JP3909003B2 - Message delivery system and method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a message delivery system and method, a program, and a recording medium, and is used to deliver a message like an electronic mail using a server / client system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, services that use various mail systems to deliver messages to specific destinations, that is, personal computers (hereinafter abbreviated as PCs), PDAs and other information terminals or mobile phone terminals via the Internet or mobile communication networks Has been implemented.
[0003]
In general Internet mail used on PCs, etc., a mail server that stores and manages the mail of the destination user is used, and the user sends and receives mail with the mail server using client software for sending and receiving mail. I do.
[0004]
Such an Internet mail system is a PULL type distribution system. That is, the mail stored in the mail server is not delivered to the destination user until a download request is generated from the client software activated by the destination user. This causes a delay in mail delivery.
However, in the PC environment, there are fewer time and cost restrictions on the use of power and network resources than in the case of a mobile phone terminal or the like. Therefore, for example, a new arrival inquiry to the mail server can be frequently made from the client software. For this reason, it is not impossible for the destination user to receive the mail immediately after the new mail arrives at the mail server.
[0005]
On the other hand, in a mail system that communicates via a mobile phone terminal, PUSH type mail delivery is performed as long as the destination mobile phone terminal is communicable at the time of reception. That is, the mail server delivers the mail to the destination mobile phone terminal immediately after receiving the new mail from the transmission side. For this reason, the destination user can receive the mail immediately after the new mail arrives at the mail server.
[0006]
In addition, when mail is transmitted and received between terminals of the same mobile carrier (communication carrier), mail distribution is realized by communication closed in a network dedicated to the carrier. In addition, when the destination mobile phone terminal receives mail via the external Internet, filtering is performed using a gateway connected to the boundary position between the carrier network and the Internet for the purpose of preventing spam mail. It is common.
[0007]
In addition, it is known that when communication is congested at the gateway position, a considerably long delivery delay occurs in mail delivery.
In order to prevent the occurrence of such a delay, a system is also commercially available in which a mobile phone is connected to a PC that is a mail sender via a cable, and mail is transmitted from the PC via the mobile phone (http: // www.dnki.co.jp/MLsystem/MLsys_index.html).
[0008]
Further, the following “Patent Document 1” and “Patent Document 2” are known as conventional techniques related to the present invention. However, since the techniques of these patent documents are based on the premise that control is performed inside the mobile communication network, this technique cannot be used by anyone other than the mobile communication service provider.
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-78192 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-175577 A
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Considering the possibility of using a mail delivery system as a broadcast system in an emergency, for example, a fixed desktop PC or a notebook PC that is not always connected can be used as the system terminal. It is not appropriate to do.
[0010]
When emphasis is placed on the penetration rate and portability, it is desirable from the viewpoint of cost and convenience to use the most commonly used mobile phone as a portable information communication device as a system terminal.
However, it is difficult to say that the mail function (carrier mail) built in the current mobile phone realizes easy terminal operation for everyone, and depending on the user group and application, its operability is an obstacle. There is a case. In particular, middle-aged and elderly people with low literacy regarding information devices may not be able to easily send and receive e-mails on mobile phones and even perform voice calls.
[0011]
In addition, the user interface such as the mail function built into the mobile phone may be somewhat customized according to each user's preference, but the functions that can actually be customized are extremely limited. Unless the manufacturer is a manufacturer of a telephone terminal, it is impossible to change the user interface drastically and there is a problem in operability.
[0012]
It is an object of the present invention to provide a message delivery system and method, a program, and a recording medium capable of realizing message delivery with high immediacy and improving operability during transmission / reception.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  [Claim 1] At least one source terminal for transmitting a message including information such as text, a message server for receiving and storing a message transmitted by the source terminal, and message transmission / reception for receiving a message from the message server A destination terminal having a program, and the destination terminal can use a first communication path in which a server PUSH type connection used when receiving a message from a server or the like cannot be used, and the terminal is connected to the server from the server. In a message delivery system including at least one mobile phone terminal that can also use a second communication path capable of making an immediate communication call, the message server can receive a message transmitted from any of the transmission source terminals. In response to the specified destination terminalNewWhen sending a notification of arrival, the second communication path is addressed to the telephone number of the destination terminal via a voice telephone network using at least one of a modem and a mobile phone directly connected to the message server. Send a mail to the mail address of the destination terminal by using a mail function that makes a call or uses a mobile carrier network that uses a mobile phone communication service. And a new message notification means for transmitting the corresponding message to the destination terminal via the first communication path in accordance with an inquiry or request from the destination terminal. A user application that starts operation from a sleep state in response to reception of the new arrival notification sent from the message server via the communication path 2 An interrupt means for generating an interrupt to the message transmission / reception program that does not consume power or is in a standby state of low power consumption, and the presence or absence of a new message is triggered by the occurrence of the interrupt Inquiry means for making an inquiry to the message server via the first communication path, and when the reply from the message server is no message, the user application program is returned to the sleep state, and the message server In the case where there is a message from the reply from, message download means for receiving a corresponding message from the message server is provided.
