JP2002063467A - Information management system and method, information image card management server, client, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new communication tool and a community space utilizing an information image technology. SOLUTION: This system consists of one or two or more clients 110 capable of utilizing an information image card, an information image card management server 120 for managing the information image card and a network 140 for connecting the clients and the information image card management server in a two-way communicable way. The information image card is formed as an information unit obtained by making image information collaborate with relevant information and consists of a master card PC held by the clients and a slave card CC that can be distributed on the network. The information image management server unitarily manages the distribution of the slave card device on the network.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an information management system and the like, and more particularly to an information management system using an information image card.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the spread of the Internet, many companies not only transmit information to users through the Web, but also frequently update the contents of sites and communicate with users using e-mail and bulletin boards. ， We are trying to get repeaters to the site. On the other hand, users have not only obtained information from the Web but also actively communicated using the Web and e-mail.

[0003] As communication using the Internet is diversified and information continues to increase in this way, it is a major challenge for companies aiming to expand the Internet business to quickly communicate information to users and obtain reliable access to their own sites. It has become. There is also a need for users to exchange information with each other and to expand the circle of communication more efficiently.

[0004] Recently, as a communication tool on the Internet, a so-called "information image" that processes image information and related information that causes an operator to perform a predetermined operation based on the image information as one handling unit.
Have been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Application 2000
-083291).

[0005] This information image can be collectively handled by relating a plurality of operations to one image, and can guide the user cyclically to a plurality of information or manage a plurality of information as a group. Since the user can be guided to that group, it can be a very effective guidance means for the information provider.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a new communication tool of the cyber business card system using information images that can be distributed on a network, on the premise of the above social and technical backgrounds. It is intended to be.

Further, the present invention makes it easy to update and delete information accompanying the communication tool and to track the destination by centrally managing the distribution of a new communication tool of the cyber business card type distributed on the network. It aims to provide an information management system that can be performed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exchange space for a new communication tool of the cyber business card type distributed on a network so that information can be exchanged and propagated more effectively.

Other objects of the present invention will be clarified in the following description.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided one or more clients capable of using an information image card device and the information image card device. An information image card management server, and a network connecting the client and the information image management server so as to enable two-way communication, wherein the information image card device is an information unit that associates image information with related information. And a child card device held in the client and a child card device that can be distributed on the network, and the information image management server unifies distribution of the child card device on the network. An information management system is provided, characterized in that the information management system manages the information.

[0011] Preferably, the information image management server comprises:
A change in information made via the parent card device is reflected on the child card devices circulating on the network. The information image management server explicitly reports the change of the information to the owner of the child card device. The change of the information includes deletion of the information image card itself. The information image card device can be used on information image client software activated on any of the clients connected to a network.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information image card management server for managing an information image card device configured as an information unit in which image information and related information are linked to each other. The device is composed of a parent card device held by the client and a child card device that can be distributed on the network, and the information image management server centrally distributes the child card device on the network. An information image card management server is provided which is characterized in that it is managed.

Preferably, the information image management server comprises:
A change in information made via the parent card device is reflected on the child card devices circulating on the network. The information image management server explicitly reports the change of the information to the owner of the child card device. The change of the information includes deletion of the information image card itself. Further, the information image card device can be used on information image client software started on any one of the clients connected to a network, and the information image card management server executes the information image client software. The distribution of the child card device is centrally managed through the information image client software management server to be managed.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as the information image management server, and a computer-readable storage medium holding the program.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a client capable of holding an information image card device configured as an information unit in which image information and related information are linked, wherein the information image card device comprises: A parent card comprising a parent card device held in the client and a child card device that can be distributed on the network, and capable of centrally changing information related to the child card device on the network A client is provided that is characterized by holding a device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a client capable of holding an information image card device configured as an information unit in which image information and related information are linked, wherein the information image card device comprises: The child card, comprising: a parent card device held in the client; and a child card device that can be distributed on the network, wherein a change in information made via the parent card device is centrally reflected. A client characterized by holding a device. Is provided.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as the client, and a computer-readable storage medium holding the program.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information management method using an information image card configured as an information unit in which image information and related transfer are linked, wherein the information image card management server comprises: Accepting an application from one client and issuing a parent card device unique to the one client, the client issuing a child card device based on the parent card device;
A step in which the information image card management server manages the distribution of the child card devices on the network in a unified manner.

Preferably, the information image card management server reflects a change in information on the information image card performed based on the parent card device to all child card devices distributed on the network. The information image management server explicitly reports the change of the information to the owner of the child card device. The change of the information includes deletion of the information image card itself.

[0020]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
A preferred embodiment of the information management system and the like according to the present invention will be described in detail. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

1. First, an example of a business model to which an information image card device (hereinafter, simply referred to as an information image card) is applied to facilitate understanding of an information management system or the like according to the present invention will be schematically described. .

According to this business model using an information image card, image data such as a digital photograph, personal information and a URL (Uniform Format) on a network are used.
By distributing information image cards linked to related information such as source locator information and e-mail address information on a network, it is possible to form a new cyber communication or a cyber community space for information exchange. Becomes

An information image card is an object that forms a so-called cyber business card (or electronic business card) that can be distributed on a network. An information image card is, for example,
It is configured by linking image data such as a photograph of the owner's face and a company's symbol, and related information such as the owner's name, company's name, address, telephone number, mail address, and homepage address. The information image card is composed of a parent card (also called a master card, a card master, a management card, a master icon, a parent icon, etc.) and a child card (also called a distribution card, a child icon, etc.). I have. The parent card can perform basic operations related to the information image card, such as issuing and transmitting a distribution child card, updating information, and entering a diary. The parent card is unique to each user. A plurality of child cards can be issued based on the parent card, and are composed of child cards that can be distributed over a network.

The owner of the information image card (parent card owner) is configured as an attached file of an e-mail, through a community space formed through a diary or the like, or as an exchange place for the information image card. It is possible to distribute or exchange one's own child card to a third party through a bulletin board or the like.

As described above, the distribution of the information image card to be distributed or exchanged is centrally managed by the information image card management server. Therefore, if the information included in the parent card of the information image card is changed, the changed content is reflected on all the distributed child cards, and can be updated simultaneously.

Further, in the information management system using the information image card according to the present embodiment, a community space such as a diary or a bulletin board as a tool for exchanging the information image card is provided.

2. Explanation of Concepts Specific to Present System Using Information Image Card Here, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, some concepts specific to an information management system using an information image card will be described. Described here are "information image", "image data", "related information", "client client for information image (folder for information image)", "information image card", "parent card", "child" Card "," diary book "," community space ", and the like.

2.1. Information Image First, the structure of an information image that plays a central role in the information management system and the like according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

The "information image" handled in the present embodiment is an information file configured as an information unit in which image data and related information are linked or an information object. That is, the information image links, for example, image data such as a photograph of the owner's face and a company symbol, and related information such as the owner's name, company's name, address, telephone number, mail address, and homepage address. , A single handling unit, so that operations such as transmission on a network can be realized by a single handling process.

As described above, the information image is characterized by (1) image data and related information, and (2) image data and related information can be processed as one handling unit. And The information image is a new communication tool that enables the operator to access various information on the network by using the image data displayed on the display device of the client as an entrance (portal). It is what constitutes a personal portal site.

2.2. Image Data “Image data”, which is one component of an information image, can be specified based on image specification information such as a file name or identification information embedded therein. Then, the information is displayed on the client information display device as an image. More specifically, the image data is a data stream relating to an image employing various formats such as a GIF format, a JPG format, and a PCX format.

In the present embodiment, image data used as an information image card, which will be described later, is an image file that can identify the owner of the information image card, such as a face photograph of the owner, suitable for a cyber business card. This is a digital image file related to a company logo, etc.

2.3. Related Information Another component of the information image, “related information”,
Static information, such as the owner's name, name, and address, and dynamic information, such as an e-mail address or the URL of a homepage, that guide the terminal operator to a specific operation using image information as a clue. Contains. Static information is data that is registered in advance by a user and managed in a database of the information image card management server. On the other hand, the dynamic information is, for example, information (URL, IP address, etc.) for specifying an address of the information on a network when an operator of the terminal wants to refer to information on a specific server. . When a specific program is to be operated, the program name or the program itself may be used. For example, it can be used as instruction information for acquiring new image information from a server.

According to the present embodiment, in order to process the image information having the above configuration and the related information as one handling unit or as an object, according to the present embodiment, Information is embedded. Since the details of the method of embedding the related information in the image information have no direct relation to the present invention, here, Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-0, which is a patent application relating to an information image, is used.
No. 83291 will be referred to, and detailed description will be omitted.

2.4. Information Image Client Software (Information Image Folder) The information image client software is software for making the above information image usable by a client (user) such as a computer. The information image client software is managed by an information image client software management server described later. A user who intends to use the information image or the information image card activates information image client software incorporated in the client. And dragging and dropping the information image distributed by e-mail or the icon of the information image card displayed on the web browser into the folder for the information image displayed in a folder format on the display device of the client, for example. Thus, an information image card can be created.

If the information image client software is not installed in the client computer, the client accesses the information image client software management server via the network and downloads the information image client software. Is possible.

As will be described later, the information image client software is configured to display a plurality of folders on a display device of a client computer. When the user uses the information image card, the user drags and drops the image data attached to the mail delivered to the user by mail into the folder of the client software. As a result, the information image client software and the information image cooperate, and the use of the information image card becomes possible.

In the folder, image data of information images is displayed. In order to display the related information, for example, the operator can operate the mouse to move the pointer to the position of the information image card, and right-click the mouse there to display the relevant information. The details of the operation of the information image card will be described later.

The information management system according to the present embodiment employs a configuration in which the client software for information images is displayed in a folder format on the display device of the client. Not limited. It is also possible to start the information image client software invisible to the user and to configure the information image card as if it were present on the desktop.

