FIG. 3 is a layout diagram illustrating an example of a new mail creation window and a control information setting box.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure related to an opening confirmation request function.
FIG. 5 is a layout diagram illustrating an example of an opening confirmation list.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure related to a reply request function.
FIG. 7 is a layout diagram illustrating an example of a reply list.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure related to an expiration date setting function.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure related to a delay time setting function.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure related to a mail cancel function.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 E-mail control system
12 Sender PC
14 Sending mail server
16 Receiving personal computer
18 Receiving mail server
20 ADSL line
22 Internet
30a Mail control unit
32a Email generator
34a control condition setting section
36a display screen generation unit
38a Mail transmission unit
40a mail receiver
42a mail database
30b Mail control unit
32b mail generator
34b Control condition setting section
36b display screen generation unit
38b mail transmission section
40b mail receiver
42b mail database
44 New Mail Creation Window
46 Control information setting box
47 "Opening Confirmation Request" item
48 "Reply request" item
49 "Expiration date" item
50 "Reply recipient setting" item
51 “Transfer Recipient Settings” item
52 "Text Copy Prohibition" Item
53 "Attachment file copy prohibition" item
54 "Prohibit quoting when replying" item
55 "Transfer prohibited" item
56 "Prohibit quoting when forwarding" item
57 "Attachment file transfer prohibition" item

Claims (7)

Computer
Means for generating an email,
Means for adding a control code to the electronic mail to form an electronic mail with control conditions,
Means for sending the electronic mail with the control condition to the electronic mail address of the recipient,
Means for storing, in a predetermined database, an e-mail with control conditions received from another computer,
Means for executing necessary processing according to the control code added to the control condition-email,
An e-mail control program characterized by functioning as an e-mail. Computer
Means for generating an email,
Means for adding a control code requesting receipt confirmation from the recipient to the e-mail, means for sending the receipt confirmation request e-mail to the recipient e-mail address,
Means for storing the opening confirmation mail in a predetermined database when an e-mail for opening confirmation is transmitted from the recipient;
Means for generating a list of opening confirmation mails pertaining to the e-mail with opening confirmation request,
Means for displaying the opening confirmation list on a display,
Means for storing, in a predetermined database, an e-mail with a read confirmation request from another computer,
Means for adding, when the opening confirmation request is sent to the electronic mail with the opening confirmation request, the information of the opening confirmation to the e-mail with the opening confirmation request,
Means for providing a display for urging the user to send an open confirmation mail for an e-mail with an open confirmation request to which the information of the opened confirmation has not been added,
The e-mail control program according to claim 1, wherein the e-mail control program functions as Computer
Means for generating an email,
Means for adding a control code requesting a reply from the recipient to the e-mail,
Means for sending the e-mail with the reply request to the e-mail address of the recipient,
Means for storing the reply e-mail in a predetermined database when a reply e-mail is transmitted from the recipient;
Means for generating a list of reply e-mails relating to the e-mail with reply request,
Means for displaying the reply list on a display,
Means for storing an e-mail with a reply request from another computer in a predetermined database,
Means for, when sending a reply mail to the reply request email, adding reply information to the reply request email;
Means for displaying a message for urging the transmission of a reply confirmation mail, for an e-mail with a reply request without added reply information,
3. The electronic mail control program according to claim 1, wherein the electronic mail control program functions as a computer. Computer
Means for generating an email,
Means for adding a control code for setting an expiration date to the email,
Means for sending the expiring email to the recipient's email address,
Means for storing the expiration date e-mail from another computer in a predetermined database,
4. The electronic mail control program according to claim 1, wherein the electronic mail control program functions as means for prohibiting opening of the electronic mail when the expiration date has passed. The electronic mail control program according to claim 4, wherein
Means for generating an inquiry mail to which a control code for requesting opening of the e-mail with expiration date has been added when the expiration date of the e-mail with expiration date has passed;
Means for sending the inquiry mail to the sender,
Means for generating a release mail with a control code for releasing the expiration date when an inquiry mail is sent from another computer,
Means for transmitting the release mail to the sender,
An e-mail control program that causes a computer to function as a computer. Computer
Means for generating an email,
Means for adding a control code for setting a delay period to the e-mail,
Means for sending the e-mail with the delay period to the e-mail address of the recipient,
Means for storing an e-mail with a delay time limit from another computer in a predetermined database,
Means for prohibiting the opening of the e-mail if the delay time has not come;
The electronic mail control program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electronic mail control program functions as a computer. Computer
Means for generating an email,
Means for sending the email to the recipient's email address,
Means for generating a cancellation email with a control code for canceling the email,
Means for sending the cancellation e-mail to the e-mail address of the recipient,
Means for storing an e-mail from another computer in a predetermined database,
Means for storing the cancellation email in response to the email from the computer in a predetermined database,
Means to prohibit opening of the e-mail,
The electronic mail control program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electronic mail control program functions as a computer.

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