[0014]
In recent mobile phone terminals, in addition to the basic program built in from the beginning to realize mobile phone functions, various user application programs built according to the user's wishes are executed on the computer on the mobile phone terminal. can do.
By using such a user application program, it is possible to realize delivery of messages such as e-mails, and to freely change the user interface and the like.
[0015]
However, the user application program in the mobile phone terminal often has very many restrictions imposed on its specifications compared to the application on the PC due to security problems. That is, the actual situation is that communication between applications and native application functions such as calls and mails are hardly available.
[0016]
For example, in the specifications of mobile phone terminals of some mobile carriers, even if there is an incoming / outgoing call or mail transmission / reception during execution, not only the user application side acquires information about it but also the fact is detected directly I can't even do that.
Therefore, even if a mobile phone terminal has a function for realizing mail communication with high immediacy by communication using a PUSH type connection, the mail function cannot be used when the user application program is used.
[0017]
Therefore, when message delivery is realized using a user application program on a mobile phone terminal, a communication path that can use a push-type connection cannot be used directly, so a new message arrives at the message server. Even so, the fact cannot be notified to the destination terminal as it is.
Therefore, in claim 1, a communication path used when the message server transmits a new arrival notification to the destination terminal, and a communication path used when the destination terminal accesses the message server in response to the new arrival notification. Assign another route.
[0018]
That is, the new arrival notification transmitting means of the message server transmits a new arrival notification to the designated destination terminal via the second communication path. For example, a new arrival notification can be transmitted immediately upon arrival of a new message by making a call to the destination terminal or by sending a mail to the mail address of the destination terminal using the mail function of the mobile carrier network.
[0019]
The message download means of the destination terminal starts operating in response to receiving the new arrival notification, connects to the message server via the first communication path, and receives the corresponding message from the message server.
[0020]
At this time, the communication passes through the first communication path, but is communication from the mobile carrier network to the external Internet, and uses the same http protocol as the WWW. There is no delay.
Even in a situation where the connection from the message server to the destination terminal cannot be used in the first communication path that can be used directly from the user application program executed on the mobile phone terminal, the system as a whole is highly immediate as a result. PUSH type message distribution can be realized.
[0022]
  further,Naturally, no delay occurs when a call is made to the telephone number of the destination terminal via the voice telephone network. In addition, when a mail is sent to the mail address of the destination terminal using a mail function whose use range is limited to the inside of the mobile carrier network that provides a mobile phone communication service, a new arrival notification is made because the mail does not go through the gateway. Can be sent to the destination terminal in a short time.
[0023]
  In addition, the user application in the mobile phone terminal consumes more power than the basic functions built in from the beginning, so if the reception standby state is simply continued, the continuous drive time expected for the mobile phone terminal is secured. Can not. Therefore, the claim1Then, a special execution method called standby activation is used. Many of the latest mobile phone models support this function.
[0024]
In standby activation, in a normal state, the logic of the application is stopped and power is not consumed at all or is executed with low power consumption. Then, when a certain condition such as a timer or an external interrupt is satisfied, the program is resumed and execution of the program is continued.
In addition, since the user application in the mobile phone terminal has a low priority at the time of execution, if there is an incoming / outgoing call, mail transmission / reception processing, user menu operation, or the like during execution, it is often interrupted by an interruption.
[0025]
  However, when the call or the like that caused the interruption is terminated and the application is restored, it can be determined that its own execution status is resumption after interruption. By utilizing this and generating an external interrupt, it becomes possible to indirectly transmit temporal information to the application.
  That is, this interruption can be used as a method for notifying the user application of the mobile phone terminal of a new message. As a result, it is possible to achieve both the use of a user application on a mobile phone terminal having a high degree of freedom and the securing of a new notification means with high immediacy.
In addition, since a user application program executed on the mobile phone terminal is used, the user interface can be freely changed, and user-friendly message distribution according to the use and user differences can be realized. In particular,ClaimIf a reply option is used as in item 3, a simple reply can be realized.
[0026]
  Claim2The message delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the message server receives a request from a delivery status management means for managing the delivery status of each message stored in the message server and a terminal having a predetermined authority. In addition, the present invention is characterized by further comprising distribution status transmission means for transmitting information indicating the distribution status of each message managed by the distribution status management means to the requesting terminal.