At the time of startup, the information image client software logs in to the information image client software management server and exchanges information by performing communication. With such a configuration, for example, if there is any update in the information associated with the information image card incorporated in the client, it is possible to report to the client by the push method. At the same time, if there is a change such as the information image card registered in the client being deleted from the folder, the fact is reported to the information image client software management server. With this configuration, it is possible to easily and reliably track information that changes on a network every moment, as in the unified management of information in the information management system according to the present embodiment.

2.5. Information Image Card Next, an information image card according to the present embodiment will be described. The basic structure of the information image card is the same as the information image already described. However, according to the information management system according to the present embodiment,
Centrally managed by the information image card management server,
Functions as a so-called cyber business card. The information image card can be classified into a personal card and a business card according to the characteristics of the user. My personal card is
Typically, this is a personal information card in which image information, which is a face photograph of the owner, and related information, which is the personal information of the owner, are linked. The corporate card is typically a corporate information card in which image information, which is a logo of the owning company, and related information, which is service information provided by the owning company, are linked. In this embodiment, the information image including the image data and the related information is described as the information image card. However, the present invention is not limited to the card, and the catalog information of products and services provided by the company is provided. And so on.

The information image card is issued by the information image card management server on condition that user information and card information are registered. The user information is basic information of the owner of the information image card, and the card information is personal information attached to the child card. As already explained, an information image card is a parent card that can be used to operate various types of information at the owner's hand, and a child card that can be distributed over the network away from the owner. It is composed of

The characteristics of the parent card and the child card will be described below.

2.6. Parent Card The parent card is also called a card master or a parent icon, and is represented as “PC” in the drawings. The information image card is issued by the information image card management server by registering the user information and the card information in the information image card management server, and is held in the client software of the information image card owner. On the display device of the client, a symbolic image is displayed in a manner different from a child card, which will be described later, such that the parent card can be easily identified. In this embodiment,
A character “Pop-Sync” is displayed. By right-clicking the image of the parent card, an operation window is displayed, and as related information of the parent card to be linked, for example, issuance and transmission of a child card, entry in a diary, information related to the child card (Card information)
Information for performing operations such as changing the information image card management server, deleting, moving, and updating the parent car is displayed. The method of creating the parent card, the operation method thereof, and the like will be described later with reference to FIG.

2.7. Child card A child card is also called a PoP-Sync card, a distribution card, or a child icon.
Expressed as "CC". The child card is a card to be transmitted from the client of the information image card owner as an attached file of an e-mail or exchanged through a community space such as a diary. Since the child card functions as a cyber business card, an image capable of identifying the owner, such as a face photograph or a company logo, is displayed on the display device of the client. By right-clicking the image, an operation window is displayed. In addition to personal information such as the address, name, and telephone number of the distributor, access information to the diary of the distributor is displayed as related information of the child card to be linked. You. The method of creating, distributing, and exchanging child cards will be described later with reference to FIG.

2.8. Diary Book The diary book is a public information space that can be updated every predetermined time, for example, every day, and is an information exchange space unique to the owner of the information image card. As shown in FIG. 53, the information image card owner can write the title, image information, and text information in his or her diary in a picture diary style. The contents of this diary are published as public information, and can be viewed by a third party via, for example, a distributed child card. The viewer of the diary can leave a comment on the contents of the diary or request replacement of the information image card.

In this specification, the information disclosure space unique to each information image card owner, whose contents can be updated when necessary, is referred to as a diary book.
Of course, it is needless to say that the information disclosure space having the same function can be referred to by another name. 2.9. Community space The above-mentioned diary also constitutes a kind of community space, but the diary is a space for information exchange between individuals, and according to the present embodiment, furthermore, according to the present embodiment, this community space is divided between unspecified many people. It can be expanded to an information exchange space. This community space can adopt various modes. For example, a bulletin board is provided for each theme such as educational issues and environmental issues, and a public image card can be exchanged through writing on the bulletin board. It can be configured as a space.

As described above, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention,
Some concepts unique to the information management system using the information image card have been described. In the present information management system, there are some unique concepts other than the above-mentioned concepts, and these concepts will be described in detail in the following description each time.

3. System Configuration of Information Management System Next, a system configuration for realizing the information management system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3.1. 1. Overall Configuration of Information Management System As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an information management system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of users (clients) 110 who can own an information image card, an information image card An information image card management server 120 that centrally manages the distribution of information and an information image client software management server 130 that provides information image client software for enabling the information image card to be used by the client 110. It employs a configuration in which it is connected by a network 140 such as the Internet, which allows two-way communication. Hereinafter, the configuration of each component will be discussed in detail.

3.2. Client 110 The client 110 is an information processing device such as a computer having a communication function for connecting to the network 140 in a bidirectional manner. As shown in FIG. 3, the client 110 activates information image client software (to be described later) to display the information image folder 112 on the display device, and has a mailer 114 for transmitting and receiving e-mail via a network. , And browser software capable of displaying and browsing HTML files. The client 110 is not a special computer but a general-purpose computer. In the illustrated example, the client 110 is configured as a personal computer. However, the client 110 may be configured as a mobile information terminal, a mobile phone, or a home appliance having an information terminal function configured to be able to use an information image card. Is also possible.

As described later, the client 110
It may be configured as a sender holding and holding a parent card and issuing and distributing a child card, or as a receiver receiving a child card from the sender. In any case, the client 110 needs to have a function of transmitting and receiving the information image card via the network, activating client software for the information image, and using the information image card.

3.3. Information image card management server 12
0, as shown in FIG. 4, the information image card management server 120 is composed of an information processing device such as a computer having a communication function for connecting to the network 140 in a bidirectional manner. The information image card management server 120 includes an information image card generation server (GS) 121.
An information image card generation server database (GS-DB) 123, an information image card web server 125, an information image card database 127,
A functional element such as a mail server 129 is provided.

3.3.1. Information Image Generation Server 121 Information Image Card Generation Server (GS) 12
Reference numeral 1 denotes a server that communicates with client software installed in the client 110. Specifically, as described later, the information image card generation server (GS) 121 receives an information image card generation request from the client 110 and generates an icon of the information image card or transmits the icon to each client 110. Or related information included in the information image card to be processed. The information image card generation server (GS) 121 communicates with the client 110,
For each information image card registered in a folder in the client software of the client 110, information indicating whether or not each information image card has been updated and update information are pushed to the client 110.

As shown in FIG. 5, the information image card generation server (GS) 121 has a function of issuing and managing a parent card PC, and has a function of issuing and managing a parent card PC.
a and a child card issuance management unit 121b having a function of issuing and managing the child card CC.

As described above, the parent card PC is
This is also called a card master or a parent icon, and is held in the client 110 as the information image card owner in association with the basic information of the information image card owner. The parent card PC issuance management unit 121a holds the ID of the issued parent card PC and
It manages changes and deletions of information related to C.

The child card CC is also called a PoP-Sync card, a distribution card, or a child icon. The child card CC is transmitted from a client of the information image card owner as an attached file of e-mail, or is transmitted via a community space. It is the object that is exchanged. The child card CC issue management unit 121b holds the ID of the issued and distributed child card CC in association with the ID of the parent card PC, and manages the distribution state.

3.3.2. Information Image Card Generation Server Database 123 The information image card generation server database (GS-DB) 123 manages various information related to issuance of an information image card. The information image card generation server database (GS-DB) 123 is
For example, an information image card generation server (G
S) This is a database for managing information such as the ID list of the information image card and various histories issued by 121.

More specifically, the information image card generation server database (GS-DB) 123 is associated with the client ID of the client software installed in the computer of the client 110 and associated with the parent card registered in the folder of the client software. It is a database in which information relating to child cards and child information, image data associated with each information image card, and related information called by right-clicking are registered.

3.3.3. Information Image Card Web Server 125 The information image card Web server 125 constitutes a contact point for the client of the image management system 100 according to the present embodiment in various phases. For example, the information image card web server 125 accepts user registration from the client 110 that wants to create an information image card. Further, the information image card web server 125 accepts a change in the registered content of the issued information image card. Further, the information image card web server 125 is a server that manages a diary, which is a personal information exchange space, and a community space, such as a bulletin board, which is a public information exchange space.

The information image card web server 125
In order to execute the information management function as described above, as shown in FIG. 6, a user information management unit 125a, a parent card PC information management unit 125b, a child card CC information management unit 125c,
Diary book information management unit 125d, community information management unit 1
25e and the like.

The user information management unit 125a manages information on the user who has requested the issuance of the information image card.
As will be described later, when issuing an information image card, the system requests the user to register minimum user information such as an e-mail address for user management. The user information registered at that time is stored in the user information management unit 1.
25a.

The parent card information management section 125b manages information on the parent card PC generated when the information image card is issued. As described later, the user can perform operations such as issuing and transmitting the child card CC and writing a diary via the parent card PC. These operation logs and the like are centrally managed by the parent card PC information management unit 125b.

The child card information management section 125c manages information on the child card CC generated and distributed based on the parent card PC. In the child card CC, personal information on the user of the distribution card is embedded as static related information, and also dynamic related information such as a URL of a site where the distribution source user of the child card CC wants to guide the distribution destination user is embedded. Have been. Further, from the child card CC, it is possible to browse a diary which is a communication space of the distribution source user, and information on the URL of the diary is also embedded. These pieces of information are centrally managed by the child card information management unit 125c.

As shown in FIG. 7, the child card information management section 125c has a child card information registration section 125c-1, a child card information registration section 125c for registering information relating to the child card CC. Child card information change section 125c-3 for changing information about CC, child card CC
Card transmission section 125c-4 for transmitting the e-mail as an attached file of e-mail to another user, and a child card CC with another user via a community space such as a diary.
And a child card exchange unit 125c-5 for exchanging the information.

The diary management unit 125d shown in FIG. 8 manages information about a diary which is a community space for exchanging information image cards between individual users. As will be described later, the diary can be updated at a predetermined time, for example, every day. For each item, a title, image information, a diary text, and the like can be pasted like a picture diary. It is also possible to paste comments of other users who have viewed the published diary.
Further, it is possible to exchange child cards CC between users via the diary. The diary management unit 125d centrally manages logs of various information operations performed through the diary as described above.

As shown in FIG. 8, the diary management section 125d manages titles, image information, and diary texts to be posted in the diary to realize the above functions. -1, a diary comment management unit 125d-2 in which other users who have accessed the published diary can write, and a child managing the exchange operation of the child card CC performed between users via the diary space. A card exchange management unit 125d-3.

Referring to FIG. 6 again, community information management section 125e manages information about a community space, which is a public communication space for exchanging information image cards among an unspecified number of users. This community space centrally manages operation information when exchanging information image cards between users who have participated in bulletin boards configured according to specific themes such as educational issues and environmental issues.

The information image card web server 12
For details of each functional component of No. 5, see below.
This will be clarified when describing each operation of the information image management system 100 according to the present embodiment.

3.3.4. Information Image Card Database 127 Referring again to FIG.
Reference numeral 27 holds various information related to management and distribution of the information image card. The information image card database 127 includes, for example, a bitcard_user table including user information of a user who created the information image card, and information regarding the information image card.
bitcard_cardinfo table, bitcard_se containing information on distribution history and distribution destination of information image cards distributed to a plurality of clients
ndcard table, bitcard_ containing information about exchange of information image card on the network
A keep table, a bitca containing basic information about the diary provided by the owner who created the information image card
rd_diaryinfo table, bitca having information about the daily diary registered as the diary
rd_diary table, bi having information about comments on the diary of the client who browsed the diary
It has a tcard_diarycomm table and the like.

3.3.5. Mail Server 129 The information image card management server 120 further includes a mail server 129. The mail server 129 notifies the client 110 of the completion of user registration registration,
The issued information image card is stored in its own client 110.
Notification of a URL for uploading the information image card, sending of an e-mail to which an information image card is attached, and the like.

3.4. Information Image Client Software Management Server 130 Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the information management system 100 according to the present embodiment further includes an information image client software management server 130. As described above, the information image client software management server 130 manages software that is incorporated in the client 110 and generates an information image folder for using the information image, and authenticates the client software. Server to perform

As shown in FIG. 9, the information image client software management server 130 includes a management server 132 and a management server database 134.

The management server 132 provides the client software and the client software ID to the user, and authenticates the client software by referring to the client ID.
A user management unit 132b for managing user information of the client software; and an information image management unit 132c for managing an information image card running on each client software.
And

Management server database (AS-DB) 1
Reference numeral 34 denotes a database for administration, which generates user information, login information, an access log, and an information image relating to the client 110 who has logged in, and stores the client ID assigned to each client 110 in association with the information. are doing.

As described above, to use the information image card according to the present system, the client 110
It is necessary to incorporate client software for information images into When the information image client software provided from the client software management unit 132a is first incorporated into the client 110, the information image client software notifies the user of minimum information for user management such as an e-mail address. Request registration. The user management information registered in the information image client software management server 130 is registration information of a user who uses the client software, and is stored in the information image card database 127 of the information image card management server 120. Bitcar which is user registration information
It is not the same as the d_user table.

The details of the method for operating the information image card via the information image folder will be described later, and here, the operation of the client software will be briefly described. When the client 110 attempts to activate the information image folder of the client software, the following processing is performed. First, the client 110 accesses the information image client software management server 130, and authentication of the client software is performed. As a result of the authentication, if the installed client software is determined to be legitimate client software, the client software is activated on the computer of the client 110, and the information image folder is displayed on the display.

At this time, the client software communicates with the generation server 121 and automatically receives information on a plurality of information image icons registered in the information image folder. Apparently, the process of receiving the information related to the information image icon is information that appears to be distributed by push from the generation server 121. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is assumed that such processing is performed by the push method. Explain. The information distributed from the generation server 121 includes, for example, information indicating what information image card (child card) is registered in the information image folder,
The information includes icon information representing the information image card, image data included in the information image card, and related information registered in the information image card called by a right click of the user.

For example, according to the information management system in this embodiment, when the client 110 activates the information image folder, if the information contained in the child card CC held in the information image folder is If there is a change, the user is notified that the background color and the peripheral color of the displayed child card CC have changed. Also,
When the information image folder is opened on the computer on the client 110 side, detailed information on the information image file registered in the folder is received from the generation server 121.

As described above, according to the information management system of the present invention, the user of the client 110 determines whether or not information has been updated in the information image card registered in the information image folder by a predetermined method. Even without accessing the server, it is possible to automatically know that the information on the information image card has been updated, and to always receive the updated information image data.

3.5. Network Finally, the client 110, the information image card management server 120, and the information image client software management server 1
A network for connecting the H.30 and the H.30 so as to enable two-way communication will be briefly described. This network can be configured as the Internet using a public line network or an intranet using a closed line network. The specifications required for this network are not limited as long as data can be bidirectionally communicated between terminals connected to the network.

4. Operation Example of Information Management System Hereinafter, an operation example of the information management system configured as described above will be described. What is explained here is
“Issuance of information image card”, “transmission and reception of information image card”, “simultaneous update of information image card”, “diary function of information image card”, “exchange of information image card”, and the like.

4.1. Structure of Information Image Card Web FIG. 10 shows an example of a page structure of the information image card web that operates the information management system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 11 shows a display example of a top page of the page structure. Show.

A user who wants to create or use an information image card first accesses a top page 80 of the information image management system as shown in FIG. On the top page, as shown in FIG.
1, “Download client software” 82, “How to use card” 83, “FAQ” 84, “Send card” 85, “Card storage” 86, “Change card information”
87, "change user information" 88, "lost card master"
89 are linked. Furthermore, among these pages, “Send Card” 85, “Card Keep” 86,
"Change card information" 87, "Change user information" 88,
As in the case of "lost card master" 89, a "login" 90 procedure is required to access a page related to information operation.

The information image management system web page is configured to display the above items. Hereinafter, each item will be described in detail.

The “create card” 81 displays a screen for creating a new information image card according to the present embodiment.
In addition, this function is SSL (Se
Cure Sockets Layer).

“Downloading Client Software” 8
Reference numeral 2 denotes a page for downloading the information image client software in a separate window.

The "how to use card" 83 displays a detailed explanation screen on how to create and use an information image card for a user who is unfamiliar with the method of creating and using an information image card.

Similarly, the “FAQ” 84 displays the explanation and the operating environment of the information image card in a question-and-answer format for a user who is unfamiliar with the method of creating and using the information image card. is there.

"Send card" 85 displays a screen for sending a mail of the created card. In addition, this function also
In order to ensure security, processing is performed by SSL.

The "keep card" 86 displays a screen for exchanging the created information image card. Note that this function is also configured to perform processing by SSL to ensure security.

The "change card information" 87 displays a screen for changing the card information of an already registered information image card. Note that this function is also configured to perform processing by SSL in order to ensure security.

"Change user information" 88 displays a screen for changing the user information of the already registered information image card. Note that this function is also configured to perform processing by SSL in order to ensure security.

The “lost card master” 89 displays a screen for reacquiring a lost parent card PC (card master). Note that this function is also used to secure
It is configured to perform processing in SL.

4.2. Creation of Information Image Card Next, the creation flow of the information image card will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 12 and the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, registration of user information of the information image card and creation of a new card are performed. In the creation procedure, a new information image card is produced by selecting image information to be attached to the information image card after confirming the terms of use, and further inputting user information and card information.

When creation of an information image card is selected in the top menu shown in FIG. 11 (S 1101), FIG.
4 is displayed (S1102), and consent is confirmed (S1103).

Then, when the "Agree" button is pressed, the screen transits to an image designation method selection screen as shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the "I do not agree" button is pressed, the screen transitions to the top menu screen.

After confirming the consent, the user uploads an image file or selects a template on an image designation method selection screen as shown in FIG. 15 (S1104). Here, the user selects whether to upload and use an image file to be displayed on the information image card or to use a prepared image file.

When the "image upload" button is pressed, the screen is changed to an image upload screen shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the “Template” button is pressed,
Transition to the template selection screen shown in FIG. 18 (S11)
07).

First, the case where the image upload is selected will be described. The user selects an image file prepared by the user himself from the image upload screen as shown in FIG. 16 and uploads the image (S110).
5). In the image upload screen shown in FIG.
Clicking the "Browse" button displays a dialog for selecting an image file to upload. Note that the initial display directory, file type, and the like depend on the browser used.

Next, on the image upload screen shown in FIG. 16, if the "Next" button is pressed and the selected image file is incorrect, an image upload screen including an error message is displayed.

For example, if the image format that can be attached to the information image card is limited to the JPEG format, or if the image size is limited, if an image file that does not meet these conditions is uploaded, An error message is shown. On the other hand, if the selected image file is correct, an image upload completion screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed, and the uploaded image file is previewed. (S1106). If the user does not like the image file by referring to the uploaded image preview, the user presses the “change image” button to transit to the image upload screen shown in FIG. 16 and select the image file to be uploaded again. I do.

On the other hand, the case where a template is selected will be described. If a template image is selected on a template selection screen as shown in FIG. 18, an image information file is created based on the template prepared by the system. You. For example, an image to be displayed on the card is selected from male and female image files prepared in advance by the system.

As described above, when the selection of the image information file to be attached to the information image card is completed, the user information and login information necessary for using the information image card are displayed on the user information registration screen as shown in FIG. Is registered (S1108).