[0027]
  Claim2In the message, the distribution status of each message transmitted from the source terminal and stored in the message server, for example, “reception completed” indicating that the destination terminal has received the message, and the message received by the destination terminal has already been displayed on the screen The terminal terminal display completion indicating the status and the response completion indicating the status where the destination terminal has already transmitted the reply message to the received message are grasped and the information is retained. Accordingly, by making a request or inquiry to the message server from a sender terminal or management terminal that has been previously authorized, the sender terminal or management terminal indicates the distribution status of each transmitted message. Information can be acquired.
[0028]
In the case of mobile carrier mail, FAX, etc., it can be confirmed at the transmission source that the transmission terminal has received, but it is not known whether or not the user who is the actual destination has seen the information. On the other hand, in the system of the present invention, since the distribution status can be grasped in detail by the message server, it is possible to check according to the stage, such as whether the user has seen the message or whether it has answered.
[0029]
  Claim3The message delivery system according to claim 1 is characterized in that the source terminal is provided with option information insertion means for including an option of information to be replied by the destination user as a reply to the message to be transmitted.
  The recipient of the message may be a person who is not accustomed to operating the system, such as an elderly person, or may be a busy person who has no time to input text. Therefore, when it is necessary to reply to a received message, there is a problem in operability because a reply method such as a general mail system is difficult to operate or takes time to input.
[0030]
  Claim3In the message, the message sent by the source terminal includes an option of information to be answered by the receiver. Therefore, the receiver requests only by selecting one answer from the options. Answer can be entered.
  Claim4In the message delivery system according to claim 1, a route passing through a mobile carrier network and the Internet is used as the first communication route.
[0032]
  Claim5Claims1In the message delivery system, a destination conversion table that holds at least one of a correspondence between a message destination and a corresponding telephone number and a correspondence between a message destination and a corresponding mail address in the new arrival notification transmission unit Is provided.
  Claim5In, by referring to the destination conversion table, the telephone number or mail address of the recipient can be obtained from the destination of the message.
[0033]
  [Claim 6] At least one source terminal that transmits a message including information such as text, a message server that receives and stores a message transmitted by the source terminal, and message transmission / reception that receives a message from the message server A destination terminal having a program, and the destination terminal can use a first communication path in which a server PUSH type connection used when receiving a message from a server or the like cannot be used, and the terminal is connected to the server from the server. In a message delivery method using a communication system including at least one mobile phone terminal that can also use a second communication path capable of making an immediate communication call, the message server is transmitted from one of the transmission source terminals. In response to receiving a message ForNewWhen sending a notification of arrival, the second communication path is addressed to the telephone number of the destination terminal via a voice telephone network using at least one of a modem and a mobile phone directly connected to the message server. Sending a mail to the mail address of the destination terminal using a mail function that makes a call or uses a mobile carrier network that uses a mobile phone communication service. According to the inquiry or request from the terminal, the corresponding message is transmitted to the destination terminal via the first communication path, and the destination terminal sends the new arrival notification sent from the message server via the second communication path. In response to the reception, the user application program in the dormant state is started, and power is not consumed or it waits for low power consumption. In machine state to generate an interrupt to the message transmitting and receiving program, queries the message server via the interrupt said first communication path whether the new message as a trigger the generation ofTheWhen the reply from the message server is no message, the user application program is returned to the sleep state, and when the reply from the message server is a message, the message server applies. It is characterized by receiving a message.
[0034]
  Claim6By using this method, the same result as in claim 1 can be obtained.
  AlsoWhen the message server transmits the new arrival notification, it uses at least one of a modem and a mobile phone directly connected to the message server to call the telephone number of the destination terminal via the voice telephone network. The mail is transmitted to the mail address of the destination terminal by using a mail function limited to the inside of the mobile carrier network that performs a mobile phone communication service.
[0037]
  Claim7Includes at least one source terminal that transmits a message including information such as text, a message server that receives and accumulates messages transmitted by the source terminal, and a destination terminal that receives messages from the message server As the destination terminal, the first communication path that cannot use the server PUSH type connection used when receiving a message from the server can be used, and the terminal can call the server immediately. In a program executed by a computer on the mobile phone terminal for controlling a message delivery system including at least one mobile phone terminal that can also use the second communication path, the program is executed via the second communication path. In response to receiving a new arrival notification sent from the message server Start a user application program, and generate an interrupt to the message transmission / reception program that does not consume power or is in a standby state of low power consumption, and whether or not there is a new message triggered by the occurrence of the interrupt Inquiries to the message server via a first communication path, and if the message server returns no message, returns the user application program to a sleep state, and A message download procedure for receiving a corresponding message from the message server when a reply from the message server is present is provided.