All the items on the user information registration screen are required to be input (FIG. 12). The user information is information on an individual or a company of a person who creates the information image card, and is, for example, information such as a name, a gender, a date of birth, and an e-mail address as shown in FIG. At the same time, registration of a user name, a password, and a secret question for issuing a one-time password and a response to the forgotten password are required as login information as shown in the data table of FIG.

The user registration information registered using this user registration screen is all registered in the information image card database 127 as a bitcard_user table.

When the input of the user information and the login information is completed as described above and the “next” button is pressed, an input check is performed to determine whether or not the input items are correct (S1109). Here, an input error message box is displayed when an input check is performed and an uninput item or an input value is incorrect. If a user name that has already been registered is entered, a message box is displayed to re-enter with a different user name. In that case, the password item is cleared once and must be re-entered.
If all the items are correct, the screen transits to the card information registration screen shown in FIGS.

The card information registration screen shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is a screen for inputting information necessary for card information registration processing, and is a card information attached to a child card of an information image card to be issued. Input. The input items are information as shown in the data table of FIG. 24, that is, nickname, name, phonetic, other information,
The information includes an e-mail address, a telephone number, a fax number, an address, information on a recommended site, and a telop message.

Here, the nickname is a required entry item,
This is displayed as the card name of the distributed information image card (child card CC). Other items are optional input items, and only the input items are displayed as card information. For some input items, for example, nicknames and e-mail addresses, the values entered in the user information registration are displayed as default values.

The card information set in the card information registration processing is registered in the information image card database 127 in association with the card ID as a bitcard_cardinfo table (FIG. 12).

In this way, when the predetermined input is completed and the “Next” button is pressed on the screen of FIG.
A nickname required input check and an input item input check are performed (S1111), and FIG. 25 and FIG.
It transits to the preview screen shown in.

On the preview screens shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the uploaded image, the input user information, the login information, and the card information are previewed (S1112). After the preview display, the generation server 121 performs an information image card creation process in response to pressing of the “make this card” button. Specifically, the card information input during the above-described card information registration processing is not only registered in the information image card DB 127 but also sent to the generation server 121 (FIG. 12). Generation server 12
1 stores the image file (or template image file) set by the user in the database 123 of the generation server in association with the received card information (FIG. 12).

In the preview screen, the contents of the password are not displayed as they are, but are replaced with "*" and displayed. Also, in the card information display, images of "displayed" and "not displayed" of the input item are displayed according to the input status. When the “change image” button is pressed on the preview screen, the input value is retained and
The screen transits to the image designation method selection screen shown in FIG. When the “change user information” button is pressed on the preview screen, the screen transits to the user information registration screen shown in FIG. 19 while retaining the input value. On the preview screen,
When the “change card information” button is pressed, the screen changes to a card information registration screen shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 while retaining the input value.

When the creation of the information image card is completed through the above process, a creation completion screen shown in FIG. 27 is displayed, and a message indicating that the creation of the card has been completed is displayed. In addition, a creation completion notification mail is transmitted to the mail address input at the time of user information registration (FIG. 12). Further, the system generates an HTML for acquiring a card master (parent card PC), and notifies the user of the generated HTML URL by a creation completion notification mail.

When the user obtains his or her own card master (parent card PC), clicking on the URL described in the mail notified from the mail server causes the browser software to open a web page corresponding to this URL. A page is displayed (FIG. 12). The web page is a page for acquiring a card master, and a predetermined card master is placed in advance. By dragging and dropping the card master from the web browser to the information image folder 112, the card master (parent card) can be displayed in the folder.

The card master PC is not a card on which image data selected by the user as an icon image is displayed, but a symbolic image "Pop-Sy".
nc ”is displayed on the card. That is, it is not an information image card (child card) to be distributed to another client. What kind of information image card (child card)
In order to check whether or not has been created, the following child card issuance processing is performed. Note that this processing is not essential, and the information image card (child card) can be distributed without performing the child card issuing processing.

In order to have an information image card (child card) issued, first, right-click the card master (parent card) displayed in the information image folder 112, and
The operation window PC-W must be displayed. The operation window PC-W has “P” as a plurality of functions realized by the information management system described in this embodiment.
oP-Sync card issuance "," PoP-Sync card transmission "," Diary entry ", and" PoP-Sync "
A menu such as "update nc card information" is displayed. "P
The “issuance of oP-Sync card” is a function of requesting the information image card management server 120 to issue a child card corresponding to the card master displayed in the information image folder 112. The “transmission of the PoP-Sync card” will be described in detail later, but the information image folder 11
2 is a function for transmitting a child card corresponding to the card master displayed in 2 to a plurality of recipients specified by the user as a sender. “Entry in the diary” is a function for creating and / or updating a diary page of the owner (creator) of the card master displayed in the information image folder 112, which will be described later in detail. . "PoP-S
The "update of the nc card information" means an image file registered as an icon image of an information image card and a user registered as a bitcard_user table when creating a card master displayed in the information image folder 112, which will be described in detail later. Information, bitcard_ca
This is a function for updating card information registered as an rdinfo table.

In order for the card master owner who has created the card master to acquire the information image card (child card) created by himself, the user must select “PoP-S” from the above menu.
"Issue a sync card". Depending on the user, "P
When “issuance of oP-Sync card” is selected, the client software of the client 110 sends an information image card (child card) to the generation server 121.
Request delivery of The generation server 121
By referring to the card ID of the card master displayed in the information image folder 112, the relevant information for configuring the information image card (child card) held in association with this card ID is stored in the generation server database. Receive from 123. For example, the information read from the generation server database 123 includes image data representing an information image card (child card) and information substantially the same as the bitcard_cardinfo table.
This is the card information registered in 23.

The generation server 121 generates an image icon of the information image card from the image data based on the image data received from the generation server database 123, and adds the card information received from the generation server database 123 to the information image card. An information image card (child card) is created by attaching it as information. The card information added to the image data as the additional information is information displayed when right-clicking the information image card (child card) displayed in the information image folder 112. When the generation server 121 push-distributes the generated information image card (child card) to the client software of the client 110, the information image card (child card) is displayed in the information image folder 112. Note that the function added to the information image card cannot be used simply by pasting the information image card (child card) on the desktop of the client 110 or displaying the icon of the information image card with a web browser. To the last, when the information image card is displayed in the information image folder activated by the client software, the function added to the information image card is activated.

4.3. Downloading Information Image Client Software As described above, an information image card can be used by introducing information image client software (information image folder) to a client. From the top page of the information image web shown in FIG. 11, a screen that guides a user who does not own the information image client software to a site for downloading the information image client software is displayed as shown in FIG. , Can be displayed in another window. In the download page shown in FIG. 28, the display image of the client software is also displayed.

4.4. Example of Display of Information Image Card As described above, the information image card is composed of the parent card PC held by the issuing client and the child card CC distributed via the network.
Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 29 and FIG.
A display example of C and the child card CC will be described.

4.4.1. Parent card (card master)
Display Example of PC FIG. 29 shows a display example of the parent card PC displayed in the information image folder. When the information image card is generated according to the information image card generation flow shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the user accesses the URL of the designated card master acquisition page, acquires the parent card PC, and acquires the information image card. Drag and drop to the folder 112 to generate the parent card PC.

The parent card PC is a card master for managing a child card CC, which will be described later.
Also in FIG. 2, a symbolic image is displayed so that the child card CC can be identified. By right-clicking the parent card PC, the operator can display the parent card operation window PC-W. The operator selects the menus “Issue PoP-Sync Card”, “Send PoP-Sync Card”, and “PoP-Sync Card” displayed on the parent card operation window PC-W.
By selecting a desired menu from “Update sync card information” and “Entry in diary”, parent card PC
It is possible to perform a basic operation of the information image card corresponding to.

4.4.2. Child card (distribution card) C
Display Example of C FIG. 30 shows a display example of the child card CC displayed in the information image folder. As already explained,
The child card CC is a cyber business card distributed via a network, and the information image folder 112 contains image images such that the owner of the information image card can be identified.
For example, a face photograph of the user of the distribution source is displayed. further,
The operator right-clicks the child card CC,
The child card operation window CC-W can be displayed. In the child card operation window CC-W, the name, telephone number,
In addition to personal information such as an address and an e-mail address, URL information of a site recommended by the owner of the information image card is registered in a menu of "recommended sites", or a URL of a diary created by a child card owner. Information is registered in a menu called "view diary". These pieces of information are stored in bitcard_use as described above.
user information registered as an r table and bitc
Although it is not the card information itself registered as the ard_cardinfo table, it is extracted from the bitcard_user table and the bitcard_cardinfo table as data necessary for creating an information image card from the user information and card information tables, and stored in the database 123 for the generation server. These are registered user information and card information.

As described later with reference to FIG. 38,
The child card CC also has a function as an e-mail address book. That is, if the operator right-clicks the e-mail address displayed in the child card operation window CC-W, the mailer incorporated in the client automatically performs the operation in a state where the e-mail addresses of the transmission destination and the transmission source are input. Will be activated. Therefore, the operator can send an e-mail to the child card holder only by inputting the text and the title.

4.5. Information image card (child card C
C) Transmission Procedure Next, a method for transmitting and receiving an information image card will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

In the information management system according to the present embodiment, the transmission of the information image card
This means that the owner of C sends the child card CC as an e-mail attachment to the mail address of the third party. The information image card is received by the parent card P
This means that the child card CC is received as an e-mail attachment from the owner of C.

Transmission of the child card CC of the information image card is
As shown in FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, “Card transmission” for transmitting the child card CC is selected from the operation window PC-W displayed by right-clicking the parent card PC displayed in the information image folder 110S. By doing so, it can be performed by logging in to the information image card management server 120 (S2901). Or,
This can also be performed by selecting card transmission from the top page of the information image card web shown in FIG. 11 (S2902).

When the owner of the information image card (parent card PC) selects a menu “Send Pop-Sync Card” indicating card transmission from the operation window PC-W, the browser software of the computer of the client 110S is activated. Then, a login screen as shown in FIG. 33 is displayed. (S2903). This login screen is a web screen provided from the information image card management web server 125. When the sender of the information image card inputs a user account and a password on this login screen, the information image card management web server 125 refers to the bitcard_user table registered in the information image card DB 127,
Authenticate the sender. (FIG. 31).

Web Server 12 for Information Image Card Management
Upon completion of the authentication processing by No. 5, the information image card management web server 125 displays a mail address input screen as shown in FIG. 34 on the browser of the computer of the client 110S (S2904). If the user presses the “cancel” button, the screen transits to the top menu screen shown in FIG. In the login screen shown in FIG. 33, a "forgot password" button is also provided. If the operator forgets the password, by pressing this "forgot password" button, the screen is transited to a one-time password input screen (not shown) registered in advance. Then, it is possible to log in by answering a question registered in advance.

In the mail address input screen shown in FIG. 34, the mail address of the transmission destination and the message to the other party are input. In the illustrated example, a plurality of, for example, five e-mail addresses and titles can be input at the same time. However, in the illustrated example, the message to the other party is the same sentence. Of course, it is also possible to configure so that messages of different sentences are transmitted to a plurality of transmission destinations. In addition, as the input items, the first mail address and the title are required to be input. Other input items are optional.

When the "Next" button is pressed on the mail address input screen, the information image card web server 125 checks the input items and displays the preview screen shown in FIG. On the preview screen, it is possible to perform a preview display of the input mail address, text, and attached image (S2905).

After confirming the input contents on the preview screen shown in FIG. 35, when the “send” button is pressed, the information image card web server 125 sends the e-mail to the designated destination with the preview contents. Start preparing to send. First, the information image card web server 125 sends an instruction to create a child card CC to the generation server 121 (FIG. 31). The generation server 121 creates a still image file (for example, a JPEG image file) on which the child card CC is based, using image data registered in the database as information relating to the parent card. The information image card web server 125 is a generation server 121.
Receives the still image file created in step (1), and provides the file to the mail server 129. At the same time, the information image card web server 125 supplies to the mail server 129 a command to create an e-mail with the content confirmed on the preview screen (FIG. 31).
). The mail server 129 attaches the still image file created in the generation server 121 to the electronic mail according to the instruction of the information image card web server 125, and distributes the electronic mail to the designated destinations. It should be noted that the mail transmission process is performed by
(Common Gateway Interface
e) using a program.

If the user wants to change the input content on the preview screen, the user presses the "Redo" button to retain the input information and transit to the mail address input screen. Then, necessary information can be re-input.

The information image card web server 125 is
After sending a mail transmission command to the mail server 129, b
An itcard_sendcard table is created and registered in the information image card database 127. The bitcard_sendcard table is a table for registering the mail address and the transmission date and time of the destination to which the information image card has been transmitted in association with the user ID. For example, assuming that one's own information image card has been sent to ten clients, the destination mail addresses and the sending date and time of these ten people are shown in this bitcard_se
It will be registered in the ndcard table. That is, the information stored in the bitcard_sendcard table is information indicating the distribution history of the information image card, and the information image card web server 12.
5, by referring to the bitcard_sendcard table, it is possible to know when and to whom each information image card was sent.

4.6. Information image card (child card C
C) Reception Procedure Next, a reception procedure by the information image management system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 31 and FIG.

First, the client 110 of the receiver receives an e-mail from the client 110 of the sender to which the still image file serving as the base of the child card is attached (S37).
01). As shown in FIG.
10 pastes the attached child card generation icon GI on the desktop (S3802). Then, in order to make the information image card usable in the client 110, the information image client software is activated and the information image folder 110R is displayed (S3703).
Here, when the information image client software is not incorporated in the client 110, which is the recipient, it is possible to access the information image client software management server 130 and download the necessary information image client software.

Next, as shown in FIG. 31, the child card generation icon GI pasted on the desktop is dragged and dropped into the information image folder 112R displayed on the display device of the receiver client 110R ( In S3704, the child card generation icon GI is automatically expanded and the child card CC is displayed (S3).
705).

After that, by right-clicking the child card CC displayed in the information image folder, an operation window CC-W as shown in FIG. 30 is displayed to confirm personal information on the child card CC, Send an e-mail to the sender of the child card CC, or
It is possible to browse the diary held by the sender and enjoy services available in the information management system according to the present embodiment.

4.7. Address Book Function of Information Image Card Next, the address book function of the information image card according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the child card CC of the information image card also has a function as an e-mail address book. As shown in FIG. 38, when an e-mail is to be transmitted to the child card CC displayed in the information image folder 112, the operator right-clicks on the child card CC to open the operation window CC-W. Is displayed.
Then, by clicking an e-mail address displayed in the operation window CC-W, a mailer 3800 such as an Outlook Express linked in advance can be automatically activated.

In the information management system according to the present embodiment, the e-mail address of the sender of the child card CC is inserted in the destination address field of the mailer 3800 that has been automatically activated, and the sender address field is further inserted in the sender address field. , The electronic mail address of the recipient of the child card CC is inserted. Therefore, the operator does not need to input the e-mail address into the sender address field and the destination address field of the mailer. As described above, the operator right-clicks the child card CC to display the operation window CC-W, and activates the mailer in which necessary items are described simply by clicking the e-mail address described therein. be able to. Thereafter, by inputting necessary sentences and titles in the e-mail text field 3806, the e-mail can be completed and transmitted.

As described above, according to the information management system of the present embodiment, the child card CC displayed in the information image folder can be used in the same manner as an electronic address book, and transmission of an e-mail can be performed. The procedure is also simplified.
In addition, it is possible to avoid an input error of the e-mail address.

4.8. Update of Information on Information Image Card Next, an update procedure of information included in the information image card in the information management system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

4.8.1 Outline of Information Image Card Information Update Procedure First, an information image card information update procedure will be outlined with reference to FIG. The information contained in the information image card is updated by updating the parent card PC in the information image folder 112.
Done using Right-click the parent card PC to display the operation window PC-W. From the operation menu, select "PoP-Sy" which means updating the information image card.
nc card information update "item. Then, a web browser is activated on the client 110S,
The user logs in to the information image card web server 120 (FIG. 39). Web server 1 for information image card
20 provides a web page of the client 110 with a page for updating card information or a page for updating user information, which will be described later. When update information related to card information or user information is input to the information image card web server 125 from the client 110S via a web riser, the update information is transmitted to the information image card database 12.
7 and the user information registered as a bitcard_user table and the bitcard_car
The card information registered as a dinfo table is updated (FIG. 39). In addition, the updated information
It is also sent to the generation server 121 (FIG. 39).
). Database 123 for generation server
Also, related information (information called by right-clicking) related to the information image card is stored, so if there is an update regarding the user information or the card information, the generation server 121 stores the information in the database 123 for the generation server. The stored related information is updated (FIG. 39). Further, since the image data representing the information image card is stored in the database 123 for the generation server, when the image data is replaced, the generation server 1
21 is the database 12 for the generation server
3 is replaced with new image data.

When the contents related to the information image card stored in the databases 127 and 123 are updated, an update completion notification is sent from the mail server 129 to the client 110S requesting the update (FIG. 39).

4.8.2. Next, the details of the procedure for changing the card information of the information image card will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

First, a change of card information is selected from the operation window PC-W displayed by right-clicking the parent card PC. Alternatively, change of card information is selected from the top page of the information image card web. Then, the screen displayed on the display device of the client 110 transits to the login screen shown in FIG. 41 (S40).
01).

Here, authentication is performed using a user name and a password. When a “login” button is pressed on the login screen, user authentication is performed using the input user name and password. If the user is successfully authenticated, the screen transitions to a change content selection screen shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the “Cancel” button is pressed, the screen transits to the top menu screen. When the “forgot password” button is pressed, the screen transitions to a one-time password input screen, where an attempt is made to issue a one-time password based on the contents registered in advance, and the one-time password is authenticated. The screen transitions to a change content selection screen 41. The operator can select the change of the image file or the change of the card information on the change content selection screen shown in FIG. 41 (S4002).

On the change content selection screen shown in FIG.
When the “change card information” button is pressed, FIG.
And a transition to a change input screen as shown in FIG. 43 (S
4007), when the “change image” button is pressed,
Move to the image designation method selection screen. Here, the image designation method selection screen substantially corresponds to the image designation method selection screen shown in FIG.

In the image designation method selection screen as shown in FIG. 15, an image file is uploaded or a template is selected (S4003). Here, the user selects whether to upload and use an image file to be displayed on the information image card or to use a prepared image file.

When the "image upload" button is pressed, the screen transits to an image upload screen substantially corresponding to the image upload screen shown in FIG. 16 (S4004). Then, after the upload is completed (S4006) or the template selection is completed, the screen transits to the change input screen shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 (S4007).

The operator inputs card information to be changed on this change input screen. The value stored in the card information table 123 is displayed as an initial display. When the "Next" button is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 43 after the information change is completed, a mandatory input check such as a nickname and an input check of an input item are performed (S4008). The screen transits to a change confirmation screen shown in FIG. 44 (S4009). Then, the operator confirms whether to update the card information based on the preview-displayed content.

As described above, when the updating of the card information is completed, and further the image file included in the information image is to be changed, the operator presses the "change image" button. Then, the screen transits to the image designation method selection screen while retaining the input value. Further, when the user wants to continue updating the card information, when the "change card information" button is pressed, a transition is made to a change input screen while maintaining the input value. When the card information is updated with the preview display contents, when the "update to this information" button is pressed, a message indicating that the card information has been updated is displayed on a change completion screen shown in FIG. Then, a change completion notification mail is transmitted to the user's own mail address registered in the user information.

As described above, the change of the card information of the parent card is completed. The changed contents are reflected on the card information of the child card derived from the parent card whose information has been changed by the information image card management server, and the information is changed collectively.