[0038]
  Claim7By executing the above program on a computer on a mobile phone terminal, a system similar to the first aspect can be realized.
[0039]
  Claim8Is a recording medium on which a computer-readable program according to claim 7 is recorded.
  Claim8By executing the program read from the recording medium in any one of the message server, the destination terminal, and the source terminal, a system similar to the first aspect can be realized.
[0040]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of a message delivery system and method, program, and recording medium of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This form corresponds to all the claims.
FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the message delivery system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the message distribution system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an operation example of the message delivery system. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the destination conversion table.
[0041]
FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of a new message editing screen. FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of a distribution status list screen. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a list of types of distribution status. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a list of items that can be assigned to a message. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example related to a new arrival notification transmission process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of a new arrival notification response.
[0042]
In this embodiment, the source terminal, message server, destination terminal, new arrival notification transmission means, message download means and message transmission means of claim 1 are respectively the PC terminal 21, the message server 10, the mobile phone terminal 22, and steps S12 and S32. And S13.
In this embodiment, it is assumed that the message distribution system is configured using a communication system as shown in FIG.
[0043]
In this message delivery system, a message server 10 is provided to control message accumulation and relay. The message server 10 is connected to the LAN 31 and the Internet 32. A PC terminal 21 (1) is connected to the LAN 31, and a PC terminal 21 (2) is connected to the Internet 32.
[0044]
As each PC terminal 21, for example, a general personal computer can be used. Each PC terminal 21 is used for message transmission, status management of transmitted messages, and the like.
Of course, if an Internet access function is provided, a message can be transmitted using a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a mobile phone. In that case, for example, a card-type communication module may be used, or some means of Internet access may be prepared, and a WWW browser can be used.
[0045]
In this example, it is assumed that the mobile phone terminal 22 is used as a message destination. Of course, a message can be transmitted to a device other than the mobile phone terminal 22. In the example of FIG. 2, the mobile phone terminals 22 (1) and 22 (2) form a radio line with a mobile carrier network (a mobile communication network provided by a mobile phone carrier) 33.
The mobile phone terminal 22 used here is assumed to have a mail communication function (that is, carrier mail) dedicated to the mobile carrier network 33 provided by a mobile communication carrier, an Internet access function, and capable of executing a user application program. is doing.
[0046]
The mobile carrier network 33 is connected to the Internet 32 via a gateway 34. Therefore, communication that can pass through the gateway 34 can also be performed with a terminal on the Internet 32. With regard to carrier mail, transmission / reception can be performed with low delay without passing through the gateway 34 as long as it is between mobile phones in the mobile carrier network 33. In some cases, a delay occurs due to processing at that time.
[0047]
The message server 10 includes a server main body 11, a mobile phone 12, a modem 13, and a destination conversion table 14. The modem 13 is connected to the telephone line 35.
The mobile phone 12 is a mobile phone that can be used in the same mobile carrier communication network as the mobile phone terminal 22. The mobile phone 12 has a function of transmitting a carrier network mail provided by the mobile carrier, and further has a function of controlling functions such as mail transmission from the server body 11 connected via a cable. ing.
[0048]
Accordingly, the server body 11 can connect to each mobile phone terminal 22 by controlling the modem 13 to make a voice call. In that case, since the telephone line 35 is connected to the mobile carrier network 33 via an exchange (not shown), the gateway 34 does not pass.
Further, the server body 11 can transmit a carrier mail to each mobile phone terminal 22 by sending a mail using the mobile phone 12. In this case, since it is a carrier mail, the mail reaches the mobile phone terminal 22 of the other party directly from the mobile carrier network 33 (mobile carrier packet network 33a) without passing through the gateway.
[0049]
If packet communication of the mobile carrier is available, a one-to-one connection request is made to the destination terminal, and if the destination terminal can receive the call correctly, the mobile phone 12 is used. This packet communication call can be used as a new arrival notification. Furthermore, it is also possible to make a telephone call for a new arrival notification by using the mobile phone 12 instead of the modem 13.
[0050]
In the destination conversion table 14 connected to the server body 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, for each message destination, the mobile phone number and mobile mail address (carrier mail address) of the corresponding mobile phone terminal 22 are stored in advance. It is registered.
Therefore, the server main body 11 can acquire the mobile phone number and the mobile mail address of the mobile phone terminal 22 associated with each destination of each message arriving from the transmission source.