4.8.3. Next, a procedure for changing the user information of the information image card in the information management method according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

As in the case of changing the card information, when the user selects to change the user information from the operation window PC displayed by right-clicking the parent card PC or from the top page of the information image card web, The screen transits to the login screen 47 (S4501). here,
Authenticate with user name and password When a “login” button is pressed on the login screen, user authentication is performed using the input user name and password. If the user is successfully authenticated, the screen transitions to a user information change screen shown in FIG. On the other hand, "Cancel"
When the button is pressed, the screen transits to the top menu screen. Also, when the “Forgot Password” button is pressed,
The screen transitions to a one-time password input screen, where an attempt is made to issue a one-time password based on the contents registered in advance. If the one-time password is authenticated, the screen transitions to a user information change screen shown in FIG. 48 (S4502) .

In the displayed user information change screen shown in FIG. 48, the operator inputs user information to be changed. The value stored in the user management table is displayed as an initial display. When the input of the user information is completed and the "confirmation" button is pressed, an input check is performed (S4503), and a transition is made to a change confirmation screen shown in FIG. Here, the input user information is confirmed. When the “register” button is pressed, the database is updated with the displayed user information regardless of the presence or absence of the change. When the database is updated normally, the screen changes to a change completion screen shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the user wants to change the user information, he / she presses the “correction” button.
The screen changes to the change input screen shown in FIG. Thus, the change of the user information is completed.

When a change in user information, such as a change in an e-mail address, affects card information,
The changed content is also reflected in the card information. Further, the changed contents are collectively reflected on the child cards distributed via the network according to the information changing procedure described above.

4.8.4. Reflection of Update Information Next, how push-distribution of information image card information including updated user information or card information to a client will be described. In the description here, the following case will be described as an example. First, a creator and a sender of an information image card are defined as a user S, and a receiver receiving the information image card created by the user S is defined as a user R.
It is assumed that the information image card created by the user S has already been distributed to the user R, and the user R has the information image card of the user S. The user R is the user S
It is assumed that not only the information image card created by the user but also the information image cards created by the user F and the user G are already present. Further, in this example, after a while after the information image card of the user S is distributed, the information included in the information image card of the user S becomes old, and the information image of the user S is updated by the above-described update processing. The update process is performed when the card is updated. Since this update process is a process performed between the information image card management server 120 and the user S, the user R does not know at all that the information image card of the user S has been updated.

When the above example is associated with FIG. 39, the client software installed on the computer of the user S as the sender is denoted by 111S, and the information image folder controlled by the client software 111S is denoted by 112S. To In the information image folder 112S, the user's own information image card registered as the card master of the user S is represented by PC_S. In addition, the client software installed on the computer of the user R as the recipient is 11
1R, and an information image folder controlled by the client software 111R is represented by 112R. Further, since the user R has the information image cards pushed and distributed from the users S, F and G, the information image folder 112R of the user R includes
Information image cards of users S, F and G are registered. Here, the information image card of the user S is represented by CC_S, and the information image card of the user F is represented by CC_F.
And the information image card of the user G is represented by CC_G. Based on such an example, the processing of the client software 111R of the user R and the processing of the information image card management server 120 will be described in detail.

First, the user R has previously received the information image card from the user S, wishes to view the previously received information image card, and attempts to activate the client software 111R installed on his computer. The explanation starts from time. First, when the user R starts the client software 111R to display the information image folder 112R, the client software 111R first accesses the information image client software management server 130.

The information image client software management server 130 verifies whether or not the client software 111R installed on the computer of the user R is legitimate client software. Specifically, when the client software 111R accesses the information image client software management server 130, the client software ID assigned to the client software 111R is given.
And the registered user name are transmitted to the management server 132. The management server 32 checks whether or not the received client software ID and registered user name match the information managed by the database 134 for the information image client software management server. If the information matches the information managed by the database 134 for the information image client software management server, the client software 111R determines that the client software 111R is a legitimate client software, and issues a command to permit activation of the client software 111R. Send to client 110R.

Here, what information the client 110R has as information on the information image card will be described. In the above example, the user R
Has already been provided with the information image card from the users S, F and G.
At first glance, the detailed card information and the user information included in the information image card of the user G seem to be held in the storage device inside the computer of the user R. However, in practice, the user S and the user F that have been
No detailed information on the information image card of the user G is stored. The information regarding the information image cards of the users S, F and G is stored in the database 123 for the generation server and the information image card database 127 in the information image card management server 120.

That is, even if the activation of the client software 111R is permitted, the information image folder 112R
The information image card 112 does not have detailed information of each information image card displayed therein, so that the information image folder 112R cannot be displayed normally.

Therefore, the information management system of this embodiment is
Further, the following processing is performed. Client software 111R
Receives a command indicating permission to start client software from the information image client software management server 130, and then accesses the generation server 121 of the information image card management server 120 and transmits a request command. This request command is a command for requesting push delivery of detailed information on each information image card displayed in the information image folder 112R. At this time, the client ID given to the client software 111R and the client 110R is transmitted to the generation server 121. The generation database 123 connected to the generation server 121 stores a client ID and a card ID in a bitcard_cardinfo table relating to an information image card in association with each other. For example, in the above-described example, the client ID given to the user R, the card ID indicating the information image card CC_S transmitted from the user S, and the user F
I indicating the information image card CC_F transmitted from
D and information image card CC_G transmitted from user G
Are associated with each other. That is, the generation server 121 stores the bitcard_cardi having information on the information image card registered in the generation database 123.
With reference to the information in the nfo table, a card ID corresponding to the client ID is obtained, and detailed information of the information image card identified by the card ID is obtained. The detailed information includes, for example, image data representing an information image card, user information and card information registered in the information image card called by a right click of the user, and information in which this information image data is newly updated. An update flag indicating whether or not is included. Generation server 1
21 is an information image card CC_S of the user S, a user F
The information image card CC_F of the user and the information image card CC_G of the user G are pushed and distributed to the client 110R.

The client software 111R receives, from the generation server 121, detailed information on the information image card CC_S of the user S, detailed information on the information image card CC_F of the user F, and detailed information on the information image card CC_G of the user G. The information image cards are displayed in the information image folder 112R. At this time, if the update flag included in each information image card indicates that the information image card that has been push-distributed is the updated information image card, the information image card is displayed in the information image folder 112R. The update information image card to be displayed is highlighted. In this example, user S
Is the updated information image card, the information image card CC_S of the user S is highlighted in the information image folder 112R than the information image cards CC_F and CC_G.

As described above, according to the information management system of the present invention, the user of the client 110 accesses the predetermined server in order to confirm whether or not the information has been updated in the information image card registered in the folder. At the same time, it is possible to automatically know that the information on the information image card has been updated, and automatically manage the information image card information that has the updated latest information by push distribution. It can be received from the server 120.

As described above, in the information image card information updating procedure according to the present embodiment, the information regarding the information image card is centrally managed in the information image card management server 120. Therefore, if the data of the parent card of the information image card managed by the information image card management server 120 is changed via the parent card PC, the changed contents are transmitted to all the child cards CC distributed via the network. Is reflected in More specifically, when the information image card is changed, the information about the changed information image card is not redistributed to each client. The information of the obtained information image data is pushed and distributed to each client. In other words, when viewed from the client 110R on the receiving side, the folder 11 for the information image card is viewed.
The information image card management system 120 and the client software 111R always look as if they are communicating with each other so that the information image card displayed on the 2R becomes the latest data. However, this is not the case. When the software 111R is activated, the detailed information of the information image card is being push-distributed from the information image card management system 120.

Therefore, for example, even if the owner of the information image card is rearranged and the contact information is changed, the child card can be redistributed simply by changing the registration information of the parent card PC. At least, it is possible to reflect the changed contents on all the distributed child cards CC. Therefore, for the owner of the information image card (card issuer), information management can be performed very efficiently. For example, if the information image card is fixed information that cannot be updated by the information distributor, the information image card distributed to each client immediately becomes old and stale information, and From the viewpoint, the information becomes less useful. However, the information image card according to the present embodiment is always updatable by the information distributor, and the receiver is always provided with the latest information image card. It is undoubtedly very useful information from the perspective of the public.

In the above embodiment, the information change is collectively reflected on all the child cards CC distributed via the network. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Needless to say, it is also possible to configure so that the information change is reflected only on some of the child cards CC and the information change is not reflected on the other child cards CC.

4.9. Diary function Next, the diary function characteristic of the information image card according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. In connection with the diary, what is described here is the diary setting to initialize the diary, the diary to enter the diary, the diary list to display the diary list, the diary browsing to read the diary and add the comment. is there. In this specification, a diary is an information disclosure space whose contents can be updated periodically or irregularly, and is composed of a title, a text, an attached drawing, and the like. In the information management system according to the present embodiment, the diary exchanges information image cards between the owner of the diary and a third party or between third parties who have viewed the diary. It also functions as a community space. In the present specification, such an information disclosure space or community space is referred to as a diary for convenience, but it is needless to say that an object having a similar function can be defined by another name. It can be understood that even a simple object belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

4.9.1. Setting of the diary First, if the diary is not opened, the parent card PC
Initial setting of diary from. The user can set the appearance of the diary, for example, the theme color, from a template prepared in advance.

4.9.2. Diary entry In the diary of the information image card, the style of a general diary is imitated. Therefore, it is possible to keep a diary of that day or to make corrections to a diary that has been kept in the past. Also, since the diary is open to third parties, a third party who views this diary can add comments to the diary, or the owner of the diary or the diary. It is possible to request the third party who has added the comment to exchange the information image card.

The diary entry procedure will be described below with reference to the diary entry flow shown in FIG.

First, when recording a diary, first, FIG.
A login is performed on the login screen as shown in FIG. 2 (S5101). On the login screen, user authentication is performed based on the user name and the password. If the user name and password match in user authentication,
It is checked whether the diary has already been opened (S5103). If the user authentication fails on the login screen, the screen transitions to a login error screen (S5104).

If the diary is not set up, the screen transits to a screen for setting the diary (S5105). And
A new diary is opened. According to the present embodiment, the opening of the diary is performed by selecting a template prepared by the system to facilitate management. However, it goes without saying that a configuration can be adopted in which a diary prepared by the user can be adopted according to the specifications of the system.

If a diary has already been set up,
It is confirmed whether or not the diary of today (the date of access to the diary) has been kept (S5106). If the diary of today has not been kept yet, the screen shifts to the diary book screen shown in FIG.
A diary entry can be made (S5108). Further, even when the diary has already been entered, even if the user wants to change the contents, the user can transit to the diary entry screen shown in FIG. 53 to enter (change) the diary.

As shown in FIG. 54, the entries in the diary are
It contains at least a diary title, an image file such as a photo, and a diary text.
The information is registered in the information image card database 127 as a card_diaryday table. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure so that a predetermined attached file can be added. In the diary screen shown in FIG. 53, the user
It is possible to register the diary of the day and modify the past registered diary. Then, when the necessary entry items are completed, the “register” button is pressed to complete the registration.

After the registration of the diary, the related information on the diary of the child card is also updated. In other words, the contents of the diary can be viewed not only by the owner of the diary, but also by the owner of the child card. Is also notified by push distribution. That is, the "view diary" newly installed in the child icon is updated and made available. As a result, the owner of the child card, from the operation window displayed by right-clicking the child card,
By selecting the "view diary" menu indicating browsing of the diary, it is possible to browse the contents of the updated or changed diary.

FIG. 55 shows a diary book title list screen. As shown in the figure, the diary book title list screen
Display a list of diaries. On the day where the diary is written, the title of the diary and the number of comments are displayed. Here, when the date is clicked, a transition is made to a diary entry screen for entering / correcting a diary. When the title is clicked, the screen shifts to a diary viewing screen.

FIG. 56 shows a diary book browsing screen, that is,
A display example of a diary displayed on the display device of the client is shown. In this diary viewing screen, not only the owner of the diary book, but also the owner of the child card distributed via the network, right-click the child card and select to view the diary book from the operation window displayed This is a screen that can be accessed and freely viewed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 57, a description will be given of a diary browsing function capable of adding a comment to a registered diary.

4.9.3. Browsing the diary As described above, in the information image card according to the present embodiment, not only the owner of the diary but also a third-party user who visits the diary from the child card browses the diary. can do. In addition, the viewer can add a comment to the diary viewed. With such a configuration, the diary functions as an information disclosure space. As will be described later, the diary is used between the owner of the diary and visitors.
It also functions as a community space where information image cards can be exchanged between diary visitors.

FIG. 57 shows a flow of browsing the diary. As shown in the figure, the user who selects the diary reading from the child card first logs in to the information image card web server (S5701). On the login screen, user authentication is performed based on the user name and password, and if the user name and password match, it is checked whether there is a diary of today (S5703). If the user authentication fails on the login screen, the screen transitions to a login error screen (S5704).

If it is determined in step S5703 that there is no diary for today, a diary title list is displayed (S5705). The viewer can select a diary of the day he wants to view from the title list. The diary title list displays a list of diary titles for the current month. The title is not displayed on the day when the diary is not registered. Then, when the title (diary) is clicked (selected), a transition is made to a browsing screen, and the diary can be browsed.

On the other hand, if there is a diary of today, the viewer can browse the diary of that day (S5706). FIG. 58 shows a browsing screen of the diary. As shown in FIG. 58, in the diary, a card exchange request button for registering card exchange is prepared in addition to a comment column to which a comment can be added.

When a viewer adds a comment to the viewed diary, the comment is registered in the information image card database 127 as a bitcard_dailycomm table as shown in FIG. If a comment is added, the entered comment is registered and the diary is displayed again. When a comment is added, the number of comments is displayed in the diary title list as shown in FIG.

[0189] By clicking "request for card exchange" in the comment column, it is possible to request the user who sent the comment to exchange the information image card card. When the reader requests a card exchange request, the information on the card exchange request is bitcard_keep.
The information is registered in the information image card database 127 as a table. The card exchange function will be described later in detail.
Note that the comment section and the information image card exchange can exist as independent functions,
As a prerequisite for information image card exchange registration, it is possible to condition the description in the comment column as an essential description item.
By performing such an association, the atmosphere of the partner of the information image card exchange can be known in advance, and the information image card exchange procedure can be performed more smoothly.

4.10. Information Image Card Exchange Function In the information management system according to the present embodiment, the diary not only functions as an information disclosure space but also functions as a community space for information exchange. In other words, the information image card can be exchanged between the owner of the diary and the reader of the diary, or between the readers of the diary, through a community space called a diary provided with the information image card. Exchange is possible. Hereinafter, the exchange function of the information image card using the diary will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

First, a case where an information image card is actually exchanged will be described with reference to FIG. In addition,
The illustrated example is a case where a user A, which is a parent card holder of an information image card, transmits a child card to a user B and a user C. It is assumed that the user B and the user C do not know each other. In such a situation, the user A who is the owner of the diary and the user B or the user C who is the viewer of the diary via the diary of the user A, or the user who is the viewer of the diary It is possible for B and user C to exchange information image cards with each other.

First, the user A right-clicks the parent card PC owned by himself / herself and selects “Entry in diary” from the menu displayed to enter the diary (FIG. 60).
). When the diary is created by the user A, the information image card web server 125 registers the contents of the diary in the information image card database 127 as a bitcard_diaryday table.

The users B and C both own the child card CC distributed from the user A, and can log in to the diary of the user A from the child card CC of the user A. 60 and). Specifically, the information image card web server 12
Reference numeral 5 refers to the bitcard_diaryday table stored in the information image card database 127, and composes a diary web page created for the user A according to the reference. The information image card web server 125 transmits the web page to the client 11
The data is displayed on a web browser running on the computers 0B and 110C.

Thus, the user B and the user C
Using the child card CC, browse the diary of the user A,
A comment can be added to the diary of the user A. This comment can be viewed not only by the user A who is the owner of the diary, but also by the user B or C who is the viewer of the diary. That is,
According to the present embodiment, between the user A who is the owner of the diary and the user B or C who is the viewer of the diary, or the viewer of the diary via the diary text and the comment There is an opportunity for a new communication to be formed between the user B and the user C, which are one another.

Next, the user B who is a viewer of the diary
The method of exchanging cards between clients will be described in detail, taking as an example a case where an information image card is exchanged between the client and the user C. In this example, user B is
Looking at the comment of user C on his diary,
You want to exchange business cards with

First, in order to exchange cards with the user C, the user B uses the web page of the diary (FIG. 58) created by the user A provided by the web server 125 for information image cards. You need to be browsing. At this time, a user C
In this case, the information image card can be exchanged with the user C. When the user B issues a request for a card exchange with the user C, the "card exchange request" button arranged in the comment column described by the user C in the user A's diary shown in FIG. Push.

The information image card web server 125 is
When a command indicating a request for card exchange is received from the user B, the card ID of the information image card of the user C, the card ID of the information image card of the user B, the name of the user B,
Bit consisting of user information such as gender, age and address
A card_keep table is created, and the table is registered in the information image card database 127. Here, the information of the user B is the information image card ID in this table.
Not only is the reason for registering detailed user information such as the gender, age, and address of the user B to the user C that "there is a user B who wants to exchange a card with the user C, Is a person who has such information. "

User C is notified by e-mail that user B has requested replacement of the card. The URL for accessing the card storage page of the user C is described in the e-mail. When the user C clicks the URL, the information image card web server 125 displays the card storage page 125K of the user C on the web browser of the client 110C (FIG. 60). This user C's card keeping page 1
In 25K, there is a request from the user B for card exchange, a check box for deciding whether to exchange or reject the exchange request, the name of the user B, gender,
User information such as age and address are described. The card storage page 125K is displayed by the information image card web server 125 as bitcard_k.
This is a web page created with reference to the information registered in the eep table.

In this information management system, the reason for providing the function of a card deposit page is that, for example, in this example, even if user B wants to exchange information with user C, user C This is because they may hate information exchange. Therefore, in this information management system, when there is a request for a card exchange from another client, the information image card of the card exchange applicant is temporarily stored instead of immediately executing the card exchange, and the card exchange request is made. The client checks with the client to see if he or she wants a card exchange.

When the user C accepts the card exchange with the user B, the processing for exchanging the information image cards of the user C and the user B must be performed.
1 is instructed to perform a process of exchanging the information image cards of the user C and the user B.

As described above, the information image card database 127 stores the user ID of the client and the card I indicating the information image card distributed to the client.
Bitcard_card storing D in association with
It has an info table. For example, when the information image cards of the users F and G have already been distributed to the client of the user R, the user ID of the user R and the card ID of the information image card of the user F are associated with each other. Bitcard_cardinfo table, and a bitca in which the user ID of the user R and the card ID of the information image card of the user G are associated with each other.
This means that the rd_cardinfo table is registered in the information image card database 127.
In the database 123 for the generation server,
B registered in the information image card database 127
A table substantially similar to the itcard_cardinfo table is stored, and the generation server 121 according to the bitcard_cardinfo table registered in the database 123,
The detailed information of the information image card is pushed and distributed to the information image folder 112 of the client 110. as a result,
In this information image folder 112, two information image cards of user F and user G are displayed.

Based on the configuration and processing of the generation server 121, the generation server 12
A description will now be given of a process when the information image card 1 is instructed by the information image card web server 125 to perform a process of exchanging the information image cards of the users C and B.