[0051]
The message server 10 is the core of the operation of this system, and all messages are exchanged via the message server 10. A message transmitted from a source terminal is temporarily stored in the message server 10 and then distributed to each destination terminal. Communication with each terminal is performed via the Internet 32 or the LAN 31.
[0052]
In addition, when a new message arrives at the message server 10, the message server 10 has a new arrival notification function in order to notify the destination terminal of the fact without delay.
In this new arrival notification function, the modem 13 or the mobile phone 12 is used when making a telephone call as a new arrival notification, and the mobile phone 12 is used when sending a carrier mail or making a packet communication call as a new arrival notification. .
[0053]
The PC terminals 21 (1) and 21 (2) perform message editing, message transmission, message distribution status display, and various settings and management of the entire system.
Each mobile phone terminal 22 (1), 22 (2) is a terminal carried by the user, and is mainly used for receiving messages. Of course, by changing the settings, some of the functions assigned to the PC terminal 21 such as message transmission and delivery status display can also be realized on the mobile phone terminal 22.
[0054]
A message transmitted from a transmission source terminal, for example, the PC terminal 21 (1) is stored in a hard disk built in the server main body 11 of the message server 10. Then, the message server 10 creates an access page for distribution to the destination terminal (mobile phone terminal 22) for each accumulated message. Messages stored in the message server 10 are downloaded from the message server 10 in accordance with requests from each destination terminal.
[0055]
For messages newly accumulated in the message server 10, a new arrival notification is sent to the destination terminal. That is, after receiving and storing new arrival messages, the message server 10 starts sending new arrival notifications of messages to all destination terminals.
The new arrival notification function is always implemented in the message server 10, but if a part of the function is implemented in another PC terminal 21, the function can be shared and executed.
[0056]
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the message server 10 that has received a new message first divides the list of destination terminals, and sends a new arrival notification together with the sharing list to a specific PC terminal 21 assigned in advance for function sharing. Issue the start command. The new arrival notification function is sequentially executed for each destination terminal, but is skipped for terminals whose distribution status described later is “message DL completed” or later.
[0057]
Note that the modem 13 or the mobile phone 12 needs to be connected to the PC terminal 21 that shares the functions.
There are two types of new arrival notification functions: carrier mail transmission from the mobile phone 12 and voice telephone transmission from the modem 13.
When transmitting a carrier mail from the mobile phone 12, the server body 11 or the PC terminal 21 controls the mobile phone 12 connected thereto, and transmits the carrier mail without going through the general Internet 32. The purpose of the carrier mail is to be received by the destination terminal, so the contents of the mail can be anything.
[0058]
As for the voice call transmission function, the server main body 11 or the PC terminal 21 controls the modem 13 connected thereto to make a call to the destination mobile phone terminal 22 via the voice telephone network. Since the purpose of this call is to send an incoming call to the destination terminal, the length of the incoming call may be as short as necessary.
The message server 10 always keeps track of the progress status of each message delivery for each destination terminal and holds that information. The types of distribution status to be grasped are as shown in FIG.
[0059]
After the message server 10 receives the new arrival message, it activates the new arrival notification function and at the same time creates a distribution status table. In this distribution status table, all destination terminals are entries, and the status as shown in FIG. 7 is held as a value. When the distribution status table is created, the values of all terminal entries are initialized with “not notified”.
Next, the value in the distribution status table is sequentially updated to “new arrival notification completed” for the destination terminal for which the new arrival notification is performed by the new arrival notification function.
[0060]
Further, the destination terminal inquires of the message server 10 about the new arrival notification. If a new message exists at this time, the destination terminal downloads the corresponding message. At this time, the value of the distribution state table is updated to “message DL completed”.
Even if the value of the distribution status table has not been updated to “New arrival notification” due to the execution of the new arrival notification function, if the corresponding message is downloaded, the value of the distribution status table is changed. Update directly to "Message DL completed".
[0061]
Next, when the full text of the received message is displayed, the destination terminal notifies the message server 10 to that effect. Upon receiving this notification, the message server 10 updates the value in the distribution status table to “message displayed”.
[0062]
When a reply to the message received by the destination terminal is made by the input operation of the recipient, the reply result is transmitted from the destination terminal to the message server 10. Upon receiving this answer result, the message server 10 updates the value of the distribution status table to “answered”. The contents of the answer results are also recorded in a table on the message server 10.
[0063]
Further, the message server 10 has a distribution status list function. That is, when there is a status inquiry from a terminal having a predetermined authority, the message server 10 returns a response to the inquiry with reference to the contents of the distribution status table and the like.
The message transmission function is implemented in each PC terminal 21 that is a transmission source terminal and each mobile phone terminal 22 that is a destination terminal.