First, the generation server 121
Referring to the detailed information on the information image card of the user B who has already registered in the database 123, the user I of the user C is referred to.
A bitcard_cardinfo table is newly created in which D is associated with the card ID of the information image card of the user B. Similarly, the user ID of user B and user C
Bitc corresponding to the card ID of the information image card
An ard_cardinfo table is also newly created.
That is, the generation server 121 creates two new bitcard_cardinfo tables and stores them in the database 1 for the generation server.
Register at 23. At this point, the generation server 121 does not push-distribute the information image card of the user C to the client 110B of the user B.
Because, in user B's client 110B,
This is because, if the client software is not activated, the generation server 121 cannot receive the information image card even if it is pushed. For the same reason, the generation server 121 does not push-distribute the information image card of the user B to the client 110C of the user C.

Each information image card is pushed and distributed to the client by the generation server 121.
This is not when two bitcard_cardinfo tables are created, but when each client starts client software. Specifically, when the user B starts the client software to view the information image card registered in the information image folder of the user B, the generation server 121 push-distributes the information image card of the user C from the generation server 121. . Since the push distribution when the client software is started has already been described, the details are omitted. Similarly,
When the user C activates the client software to view the information image card registered in the information image folder of the user C, the generation server 121 push-distributes the information image card of the user B. Thus, the exchange of the information image card is completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using a community space called a diary,
Information images are mutually transmitted between the user A who is the owner of the diary and the user B or C who is the viewer of the diary, or between the users B and C who are the viewers of the diary. The card can be exchanged. That is, it is possible to form a new communication using the information disclosure space called the diary.

[0206] Procedures for storing and exchanging information image cards using the information management system according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs.

As shown in FIG. 61, the card storage flow is entered from the operation window of the child card or from the top menu of the information image management server (S6101).
On the login screen (S6102), after the authentication is confirmed (S6103), the card keeping list and the exchanged list are displayed. The operator can perform card exchange and exchange rejection by referring to these lists (S6104). FIG. 62 shows an example of a screen (web page) of a card keeping list.

Here, the card keeping list screen will be described. The card keeping list screen shows the bitcard_keep registered in the card exchange information table 127.
This is a web page generated based on the table. When the owner of the card storage list screen presses the [Exchange] button and [Reject] button displayed for each exchange applicant in this card storage list, the card exchange for that applicant is performed. Alternatively, an exchange refusal can be performed.

For example, when the “exchange” button is pressed (S6
105), if the card exchange is accepted with the corresponding card exchange applicant (S6107), the card of the exchange applicant is placed in the own information image folder by the procedure as described above. The user's own card is displayed in the information image folder of the user. After execution, the custody list excluding the target person is redisplayed.

[0210] On the other hand, if the "refuse" button is pressed (S6106) and the exchange refusal is executed for the corresponding card exchange applicant (S6107), the list of target exchange applicant information is stored. Stop displaying. After the execution, the card keeping list excluding the applicant is displayed again.

[0211] List of exchanged information image cards (S610
9) is registered and managed in the card exchange information table. By pressing the “exchanged list” button, a list of exchange applicants who have exchanged cards can be displayed from the custody list.

Next, the registration information input flow will be described with reference to FIG. 63. First, a message or the like to be displayed on the information image card storage list is input, and registration in the information image card exchange storage is performed. Normally, a card is exchanged with a user who has entered a comment on the diary book browsing screen. Therefore, registration in the information image card exchange custody is performed from the diary book browsing screen.

In one of the diaries, as shown in FIG. 58, a "desired button" for exchanging the information image card is pressed (S6301). At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the user information of the exchange applicant has been authenticated (S6302). However, if the user has already been authenticated, such as when performing exchange custody registration from browsing the diary, the display transitions to the registration information input screen without displaying the registration login screen (S6305). On the other hand, if the authentication of the user information has not been completed yet, the screen transitions to the registration login screen (S6303), and after the authentication is confirmed (S6303).
304), the screen transits to a registration information input screen (S630).
5).

[0214] On the registration information input screen, "exchange registration"
By pressing the button, the registration input information is added to the card exchange information table, and the screen transits to the registration completion screen (S6307).
On the registration completion screen, a message indicating that registration to the information image card exchange custody is completed is displayed.

If the exchange of the information image card with the person who wants the exchange is approved by referring to the information image card exchange custody, the information image card (child card) is pushed to the other party and the information image card is replaced. The exchange is completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using a community space called a diary,
The information image cards can be exchanged between the user B and the user C who are the viewers of the diary. That is, it is possible to form a new communication using the information disclosure space called the diary.

As described above, the preferred embodiments of the information management system and the like according to the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is obvious that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that it belongs to.

[0218]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide an information image card as a new communication tool of the cyber business card type using information images that can be distributed on a network. At this time, according to the present invention, the distribution of the information image card distributed on the network is centrally managed, so that the information attached to the information image card can be easily updated or deleted, and the destination can be easily tracked. It is possible. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new information exchange space by adding a communication space called a diary to the information image card.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing main components of an information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing main components of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a user / client of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an information image card management server of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an information image card generation server of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of an information image card web server of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a child card information management unit of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a diary information management unit of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of an information image client software management server of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a page configuration example of an information image card web server of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of an information image card generation flow by the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information image card generation flow by the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of user information managed in the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of login information managed in the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of card information managed in the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a web page for a parent card of an information image card according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a web page for a child card of the information image card according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing an example of an information image card transmission flow by the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of an information image card transmission flow by the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of an information image card reception flow by the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing an example of an address display function by the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing an example of an information update flow of the information image card by the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an example of an information update flow of the information image card by the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing an example of a user information update flow of an information image card by the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing an example of a bookkeeping flow of a diary of an information image card by the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of diary entry in the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 57 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of browsing a diary of the information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information image card web page of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of comment entry of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 60 is a block diagram showing an information image card exchange flow of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing an information image card exchange flow of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram showing how an information image card is stored in the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing a flow of information image card exchange registration of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of information image card registration and exchange of the information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 information management system 110 user / client 112 information image folder 114 mailer 120 information image card management server 121 information image card generation server 123 information image card generation server database 125 information image card web server 127 information image card database 129 mail server 130 Information Image Client Software Management Server PC Parent Card CC Child Card

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Masako Aizawa, Inventor 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Yoshiaki Sawada 6-35, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. An information image card device, one or more clients that can use the information image card device, an information image card management server that manages the information image card device, and a bidirectional communication between the client and the information image management server. The information image card device is configured as an information unit in which image information and related information are linked, and a parent card device held in the client and a child card that can be distributed on the network. An information management system, comprising: an information image management server that centrally manages the distribution of the child card devices on the network. 2. The information image management server according to claim 1, wherein the information image management server reflects a change in information performed via the parent card device on the child card device distributed on the network. Information management system described. 3. The information management system according to claim 2, wherein the information image management server explicitly reports a change of the information to an owner of the child card device. system. 4. The information management system according to claim 2, wherein the change of the information includes deleting the information image card itself. 5. The information according to claim 1, wherein the information image card device can be used on information image client software started on one of the clients connected to a network. Management system. 6. An information image card management server for managing an information image card device configured as an information unit in which image information and related information are linked, wherein the information image card device is held in the client. The information image management server comprises a parent card device and a child card device that can be distributed on the network.
An information image card management server, which centrally manages distribution of child card devices on the network. 7. The information image management server according to claim 6, wherein the information image management server reflects the change of the information performed through the parent card device to the child card device circulating on the network. The described information image card management server. 8. The information image management server according to claim 6, wherein the information image management server explicitly reports a change of the information to an owner of the child card device. Card management server. 9. The information image management server according to claim 6, wherein the change of the information includes deleting the information image card itself. 10. The information image card device can be used on information image client software started on any one of the clients connected to a network, and the information image card management server stores the information image card 7. The information image card management server according to claim 6, wherein the distribution of said child card device is centrally managed through an information image client software management server which manages client software. 11. A program for causing a computer to function as the information image management server according to claim 6. 12. A program for causing a computer to function as the information image management server according to claim 7. 13. A program for causing a computer to function as the information image management server according to claim 8. 14. A program for causing a computer to function as the information image management server according to claim 9. 15. A program for causing a computer to function as the information image management server according to claim 10. 16. A computer-readable storage medium holding the program according to claim 11. 17. A computer-readable storage medium holding the program according to claim 12. 18. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 13. 19. A computer-readable storage medium holding the program according to claim 14. 20. A computer-readable storage medium holding the program according to claim 15. 21. A client capable of holding an information image card device configured as an information unit in which image information and related information are linked, wherein the information image card device is a parent card device held by the client. And a child card device that can be distributed on the network, and has a parent card device capable of centrally changing information related to the child card device on the network. ,client. 22. A client capable of holding an information image card device configured as an information unit in which image information and related information are linked, wherein the information image card device is a parent card device held by the client. And a child card device that can be distributed on the network, and holds the child card device in which a change in information made via the parent card device is centrally reflected. ,client. 23. A program that causes a computer to function as the client according to claim 21. 24. A program for causing a computer to function as the client according to claim 22. 25. A computer-readable storage medium holding the program according to claim 23. 26. A computer-readable storage medium holding the program according to claim 24. 27. An information management method using an information image card configured as an information unit in which image information and related transfer are linked, wherein the information image card management server receives an application from one client, Issuing a parent card device unique to the one client, the client issuing a child card device based on the parent card device, and the information image card management server An information management method, comprising a step of centrally managing distribution on a network. 28. The information image card management server according to claim 1, wherein a change in information on the information image card performed based on the parent card device is reflected on all child card devices distributed on a network. 28. The information management method according to claim 27, wherein 29. The information management system according to claim 27, wherein the information image management server explicitly reports a change of the information to an owner of the child card device. Method. 30. The method according to claim 27, wherein the change of the information includes deleting the information image card itself.
Information management method described in.