[0064]
In this example, since it is assumed that a message in an arbitrary free text or a fixed text is delivered to a specified destination (individual or group), each PC terminal 21 and mobile phone terminal 22 Editing function and transmission function.
The message created by the editing function is transmitted to the message server 10 via the predetermined network by the transmission function. At the time of transmission, the message is encrypted using a predetermined encryption key to ensure security.
[0065]
When editing a new message or the like, for example, an editing screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. Further, items that can be assigned to the message to be created are shown in FIG.
That is, it is possible to create and send a message including information on five items of “destination”, “title”, “text”, “urgency”, and “reply answer options”. By transmitting a message including “option” information, the operation when the receiving side answers is simplified.
[0066]
Similar to general mail, information other than text, that is, information such as voice and image may be included in a message and transmitted.
Each PC terminal 21 has a message reception function. Since there are few restrictions regarding resources such as power consumption in the PC terminal 21, the message server 10 does not perform new arrival notification when the destination terminal is the PC terminal 21.
[0067]
Therefore, in order to reduce the delay time, the PC terminal 21 periodically accesses the message server 10 at a predetermined time interval and checks whether there is a message addressed to itself. When a new message is downloaded from the message server 10, a display window is automatically opened to display the message content.
Each PC terminal 21 also has a function of storing previously received messages in its own local hard disk.
[0068]
For a specific message, a function for displaying a list of distribution statuses of each destination terminal, that is, a distribution status list function is implemented in the PC terminal 21 and the mobile phone terminal 22. Data displayed by this function is acquired by inquiring the message server 10 about the value of the distribution status table held by the message server 10.
In practice, the message server 10 is periodically inquired at predetermined time intervals to obtain the latest data. Accordingly, the display content is periodically updated.
[0069]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the distribution status for each user is displayed again for each destination user or group. If the user who has received the message has already sent an answer to the message, the contents of the answer are also displayed. In the remarks column, secondary contact information for cases where contact using this system cannot be made due to some trouble or the like is also displayed.
[0070]
In addition, the contents in the distribution status column and the like can be overwritten by direct input so as to cope with direct telephone contact outside the system. In addition, a new arrival inquiry function can be forcibly executed for a user or group designated by an input operation.
The message inquiry function is implemented in the PC terminal 21 and the mobile phone terminal 22. By using this function, when trying to receive a message received in the past again, it is possible to search and re-download the message.
[0071]
A unique ID is assigned to every message, and when this ID is known, it can be re-downloaded by specifying it directly and requesting it from the message server 10.
It is also possible to specify a sender, a date, etc., inquire the message server 10 for a corresponding message, specify a message to be received from the search result, and download again.
[0072]
The mobile phone terminal 22 is normally in a sleep state, suppressing power consumption and contributing to improving the continuous operation time of the terminal. When the mobile phone terminal 22 receives or receives a new arrival notification in the sleep state, the mobile phone terminal 22 makes an inquiry to the message server 10 as to whether there is a new arrival message. This is called a new arrival notification response function.
[0073]
Actually, not only when a new arrival notification function implemented in the message server 10 or the like is received or received by the mobile phone terminal 22, but when an interruption occurs due to any incoming / outgoing call, mail transmission / reception, or telephone menu operation, It triggers this function and inquires the message server 10 about the presence or absence of a message.
When the message addressed to the destination terminal is on the message server 10, the message itself is downloaded from the message server 10 to the mobile phone terminal 22 as a reply to the inquiry. When the reply from the message server 10 is no message, the application program on the mobile phone terminal 22 returns to the sleep state. An overview of this function is shown in FIG.
[0074]
It is also possible to execute an inquiry periodically at time intervals determined in advance on each terminal. This time is determined via a portable terminal setting function described later or the message server 10.
When the time is determined via the message server 10, information on the time determined on the message server 10 is included in a reply from the message server 10 when a new arrival inquiry is made. The mobile phone terminal 22 that has received this changes the set time on the mobile phone terminal 22 to reflect the automatically notified time.
[0075]
As a method for determining the time in the message server 10, it is performed by making a registration request for the set time of the message server 10 from the PC terminal 21 or the mobile phone terminal 22 to which appropriate authority is given.
In addition, when a message is downloaded by the new arrival notification response function, in order to notify the user that the message has arrived, the subject of the message is displayed on the destination terminal, and also alerted by voice playback or vibration by a vibrator I do.
[0076]
In order for the user to reply to the message received by the destination terminal, it is necessary to enable button input (transfer control of button input from the telephone native telephone function to the application program). To do so, it is necessary to press a special button unique to the telephone.
Therefore, when the above-mentioned alert is issued, the special button is displayed on the screen to prompt the user to press the button. After button input is enabled, the application program displays the message subject, body, urgency, sender, etc., and selects the answer option button based on the option information included in the received message. Create and display it.
[0077]
When the user operates the cursor button, for example, selects an appropriate answer from the choices and presses the enter button, the answer is transmitted to the message server 10.
[0078]
As shown in FIG. 3, a communication path using the http protocol is used for new arrival inquiry and download of a message. Since this communication path does not allow server push type communication, a new arrival notification mail or voice For outgoing calls, a different communication path is used.
Next, as a typical example, FIG. 1 shows an outline of a communication procedure when a message is distributed among three parties of a message server 10, a PC terminal 21 (source terminal), and a mobile phone terminal 22 (destination terminal). ing. This will be described below.
[0079]
1. A message is created on the source terminal and transmitted to the message server 10 (S21, S22).
2. The message server 10 sequentially issues a new arrival notification to each destination terminal (S12). The destination of the new arrival notification is specified by the mobile phone number or the mobile mail address obtained from the destination conversion table shown in FIG.
[0080]
3. On the destination terminal (mobile phone terminal 22) that has received an incoming mail (for example, i-mode mail) or a voice call, the user application is automatically activated by the reception or the incoming call (S31). Then, the user application inquires of the message server 10 about the presence or absence of a message, and if there is a message, downloads it (S32). Actually, when there is a message, the message is transmitted from the message server 10 as an answer to the inquiry. The inquiry destination of the destination terminal is an address (for example, URL) assigned to the access page prepared by the message server 10, and the information is stored in advance on the destination terminal or inquired of the message server 10 in advance. get.
[0081]
4). When a new message has been downloaded, the destination terminal alerts the user using voice, screen display, vibrator, etc. (S33).
5. When it is necessary to reply to the message received by the destination terminal, the reply is returned from the destination terminal to the message server 10 by a user input operation (selection of options) (S34).
[0082]
6). The message server 10 grasps the message distribution status for each destination terminal. When an inquiry is made to the message server 10 from a terminal having a specific authority such as a sender terminal, the message server 10 returns information indicating the state of the corresponding message to the inquiry source (S11, S14, S23, S24).
As described above, the communication path used when the message server 10 or the like makes a new arrival notification to the destination terminal is different from the communication path used when the message on the message server 10 is downloaded. .
[0083]
In the operation example shown in FIG. 3, when a new arrival notification is made by voice transmission, the route of the modem 13-telephone line 35-mobile carrier voice network 33b-mobile phone terminal 22 (1) is used, and the new arrival notification is sent by mail. In this case, the route of the mobile phone 12-mobile carrier packet network 33a-mobile phone terminal 22 (1) is used.
Further, when the mobile phone terminal 22 (1) makes a new arrival inquiry and download to the message server 10, the mobile phone terminal 22 (1) and the server main body 11 via the mobile carrier packet network 33 a -gateway 34 -Internet 32. The route that connects and is used.
[0084]
Note that programs necessary for the operation of the PC terminal 21, the server main body 11, and the mobile phone terminal 22 may be read from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or downloaded and executed online.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a message delivery system with immediacy while using a user application program on a mobile phone that can be customized, and is a cheap and popular mobile phone. By using a telephone terminal, the introduction cost of the system is low, and the burden on the user is small in terms of operation and portability.
[0086]
Moreover, even when considering an emergency message system, it is important to be familiar with daily use as a terminal that is always carried. In this aspect as well, the system according to the present invention is optimal, and uses a standby activation application. Therefore, it is also characterized as having little influence on daily operations as a mobile phone.
Furthermore, in the present invention, the user notification when a new message is received can be freely customized by the user application. In the mail function built in a normal mobile phone, the user notification at the time of new arrival can hardly be customized, and it may be difficult to notice the new arrival. In the present invention, it is possible to cope with various purposes such as changing the display method according to the importance level of the message, or continuing to reproduce the sound and display the screen until the user responds.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of a message distribution system.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a message distribution system.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an operation example of the message distribution system.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a destination conversion table.
FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of a new message editing screen.
FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of a distribution status list screen.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a list of types of distribution status.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a list of items that can be assigned to a message.
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example related to a new arrival notification transmission process;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation outline of a new arrival notification response.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Message server
11 Server body
12 Mobile phone
13 Modem
14 Destination conversion table
21 PC terminal
22 Mobile phone terminals
31 LAN
32 Internet
33 Mobile carrier network
34 Gateway
35 Telephone line

Claims (8)

Destination terminal having at least one source terminal for transmitting a message including information such as text, a message server for receiving and storing a message transmitted by the source terminal, and a message transmission / reception program for receiving a message from the message server The destination terminal can use a first communication path in which a server PUSH type connection that is used when receiving a message from a server or the like cannot be used, and the terminal can communicate immediately from the server. In a message delivery system including at least one mobile phone terminal that can also use a second communication path that can be called,
To the message server, in response to receipt of a message originated from one of the originating terminal, when transmitting a new wearing notification to a specified destination terminal, as the second communication path, said message Using at least one of a modem and a mobile phone directly connected to the server, a call is made to the telephone number of the destination terminal via the voice telephone network, or the use range provides a communication service for the mobile phone. New arrival notification transmission means for transmitting a new arrival notification by transmitting an email addressed to the email address of the destination terminal using an email function limited to the inside of the mobile carrier network, and further according to an inquiry or request from the destination terminal Providing a message transmission means for transmitting the corresponding message to the destination terminal via the first communication path;
A user application program that activates an operation from a sleep state in response to reception of the new arrival notification sent from the message server via a second communication path to the destination terminal, and consumes no power or is low Interrupt means for generating an interrupt for the message transmission / reception program in a standby state for power consumption, and inquiring the message server for the presence of a new message using the occurrence of the interrupt as a trigger via the first communication path And when the reply from the message server is no message, the user application program is returned to a sleep state, and when the reply from the message server is a message, Corresponding message from the message server Message delivery system characterized in that a message download means for receiving. The message delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the message server includes:
Distribution status management means for managing the distribution status of each of the accumulated messages;
Distribution status transmission means for transmitting information representing the distribution status of each message managed by the distribution status management means to the requesting terminal when the message server receives a request from a terminal having a predetermined authority; A message delivery system characterized by comprising:   2. The message delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the sender terminal is provided with option information insertion means for including, in the message to be sent, an option of information to be sent back as a reply by the destination user.   2. The message delivery system according to claim 1, wherein a route passing through a mobile carrier network and the Internet is used as the first communication route. The message delivery system of claim 1,
The new arrival notification transmitting means is provided with a destination conversion table that holds at least one of a correspondence between a message destination and a corresponding telephone number and a correspondence between a message destination and a corresponding mail address. A message delivery system. Destination terminal having at least one source terminal for transmitting a message including information such as text, a message server for receiving and storing a message transmitted by the source terminal, and a message transmission / reception program for receiving a message from the message server The destination terminal can use a first communication path in which a server PUSH type connection that is used when receiving a message from a server or the like cannot be used, and the terminal can communicate immediately from the server. In a message delivery method using a communication system including at least one mobile phone terminal that can also use a second communication path that can be called,
The message server, in response to receipt of a message originated from one of the originating terminal, when transmitting a new wearing notification to a specified destination terminal, as the second communication path, said message Using at least one of a modem and a mobile phone directly connected to the server, a call is made to the telephone number of the destination terminal via the voice telephone network, or the use range provides a communication service for the mobile phone. A mail is sent to the mail address of the destination terminal using a mail function limited to the inside of the mobile carrier network, and a corresponding message is sent to the first communication path according to an inquiry or request from the destination terminal. To the destination terminal via
In response to receiving the new arrival notification sent from the message server via the second communication path, the destination terminal starts a user application program in a dormant state and consumes no power or has low power consumption. An interrupt is generated with respect to the message transmission / reception program in the standby state, and the message server is queried via the first communication path for the presence of a new message triggered by the occurrence of the interrupt , and the message When the reply from the server is no message, the user application program is returned to the sleep state, and when the reply from the message server is a message, the corresponding message is received from the message server. Message delivery method characterized by the above . At least one source terminal that transmits a message including information such as text, a message server that receives and stores a message transmitted by the source terminal, and a destination terminal that receives the message from the message server, As the destination terminal, the first communication path that cannot use the server push type connection used when receiving a message from the server or the like can be used, and the terminal can make an immediate communication call from the server. In a program executed by a computer on the mobile phone terminal for controlling a message delivery system including at least one mobile phone terminal that can also use two communication paths,
In response to reception of a new arrival notification sent from the message server via the second communication path, the user application program in a dormant state is activated and does not consume power or is in a standby state with low power consumption. A procedure for generating an interrupt to the message transmission / reception program, and a procedure for inquiring the message server via the first communication path for the presence of a new message triggered by the occurrence of the interrupt, When the reply from the message server is no message, the user application program is returned to the sleep state. When the reply from the message server is a message, the corresponding message is sent from the message server. Receive message download instructions A program characterized by being provided. A recording medium recording the computer-readable program according to claim 7 .

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